Spindle cell sarcoma, named for the spindle shape of individual cancer cells when examined under a microscope, is most prominently diagnosed in patients over the age of 40. Spindle cell sarcoma is the name given to four distinctive types of cancer that develop in the connective tissues and bone.
Undifferentiated Sarcoma of the Bone
Undifferentiated sarcoma of the bone occurs when tumors form in the soft tissue or bone from cells that are not specialized. This means that you cannot tell through microscopic examination what kind of cell the cancer derived from or what the cell was before it metastasized.
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma
According to Cancer Research UK, malignant fibrous histiocytoma is found most frequently in the soft tissue or bones of the limbs of middle-aged or elderly individuals. It has four sub-types: storiform-pleomorphic , myxoid, giant cell and inflammatory.
Fibrosarcoma
Another rare form of cancer, which prominently appears between the ages of 20 and 60, is fibrosarcoma. These specialized cancer cells are often found in the thigh, in the fibrous connective tissues.
Leiomyosarcoma
These tumors begin in smooth muscle, but can, in extremely rare circumstances, also occur in the bone. They can occur in any area of the body and are most prominent in the elderly.
Tumor-like Conditions
There are a number of things that can occur in the soft tissue that at first look like sarcoma but turn out not to be malignant, including swelling from bruising or blunt trauma. Diagnostic testing should be performed to confirm the presence of a malignant tumor.
A myelogram is a medical test used to evaluate the condition of the spinal cord and the spinal column. This imaging exam is performed by injecting a contrast material into the subarachnoid space around the spinal cord and examining that area using a fluoroscope. A fluoroscope is a real-time X-ray machine that allows you to see the organs of the body in motion rather than in static images. A severe headache is a common side effect following a myelogram and can persist for several weeks without treatment. If you are worried about getting a headache after your procedure, there are some steps you can take to avoid it.
Instructions
1. Tell the doctor performing the myelogram if you have a history of headaches. Patients who get headaches on a regular basis or suffer from migraines have a significantly increased risk of developing a headache following a myelogram. The doctor can take additional precautions to help you avoid getting a post-procedure headache.
2. Stay on bed rest in the recovery room for 4 to 8 hours following the procedure. It's recommended that you do not get up or move around during this period, even to go to the bathroom.
3. Keep your head elevated at a 30- to 45-degree angle while resting in recovery.
4. Avoid any strenuous activity for 48 hours. This includes bending over.
5. Take on a lot of fluids to help rid your body of the contrast material. A headache following a myelogram is thought to be caused by the change to the cerebrospinal fluid pressure from the contrast material, not from an allergic reaction to the material itself. Forced fluids help the body eliminate the contrast material.
Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment. Skin complications are an undesirable, yet often unavoidable side effect of radiation therapy. The main reason for this is that radiation, because of the power of the radio waves, destroys not only malignant cells, but adjacent healthy ones, too. This destruction of health cells is inevitable, because most radiotherapy treatments are generalized, not fully localized to destroy only the cancer cells. Radiation can cause problems for the skin while entering and exiting the body.
Skin Complications
Post-radiation skin complications are divided into three categories, according to the American Cancer Society: immediate, acute and delayed reactions. These reactions can appear days, two to six months, or 15 years, respectively, after radiation therapy. Delayed reactions usually occur in patients in whom chemotherapy is combined with radiotherapy.
In most cases, the skin issues caused by radiation include dryness, peeling, itching (pruritus), blistering, hardening, softening, or swelling of the skin.
Skin Treatments
Skin needs to be treated through two means after radiation therapy. One is to treat the affected area locally with the help of prescribed medicines, and the other is to take care of the skin according to your doctor's guidance for proper hygiene and skin care. Doctors may prescribe an antibiotic lotion or ointment to prevent skin from becoming dry, peeling, itching, or exhibiting other side effects. Patients should only use a very mild soap free of chemicals. Lotions, creams, prescription medication, and any other products have to be applied very gently on the skin. Using wet packs on the site may also help limit skin problems or relieve pain associated with skin irritation caused by radiotherapy.
Post-Radiation Care
It is important not to expose the radiated area of the skin to the sun for at least a year after the radiation treatment is completed. If exposure cannot be avoided, use a sunscreen lotion or cream with an SPF rating of at least 15 every time you go out in the sun. The American Cancer Society also recommends that patients wear loose-fitting clothing. Also avoid very hot or cold water; use lukewarm water instead. Avoid scrubbing the affected skin altogether. Avoid tanning, as well as products such as deodorants, hair removers and shaving gels. Finally, avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which could dry the skin. Drink large quantities of water to help nourish the skin.
Tags: after radiation, after radiation therapy, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society, peeling itching, radiation therapy
Endometrial cancer is characterized by uncontrolled multiplication of cells lining the uterus. As per the NCI (National Cancer Institute), nearly 42,000 people are diagnosed with this form of cancer in the United States annually. Depending upon the spreading of the cancer cells, it is divided into different stages. In stage 1B of endometrial cancer, the malignant cells affect less than 50 percent of the tissues of the uterus.
Treatment for Stage 1B Endometrial Cancer
As with most forms of cancer, no complete cure is available for endometrial cancer. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, surgical removal of the cancer cells is one of the most common treatments administered to patients. Post-surgery radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be administered in order to prevent the recurrence of the malignant cells.
Time Frame
For treating stage 1B of endometrial cancer, radiation therapy is generally administered two to three times a week for nearly a month.
Survival Rate
As per the National Cancer Institute statistics, the average survival rate of patients suffering from 1B endometrial cancer is approximately 69 percent.
Effects
According to the American Cancer Society loose bowels, upset stomach. fatigue, tiredness, urinary disorders are some of the common side effects of radiation therapy when used to treat endometrial cancer.
Warnings
Doctors may advise against overexposure to the sun and environmental pollutants while you are undergoing radiation treatment for stage 1B endometrial cancer.
Tags: endometrial cancer, Cancer Institute, National Cancer, National Cancer Institute, radiation therapy, cancer cells, endometrial cancer
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide training to their employees in certain circumstances, according to the OSHA publication "Hearing Conservation." The training is part of a comprehensive program that includes testing, training and protective equipment. The training is considered as important as other portions of the program. OSHA estimates 30 million American workers are exposed to hazardous noise each year.
Who Must be Trained
Any worker exposed to a time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels or more must receive training as part of the OSHA mandated Hearing Conservation Program. The training course must be offered annually.
Type of Training
The training must cover the topics of the effects of hazardous noise on hearing, the types of hearing protection available and the proper way to use those protective devices. The training will also cover the importance of hearing tests. The structure and format of the training is left to the discretion of the business. OSHA only mandates the topics the training will cover.
Hearing Protection
OSHA requires any employee exposed to an eight-hour TWA noise level of more than 90 decibels to wear hearing protection. The employer must furnish a variety of hearing protection devices and training in their proper use. New employees should receive assistance from someone trained in fitting hearing protection.
Audiograms Testing
Employers are required to test all employees' hearing on an annual basis. Any employee showing a hearing loss of 10 decibels standard threshold shift (STS) in either ear is required to be refitted with hearing protection. They should also receive additional training in the proper use of the hearing protection equipment.
Record Keeping
Employers are required to keep all records involving noise measurements for at least two years and any information regarding employee testing and training for the duration of employment for workers. OSHA also requires the employer to maintain records of any employee who is documented to have a marked decrease in overall hearing ability. The employer can seek the assistance of medical professionals to determine if the hearing loss is work- or aging-related.
Create diverse and sought-after prizes to increase participation in a Relay for Life raffle.
The Relay for Life is a national event sponsored by the American Cancer Society to raise money for researching a cure. Participants traditionally run or walk along a track or course. If you are planning a Relay for Life in your community, you may be looking for additional ways to raise money at the event venue or at additional locations that will excite and engage supporters. You can make the event even more special by organizing activities that put the "fun" in fundraising. Engaging activities like carnival-inspired games and additional races along with great prizes help raise funds and increase interest in supporting cancer research.
Instructions
1. Organize a raffle to raise funds. Contact local business owners in your community and ask them to contribute to gift baskets and prize packages that people attending the event will want to own. These packages could be themed to promote further interest. For example, a spa package might include a gift certificate to your nearest salon, soaps, a robe and moisturizers. A sports package could include tickets to a game, sports-themed movies and gift certificates with a personal trainer.
2. Host a carnival-style event. Conduct games that have guests pay money to win small prizes, such as stuffed animals or baked goods. A dunk tank is always a favorite event at a carnival-style event. This tank puts a prominent member of the community on a seat above a tank. Paying guests take turns throwing balls at a trigger that releases the seat and sends the sitter plunging into the water.
3. Put together an event marathon. For example, organize a "bowl-a-thon" in which donors give a preset amount for each pin their sponsored bowler knocks down. Or, you can hold a real marathon. Donors can give an agreed-upon amount for each mile a participant runs.
4. Organize a community rummage sale. This event will bring the community together while giving families the chance to unload some of their unwanted items. Sell homemade baked goods and provide cold drinks for a small fee or by donation only. This is especially helpful on a hot day.
5. Organize a food cook-off. Whether you have a favorite recipe for chili, cheesecake, punch or barbecue, you can share the food you love to cook while raising money for a good cause. Host a cook-off where participants can share their favorite recipes. Tasters will pay a small fee to sample the different foods and choose which one is their favorite.
Breast implant surgery is a common elective surgery.
Breast implant surgery increases a women's confidence and helps her feel better about her appearance. When electing to get breast implants, you may want to see more than one doctor to assure you are obtaining the best price and services for the money. Surgeons who charge more are typically better qualified. Always seek a surgeon who is board certified with experience in your desired type of augmentation. Also, note that insurance will not cover this as an elective surgery, unless it is a part of a breast reconstruction surgery.
Saline Implants
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, or ASAPS, lists the average price charges for saline implants as $3,583 as of 2005. Saline implants are salt water that are more like water balloons under the surface. There is smaller incision needed for saline implants, as they are inflated once placed under the skin. This eliminates a more extensive cut, also minimizing the cost.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants, according to the ASAPS, ran around $4,005 in 2005. Silicone will leave a softer feel as well as a smoother service on top of the breast than saline. These implants are less likely to fold or ripple, thus being a more popular choice amongst breast augmentation patients. They are available to women ages 22 and older as well as for breast reconstruction patients. Despite being the more popular choice of implant, there are long-term costs associated with silicone implants. You must have a magnetic resonance image (MRI) completed 3 years after your initial implant surgery to assure there are no ruptures. Following that, you must continue to have an MRI every 2 years, adding a lifetime of costs to this elective surgery.
Other Fees
Operation preparation and post-operation care are not included as apart of these prices. Additionally, there are other fees associated with the surgery. The anesthesiologist costs usually run from $600 to $800. The facility fee, which may be an office or hospital, can be anywhere from $800 to $1200. All of this in addition to the pharmacy, medicines and supplies can increase the cost drastically.
Urban Surgeons
Breast augmentation tends to cost more in urban areas due to the high demand for plastic surgeons. This is especially true in areas such as Los Angeles. When looking for a plastic surgeon, this may help you determine where you want to go to get a quote.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that breast augmentation surgeries can range from $5,000 to $15,000. You should check with your doctor to see exactly what is included in the quote you are given, assuring you do not have hidden fees coming your way.
Tags: elective surgery, implant surgery, associated with, being more, being more popular, breast augmentation, Breast implant
Specialists are doctors who have obtained more than a basic knowledge of a disease, illness, or condition. Once your family physician has diagnosed you with certain conditions, he will recommend a specialist that can treat that specific disease, illness, or condition. The specialist's knowledge goes beyond that of a general physician in a particular area.
Significance
Your family physician oversees most of your health problems--checkups, common colds, minor aches and pains, and minor illnesses. Once your physician detects the possibility of a major illness or disease, and has performed tests to reach a diagnosis, you are often referred to a specialist, a medical doctor who concentrates on one specific area of medicine. A specialist has received advanced education and training in his/her specific area of interest. By specializing in a certain area, a specialist is able to give you the most advanced treatment.
In many cases, your general physician and the specialist will work hand-in-hand to provide you with the best medical care for your specific needs. Your general physician concentrates on maintaining your general health while the specialist concentrates on your specific illness. As medicine advances, more doctors are specializing in specific diseases and illnesses. For major health issues, you will often have a team of doctors working together to provide you with the most beneficial treatments.
Identification
Some common areas in which a physician may specialize include:
* Gynecology: Gynecologists specialize in the care and treatment of the female reproductive system. A gynecologist provides routine checkups such as mammograms and pap smears, as well as diagnosing and treating diseases pertaining to the female reproductive system. A gynecologist also performs surgeries such as hysterectomies (removal of the uterus). Some gynecologist also specialize in treating cancers associated with the female reproductive system.
* Obstetrician: Obstetricians specialize in the management of pregnancies. Often, doctors specialize in both obstetrics and gynecology. An obstetrician often provides care before, during, and after a pregnancy. Some obstetricians specialize in a more focused area such as high-risk pregnancies and fertility issues.
* Otolaryngologist: More commonly known as an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor, an Otolaryngologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses associated with the ear, nose, and throat. This could include the treatment of tonsils, sinuses, fluid on the ear, and sleep apnea. An Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor (ENT) often performs surgeries to remove or correct the problem.
* Allergist: Allergists specialize in illnesses and diseases that pertain to the immune system. Some of the specific areas that an allergist concentrates on are the treatment of asthma, food allergies, allergic reactions to insect bites and medication, and environmental allergies such as dust and pollen. An allergist may also treat skin allergies such as eczema.
* Cardiologist: Cardiologists specialize in illnesses and diseases associated with the blood vessels and heart. A cardiologist treats heart attacks, heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, angina and irregular heartbeat.
Evolution
The move toward more specialized medicine began in the 1800s. During the 19th century, most physicians were general physicians, some even traveling from place to place to meet the needs of an ever-expanding United States. Established towns often had a general physician who treated people of all ages and any disease or illness. As more knowledge became available, the need for specialized physicians grew. As time passed, more education became available.
As the population of America grew and more large cities were settled, the need for physicians became greater. The American Medical Association was was established in 1847 as part of a movement to raise the level of medical education and care in the United States.
However, it wasn't until the 20th century that advances in science allowed the allowed progression toward specialized medicine. In the past fifty years, this progression has increased to the point that the general physician is rare. An ever-increasing world population demands an ever-increasing need for medical care and today most physicians specialize in one specific area.
Geography
While the United States is known as one of the world leaders in many things, the desire to create a more specialized health care system did not actually peak in America until after the Civil War. The move toward specialization in medicine began in the 1840's in France, followed by Vienna in the 1850s. And, although a small group in America, including Nathan Smith Davis, founder of the American Medical Association, were pushing for specialization, the progression toward specialized medicine did not begin until after the Civil War. The interest in specialized medicine in America was sparked by the experiences of physicians during the Civil War, the rapid growth of large cities, and the excitement of physicians returning from medical training in Europe.
Benefits
The benefits of utilizing the further education and specialized training of a medical specialist are many. While your regular physician can take care of most of your health problems, the education and training of a health specialist provides the added benefit of knowing that he/she can provide the best treatment for your specific illness or disease. Since your health covers such a vast area, it would be impossible for every doctor to learn treat every disease or illness known. By specializing in a specific area, a doctor is able to learn more about the illness or disease, and is able to provide a higher level of treatment in conjunction with your regular doctor.
Tags: general physician, disease illness, specialized medicine, specific area, associated with
Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that originates in glandular tissue. Because there is glandular tissue throughout the body, adenocarcinoma can be found in many different organs, including the lungs, colon, pancreas, cervix and esophagus. The organ in which adenocarcinoma originates determines the type of adenocarcinoma the patient has. Adenocarcinoma of the lung is a different disease, with a different prognosis, than adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, for example. Although each specific type of adenocarcinoma has its own specific staging criteria, there are some general principles that pertain to all adenocarcinomas.
Stage 0
Stage 0 adenocarcinoma, also called adenocarcinoma in situ, consists of localized malignant cells which have not yet become an invasive cancer. This is the earliest form of adenocarcinoma and is sometimes referred to as pre-cancer. Removing a stage 0 adenocarcinoma eliminates the possibility that the cells will develop into a true cancer.
Stage 1
Stage 1 adenocarcinoma is generally a localized tumor that has not spread beyond the organ of origin. Depending on the type of cancer, there may be subdivisions within stage 1 that further define how advanced the cancer is. For example, most organs have several layers of tissue. Although a cancer may be stage 1, a tumor that is confined to one area of an organ is less advanced than a tumor that extends into the outer tissue layers. The subdivisions of stage 1 reflect this distinction.
Stage 2 and 3
Stage 2 and stage 3 adenocarcinomas have progressed beyond the original cancer site, and may have invaded additional organs. There will generally be lymph node involvement with stage 2 and stage 3 adenocarcinomas. The distinction between stage 2 and stage 3 depends upon the extent of the spread of the cancer, and is different depending on the type of adenocarcinoma.
Stage 4
Stage 4 adenocarcinoma is characterized by cancer cells that have spread, or metastasized, to organs far beyond the original tumor site. Stage 4 adenocarcinomas are generally referred to as inoperable cancers because of the multiple tumor sites and the difficulty in locating all of the metastasized cancer cells.
TNM Staging of Adenocarcinoma
Each stage of adenocarcinoma has an additional staging designation, determined by the TNM system: "T" refers to tumor, "N" refers to nodes and "M" refers to metastases. Each letter is followed by a number that indicates the degree of involvement. T can range from T0 to T4, depending on the size and extent of the tumor. The lymph node involvement is also scaled from 0 to 4, with N0 meaning there is no lymph node involvement and N4 indicating extensive involvement. M will be either M0 or M1, meaning either that there are metastases (M0) or that there are no metastases (M1).
In medicine, the field of radiology involves scanning of radiographic images taken of the body's insides through imaging techniques, computer technology, and highly advanced equipment. Forms of imaging include MRI, ultrasound, and computer tomography. In Australia, if you are interested in studying in this medical specialty, there are several opportunities available to get the training you need.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
Located in Sydney, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists offers students a program in radiology training. Courses in radiology include anatomy, applied imaging technology, patient safety, body systems, and pathology. The college also offers a program in radiation oncology training, focusing on radiation treatments and therapies for patients with cancer. Courses are focused on both experienced radiologists and those newly entering the field.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
Level 9, 51 Druitt St.
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
+61-0-2-9268-9710
ranzcr.edu.au
Monash University
With eight campuses on three continents, Monash University is truly an international institution. In Australia, the Monash University is located in Victoria, and, offers a four-year degree program in radiography and medical imaging. The curriculum of the radiology program is centered on professional learning and training issues, giving the students the training they need to compete for employment opportunities. Students also gain exposure to clinical studies with four-week and five-week rotations in hospitals ranging from rural and regional hospitals to large urban institutions in Melbourne.
School of Biomedical Sciences
Building 13C
Monash University
Victoria 3800
Australia
+61-3-9905-1212
monash.edu.au
Australian Institute of Radiography
With more than 70 percent of the working population of diagnostic radiographers and radiation therapists working in Australia having received some training here, the Australian Institute of Radiography is a main resource for training and education in Australia. The institute offers accreditation as a diagnostic radiographer, medical imaging tech, or a radiation therapist. The institute also has courses featuring mammography and MRI. Students also gain considerable clinical training in medical imaging and radiology during their professional development year, working in the field and gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Australian Institute of Radiography
Level 1
32 Bedford St.
Collingwood Victoria 3066
Australia
+61-3-9419-3336
air.asn.au
Tags: Monash University, Zealand College Radiologists, Australian Institute, Australian Institute Radiography, Australian Zealand, Australian Zealand College, College Radiologists
Parade floats don't have to be extravagant to show support and raise awareness.
Participating in your local holiday or celebratory parade doesn't have to be an extravagant affair or cost an obscene amount of money from your organization's bank account. Sometimes less is more, so consider simplifying your float ideas by using various household supplies donated by organization members. It may be necessary to purchase new items, but prior to building or decorating a flatbed trailer, review the policies and regulations set forth by the city department sponsoring the parade. Does this Spark an idea?
Sports-Themed Floats
Adorn the trailer base with sheets of green mural paper or indoor/outdoor turf carpeting and attach it using a staple gun, assuming the trailer flooring is wooden. For other flooring types, use temporary adhesive spray. Stretch lengths of white duct tape across the carpeting or paper to resemble the lines on a playing field, and include duct tape numbers for field line designation. Dress the participants in jerseys and include a few cheerleaders to ride on the float. Two cardboard tubes donated from a paper manufacturer can be used to create a goal at one end of the float.
Holiday Floats
Design the float using the typical colors of the celebrated holiday. As an example, during a Memorial Day or Independence Day parade, you may include red, white and blue decorations, but in February, to celebrate Valentine's Day, pink, red and white may be more appropriate. St. Patrick's Day may be integrated into a parade float by adhering strips of colored fabric into a rainbow onto the flooring of the trailer and raising the fabric pieces at the end of the trailer by placing a stack of cardboard boxes underneath it. At the front of the float, place an enlarged black plastic cauldron with newspaper, and glue oversized foam discs covered in metallic gold paper to cover the visible newspaper. Dress up participants as leprechauns with orange faux-fur hair and beards.
Organization Floats
Showcase your organization and the goals it strives to reach by setting a scenario atop a parade float trailer. If your organization's mission is to feed the homeless, dress participants in tattered clothing and winter hats, and stage them sitting at a table eating a meal made from plastic food items. Clubs such as the American Legion or those centered on war veterans may make a statement by staging a replica of the Iwo Jima Memorial statue in Washington, D.C. while dressed in military uniforms raising the American flag.
Floats for the Cause
Showcase cancer survivors on the float with an enlarged sign stating as such. When possible, encourage a master of ceremonies, using a speaker and a microphone, to introduce the survivors and their tear-jerking stories while the float travels through the parade. For environmental issues, stage volunteers as if they were planting trees, recycling and picking up litter. Include the typical colors of your organization, such as pink for breast cancer awareness and green for a "green" community.
Tags: your organization, Dress participants, duct tape, have extravagant, parade float
South Florida is home to several charities that accept donations of children's toys.
Donating toys to a charity can make a child's day, month or even year. But before you make a donation, research where and donate toys to charities in South Florida.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a program started by the U.S. Marine Corps that encourages the donation of new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December of each year. Volunteers distribute toys to needy children each holiday season.
Toys for Tots sets up drop off locations across the country each October. The Hialeah/Miami branch coordinates toy collections in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, while the West Palm Beach branch coordinates the Palm Beach County drop off points.
Miami Children's Hospital Foundation
The Miami Children's Hospital Foundation gladly accepts donations of new, unwrapped toys. The toys are distributed among the children receiving treatment at the hospital. A "wish list" of toys for the children can be found on the foundation's website. This list is not exhaustive; the hospital will gladly accept all toys or gifts that are new and unwrapped. You can drop donations off at Miami Children's Hospital all year long.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities support sick children and their families. Through their Toy and Food Donation Program, you can drop new toys off at any local chapter and they will donate them to their resident children. There are chapters in both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Tags: Children Hospital, Miami Children, Miami Children Hospital, South Florida, Toys Tots, branch coordinates
Visual aids such as charts, graphs and projectors can help illustrate and clarify what is being said in a speech or presentation. In addition, they can help the speaker stay organized and keep the audience's attention. Visual aids are often used in businesses and schools to deliver information efficiently and effectively.
Selecting Visual Aids
Choose visual aids that illustrate or clarify a point you are trying to make. Consider the size of the audience and the location of the speech, as there are visual aids of all types and sizes. They include objects, photographs, sketches, plans, pictures, slides, clips, films, graphs and charts.
Creating Visual Aids
Make visual aids simple so they do not distract from a speech or presentation, and do not overload them with too much data. Use basic colors to identify key points and highlight important information. When creating charts and graphs, make lines thick and bold, keep screens in full view and make sure the audience can hear the information being presented.
Uses Of Visual Aids
Use visual aids to organize your speech, clarify information, show steps and reinforce information. Visual aids can help the audience stay focused and the speaker stay on track. In addition, they can be used to involve the audience so that they are active participants. They also allow a speaker to use verbal and nonverbal cues.
Practice Using Visual Aids
Practice your speech using the visual aids. Familiarize yourself with the projector, lights, speakers and microphones. Make sure all your equipment is running properly ahead of time. Have a backup plan in case the equipment fails to work. Also, be sure not to stand in front of or block any visual aids. Know your speech well enough so that you are not reading off your visual aids. Maintaining eye contact with your audience is important in delivering a successful speech.
Handouts
Distribute handouts before the presentation if they are going to be used during the speech or lesson, and give them out after the speech if they are for future reference. Be sure to have enough copies for everyone.
Tags: visual aids, your speech, addition they, aids help, being said
Business plans assist business owners in starting a business.
Massachusetts ranks No. 5 on CNBC's list of the best states for businesses, according to a July 13, 2010 story in the Boston Herald. Many factors should be considered before starting a business. A business plan, start-up capital, location and how the business will be structured should be addressed. Starting a business in Massachusetts requires certain businesses and professionals to obtain business licensing to operate in the state. Barbers, cosmetologists and day care providers are among those requiring licenses, according to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations website, which provides a list of requirements for various Massachusetts businesses.
Register the Business
A corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership starting a business in Massachusetts must register the company with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division Office, before obtaining a business license. Sole proprietorships or partnerships are not required to register with the Commonwealth. If the business name is different from the legal name of the owner(s), the name must be filed as a fictitious business name within the city where the business is located. Filing the business entity can be achieved online, by fax, by mail or in person.
Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division
One Ashburton Place, 17th Floor
Boston, MA 02108-1512
617-727-9640
corp.sec.state.ma.us
Federal Tax Number
Businesses must apply to the Internal Revenue Service for an employer identification number (EIN) or federal tax identification number before becoming an employer and hiring employees. The EIN identifies the business for taxes purposes. Payroll taxes and employee earnings are tracked using an EIN. An EIN is issued by the IRS online, in person or by mail.
IRS
JFK Federal Building
15 New Sudbury Street
Boston, MA 02203
617.316.2850
irs.gov
State Tax Registration
Businesses must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Businesses new to the state must pay state taxes if they have employees, withhold a pension or retirement distribution, sell or rent taxable items in the state, serve meals or beverages in the state, purchase goods for resale, provide lodging and exercise an excise tax, or sell, acquire or import cigars and tobacco for sale or consumption in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02114
617.887.6367
wfb.dor.state.ma.us
Certificate of Good Standing
A Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to businesses requiring proof that all state tax obligations have been met. Restaurants or bars that must apply for liquor licenses are examples of businesses that require the certificate. All applicable taxes have to be paid before a business is granted a license to operate. Applications for certificates can be obtained and submitted online, in person or by mail.
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02114
617.887.6367
wfb.dor.state.ma.us
Tags: Department Revenue, Massachusetts Department, Massachusetts Department Revenue, business Massachusetts, starting business, Street Boston
If doctors believe you have a bone tumor, you will probably undergo multiple tests to determine the tumor's size and location. The number of tests will depend on what your first few tests uncover.
Instructions
1. Take a blood test. Bone tumors are often accompanied by increased levels of certain proteins in the blood. A blood test will only tell you if your protein levels have risen. While this strongly indicates the presence of a bone tumor, you will need other tests for confirmation.
2. Have an X-ray. This will tell your doctors where to find the bone tumor. It will show up as a ragged spot or a hole in the bone.
3. Get a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This scan is similar to an X-ray but it rotates around your body to give doctors a better look at the bone tumor. After one scan, doctors will give you an injection of contrast dye to outline the parts of your body.
4. Prepare for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. Doctors agree this is the best test for outlining a bone tumor. However, MRIs can be long and uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you're claustrophobic since you'll be inside a tube. Ask if the doctor has access to an open MRI.
5. Undergo biopsy. If any of these tests are positive for a bone tumor, your doctors will do a biopsy. This will tell them exactly what they're dealing with so they can determine how agressively they should treat the condition.
6. Scan it. If you have one bone tumor, doctors may do a Radionuclide Bone Scan. This scan will tell doctors if the cancer has metastasized to other areas of the skeleton. But this scan can be skewed by some conditions, such as arthritis. For a more accurate read, you doctor may combine a bone scan with other imaging tests.
Tags: bone tumor, bone tumor, bone tumor will, tumor will, will tell, blood test, doctors will
When breast cancer spreads, it is defined as metastatic breast cancer. It spreads through the blood vessels or the lymphatic system. It most commonly spreads to the liver, bones and lungs. The signs and symptoms that breast cancer has spread heavily depends on the patient.
General Symptoms
There are some symptoms of breast cancer that patients experience regardless of where it spreads. These include unusual fatigue, feeling sick or under the weather, low energy and poor appetite, according to CancerHelp.org.
Lymph Nodes
If breast cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, there are certain symptoms a patient may experience. These can include underarm swelling that can get painful as the swelling increases. There are lymph nodes all throughout the body, such as around the collarbone and behind the breastbone, and swelling can occur anywhere there are lymph nodes if the cancer has spread to them, according to CancerHelp.org.
Bones
If breast cancer spreads to the bones, the patient can experience pain, and this pain can become quite severe for some patients. According to CancerHelp.org, when the pain gets severe, it can become difficult for the patient to move around and sleep. Cancer can also lead to increased bone weakness, which can result in breaks for some patients. If calcium is released into the blood by bone cells, patients can experience fatigue, confusion, nausea, irritability, constipation and thirst.
Liver
If breast cancer spreads to the liver, the patient may experience right side abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea and a swollen abdomen. If the cancer causes liver swelling or presses on the covering of the liver, the patient can experience pain. According to CancerHelp.org, some patients may also experience jaundice.
Lungs
If breast cancer spreads to the lungs, the patient may have a cough or notice that they become short of breath easily. According to CancerHelp.org, patients may also experience other breathing problems, a buildup of fluid in the lungs and discomfort when they breathe.
Brain
According to CancerHelp.org, if breast cancer spreads to the brain, patients may experience headaches that can make them feel sick, have abnormal behavioral issues, experience memory problems and experience a part of their body not functioning normally. Though rare, patient may also experience problems with their eyesight.
Tags: breast cancer spreads, cancer spreads, breast cancer, patient experience, According CancerHelp, also experience, breast cancer
Many health food companies, medical practitioners and alternative medical practitioners promote a multitude of "magic" cancer prevention pills. This raises questions on whether these magic pills to prevent cancer actually work. Dietary supplements (multi-vitamins), tamoxifen, curry and even birth control pills are touted for preventing various forms of cancer in men and women.
Dietary Supplements to Prevent Cancer
Researchers have found that diets high in carotenoids, Vitamin C and other minerals might provide some protection from cancer. However, supplements created by labs and taken in pill form may not be fully absorbed into the body. According to an eight-year study conducted by researcher Marian Neuhouser of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, multivitamins did not prevent cancers or heart disease in postmenopausal women, similar to results from recent studies done on men.
Cancer-fighting agents are found in the everyday foods you eat, especially fruits and vegetables, and that is why doctors are most likely to recommend getting vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet of whole foods from the four basic food groups. Foods are absorbed more easily by your digestive system and are likely to work more effectively.
Cancer Prevention Pills with Potential
While you should always consult your primary care physician regarding your cancer concerns, find out as much as you can about cancer prevention pills so that you can be informed when your doctor makes a suggestion. The following pills have been thought to carry some promise.
Tamoxifen is a prescription drug that claims to prevent breast cancer in high-risk women, although it has not been proven to actually save or extend lives. Tamoxifen has some moderate side effects, such as water retention and dizziness.
A 2001 study conducted by British biotechnology firm Phytopharm PLC claimed that curry pills prevented or helped treat 15 patients that took part in its study. Phytopharm's product, called P54, claims to inhibit the body's production of an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase 2 (or COX-2), which is involved in certain cancers and bodily inflammation. Aside from this study, there is no other solid proof that curry pills actually work and not much information about further studies.
Combination birth control pills do help decrease the risk of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer (for up to 30 years after they stop taking the pill), although birth control pills could increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks. Birth control pills also may raise the risk of cervical and breast cancer in women as long as the pill is taken. It is confusing to consider, but the benefits of birth control pills outweigh the potential risks because the positive effects of the pill can last up to 30 years after you stop taking it.
Studies being carried out by institutions--under guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Urological Association (AUA)--show promising results for prescription drugs, such as Proscar and Avodart, to prevent prostate cancer in men. These drugs prevent the transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Your primary care physician will be able to tell you if these pills are right for you.
Tags: control pills, birth control, birth control pills, actually work, breast cancer
There are several concerns when deciding on whether or not to undergo breast augmentation surgery. Health concerns top the list, but another major factor is the cost of the procedure. You should research your doctor carefully, and when considering the cost, be sure to include other fees in addition to the surgery itself.
Things to Consider
Breast augmentation surgery, like any other surgery, has many risks. Therefore, most surgeries are performed in the hospital as opposed to the doctor's office and under anesthesia. Be sure to include all the fees when deciding whether or not you're able to finance the procedure.
Physician's Fee
Plastic surgeon's have different fees when it comes to breast augmentation surgery. It is important to have a physician who is experienced and reputable. More experienced surgeons usually charge more for the procedure. Also, depending on the area of the United States, the cost of surgery fluctuates. While the average cost for the surgery itself is around $4,000 it can definitely be higher or lower depending on the doctor, so be sure to research several and look at before and after photos of their work.
Cost of Implants
Depending on the type of breast implants you want, the cost will vary. There are several types of implants to choose from in various shapes and sizes. Whether you're going to go with saline, silicone or cohesive gel implants, the cost will fluctuate anywhere from $800 to $1,500. For an exact price, you will need to consult your physician.
Hospital and Anesthesia
Because breast augmentation surgery is very invasive, it is important that doctors perform the procedure in an operating room for the benefit of the patient. This way they will be better prepared if there are any unforeseen complications, and if there are problems, they can be more easily resolved. In addition, the patient will definitely need to be under anesthesia. Be prepared for a hefty operating fee and anesthesia fee to accompany your total bill. Again, this will vary from doctor to doctor, so average about another $2,000 for both.
Post-Surgery
After surgery you will not only need some prescription pain medication, but also proper dressing and bras to support your breasts as they heal. While these aren't as expensive as some of the other fees, they still need to be considered because post-surgery is just as important as the surgery itself. Post-surgery costs for medications and dressings should run you about an additional $200.
Future Surgery
You will need to allow yourself plenty of comfortable, stress-free healing time. Unfortunately, sometimes no matter how well you take care of yourself after surgery, there may be a need for corrective surgery. The reasons for corrective surgery can be anything from infection in the incisions to problems with the actual breast implants. If you notice anything you feel is not right or you are extremely uncomfortable contact your doctor immediately. Because breast implants are not covered by insurance you may have to pay the fees for everything all over again to correct the problems if they are severe enough.
Tags: augmentation surgery, breast implants, surgery itself, Because breast, breast augmentation
Roofing safety issues include falling, lack of training and failing to understand regulatory compliance.
The United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that worker deaths from falls is a serious public health problem. Roofing safety issues fall under OSHA's construction industry standards, which require employers to provide fall protection any time workers are at a height of six feet or higher and always when working over dangerous equipment and machinery. Numerous safety issues in roofing work are addressed in OSHA regulations to keep workers safe and prevent injury and fatality. Does this Spark an idea?
Risk of Falling and Electrocution
Working at heights greater than a few feet involves the risk of falling, with resulting injury and possible death. Roofing work necessitates working at heights, on sloping surfaces, with power equipment, all risk factors for falling. Electrocution is also a serious safety issue in roofing because working at heights potentially puts workers in closer proximity to power lines, electrical boxes and cables. Equipment raised at heights near electrical sources may collide with power sources with disastrous results. Training on fall protection systems and equipment and electrical hazards, plus site inspection and preparation before work starts address these serious roofing safety issues.
Using Equipment at Heights
Using equipment at heights presents additional worker safety issues than when using the same equipment on ground level. Power nail guns, screw guns, hoisting devices, lift equipment, heavy tools such as hammers and crowbars and hand tools like vise grips require dexterity and concentration to use safely, which can be challenging while working at heights. Hazards to workers on the ground under roofing work include injury from falling tools, equipment and heavy materials like sheets of roofing shingles. Falling object protection is as important as fall protection equipment in roofing.
Failure to Understand and Comply with Regulatory Requirements
A series of roofing safety issues result when employers and workers fail to understand and comply with regulatory requirements. An employer who doesn't provide fall protection equipment and properly train workers use it puts workers at risk for injury and fatality, and risks OSHA fines and legal problems. Workers who haven't been trained in safety can't always recognize safety hazards to prevent them or work in compliance with safety regulations. It's important for managers, supervisors, superintendents, foremen and other supervisory personnel in roofing to know about, understand and comply with safety regulations, and train their workers on them before starting any roofing job.
Training
Workers who don't know use fall protection equipment are at risk of accidents and injury. Improperly secured fall prevention systems, hoisting devices and scaffolding that is set up improperly are almost as dangerous as working without protective equipment. Employers are required to provide training on safety, proper use of protective equipment and inspection by trained, competent personnel for equipment when working at heights.
Tags: fall protection, safety issues, working heights, fall protection equipment, protection equipment
According to information from the medical website Medline Plus, ovarian cancer is a disease which has fairly vague symptoms that could easily be attributed to other less-lethal medical conditions. According to information from Yahoo Health, when you have already experienced ovarian cancer, you have between a 30 to 50 percent chance of recurrence within the next five years, so be on the lookout for these symptoms.
Weight Changes
Where you notice weight fluctuations that are both large and unexplainable, ovarian cancer might be making a return. Note that the human body weight fluctuates from day to day depending on water retention and other factors, so do not obsess over small changes (less than five pounds). However, where you have gained or lost around ten pounds in a short time span, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of your normal period could be a sign of returning ovarian cancer. Be suspicious of any unexpected or abnormal bleeding, no matter how slight. Detecting ovarian cancer's return early can help to improve the prognosis, so be as alert as possible to changes in your bleeding habits.
Abdominal Discomfort
General abdominal discomfort, including feelings of fullness or heaviness in the lower abdomen, can be a sign of returning ovarian cancer. Do not concern yourself overly with short-term or easily explainable discomfort, but schedule a doctor's appointment if you find yourself experiencing lasting or recurring abdominal discomfort over a lasting period.
Digestive Symptoms
Be wary of digestive symptoms if you have already had ovarian cancer. These include symptoms as seemingly benign as gas, bloating, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion. Although they could easily be from your last meal, they could also be from the return of ovarian cancer. Be especially cautious, scheduling an immediate doctor's appointment, where they are paired with any of the other mentioned symptoms.
Tags: ovarian cancer, According information, According information from, could easily, doctor appointment
Ultrasound equipment creates high frequency sound waves which can be transferred to an area of the body through a microphone-shaped transducer. Therapeutic ultrasound sends the sound waves, which generate gentle heat, deep into muscles or joints for pain relief. Physical therapy ultrasound uses more intense sound waves than diagnostic ultrasound. This treatment is considered an adjunct to physical therapy involving exercise.
Method
The physical therapist administers ultrasound by applying a gel to the skin to eliminate friction, and then uses circular motions with the probe for several minutes to deliver the sound waves.
Circulation
Heat from the ultrasound waves improves circulation and brings blood to the tissues, delivering oxygen and nutrients, and removing cellular waste.
Main Benefit
Ultrasound in physical therapy is most effective in healing deep joint tissue, according to physician Gerard Malanga, director of pain management at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey.
Range of Motion
Malanga notes that ultrasound facilitates the stretching of connective tissue, and is beneficial for improving range of motion. An example is improving movement in people suffering from chronic low back pain.
Administering Medication
Ultrasound also can send topical anti-inflammatory agents into tissues, as a non-invasive way of administering medication to areas below the skin.
Obstetrics and gynecology are related fields of medicine. Both deal with women, both deal with the reproductive system but both do not deal with exactly the same medical issues that a woman may face.
Pregnancy
Frequently your gynecologist will be the one to run the test confirming pregnancy. At that point, you are referred to an obstetrician who takes care of pre-natal care, any issues that arise, testing and delivery.
Family Planning
If you want to practice birth control or if you want to get off birth control, a gynecologist is the doctor to go to. A gynecologist can also assist you with fertility problems, but will refer you to a fertility specialist if there is one available. A gynecologist also handles tubal ligations and hysterectomies.
Testing
A gynecologist handles testing for any disease of the reproductive system, including cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and menstruation issues.
Urinary Tract
If you have a urinary tract infection, incontinence or vaginal problems, you would go to a gynecologist.
After pregnancy
An obstetrician handles all phases of a pregnancy, including the period immediately following the delivery. This is the basic difference between the two specialties. Obstetricians deliver babies, gynecologists treat disease.
Tags: deal with, birth control, both deal, both deal with, gynecologist also, issues that, reproductive system
Edmonds has a neat tool to help car buyers when it comes to negotiating the price of a car. It's a free tool and it's called the True Market Value calculator. The true market value is different from the dealer manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP). Edmunds compiles car sale data from dealers all across the country. The information is continuously updated which helps you to get a true market value for the vehicle you're thinking about purchasing. Having the Edmunds market value can prevent you from paying too much for your car.
Instructions
1. Visit the Edmonds website and click on the true market value link. The valuation tool will open in a new window.
2. Select the vehicle's year, make and model.
3. Choose your vehicle's style. By selecting the vehicle's style you give Edmunds the necessary information to provide the true market value for your specific vehicle. Most car models have several styles. For example, the Cadillac Escalade comes in 4 styles; Base RWD, Base AWD, Platinum Edition RWD and Platinum Edition AWD. Make sure to select the right style for your car model.
4. Get the local market value. While the style page displays the true market value for each vehicle style, by clicking the link for your particular vehicle style, Edmunds will display the true market value for the vehicle in your area.
5. Include additional features. The true market value tool automatically displays the car's value excluding any ancillary add on features. The value given is for the standard basic car. If your car has additional features that go beyond the standard model, click on the "Customized Appraisal" link to add all of the additional features to the car value. Once you have included all of the add on features, Edmunds will provide an updated market value.
An ultrasound radiologist is the first person to see a baby -- before the mother and before the baby is born. Ultrasound radiology uses high-frequency sound waves to generate an image. It is commonly used on pregnant women to view their babies during pregnancy, but it is also used to diagnosis medical conditions. Ultrasound radiologists ensure they capture the best image possible for the doctor to evaluate.
National Salary
The nationwide average salary for 51,630 ultrasound radiologists in 2009 was $63,640, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary range for these professionals was $43,990 to $85,950 a year (10th to 90th percentile). By 2018, a projected 59,500 ultrasound radiologists in the United States will be using the technology to perform safer, cost-effective diagnostic procedures.
Salary by State
The state that pays its ultrasound radiologists the most is Massachusetts. The 1,020 ultrasound radiologists there earned an average of $78,460 a year in 2009. The other top-paying states are Oregon, Colorado, Washington and Alaska. However, these were not the states with large numbers of jobs. Florida has .643 ultrasound radiologists per 1,000 workers. This is twice the concentration that is found in Massachusetts. Florida ultrasound radiologists earned an average of $56,030 a year in 2009. Other states with high concentrations of jobs were Connecticut, New Mexico, Alabama and Rhode Island.
Salary by Industry
Ultrasound radiologists are associated with medical fields. The highest-paying field in 2009 was employment services; the 240 ultrasound radiologists in this field earned an average of $68,020 a year. The other high-paying industries were management of companies and enterprises; specialty hospitals; colleges, universities and professional schools and outpatient care centers. The industry that employed the most ultrasound radiologists was general medical and surgical hospitals, which employed 30,490 ultrasound radiologists who earned an average of $63,770.
Employment Outlook
The need for ultrasound radiologists is expected to grow by 18 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will be driven in part by a generally increasing need for healthcare due to an aging population. Additional growth is expected from increased diagnostic uses being developed for ultrasound technology, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tags: ultrasound radiologists, earned average, ultrasound radiologists, average year, earned average year, according Bureau, according Bureau Labor
When it comes to deciding which type of health care plan is best for you and your family, the choices can be confusing. When considering a plan, reflect on your family's situation and whether the structure of the type plan you choose will meet your health and financial criteria. The major types of health care plans include: the fee for service, health maintenance organization (HMO), point of service plan (POS) and preferred provider organization (PPO).
The Fee-for-Service Plan
The fee-for-service plan (sometimes called an indemnity plan) is the most expensive option. With this plan you have control over which doctors or hospitals you use, and you can change doctors at any time. When signing up for the plan, you select a deductible for the year. This is the amount of money that you pay per person before the insurance company begins paying for services. After meeting that deductible the plan pays a percentage of your doctor or hospital bill. The typical percentage arrangement is 80/20. The plan pays 80 percent of the bill while you pay the remaining 20 percent. Because this tends to be the most expensive arrangement for families, it is the least popular selection for most people.
HMO
An HMO is a type of managed health care plan where medical care is rationed in an effort to save costs. It is in the interest of the HMO to ensure the health and safety of you and your family, so it covers all necessary treatments. The HMO provides you coverage with no deductibles for a fixed fee. You are a member of the HMO and typically are asked to choose a doctor in the plan, who will be your primary care provider. Your primary care provider will refer you to specialists or other doctors within the HMO network as needed.
PPO
A PPO is a managed care plan, where health care is rationed but to a lesser degree. Unlike the HMO, you have the choice to select the doctors and specialists you'd like to see, but you are encouraged to select doctors within the PPO. The PPO has a network of doctors it has contracted with to provide care at specific fees, and if you seek care within this network, your costs will be less than if you choose a doctor outside the plan.
POS
The POS is a combination of an HMO and PPO. Your primary care provider will refer you to specialists, just like in an HMO. Just like the PPO, if you decide to go to a doctor outside the plan, your bill will be higher than if you choose a specialist within the network. These plans are typically not as expensive as a PPO plan but are more expensive than an HMO.
Doing Your Homework
When selecting insurance for your family be sure that you know what you're choosing. Talk to your insurance agent to learn more about each plan. Understanding the different characteristics of each type health plan is imperative in order to select the right plan for you and your family.
Tags: your family, care plan, care provider, health care, primary care
X-ray cameras create interesting images, but are inaccessible unless you are a radiology technician. Even so, X-rays are only taken by necessity due to the radiation used to create the image. You can achieve X-ray effects on any digital image on your computer.with a few simple Photoshop filters.
Instructions
1. Open Photoshop on your computer.
2. Left-click "File" in the top toolbar and select "Open" from drop-down menu.
3. Navigate to the image your want to use, then left-click "Open." The image opens in Photoshop.
4. Duplicate the layer of the image by right-clicking it in the Layers Palette, then selecting "Duplicate Layer" from the drop-down menu.
5. Invert the image by left-clicking "Image" in the top toolbar, left-clicking "Adjustments" in the drop-down menu and selecting "Invert."
6. Add a layer mask by left-clicking "Layer" in the top toolbar, left-clicking "Layer Mask" in the drop-down menu and selecting "Reveal All."
7. Add an adjustment to the hue/saturation by left-clicking "Layer" in the top toolbar, left-clicking "New Adjustment Layer" in the drop-down and selecting "Hue/Saturation." The Hue/Saturation dialog box opens.
8. Adjust the slider under "Saturation" to -100 percent.
9. Left-click your main image layer in the Layers Palette. Set the blending mode by left-clicking the black arrow, then selecting "Hard Light" from the drop-down menu.
10. Duplicate the layer once or twice to increase the effect by right-clicking the layer in the Layers Palette and selecting "Duplicate Layer" from the drop-down menu.
Tags: drop-down menu, from drop-down, from drop-down menu, Layers Palette, left-clicking Layer, toolbar left-clicking, drop-down menu selecting
Breast cancer is a risk for all women, but whether or not you develop it comes down to more than a roll of the dice. You can take precautions to decrease your chances of developing it. Athough there is never any guarantee that you can prevent breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic, research shows that making lifestyle changes is effective in lowering your risks.
Dietary Choices
Food choices can play a large role in reducing your risk. First, stick to a low-fat diet, with no more than 35 percent of your diet coming from fat. A study by the Mayo Clinic showed that women who eat a low-fat diet reduce their risk of developing breast cancer (note that men are at risk for breast cancer, too, but this study focused on women). As a bonus, eating a low-fat diet can also decrease your risk of developing other health issues, like heart disease and stroke. Next, limit alcohol consumption or avoid it completely. The Mayo Clinic recommends not exceeding one drink per day.
Keep Your Weight Down
According to the National Cancer Institute, being overweight increases your risk. Post-menopausal weight gain in particular seems to a be major risk factor. The Mayo Clinic reports that the estrogen in fat tissue may be behind the increased the risk of developing breast cancer for obese people. Sticking to a low-fat diet can help you control your weight, as can staying physically active.
Rethink Hormones
As study by the Women's Health Institute found that women who use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatments, especially treatments that included both estrogen and progestin, developed breast cancer more often than women who did not. HRT is often prescribed for women during menopause. If you are in menopause and taking or considering taking hormone replacements, talk to your doctor to weigh the benefits of the therapy versus your breast cancer risk. Birth control pills may also increase the risk of breast cancer, though there is no verdict on that, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor can help you make a decision about using birth control pills based on your medical history and other breast cancer risk factors, such as a family history.
Stay Vigilant
Although you can do much to decrease your chances of breast cancer, it is impossible to eliminate your risk. Do frequent breast exams to check for lumps or other skin changes around your breasts. The Mayo Clinic recommends that all women over 40 have yearly mammograms. Watching for signs of breast cancer can help you catch it early when the disease is easier to treat and manage.
Tags: breast cancer, Mayo Clinic, breast cancer, low-fat diet, your risk
Kelp, a form of brown seaweed, is a popular dietary supplement touted for weight loss, low thyroid function, arthritis and cancer prevention. According to the National Library of Medicine, kelp supplements contain a combination of brown seaweeds such as bladderwrack. The NLM indicates some animal and human testing have shown benefits for these conditions and others, but does not consider the evidence strong enough to recommend use for these problems. Kelp, like any supplement, contains chemicals and compounds that can exert certain actions in the body, resulting in a number of side effects. Kelp’s iodine content-a trace mineral necessary for thyroid function-in particular can lead to a number of issues.
Contamination
Kelp and other dietary supplements derived from the water always have the potential for contamination with heavy metals and other toxins due to harvesting from polluted water sources. According to the Physician’s Desk Reference website, there have been reports of arsenic poisoning resulting from the consumption of kelp supplements.
Thyroid Function
While kelp or other iodine supplements might help with low thyroid function, anyone with any type of thyroid problem should speak with a doctor before using kelp supplements or any supplement containing iodine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, excess iodine supplementation can block thyroid hormone production in people with normal thyroid function, interfere with thyroid hormone medications and increase the risk of thyroid diseases such as Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s disease.
Other Iodine-related Conditions
The iodine level in kelp supplements can also lead to other issues. Those include acne-sometimes severe, according to the NLM-stomach irritation, metallic taste in the mouth and increased salivation. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that excess iodine can be toxic, particularly for people suffering from kidney disease or tuberculosis.
Blood Issues
The NLM indicates kelp supplementation can affect blood sugar levels, and anyone with diabetes, low blood sugar or any other condition that requires medication to regulate levels should speak with a doctor before using kelp supplements. This supplement might also have blood-thinning properties and the NLM states there have been reports of abnormal bleeding and other bleeding disorders with this medication. Anyone with bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin should discuss use with a doctor.
Allergic Reaction
Conditions suggesting an allergy to the supplement include itching, hives, rash, swelling, difficulty breathing and a tightness in the throat or chest.
Tags: kelp supplements, with doctor, anyone with, been reports, before using
While vaginal infections are the most common type of yeast infection to affect women, it is possible to get a yeast infection almost anywhere in the body. Breast yeast infections are common under certain conditions and can be uncomfortable at least and painful at worst. It is important to have such infections treated and to know prevent them.
Basics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, yeast infections are caused by an overabundance of the naturally occurring fungus Candida. Small amounts of Candida are always present in the body, but in certain circumstances they may overproduce and result in a yeast infection.
How
Yeast infections of the nipple are most common in breast-feeding mothers. The fungus Candida thrives, and overproduces, in warm moist area--like a moist nipple. If her baby has thrush in his mouth, the mother may become infected. Yeast infections are also common under the breasts where the folds of skin come into contact with one another, particularly in women with larger breasts.
Symptoms
Itchy, burning, cracked nipples are signs of a yeast infection. The nipple may appear inflamed, scaly and ooze a clear discharge. Underneath the breast, look for redness and swelling. You may also experience shooting pains in the breast. Breastfeeding.com advises checking your baby's tongue for white spots as this is a sign that he has a yeast infection and can pass it to his mother.
Treatment
Karen Zeretke, an international board-certified lactation consultant, recommends applying an over the counter antifungal cream to the affected area, and advises, to prevent recurrence, that this treatment continue for up to two weeks after the last signs of infection have disappeared.
Fluconazole is a prescription medication that can treat vaginal yeast infections with just one dose. However Zeretke cites Thomas Hale's statement in 'Medications and Mother's Milk' that nipple yeast infections require a series of dosages of up to two weeks.
Breastfeeding.com suggests applying gentian violet solution to the affected area and then leaving the nipples exposed to let the messy purple solution dry without staining clothes.
Karen Zerteke also says that if either mother or baby has a yeast infection, they must be treated simultaneously to avoid passing the infection back and forth.
Prevention
Because Candida flourishes in moist, warm conditions, care should be taken to thoroughly dry the body after bathing. Zeretke additionally advises that tight, synthetic clothing that traps moisture such as sweat and does not allow the skin to breathe can lead to a yeast infection. She recommends reducing sugar intake because yeast thrives on sugar.
What Are the Brown Spots on Skin That You Can Scrape Off?
Brown, protruding growth spots on the skin can be either moles or skin tags. You can scrape off skin tags, though that can cause pain and bleeding. Moles are larger, and you can't scrape them off.
Appearance
Cultaneous skin tags usually are small protruding growths that are either skin-toned or brown.
Cause
Skin rubbing against itself often causes skin tags. Therefore, they usually are found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts or in the groin area.
Significance
Cultaneous skin tags pose no real medical threat, but they can cause psychological trauma for people who are self-conscious about the appearance of the tags.
Treatment
For people who want to remove their cultaneous skin tags, they can have them cut off with a scalpel or through cryotherapy (freezing) or electrosurgery (burning them off).
Misconceptions
Many people confuse skin tags for moles, but they are actually completely different. Moles develop when melanocyte cells grow in a cluster instead of evenly being distributed across the skin.
Tags: skin tags, Brown Spots, Brown Spots Skin, Cultaneous skin, Cultaneous skin tags, Skin That, Skin That Scrape
Having a mastectomy is a common treatment option for breast cancer patients. Following the operation, several treatment options can help kill the remaining cancer cells if it has spread, or prevent the cancer from returning.
What Is A Mastectomy?
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure where all of the breast tissue is removed. There are two types of mastectomies, simple and radical. A simple mastectomy removes all the breast tissue while a radical mastectomy also removes the muscle of the chest wall.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemo may be done after a mastectomy only if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Side effects of chemo include hair loss, nausea, vomiting and fever.
Radiation
Radiation uses high-powered beams to destroy cancer cells. Occasionally, doctors may order radiation after a mastectomy if there was a large tumor or the cancer had spread to the skin or nipple. Side effects include fatigue and rashes over the affected area.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is used against cancers that are sensitive to hormones. Medications either block hormones from attaching to the cancer or stop the production of hormones. This treatment prevents cancer from returning. Side effects vary but can include joint and muscle pain, and sexual side effects.
Reconstructive Surgery
Mastectomy patients often undergo reconstructive breast surgery to restore the shape of the breasts. Breast reconstruction can be done using implants or by cultivating tissue from another area of the body and moving it to the chest.
Tags: cancer cells, after mastectomy, breast tissue, cancer from, cancer from returning, cancer spread
After skin cancer, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approximately one out of every eight women develops breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.
Identification
Breast cancer occurs when cells within breast tissue mutate and begin to multiply uncontrollably. This leads to the development of tumors, which have the potential to spread through other parts of the body through the lymph nodes.
Causes
Approximately 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are caused by genetic factors, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other risk factors for breast cancer include obesity, drinking alcohol, using hormone replacement therapy medications after menopause, developing menstrual periods before the age of 12 and having your first child after the age of 35.
Symptoms
Often, breast cancer causes no symptoms and is not diagnosed until a lump is felt during a breast self-examination or is spotted on a routine mammogram. Some women do experience symptoms of breast cancer, however, including bloody discharge from the nipple, peeling of the skin around the nipple, changes in breast shape or size, nipple inversion, breast redness or a dimpling of the skin that resembles that of an orange peel.
Types
Breast cancer is staged from 0 to 4, according to the size of the tumor, whether or not lymph nodes are affected by the cancerous cells and if the cancer has spread to other organs. The stage shows the progression or how far the cancer has developed at the time of diagnosis.
Treatment
Often, breast cancer requires either a surgical lumpectomy to remove the tumor or a mastectomy surgery to remove the entire breast. Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and the use of prescription medications that control the spread and growth of cancer cells.
Considerations
Although much more common in women, it is also possible for men to develop breast cancer.
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer, Breast cancer, lymph nodes, Often breast, Often breast cancer
A mammogram is an X-ray of the mammary glands in the breast. According to WebMD, this test is a screening for breast problems, such as lumps, and to determine whether any lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass. The American Cancer society recommends that women over the age of 40 receive annual mammograms as long as they are in good health. Mammograms should be used along with clinical breast exams and monthly self-exams.
Compression View
For some women, a mammogram may be an uncomfortable experience, but it has long been considered one of the best screening methods for early-stage breast cancer. During the mammogram, the technician must obtain a compressed view of the breast to gain the best results for evaluation. This compression view is obtained by placing the breast on a platform and slowly pressing the breast with a clear plexiglass paddle. The breast is held in place for a few moments in order to take the X-ray image.
Compressing the breast is necessary to even out the thickness of the breast, allow better viewing of small abnormalities and prevent blurring, according to RadiologyInfo.
Compression Risks
Not all organizations and health providers are in agreement that mammograms are the best means to detect breast cancer. The Cancer Prevention Coalition warns that breast compression may "lead to distant and lethal spread of malignant cells." The concern is that blood vessels in and around cancerous cells of tumors will rupture, leading to the spread of cancerous cells in other areas of the breast. Breast cancer cells can also enter the bloodstream to metastasize throughout the body..
Other Risks
The Cancer Prevention Coalition has a number of concerns related to mammograms. A principal concern is that mammograms are not able to detect the very earliest cancer cells. Breast cancer may be present in a woman's body, and in a man's, too, long before tumors can be felt or seen in a mammogram.
The organization is also concerned about radiation being a cause for breast cancer when patients receive annual mammograms. RadiologyInfo agrees that "there is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation." However, it further notes that benefits far outweigh risks, because radiation does not remain in the patient's body after the mammogram.
As with all X-ray examinations, women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should discuss this with the doctor and the X-ray technician.
Tags: annual mammograms, breast cancer, cancer cells, Cancer Prevention, Cancer Prevention Coalition, cancerous cells, Compression Risks