The Augmentation Of Nails

Nail care is very important not just because it provides a more appealing look but it's also part of personal hygiene and being clean. Regardless of where the individual will go or what the person will be doing, nail augmentation may come in handy. There are several nail augmentation procedures and types from which people can choose. Most augmentation procedures aim to provide better looking and appropriate nails. The choice depends on personal preferences. Does this Spark an idea?

Nail Extensions

One of the most popular ways to augment nails is through nail extensions. Nail extensions are generally artificial or false in nature. They prove to be one of the most versatile methods for augmentation. Because of their versatility, nail extensions have already established their own market in the fashion industry. These days, the most popular type of nail extensions is acrylic nails. Acrylic nails are made from methacrylate, a chemical used to produce acrylic plastic. These nails are attached to the natural nails and are designed according to the person's preferences. As the name implies, nail extensions are generally used to make the nails look longer and create a visually appealing effect such as slender hands.

Gel Nails

Gel nails are natural-looking enhancements. As the name implies a gel is used to coat the nails. The gel is very thin and clear. It's also clear and flexible and does not turn yellow. Depending on the brand of gel, most gel nails have good resistance against lifting and are nonporous. The most common method of using gel nails is overlay. In this way, the gel is sculpted in such a way that it appears to be short extensions. It helps protect the edges of the nails through a protective coating.

Nail Art

Nail art is a form of nail augmentation that transforms the appearance of the nails. Nail is a fast-growing trend in the fashion industry. Nail art provides individuals a venue to express their creativity. One of the most common ways to create nail art is through nail stickers. Nail stickers are attached to the nails using nail polish. Afterward, it is sealed using a clear coat nail polish or a nail gel.

Nail Jewelry

The use of nail jewelry is often considered nail art. Nail jewelry is often made from silver, gold and other metals shaped and molded into little embellishments. Nail jewelry may also be made from diamonds or other gems. Nail jewelry has the same structure as nail stickers and are attached using nail polish. However, nail jewelry is more detailed. Usually, it's necessary to use tweezers to position the jewelry. Another type of nail jewelry is nail piercing, for which a hole is drilled into the edge of the nail. The jewelry is inserted and fastened using nuts. Nail piercings are ideal for nails with extensions. Afterward, colorless nail polish or gel is used as finishing coat.

Nail Maintenance

Every nail augmentation method or procedure requires proper maintenance. If the nails are not properly maintained, several complications can arise such as mold infections and scarring. Particularly in nail extensions, there should be proper care and checkup. To ensure the proper maintenance for your particular type of nail augmentation, it's best to ask the nail specialist who performed the procedure. Often the person is advised to check in after three weeks to one month. Around this time, the nails have grown considerably and will need to be filled or repaired.

Tags: nail augmentation, nail polish, made from, nail extensions, nail jewelry, Nail jewelry

The Average Cost Of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs differ based on type

Costs of chemotherapy vary considerably, based on a large number of factors. Not only are a wide range of drugs used in various kinds of chemotherapy, each with their own prices, but the costs of these drugs can differ from location to location. Hospitals and clinics may also add to the price, which can change based on the regularity of treatments and whether people come in for their treatments or have a nurse come to their homes or offices to administer the chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a chemical-based treatment for various types of cancer that seeks to destroy cancer cells with toxic substances without harming the patient. The toxic chemicals used in chemotherapy usually have a detrimental and sometimes severely debilitating effect on patients, but the goal is always to preserve patient health while reducing and eliminating cancerous elements from the body. Most of the chemicals also attack other, healthy cells in the body that are similar to the fast-growing cancer cells, including hair cells, which is why people undergoing chemotherapy usually lose their hair. Many health insurance policies include at least some sort of coverage for chemotherapy, reducing the cost significantly for the patient.

Associated Cost Organizations

The cost of chemotherapy should not be reduced to drugs alone. Since location is also a factor in price, transportation organizations sometimes add their own costs, which the hospitals generally carry over to the patient. Hospital fees and service fees associated with the administration of the drugs and the patient care needed afterward must also be calculated, and these differ from place to place.

Average Costs

Given the many factors, the actual cost of chemotherapy tends to vary considerably. However, the prices of traditional chemotherapy drugs tend to range from $300 to $800 for about an eight-week course of treatment, although some of the more insured medications (medication only) may be as low as $100. These include common drugs such as 5-FU and leucovorin. According information released by the National Cancer Institute in January 2009, 10 years worth of treatments for breast cancer (which may be intermittent) cost an average of $21,000, while prostate and lung cancer hovered around $40,000.

New Drugs

The average prices of drugs do not always reflect chemotherapy costs because new drugs are constantly being developed, and these drugs often cost much more than older, more common chemotherapy treatments. These newer drugs, like oxaliplatin and irinotecan, can cost $10,000 or more for a course of treatment, according to Chemotherapyfacts.com.

Debate

A number of people claim that the increase in chemotherapy prices, especially with the new drugs, are unfair. There is a school of thought that claims, as consumer health advocate Mike Adams with American Society of Clinical Oncology says, these price increases are unnecessary and reflect the greed and carelessness of the pharmaceutical industry, which puts unnecessarily high prices on cancer drugs. This viewpoint is also supported by organizations such as Chemotherapytreatments.org. On the other side, supporters of chemotherapy drugs point out that pharmaceutical companies are involved in many programs that offer to pay for or provide chemotherapy for patients who are not normally able to afford the treatment.

Tags: cancer cells, chemotherapy usually, come their, cost chemotherapy, course treatment, differ from

Methods Of Testing For Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can require surgery

There are numerous tests used to diagnose kidney stones and determine what type of kidney stones have formed. These tests require no special advance preparation on your part.

Types

A computed tomography (CT) scan is the most common test for kidney stones. This is the preferred method as it allows for very detailed imaging of the kidneys.

An X-ray test called an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) can also show the formation of stones within the kidneys. It requires a dye that is injected intravenously into your arm.

An ultrasound may also be used to detect the presence of kidney stones.

Identification

Kidney stones may cause intense pain in the back, abdomen, groin, or side. Hematuria (blood in the urine) may occur if the stones have been present in the kidneys for a long period of time.

Significance

If you suspect kidney stones are forming, early detection can save a great deal of discomfort, as the passing of kidney stones is a painful process.

Misconceptions

A common misconception is if you are undergoing surgery for kidney stones, it is advisable to only consume clear liquids 24 hours prior to surgery. No changes in your diet are recommended before testing for kidney stones, however.

Fact

According to data from WebMD.com, the average time it takes a kidney stone to pass on its own ranges from 1 to 3 weeks.

Tags: kidney stones, kidney stones, stones have

Grants For Medical Technologists

Grants help medical technologists with educational costs and career advancement.

Medical technologists perform a variety of duties that are essential to the diagnoses and treatment of disease. According to Health Careers Center, medical technologists are trained to perform tests in areas such as "hematology, bacteriology, chemistry, urinalysis, serology, immunohematology, forensic pathology, immunology and toxicology." The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that job opportunities for medical technologists are "excellent," and expected to grow "faster than average" from 2008 to 2014. Several grants in the form of awards and scholarships are available to help medical technologists finish their education and further their careers.

American Medical Technologists

American Medical Technologists, a certification agency and membership society for medical professionals, offers grant and scholarship awards each year. The Outstanding Student Award grants $250 to outstanding students enrolled in Allied Health programs, including medical technologist programs. To qualify, students must possess exceptional records in academics, school attendance, extracurricular and professional activities, initiative and conduct. Recipients also receive an honorary plaque and free registration to the annual American Medical Technologists conference. Students must be nominated by their educational institution. Scholarships grant $500 to low-income students enrolled in medical technologist and other Allied Health degree or certificate programs. Scholarship funds are awarded to the students' education institutions to defray the cost of tuition.

American Medical Technologists

10700 W. Higgins Road

Suite 150

Rosemont, IL 60018

847-823-5169

amt1.com

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Student Scholarship

The American Society for Clinical Pathology and Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics sponsor four annual grant programs for medical technologists in the form of scholarships. The Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Student Scholarship awards $1,000 to 100 students who are enrolled in medical technologist, clinical laboratory scientist or medical laboratory technician programs. Students must be in their final clinical year of education in a laboratory science program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or NAACL, or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education, or CAAHE. Applicants are also automatically considered for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Scholarship, which awards $1,000 to students in their last clinical year of an accredited Allied Health program. Students must also have at least a 2.8 GPA and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to qualify.

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Legacy Scholarships

The Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Legacy Scholarships award $2,000 to ten students enrolled in NAACL-accredited programs. To qualify, students must be the "children, grandchildren, or siblings of clinical laboratory professionals who continue their family legacy by pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees," according to grant guidelines. Students must be in their final clinical year of a medical technologist, clinical laboratory scientist or medical laboratory technician program, have at least a 2.8 GPA and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to qualify.

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Graduate Scholarships

The Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Graduate Scholarships awards five $1,000 grants each year. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a clinical or medical laboratory science graduate program that is affiliated with a NAACLS- accredited medical technologist, clinical laboratory scientist or medical laboratory scientist program, and be pursuing graduate research. Certified technologists and scientists are eligible. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

American Society for Clinical Pathology

33 West Monroe Street

Suite 1600

Chicago, IL 60603

312-541-4999

ascp.org

Tags: Healthcare Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, medical technologist, Allied Health, American Medical, American Medical Technologists

Eligibility Requirements For Medicare Part B

Part B provides medical insurance coverage for those who qualify.

Medicare Part B is one of four parts of the federally administered Medicare health insurance program. Eligibility requirements differ depending on a person's age and health condition. Part B provides coverage for doctors' services, outpatient hospital care, home health care (such as skilled nursing care and physical therapy), home use medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, walkers and hospital beds), ambulance services, prosthetic devices, certain preventive services (such as lab tests, mammograms, flu shots and screening inoculations) and other medical services.

Citizenship

To qualify for coverage, all Medicare recipients must be United States citizens or lawfully admitted aliens who have lived in the country for at least five years.

Age 65 and up

People ages 65 and up (or their spouses) are eligible for Part B coverage if they have worked for at least 10 years for a Medicare-covered employer. Recipients of Social Security and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits automatically get Part B after they turn 65, in most cases. Unless the recipient specifically declines to receive Part B benefits, coverage begins the first day of the month after the recipient's 65th birthday.

Under age 65

People under age 65 may be eligible for coverage if they are disabled or have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure) and require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Recipients who receive disability benefits from Social Security (or certain disability benefits from the RRB) automatically get Part B on their 25th month of disability unless they specifically decline to receive this coverage. Persons with end-stage renal disease may sign up for coverage by contacting Social Security.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

People who have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, are eligible for Part B at any age. Recipients with ALS automatically get Part B the month after their disability benefits begin unless they specifically decline to receive this coverage.

Premiums

Part B recipients must pay a monthly premium to receive benefits. As of January 2010, the premium was $96.40 for Social Security beneficiaries who choose to have their premiums automatically withheld from their monthly checks and have an income of less than $85,000 (or $170,000 for married couples). For all others, the amount was $110.50 per month. Medicare beneficiaries who have incomes greater than $85,000 (or $170,000 for married couples) may need to pay monthly premiums higher than $110.50.

Tags: Social Security, automatically Part, disability benefits, Amyotrophic Lateral, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, been diagnosed, been diagnosed with

About Medical Transcription Courses

Medical transcriptionists complete extensive coursework in preparation for their career.

Medical transcriptionists convert the voice dictation of medical professionals into typewritten documents, and do so with accuracy and speed. For years, medical transcriptionists, also known as MTs, prepared for their work through on-the-job training. Now they take formal coursework. Employers require either an associate's degree in the field or certification through a vocational school, community college, or an accredited distance-learning program. Courses are geared to positioning the MT to provide effective support in the complex documentation of medical information.

Medical

The foundation of an MT's training is in medical matters. Their studies include anatomy, biology, drugs, medical instruments and medical language. Some understanding of how a physician diagnoses a patient and determines treatment is also required. Medical transcriptionists are trained to spot discrepancies in dictation, such as drug dosages, as well as abnormalities in medical procedures and whether a patient's treatment has been fully documented. MTs also must be prepared to deal with such factors in dictation as dialects and accents.

Medicolegal

An MT's studies also cover how specific medical issues related to the typed medical document can have legal ramifications. An emphasis is placed on the confidentiality of a patient's medical records through education in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, which was passed by Congress in 1996 to ensure patient privacy. MTs also learn about safety issues and the legal impacts that could result from mistakes in a chart.

English Skills

English grammar, punctuation, spelling, context and usage are part of a medical transcriptionist's education. The MT is trained to edit a medical professional's dictation into correct, formal standard English while preserving the dictator's original meaning. Challenges that the MT is trained to address include dictation that is done too quickly, in a low voice or in environments with loud background noise that drowns out parts of the dictation.

Computers

Keyboarding, basic computer operations, and troubleshooting are a part of the MT's curriculum as well. The computer is the primary work tool of the medical transcriptionist, who must have an overall understanding of use it for maximum productivity. Some schools are now including speech recognition as a subject, anticipating its wider use in the future.

Applications

An MT's education consists of practical application as well as theory. Toward the end of their schooling, they type real-life dictations over and over again. The field of medical transcription has its own style guide, the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity's "Book of Style." MTs are required to learn this style and apply it to the documents that they type.

Tags: Medical transcriptionists, medical transcriptionist, they type

Prepare A List Of Questions To Ask A Dermatologist

Determine what you really need to know before seeing the dermatologist.

Having the opportunity to sit and chat with your dermatologist for as long as you need sounds ideal, but this is not often reality. Attempting to fit in all of the questions you have within the doctor's allotted time can cause you to leave dissatisfied. One way to ensure you receive answers to your questions is to compile a list with your most pressing questions at the top.

Instructions

1. Research your skin condition or ailment to learn more about it and answer some of the questions you have before you see the dermatologist. The website for the American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org), SkinCarePhysicians.com and DermWeb (dermatology.org) offer helpful information.

2. Brainstorm a list of questions you want to ask your dermatologist. Come up with questions that directly relate to the condition or ailment you're experiencing that weren't answered in your research. Include other general questions you have for your dermatologist, such as skin care advice, prevent skin cancer, signs of skin cancer and ways to prevent aging.

3. Rank your questions by number. For instance, if you listed 10 questions, rank them from one to 10, with number one being the most important.

4. Draw a line through questions eight, nine and 10. Rank the remaining questions in order of importance. The rankings may or may not change. Draw a line through questions five, six and seven, leaving you with four questions you want to ask the dermatologist.

5. Take your list of questions to the appointment. Ask the top four questions you have. If time permits, ask the next two or three questions on the list.

Tags: questions have, your dermatologist, condition ailment, Draw line, Draw line through, four questions

Hormone Replacement Therapy Risks With Diabetes

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is offered to menopausal and postmenopausal women. HRT involves replacing estrogens and progesterones, two hormones that decline in production during menopause. When estrogens and progesterones are diminished, a woman will experience hot flashes, mood changes, urinary difficulties, vaginal dryness, and irregular menstrual cycles until menstruation ceases permanently. HRT allows women to replenish diminished hormone levels to reduce symptoms of menopause, but there are risks involved for diabetic women as well as non-diabetic women using HRT.

Elevated Glucose Levels

Using HRT can increase the chances of developing diabetes. HRT can also aggravate existing diabetic conditions, because the act of replacing estrogens in the body can increase glucose levels in your blood. Diabetic women should have blood sugar levels monitored regularly by a physician to note if any changes in levels occur during hormone replacement therapy.

Heart Disease

Researchers from the Institute of Preventative Medicine at the Copenhagen University Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark, reveal in the February 2003 issue of the journal BMJ a connection between hormone replacement therapy and ischemic heart disease. Research fellow E Løkkegaard, senior registrar A. T. Pedersen, professor B. L. Heitmann, statistician Z. Jovanovic, professor N. Keiding, Y. A. Hundrup, M.A., consultant E. B. Obel, and professor B. Ottesen explain in an article titled "Relation between hormone replacement therapy and ischemic heart disease in women: prospective observational study," that after studying 19,898 nurses over age 45 who used HRT that there is an increased risk of death in diabetic women from ischemic heart disease.

In an article appearing the March 16, 2003 issue of the newspaper Heart Disease Weekly entitled "Higher risks for women with diabetes using hormone replacement therapy," it is revealed that diabetic females that use HRT have an elevated risk of death caused by cardiovascular conditions including heart attacks, heart disease, and ischemic heart disease. The article reveals that it is believed that an elevation in blood sugar levels is responsible for the increased risks of death due to cardiovascular conditions.

Strokes

In an article appearing on Medical News Today titled "HRT health risks greater than benefits," it is revealed that diabetic women as well as non-diabetic women are more likely to have a stroke after using HRT. A study being conducted by the National Institutes of Health of the USA in 2004 in Hawaii on 145 women using HRT was halted, because the researchers found that the risks outweighed any potential benefits that women could derive from engaging in the therapy. Despite the fact that study was expected to continue for the remainder of 2004, researchers contacted the women in the study and advised them to stop using estrogen replacements, and the women were further advised to consult their physicians to discuss the benefits versus the risks of using HRT. The article also mentions a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health of the USA conducted in 2002: a five-year study that was ended three years early due to the discovery that HRT led to increased risks of cardiovascular conditions, blood clotting conditions, and breast cancer in some women.

Venous Thromboembolism

In an article appearing in the July 2008 issue of the newspaper Pulse titled "Journal watch: HRT risks assessed," it is revealed that women using HRT, both diabetic and non-diabetic alike, are at a higher risk of both strokes and the development of a venous thromboembolism. HRT has been linked to a 32 percent increase in the risk of having a stroke. Women using HRT have a doubled chance of developing a venous thromboembolism: a condition characterized by a blood clot forming in a vein which, in turn, causes, redness of the skin, blocked blood flow in the area, swelling, and pain. The condition commonly occurs in the arms, pelvis, and legs and a venous thromboembolism can travel to the lungs or heart and cause chest pains, respiratory complications, loss or consciousness, and the female may begin coughing up blood.

Tags: hormone replacement, ischemic heart, ischemic heart disease, article appearing, cardiovascular conditions

What Are Bilateral Lines

Bilateral lines appear in natural formations such as biological structures.

Unlike other types of lines --- parallel lines, for example --- bilateral lines do not conform to a specific mathematical definition governed by spatial relationships. Rather, the definition of a bilateral line depends upon the context of the term's use. The term applies to biological and geometric situations, political relationships and lines of economic connectivity, and it means something different in each of these applications. All uses of the term bilateral lines relate to the definition of the word bilateral.

Bilateral

The meaning of the word "bilateral" lies in the meanings of its compositional words, "bi" and "lateral." "Bi" denotes the presence of two separate elements, while "lateral" refers to something happening on the lateral, or sideways, plane, be it sideways movement or the sides of an object. Thus, the word bilateral refers to something with two sides. This relatively vague definition leaves usage of the term open to interpretation, which leads to varying definitions of the term bilateral lines.

Biology and Geometry

Organisms with two identical halves exhibit a biological quality known as bilateral symmetry. Most complex animals such as mammals, arachnids, birds and amphibians exhibit this quality. In geometry, shapes such as circles, squares and isosceles triangles, or those with identical sides, exhibit bilateral symmetry. In this context, a bilateral line refers to the line that, when drawn, divides a shape or organism into its identical halves. This line cuts through the lateral axis of a shape or organism.

Trade

Bilateral lines of trade refer to situations in which trade moves in two directions, between two nations, states, counties or any other two sociopolitical entities. Unilateral lines of trade, on the other hand, exist when a state trades to another state that does not trade back. The United States, for example, maintains bilateral lines of trade with developed nations and unilateral lines of trade with developing nations with important resources like minerals, gem stones and coffee. Multilateral trade lines exists when a complex network of trading exists.

Credit Systems

Bilateral lines also exist in credit systems. A bilateral line of credit occurs when two financial institutions extend equal amounts of credit to one another in a system of reciprocity. For example, two banks may extend a bilateral line of credit to cover the period during which checks are clearing and a bank doesn't have enough physical money reserves to cover all its assets. In such a situation, banks arrange the check-cashing process so that no overlap exists. This secures the assets of both banks by allowing one to extend credit to the other for a set period and then the other to extend credit to the first during a different period. Bilateral credit can also exist between international agencies and even governments.

Politics

Bilateral lines in politics exist between two nations. A bilateral line refers to a line of communication between parties that enter into political discourse or agreements as equals. Unilateral lines of political discourse, by contrast, exist when one nation, state or other political entity makes demands upon another or makes decisions with no input from third party sources. Multilateralism in politics occurs when more than two parties or nations enter into political discourse as equals. Bilateral lines often lead to bilateral treaties or agreements that benefit both parties of the discourse.

Tags: bilateral line, lines trade, political discourse, word bilateral, also exist, between nations

Signs & Symptoms Of Mondor'S Disease

Mondor's disease is a rare condition. A blood clot causes hardening in the veins, and the veins swell, usually under the skin of the breast or the front chest wall. This doesn't always happen in the chest, but can also occur in the penis or in the arm.

Pain

One of the most obvious signs of Mondor's disease is a pain in the affected area. The pain is localized, and usually the pain is located in the breast, penis or arm, depending on where the trauma to the body has occurred. The pain usually lasts a few weeks, up to a month. Some medications might be prescribed by a doctor to help handle the pain while the condition is occurring.

Swelling and Tenderness

The area that is infected can swell, which might lead to enhanced tenderness to the area for a while. Swelling along the breast tissue should be looked at by a doctor. The swelling might occur in the shape of a cord, along your breast tissue. Size of the swelling might vary slightly until the next step in the condition occurs.

Hardening

After the swelling, the tissue affected by Mondor's disease will begin to harden. The hardening effect might last a month or two. The body will eventually get rid of the hardened tissue on its own. With the hardening of the tissue, there should be less pain in the area. If pain continues to be a problem after the hardening has happened, or if it remains hard on your body for longer than two months, call your doctor to schedule an examination.

Occurances

With the increase of the number of breast augmentation or other enhancement surgeries, this may be one of the risks talked about by a doctor. The trauma of surgery to the tender breast tissue can be one of the reasons why Mondor's disease occurs. It can also occur due to injury. Talk to your doctor if you feel pain in your breasts at any time. Other places it can occur are the arms or penis, again after trauma to the area. Mondor's disease is a very rare condition.

Treating Mondor's Disease

Mondor's disease is essentially harmless. The hardened matter is benign, and as the mass hardens, it becomes painless. After a few weeks, the mass disappears completely. There are a few treatments to help with this condition prescribed by a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to deal with the pain until the body gets rid of the mass on its own. There is no current treatment for getting rid of Mondor's disease other than time and pain management.

Tags: Mondor disease, breast tissue, also occur, area pain, Mondor disease, prescribed doctor

Minority Women Business Grants

Women are the largest minority in the United States.

Grants for minority women in business are few in number. Federal and state governments do not provide grants specifically for minority women, but there are subsections for either women or minorities available. The few that do provide grants for minority women are non-profits and private organizations. Small business loans targeting women are slightly more common and typically have low interest rates.

Craft Grant

Read all requirements before submitting any grant application.

The woman's craft grant, funded by Womens-Finance.com, is open to women who own a handmade craft business in the United States. There is a full grant of $500 and a smaller $100 grant. Larger grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and special minority grants are available when funds allow. You must send applications online.

womensbusinessgrants.com

Help from Non-Profit Business Groups

SCORE counselors work to help you start and maintain your business.

SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives) offers counseling to new and developed business owners. There are offices all over the U.S., and SCORE can assign individual counselors to assist in finding and applying for grants specifically for minority women. Grants from local offices are occasionally available. Loans are also available.

SCORE

330 N. Brand Boulevard, Suite 190

Glendale, CA 91203

818-552-3206

score.org

Women's Network

If you are unable to receive a grant, ask about other options such as low-interest loans.

Women's Funding Network provides support and grants for minority and low-income women. The organization works with many other non-profits and private organizations to assist in funding.

Women's Funding Network

505 Sansome Street, 2nd Floor

San Francisco, CA 94111

415-441-0706

womensfundingnetwork.org

Digital Grants

Don't overlook smaller grants.

Digital Women Grants provides a $750 cash grant to businesses that are at least 51 percent women owned. The organization collaborates and encourages many other businesses to provide grants to women and minorities. The website also contains information for scholarships available to women and minorities. You must send the completed application in the mail.

digitalwomengrants.org

Girls Grant

It's never too early or too late to start your own business.

Girls Going Places, part of the Guardian Life Insurance Company, provides grants for girls 12 to 18 years old who show promise in entrepreneurship and have already taken the first steps to becoming financially independent. The organization especially encourages minority and low income girls to apply. Awards go to the top three winners and 12 finalists annually.

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

Girls Going Places.

7 Hanover Square, H-26-E

New York, NY 10004

212-598-8000

guardianlife.com

Texas Grant

Texas has the second largest number of women-owned businesses.

The Texas state government has grants for women wanting to start a business and for women who want to expand an existing one. The grants awards are through the Commission for Women, which seeks to help women of all races. Applicants must conduct a business headquartered in Texas.

Commission for Women

1100 San Jacinto

Austin, Texas 78701

512-475-2615

governor.state.tx.us/women

Tags: provide grants, women minorities, Commission Women, Funding Network, Girls Going, Girls Going Places, Going Places

University Of Colorado Grants For Women

A wide range of grant funding opportunities exist for women attending accredited universities.

Founded in 1876, the University of Colorado is a public institution with an undergraduate student enrollment of 27,069. Nestled against the majestic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CU has long been the school of preference for programs in engineering, law, humanities and the sciences, to name a few. Grant opportunities for women attending the University of Colorado are as diverse as the curriculum at this accredited university.

Regional Funding

Charitable foundations offer funding opportunities for excellence in education. University of Colorado School of Medicine researcher Mahua Choudhury won a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which supports innovative global health projects. Choudhury is a research fellow specializing in neonatology at the CU School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics. The grant was awarded for Choudhury's innovative grant application which detailed her research project to find the cause of preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Undergraduate Scholarships

A commitment to ongoing education opens the door to funding opportunities for female scholars.

Undergraduate women at the University of Colorado have access to a number of funding opportunities, ranging from grants for perfect grade point averages and scholarships for ethnic minorities, to underserved populations and personal diversity. The Department of Women's Studies has prepared a scholarship booklet, detailing more than 200 funding opportunities for women. The scholarship guide is especially helpful in locating resources based upon state residency or out-of-state student status.

Internal Funding

With science, medicine, law and engineering comprising the greater majority of studies at the University of Colorado, students will find access to funding for research projects within their prospective disciplines. Women seeking grant funding may find funding available through a number of grants administered through the University. The Dorothy Martin Endowment awards $2,000 to a student active in women's issues enrolled in a doctoral program. The Mary F. Berry Scholarship supports junior or senior print news or broadcast news majors, giving priority to female, nontraditional students.

Scholars

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Educational Foundation supports aspiring scholars around the globe and advocates ongoing education and equity for women. Women who are scholars seeking funds for postdoctoral research leave from accredited institutions, or are doctoral candidates completing dissertations or Postdoctoral Research may apply for American Fellowships grants. The AAUW awards educational grants to women which range from $2,000 to $30,000.

Tags: University Colorado, funding opportunities, grant funding, ongoing education, opportunities women

Raise Awareness For Breast Cancer

Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells form and replicate in breast tissue. A great number of people--over 200,000 women and over 1,000 men--are diagnosed with the disease each year. Knowing raise awareness for breast cancer and taking steps to do so may be among the most important things you ever do. There are many ways to help raise awareness, from canvassing for donations to running sponsored marathons. People of all ages and income levels can effect real change.

Instructions

1. Ask your doctor how often you should be checked for symptoms of breast cancer. It's important to fight this disease on a personal level, as well as at a community level.

2. Encourage others to have themselves examined. Breast cancer is no longer a forbidden subject.

3. Raise your breast cancer I.Q. by reading all you can on the subject. Beyond reading pamphlets provided by your doctor, you can enhance your knowledge at the American Cancer Society Web site (see "Resources" below).

4. Volunteer in your area to learn more about breast cancer and to help yourself and others gain a sense of control over the illness. Perhaps someday breast cancer will be eradicated. Every bit of effort in that direction makes a real difference.

5. Donate money or time to the National Breast Cancer Coalition (see "Resources" below). There are numerous ways to get involved, whether you want to take part in a community walk-a-thon or organize a major fundraising event in your hometown.

6. Think pink. Many major retailers will donate a percentage of your purchase to breast cancer research when you purchase certain products. Since pink is the color associated with breast cancer awareness, you'll want to look for items marked with a pink ribbon. The Pink Ribbon Shop offers a large catalog (see "Resources" below).

Tags: breast cancer, Resources below, breast cancer, raise awareness, your doctor

Radiography Courses In Ireland

Imaging machines are the backbone of radiography, allowing for internal examination and diagnoses.

Radiography involves the use of imaging machines, as well as other medical skills, in determining a patient's internal health issues. Typically, ultrasound, tomography and additional scanning machines are used. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are home to a number of colleges and universities. Potential radiography students interested in studying in Ireland may choose from an array of program options.

University College Dublin

University College Dublin, established in 1854, offers an undergraduate program in radiography within the UCD Health Sciences division. Potential students must possess a curriculum history of courses in Irish, unless from outside the Republic, plus courses in English, math, a laboratory-based science offering such as biology or chemistry and a foreign language. The program also requires that certain physical requirements be met, including strength, flexibility and overall good health. Coursework includes a focus on pathology, imaging and physiology, which are studied in various stages throughout the program's duration. Students also participate in outside work environments in order to hone classroom applications. The program lasts four years, with an average admitted class of 40 students.

UCD Health Sciences Programme Office

Health Sciences Centre (Ground Floor)

Belfield, Dublin 4

+353 1 716 6686

ucd.ie/

University of Ulster - Bachelor of Science in Radiography

The University of Ulster, established in 1984 after the merging of two separate universities, offers a Bachelor of Science (honors) in radiography, with an emphasis on diagnostic skills. Potential students must meet general admission requirements and have a course history which includes no less than a "C" in math, physics and chemistry or biology. Applicants must also prove good health and submit to a background assessment. The degree consists of three years of full-time study and includes instruction in tools used in the field, scanning techniques and primary care methods. Coursework involves a focus on pathology, physiology and anatomy. Students also participate in various clinical internships in order to obtain first-hand experience in the field. Contact the program with any questions.

University of Ulster

Jordanstown Campus

Shore Road

Newtownabbey

Co. Antrim

BT37 0QB

+ 353 08 700 400 700

ulster.ac.uk/

University of Ulster-Bachelor of Science Therapeutic Imaging

The University of Ulster also offers a Bachelor of Science (honors) in radiography, with an emphasis on therapeutic-focused imaging. Potential students must meet general admission requirements similar to those of the diagnostic degree, including a history of no less than a "C" in math, physics and chemistry or biology. The program also requires its applicants to provide health status and undergo a background check. The Bachelor of Science Therapeutic degree also consists of three years of full-time study and includes instruction in treating potential illnesses, namely cancer, as well as benign issues. Students receive training in physiology, anatomy, radiation treatments and therapies and participate in clinical practice opportunities. Contact the program with any questions.

University of Ulster

Jordanstown Campus

Shore Road

Newtownabbey

Co. Antrim

BT37 0QB

+ 353 08 700 400 700

ulster.ac.uk/

Tags: University Ulster, Bachelor Science, Health Sciences, Potential students, Potential students must, students must, admission requirements

Use Infrared Thermal Imaging

Thermal image of a hand.

Infrared thermal imaging detects infrared light. Infrared light, referred to as heat, is a component of many home security systems. Infrared light cannot be seen by the human eye, but it can be felt by your skin. It is possible to pick up this thermal light by using a thermal imaging camera. In particular, thermal imaging works very well at night to detect objects that cannot be seen. A camera collects the infrared radiation and converts this radiation into a picture that can be viewed on a screen. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Mount the camera to a sturdy wall if the camera is to function as security. Handheld cameras do not need to be mounted.

2. Connect the camera to a TV monitor or to your computer. The cables connect to the back of the camera and are then plugged into the monitor. Use a coaxial cable for a TV monitor or an Ethernet cable to connect to a computer. The camera should come with all the necessary cables. If you are unsure, check with the manual. The newest thermal imaging cameras use wireless technology to connect to your system.

3. Download and install the thermal imaging software onto your computer. Handheld cameras will have this software in the actual camera. Cameras that do not have screens will require additional software to view thermal images on your monitor.

4. Turn the camera and software on and start taking thermal images. Some applications of thermal imaging beyond security systems include checking for leaks to make your home more energy efficient and detecting mold growth. Home security systems function as scanners. A baseline reading is taken and then after every scan--for example, one scan a minute--any change in infrared from the background will set off the alarm.

5. Determine the heat differences based on the color or brightness of the image. Gray scale objects that appear whiter will be warmer. Color objects that move from black to dark red to white are increasing in temperature.

Tags: thermal imaging, objects that, security systems, cannot seen, Handheld cameras

How Long To Keep Insurance Statements

Know when to finally let go of your old insurance statements.

Maintaining up-to-date insurance records is important for several reasons. First, you want to maintain accurate records in the event of a human or clerical error. Second, you want to be as informed as possible of the product for which you are paying. Third, while new technologies make it easy to request information about an insurance policy, such advances can also impede billing and other processes if lost, deleted or mismanaged.

Identification

When enrolling in a new insurance policy or managing an existing one, retain all original statements including explanation of benefits (EOB) forms. Retain EOBs in a storage file in your home or office. If, for example, you have primary and secondary health insurance, maintain a separate file for each policy.

Create a filing system for current, inactive and permanent files. File statements that prove you've met your deductible for the year along with statements that contain the current year's amendments in your current file. As a general rule of thumb, use your current file for insurance documents that are less than three years old. Create an inactive file for insurance statements and settled claims that are at least three years old. If an insurance provider erroneously reports a claim as unpaid, you can quickly find it using this filing system. Keep sensitive documents and very important papers such as original policies in your permanent file.

Time Frame

Expect to retain all insurance statements for up to five years. According to the Extension organization, "It is not uncommon for some medical providers to send bills long after a medical service has been provided. Having EOBs on file can help document the status of previous medical claims." This is also true for home, auto, property and life insurance policies, especially if you have a dispute over a bill.

Prevention/Solution

Contact your insurance provider if, for example, you receive a collection notification for non-payment. Your insurance company's claims department can investigate the claim. Provide a copy of your original statement and ask your insurance provider to temporarily suspend the collection until an investigation into the matter is complete. By sending the collection, it will not appear on your credit report.

Warning

It is okay to discard general statements that do not reflect claim information, an explanation of benefits or policy changes. As a precaution, shred your insurance statements to prevent a third party from gaining access to your policy number.

Considerations

The majority of all major insurance companies provide online statements. Review your online or paper statements for information about your insurance policy including benefits, rates, billing, claims, coverages and plan information. You can also track policy changes. Simply compare old insurance statements with newer ones and contact your insurance company with any inquiries.

Tags: insurance statements, insurance policy, insurance provider, statements that, your insurance, your insurance, current file

Benefits Of Taking Medicare Part B

Navigating all the possible Medicare choices can be a daunting task. Deciding whether or not to take Medicare Part B coverage can be an especially hard choice. This article will explore the benefits of taking Medicare Part B and explain things you should know and seriously consider before making the final decision on your personal Medicare coverage.

Outpatient Insurance Coverage

The most basic benefit of Medicare Part B is that it gives you insurance coverage for doctor visits. All outpatient products and services fall under Medicare Part B. This covers doctor visits, outpatient surgeries, durable medical equipment and some preventative care.

Most Part B coverage is only for things medically necessary, meaning that it will cover you once you become ill and require treatment. Many preventative care services are not covered. It is good to know, though, that if you do fall ill, you have the means to see a health care provider.

Cost

Medicare Part B is generally much more cost effective than private insurance. Those who qualify for Medicare should be sure to weigh the cost of Part B coverage against the cost of private insurance, especially if you are still employed and have benefits available through your employer.

The premium for Medicare Part B is currently $96.40 per month for most of the population.

After meeting a $135 deductible, Medicare Part B members pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for medical services rendered.

Example WITHOUT Medicare Part B coverage:

The member visits the doctor for the same illness as in the example above. With no health insurance at all, he is billed the regular rate that the physician charges for this particular service. The member receives a bill for $300 and must pay the full amount.

Example WITH Medicare Part B coverage:

The member has met his yearly deductible of $135. He visits the doctor for an illness and receives treatment. The Medicare-approved amount for the service is $100. The member pays $20 and Medicare pays the remaining $80.

Without Medicare coverage, the amount billed for the service may be much higher given the fact that Medicare has negotiated this rate with the provider.

By having Medicare Part B insurance, the member in question saved $280. Even factoring in a premium of $96.40, he still saved $183.60. That is significant savings.

Penalties for Not Signing Up

If a person becomes Medicare eligible and declines Medicare Part B coverage, she will incur penalties for doing so should she decide to take part in Medicare Part B at a later date.

If you decline Medicare Part B, then decide later to take it, you will have a penalty of 10 percent added to the premium for every 12-month period that you were not enrolled.

Example:

John Doe turns 65 years old on July 1, 2000. He declines Medicare Part B because he simply doesn't feel that he needs it nor does he want to pay a premium of $96.40 each month. On July 1, 2004, he notices many of his friends falling ill and realizes the need for medical coverage. His premium will now be 40 percent higher because he was not enrolled for the four years that he was eligible for coverage. The penalty never goes away, and John Doe will now be paying a 40 percent higher premium for the rest of his life because he declined coverage when he became Medicare eligible.

The exception to the rule is that if the member is covered by another insurance, such as that of an employer, he will incur no penalty for declining coverage. In a time when many people are staying employed well past age 65 (when they become Medicare eligible), this case occurs often. In such a case, no penalty will be added to the premium and the member can simply enroll in Medicare Part B when he retires or loses insurance coverage.

Part B Is Required for Medicare Advantage

Any Medicare-eligible person who wishes to take part in a Medicare Advantage program must be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B and must be up-to-date on the premiums for both.

Medicare Advantage programs are often zero premium programs that supplement Original Medicare and can add many valuable services such as preventative care, dental coverage, vision coverage and more.

Physical Exam

When enrolling in Medicare Part B, the member is approved for a "Welcome To Medicare" physical exam. Since Medicare doesn't cover much routine or preventative care, this physical could be very important in detecting any potential health problems.

Members pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved cost for the physical and are not required to meet the $135 yearly deductible for this service.

Tags: Medicare Part, Part coverage, Medicare Part coverage, preventative care, Medicare Advantage

Radioactive Iodine Therapy & Breast Cancer

Radioactive iodine therapy has been used primarily to treat thyroid cancers, but in early 2006 Fox News reported that several studies were under way to evaluate its effectiveness in treating breast cancer. One benefit of radioactive iodine therapy for breast cancer is the reduction in the length of treatment time from six weeks to five days.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Radioactive iodine therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses radioactive material to kill cancer cells. It can be administered in several ways. When used to treat thyroid cancer the radioactive material is typically ingested in the form of a pill or a liquid. But for treatment of breast cancer it is placed directly inside the body (as a seed or capsule) through one of two processes: interstitial brachytherapy or balloon brachytherapy. This new approach to treating only the portion of the breast that is affected by cancer is referred to as partial-breast radiation.

Interstitial and Balloon Brachytherapies

The interstitial brachytherapy form of radioactive iodine therapy for breast cancer involves the implementation of thin tubes into the affected breast area. This is followed by the placement of radioactive pellets--administered twice a day--into the tubes.

In balloon brachytherapy, a machine known as the MammoSite inserts the radioactive pellet material into a balloon that has been placed into the cancerous tumor area of the breast. Like interstitial brachytherapy, the radioactive pellet material is only placed in---or near---the affected cancerous tissue in the breast to be treated, eliminating unnecessary damage to healthy tissue.

Radioactive Material Used

Radioactive isotopes (iodine 125 and iodine 131) found in radioactive iodine are the source of energy used to produce the internal radiation that is used for the pellets in radioactive iodine therapy. But other sources of energy are used for this type of radiation treatment, too, and they include cesium, cobalt, iridium, phosphate, phosphorus, palladium and strontium 89.

Breast Cancer and Radiation

Breast cancer is the second-most common type of cancer experienced by women, according to the Mayo Clinic. Given that staggering statistic it is interesting to note that, according to Fox News, not all women who have breast cancer need to have a mastectomy to deal with their breast cancer. In fact, of the 200,000 women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2006, 70 percent of them needed to have only a lumpectomy and radiation therapy (like radioactive iodine therapy) to deal with their cancer.

Benefits

One of the most significant benefits highlighted in the 2006 Fox News article about radiation therapy in treating breast cancer pertained to treatment time length. Typically, radiation treatments were given over a period of six weeks, but that time has been reduced to five days when using these newer approaches. Pellets or seeds of radioactive material delivered straight to the cancerous site also eliminate the potential damage to healthy tissues.

Tags: iodine therapy, breast cancer, interstitial brachytherapy, radioactive material, 2006 News

Radiation & Chemotherapy Treatments For Breast Cancer

Women with breast cancer are often treated with chemotherapy or radiation. Both treatments attempt to produce the same effect; either eliminate or reduce the size of the malignancy. Radiation and chemotherapy are drastically different in terms of action and side effects.

Radiation Administration

Radiation is given via a linear accelerator, which is a giant machine, or by pellets that are given internally and target the cancer cells. It is usually administered after lumpectomy, mastectomy or chemotherapy. Radiation treatment targets specific areas of the body such as the lymph nodes and tumor location.

Radiation Action on the Human Body

Radiation delivers high energy beams of light that damage the DNA of cancer cells and prevent the cells from growing or replicating. The goal is to prevent the cancer from spreading, while allowing the existing cancer cells to die.

Radiation Adverse Effects

Radiation causes your skin to burn and peel in the same way that a sunburn does. Radiation may cause your white blood cell count to drop, making you prone to infection and fatigue.

Chemotherapy Administration

Chemo is administered into the blood Intravenously in a series of treatments. You must remain at the treatment center while the chemo is being given, usually about an hour. After the first treatment, your oncologist evaluates the effectiveness of that treatment, and decide how many treatments you need.

Chemotherapy Effects on the Human Body

Chemo prevents cells from replicating, particularly cancer cells. This can reduce the size of tumors and make your breast cancer operable. It can also eliminate the cancer or put you into remission.

Chemotherapy Adverse Reactions

Chemo prevents healthy cells from rapidly replicating. This includes hair cells, fingernail cells and some skin cells such as the skin inside of your mouth. This is why chemo patients can lose their hair. White blood cell count is also greatly reduced, causing you to become prone to infection.

Tags: cancer cells, cells from, blood cell, blood cell count, breast cancer

Health Care For Women Over 50

Prevention and planning are vital to the health of women over 50.

Women have some different health-care needs than men. This is especially true for women over 50 who have passed through their reproductive years. Even though much of the same health advice for men can apply to women---stop smoking, limit alcoholic intake, get regular exercise and watch your diet---there are things that any woman over 50 should do to safeguard her physical, mental and financial health.

Financial Health

Retirement can be an intimidating prospect, financially and emotionally. Proper financial planning for retirement and setting proper savings and investment goals with a financial planner can provide peace of mind. Creating a will and making a career succession plan also give a sense of well-being and control about the future.

Mental Health

Good mental health is vital for the overall health of women of any age, but women over 50 have issues to deal with that are unique to their age group. Speaking with a therapist about life changing issues such as losing children to adulthood, mid-life questions about purpose and goals, and preparing for retirement helps place these issues in perspective.

Exercise

Good health habits at 50 can prevent major issues later and prevent higher retirement health costs. Poor health as a senior can quickly obliterate retirement savings. Osteoporosis is a serious but common problem for women over 50. To combat the worst effects, they should add mild weight bearing and flexibility promoting activities to their exercise routine. According to MayoClinic.com, exercise that strengthens muscles helps prevent osteoporosis by slowing mineral loss and reducing fractures, while improved flexibility enhances balance and prevents serious, debilitating falls.

Diet

Eating a diet rich in healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, meats and soy promotes more energy, better digestive health, and helps regulate hormones thrown out of whack by menopause. According to the University of Chicago's Dr. Clare M. Hasler, among others, soy can help as a natural hormone replacement that can soothe the symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes. It may also be beneficial in fighting osteoporosis.

Tests and Screenings

Periodic health screenings and testing are important for women over 50, according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force. They recommend annual mammograms to detect early symptoms of breast cancer, as well as annual bone density tests to look for signs of bone loss. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer and bone loss significantly reduce the impact these conditions have on life expectancy and quality. Cholesterol testing and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer are other common tests for women in this age group.

Medications

Preventative drugs may be advisable for women who are at greater risk for serious conditions due to heredity or lifestyle. Women who have a family history of heart disease and have some of the warning signs such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol may need to take a daily dose of aspirin. Others with a family history of breast cancer could benefit from taking drugs shown to prevent breast cancer. Estrogen replacement therapy may be beneficial for some women. Women over 50 should talk to their doctor about beneficial medications and the risks involved with taking them.

Tags: breast cancer, women over, bone loss, family history, have some, health women

What Are The Dangers Of 3d Glasses

Children watching a 3D movie.

The popularity of 3D is on the rise and is being integrated into movies, TV's and video games. Technology keeps moving forward, but health risks associated with this technology are not always discussed. Wearing 3D glasses manipulates the eyes in order to see the images on the screen as a three dimensional image. This type of manipulation can cause eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, disorientation and nausea especially in children, women who are pregnant, and elderly individuals. Flashing lights or rapid movement in 3D imaging can cause seizures or strokes in people with a family history of epilepsy.

How 3D Glasses Work

The 3D glasses that have become popular as of 2011 look like a pair of sunglasses. Each lens has a different polarization that restricts the light that reaches each eye. Two separate images are placed on the same screen. Each image has a different polarization that coincides with the 3D glass lens. The lenses allow each eye to view each image separately and when the eyes focus the images into one it produces the effect of a 3D image.

Effects of 3D on the Eyes

Eye strain and fatigue can cause headaches.

As the eyes focus on an object up close they will normally move closer together and the eyes move apart as they focus on something in the distance. The use of 3D glasses manipulates the brain and eyes to improperly focus on an image enabling the 3D image to be seen. This manipulation can cause eye strain, which can lead to headaches and blurred vision.

3D Theaters Versus 3D TV

Viewing movies and games in 3D is not suggested for younger children. Stereopsis is the process the eyes use to enable three-dimensional image viewing and this process is not fully developed in children until the age of seven. Children and adults who have a family history of epilepsy are at risk of a seizure or stroke due to the way bright, flashing light is portrayed in the 3D viewing environment.

Effects of 3D Glasses on Children

With the release of Nintendo's 3DS gaming system came a warning that viewing games in 3D is not suggested for children under age 7 because it can cause vision damage (See Resources). Stereopsis is the process the eyes use to enable three-dimensional image viewing and this process is not fully developed in children until the age of seven. Children and adults who have a family history of epilepsy are at risk of a seizure or stroke due to the way bright, flashing light is portrayed in the 3D viewing environment.

Tags: family history, family history epilepsy, history epilepsy, adults have, adults have family, blurred vision, bright flashing

Dialysis Tech Schools

Dialysis techs perform and oversee dialysis for patients with renal impairment. In some settings, such as acute care settings, nurses exclusively work with dialysis patients. However, in dialysis clinics, out patient clinics, dialysis units of hospitals and other settings with less critically ill patients, dialysis techs are frequently primarily responsible for ensuring that the scheduled dialysis is performed safely and as ordered by the patient's physician.

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Milwaukee Area Technical College offers a two-semester course leading to the completion of a renal dialysis technician diploma. Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to work in dialysis units of hospitals and dialysis clinics. Students study the principles of renal dialysis and hemodialysis laboratory procedures. In addition to classroom training, students partake in 16 weeks of clinical practice. To be considered for admission to the program, students must have taken biology at the college level and pass an assessment exam. Though not required, it is recommended that students complete coursework in English, medical terminology and psychology prior to starting the program. Students can take advantage of the college's childcare center while in class and are eligible for employment assistance upon graduation from the program.

Milwaukee Area Technical College

700 West State Street

Milwaukee, WI 53233

414-297-6282

milwaukee.tec.wi.us

Hemodialysis Training School

The Hemodialysis Training School, located in Union City, California, offers an 11 week training program. A total of 80 hours are spent in the classroom learning about the fundamentals of dialysis. Upon completion of the classroom instruction, students participate in 240 hours of clinical work at DaVita Union City Dialysis Clinic.

Students are required to pass all exams with a score of 85 percent or better. To be considered for admission, students must speak English, possess a high school diploma or GED, be residents of the United States and have no drug convictions. Prior to starting the program, students must pass an admissions exam, possess a valid form of picture identification, provide proof of immunity or vaccination for hepatitis B and test negative for tuberculosis with proof of either a purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test or chest X-ray.

The Hemodialysis Training School

4 Union Square, Suite B

Union City, CA 94587

510-475-5630

htsuc.com

Nemrac Infusions & Technology

Nemrac Infusions & Technology, based in Bronx, New York, offers a hands-on hemodialysis training course. The course, which consists of a total of 44.5 contact hours, includes training in anatomy and physiology of the kidney, common causes of end stage renal disease and infection control in the dialysis setting. Upon completion of the lecture portion of the course, students receive time to practice with various types of dialysis equipment. Courses are typically five days in length and take place during daytime hours. Courses are held in New York, Oregon, Ohio, Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida and Washington D.C.

Nemrac Infusion Technology

2202 Cedar Avenue, Suite 2

Bronx, New York 10468

718-584-0707

dialysistrainingtec.com

Tags: Area Technical, Area Technical College, Hemodialysis Training, Hemodialysis Training School, Milwaukee Area, Milwaukee Area Technical

How Many People Survive Lung Cancer

Lung cancer survival rates depend upon the extent of the cancer

Researchers estimate lung cancer survival rates from a cross section of cancer patients. These rates indicate only the average survival rate of a patient diagnosed with lung cancer, However, they cannot accurately predict which patient will survive the longest and which patient will succumb to his disease early on. To understand the survival rates of patients with lung cancer, a progression chart, consisting of five numerical stages of cancer, is typically used when making a determination. These figures do not take the individual's choice of cancer treatment into account.

Instructions

1. If the cancer is detected early and confined to a small area, the patient as a relatively high survival rate. In Stage 0 of lung cancer progression, there is limited cancer present in the lung and it affects only the top cellular layer of the lung. The five-year survival rate for a Stage 0 patient is as high as 80-percent.

2. Expect a slightly lower survival rate if the patient receives a Stage 1 diagnosis. At this stage, the lung cancer is limited to one lung but it extends deeper into the layers of the lung. It may also involve a larger area. The five-year survival rate for Stage 1 is around 50 percent.

3. Seek aggressive treatment for Stage 2 lung cancer patients. In Stage 2, the cancer is now present in the lymph nodes. This makes it harder to contain the cancer, but up to 30 percent of victims still survive for five years.

4. Notice a lower survival rate for patients suffering from Stage 3 lung cancer. Stage 3 occurs when the cancer spreads from the lungs and the lymph nodes to the inner chest cavity and other internal organs. Both lungs may now show signs of cancer. In Stage 3, the five-year survival rate drops to between five and 15 percent.

5. Patients diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer have the lowest survival rate. At this point, the cancer is in many organs and other places in the body. Since the human body may not withstand the amount of treatment necessary to kill the cancer cells, chances of survival are very low. Yet, up to two percent of Stage 4 lung cancer victims survive for five years.

6. Ask the doctor if the lung cancer is considered "limited" or "extended," for further clarification on survival rates. Even within the above stages, lung cancer may be better or worse, and this will affect the patient's survival outlook.

Tags: survival rate, lung cancer, Stage lung, survival rates, five-year survival, five-year survival rate

Common & Uncommon Symptoms Of Breast Cancer

Consult your doctor

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. Breast cancer can occur in men as well. In addition to breast self-exams and mammograms, recognizing common and uncommon symptoms of breast cancer can help with early detection, which leads to better survival rates. Symptoms that may be caused by breast cancer can be due to other factors as well, so they do not necessarily mean that an individual has cancer. Anyone experiencing symptoms that could be indicative of breast cancer should see a doctor.

Breast Changes

One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer is a lump or nodule in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue. Some women naturally have thicker areas of breast tissue, which is why monthly self-examinations are important. Checking the breasts on a monthly basis can help patients determine if there are any lumps that seem unusual. Lumps may be hard to feel because they may move when pressed on, like a marble in a bag of jelly. Lumps can also appear in the armpit. Though lumps and internal cysts are not usually large enough to be seen on the outside, a noticeable change in the size or shape of the breast may be a sign of breast cancer and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Skin Changes

Changes in the skin on and around the breast may be indicative of breast cancer in some people. The skin around the breast and nipple may appear and feel unusually thick and swollen. The breast skin may dimple or appear pitted--like the skin of an orange--if cancer is present. In some cases, the skin may be tender and painful. Any abnormal breast skin changes that do not resolve themselves within a few days should be checked by a doctor to rule out breast cancer.

Nipple Changes

Breast cancer can cause nipple changes as well as changes in the breast tissue itself. An inverted nipple may be a sign of breast cancer. The nipple may be unusually swollen, painful or tender in some cases. Any nipple discharge should be evaluated by a doctor. Nipple discharge can appear clear, milky or bloody. The nipple may also appear red or feel warm, but not painful.

Tags: breast cancer, also appear, appear feel, around breast, breast cancer, Breast cancer

Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer

Reports show that four out of every 100 women who are sixty years old will be diagnosed with breast cancer sometime before they reach seventy. Since age remains the greatest risk factor, the longer you live, the greater the likelihood that you will get breast cancer. Although the risk of developing the disease rises as women grow older, there are things that you can do to lower the odds.

Instructions

1. Get routine mammograms. A woman is never too old to have a mammogram, as survival rates increase with early diagnosis not matter what your age. Every woman should have a yearly mammogram, or a mammogram at least every other year. If your doctor doesn’t suggest it as part of your annual examination, ask him or her to schedule a mammogram for you. Medicare covers annual mammogram screening for women over age 65.

2. Watch your diet and eat foods low in fat. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and reduce fat to less than 35% of your daily calories. Restricting foods high in saturated fats decreases the risk of other serious diseases, too. Research shows that women who maintain a healthy weight after menopause can reduce their breast cancer risk by more than 50%. Evidence also suggests that eating dark green vegetables may help to restore immune system function in older individuals. You should limit or completely avoid the consumption of alcohol as well.

3. Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. As individuals age, it's actually healthier to eat mini-meals of only 300 - 400 calories in place of the traditional three meals a day. Not only does eating several smaller meals allow you to constantly fuel your body for energy, you may consume fewer total calories. Eating smaller meals also helps to stabilize blood sugar and puts less stress on the heart. Consuming larger, heavier meals can make the heart beat up to 30% faster.

4. Exercise to decrease your risk. Just 2 – 3 hours of moderate exercise each week can lower cancer risk by about 20%. Make it part of your routine each day to walk, bike, swim or engage in some other kind of physical activity that you like to do. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes when you do. Women who report exercising rigorously for more than six hours each week, and have no family history of breast cancer, appear to be 23% less likely to develop breast cancer than women who lead sedentary lifestyles.

5. Ask about all your treatment options if you are diagnosed with breast cancer. Some doctors do not immediately recommend radiation and chemotherapy to older women. Many physicians tend to treat a woman’s age instead of the disease; therefore, older women often are not treated for breast cancer as aggressively as younger women might be. However, reports show that women in their 70’s tolerate these kinds of cancer treatments as well as women in their 50’s. Unless a woman has other health issues, which may make treatment more difficult to tolerate, a physician should not assume that radiation or chemotherapy might be too hard on her.

Tags: breast cancer, smaller meals, cancer risk, diagnosed with, diagnosed with breast, each week

Home Based Medical Transcription Jobs

The computer is essential for medical transcription.

Working at home as a medical transcriptionist is turning into a lucrative job venture. To become a medical transcriptionist, a degree of training is required. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most health care providers look to hire someone with at least a two-year associate degree and a medical transcription certificate. They go on to say that the field is expected to grow rapidly in the next decade with an 11 percent increase in jobs.

Transcriptionists

Transcriptionists work with doctors and other health care providers. They listen to dictated texts and transcribe them onto a patient's medical reports, medical correspondence or other administrative literature. Hospitals and physician's offices are where most medical transcriptionists currently work but an increasing number are setting up home-based businesses. According to the BLS, about 36 percent of medical trancriptionists work in hospitals while another 23 percent work in physicians' offices. The Bureau offers no statistics as to how many are now working from home but does claim the number is growing.

Medical Billing

Medical billing is quite complex but once mastered can eventually be turned into a work-from-home venture. An individual in charge of medical billing has a lot of responsibility. The typical patient who visits a doctor carries third-party insurance with a co-pay. Once the co-pay is deducted from the bill the insurance company is invoiced. A physician may need to invoice anywhere from 10 to 20 different insurance companies, each with its own system of billing. A medical billing specialist needs to know all the procedures because invoices can be returned for even the simplest error.

Joanna Gilford of moneymakingmommy.com states that it is possible to turn a medical billing job into a business that can be worked from home. However, before such a venture can be initiated far more commitment is required than simply taking an online course and setting up a home office. A candidate will need a few years' hands-on experience working in the medical billing industry before being able to set up her own business. She'll need to have earned confidence in her abilities among physicians using her services because mistakes on bills represent losses of income for the doctor and his office.

Once she has accomplished this then a home-based business venture offers several advantages. The transcriptionist is allowed the convenience of working from home while the physician can save on office space and even insurance and tax benefits if the person works as an independent contractor.

Medical Coders and Technicians

Medical coders and technicians work to assemble a patient's health information. A patient's medical history, information, symptoms, exam results and diagnostic tests are all part of his file. Medical coders and technicians organize all this information, insuring that it is accurate, safe and easily accessible, and that it reflects a standard of quality. Most medical coders and technicians still work in hospitals and offices but it is possible to turn this into a work-from-home business after a few years of proving their competence and accuracy, and that they remain up-to-date in the field.

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Can An Employer Exclude Employees On Medicare From Health Insurance

Medicare recipients who are still working have legal rights to employer-provided group health insurance.

Individuals may become eligible for Medicare when they become 65, receive Social Security disability benefits or require dialysis or a kidney transplant. If they also have group health insurance through their job or their spouse's employment, Medicare eligibility may affect their group health benefits.

The General Rule

Regulations contained in the Social Security Act require most employers to provide the same group health insurance benefits to employees or their spouses with Medicare as they do to all other employees The group plan will be primarily responsible for payment of medical care. Medicare can help pay deductibles and co-pays or for services covered by Medicare but not the group plan.

Small Employer Exception

The requirement to provide Medicare-eligible employees the same group health coverage as all employees does not apply to employers with fewer than 20 employees. The employer must have had fewer than 20 employees during at least 20 weeks of the current or previous calendar year.

Disabled Medicare Recipients

Recipients who have Medicare because they receive Social Security disability insurance benefits are entitled to continued group health insurance only if the employer has a large group health insurance plan---one that covers at least 100 employees.

Chronic Renal Disease

Regardless of the size of the group health plan, beneficiaries receiving Medicare due to end-stage renal disease have the right to continued group health insurance coverage for the first 30 months of Medicare eligibility. After 30 months Medicare becomes the primary payer.

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Does Soy Make Estrogen

The short answer to whether soy makes estrogen is no, soy products do not make estrogen, the primary sex hormone in women. When the answer is examined more closely, however, it becomes clear that the matter is more complex.

Identification

Soy is a type of protein derived from soybeans that can be made into a powder, used in foods and dairy alternatives and processed into dietary supplements.

Features

Soy contains isoflavones, which your body converts to phytoestrogens, a chemical that is similar in composition to estrogen.

Effects

Phytoestrogens produced by soy interact with receptors in your body meant to respond to estrogen. Because of this, many women find relief from the symptoms of menopause as phytoestrogens act as a substitute for natural estrogen, according to RxList.

Breast Cancer

Controversy surrounds the use of soy in women who have previously suffered breast cancer as there is a belief that the phytoestrogens produced from soy may cause the recurrence of tumors that grow in response to elevated estrogen levels. There are other doctors who believe that phytoestrogens prevent the recurrence of breast cancer by blocking the estrogen receptors from receiving actual estrogen, which has much stronger effects on tumors than the soy-produced phytoestrogens, according to the American Cancer Society.

Considerations

Even though soy does not produce actual estrogen, women with a history of breast cancer should consult their doctors before consuming soy products, according to BreastCancer.org.

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Prepare For A 3d Ultrasound

Having a 3-D ultrasound can be an exciting way to see your unborn child in a way no other diagnostic exam can show you. While a 3-D ultrasound is not a replacement for traditional ultrasounds done at your doctor's office, it is an indulgence that many say can create a stronger bond with your child, especially for dads who may not be feeling all the kicks and movements that mom is indulged by. Ask you doctor about any considerations or risks you should be aware of prior to having a 3-D ultrasound.

Instructions

1. Ask the ultrasound facility about any special preparations you should make prior to your 3-D ultrasound. While it is a fairly straightforward and safe procedure, they may recommend specific clothing or time of day that will make it you more comfortable during the procedure.

2. Drink a lot of water. You want to be well hydrated for the procedure as tissues are plump and easily identified.

3. Void your bladder prior to the appointment. While being hydrated is recommended, you don't want to have to go to the bathroom while the ultrasound is being done. The discomfort of having to urinate and holding it in may distract you from being able to enjoy the ultrasound images as they are being captured.

4. Bring a video camera. Most ultrasound facilities will give you a CD of the images captured, but a video camera will also capture your (and your partner's) reactions to seeing your baby. Confirm with the ultrasound technician that you can use a video camera during the procedure. Most places will not object.

5. Ask questions about anything you don't understand during the procedure. This will eliminate any anxiety or fears that may develop from simply not knowing what is happening. This is supposed to be a joyous time, so squelch anything that creates worry.

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