Advantages & Disadvantages Of Computed Radiography

Computed Radiography (CR) is becoming more widely used and is steadily replacing conventional radiography. CR uses an imaging plate instead of a film-loaded cassette to obtain the image; the imaging plate is loaded into a CR reader and scanned. The images are displayed on a workstation monitor and can be digitally altered, transferred or stored. Though computed radiography is the gateway to digital imaging, it has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantage: Cost

CR can be cost-effective for an x-ray department or medical office who wants to convert from conventional to digital radiography, since it can be implemented using current conventional x-ray equipment without spending additional money on new x-ray equipment. Also, there is no need for film. CR uses imaging plates that can be reused up to 40,000 times, thus eliminating the costs of expensive x-ray film and film processing. Once the image is obtained and scanned, the image plate is erased and the process can be repeated.

Advantage: Image Distribution

Because CR produces digital images, the images can be transferred easily and instantly to different departments in a hospital, such as the emergency department or the intensive care unit (ICU). In seconds, an orthopedic surgeon can see an image in the operating room that was taken in the x-ray department. The images can also be transferred to a CD, which the patient can take with him to a physician's office.

Disadvantage: Increased Radiation Exposure

Increased radiation exposure is undesirable and must be kept to a minimum. Noise, a commonly used word in radiology that refers to "graininess" on an image, occurs when a low radiation exposure is utilized. The way to reduce noise is to increase the exposure technique, which results in increased radiation exposure to the patient. The increased radiation exposure can also be attributed to exposure factor creep, which occurs when a technologist selects a higher exposure technique than is needed, due to factors associated with using CR.

Disadvantage: Technologist Complacency

With the advances in image quality and post-processing achieved by CR, radiologic technologists can compensate for exposure technique inaccuracies by adjusting the technique during the post-processing phase of the images rather than at the time of exposure. This is a disadvantage as it can encourage complacency rather than accuracy with exposure techniques, which can result in overexposed or underexposed images.

Tags: exposure technique, radiation exposure, imaging plate, increased radiation, increased radiation exposure, occurs when, rather than

Latest Natural Cancer Cures

While no treatment for cancer is ever guaranteed, there are a number of possible natural cures for all types of cancer that have enriched the quality of people's lives. Even when natural remedies can't cure the disease, they can often ease mental distress and symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and vomiting.

Budwig Diet

This diet founded by the late Dr. Johanna Budwig is credited by a number of cancer patients for actually curing the illness, according to testimonials at the website Healing Cancer Naturally (see Resources below). The Budwig diet is largely oil- and protein-based and includes daily flax seeds and no trans fats or processed foods; it urges patients to avoid supplements.

Gerson Therapy

Gerson therapy is another natural cure for cancer credited with healing even serious cases of myeloma (bone cancer) in which the patient was given .05 percent chance of survival, according to the book "Living Proof: A Medical Mutiny." Gerson therapy includes a large amount of freshly-juiced vegetables and three daily coffee enemas.

Green Barley Pills

Some people, including a man who was told another dose of chemotherapy would not help his prostate cancer and might kill him, have claimed they were cured by taking 20 or more 200 mg of green barley pills per day, according to the website Cancer-Success (see Resources below).

Water Fasting

Two men afflicted with bladder cancer claimed that water fasting for at least 28 days cured each of their conditions, according to Healing Cancer Naturally.

Aromatherapy and Yoga

Aromatherapy, which is the inhalation of essential oils from plants and flowers, as well as yoga can both help ease mental and physical distress associated with cancer. Good oils for cancer patients to use to relieve anxiety, nausea and vomiting include cinnamon, lavender, chamomile and grapefruit.

Tags: Cancer Naturally, cancer patients, ease mental, Healing Cancer, Healing Cancer Naturally, Resources below

Radiography Schools In Arizona

Careers in Radiography are expected to be in higher than average demand.

According to Degree Directory, "a Medical Radiography associate's degree can help you obtain a job as a Radiological Technician, taking X-rays and other scans." Most colleges offer a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography upon completion of all the required radiography courses. Degree Directory also notes that "according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics...radiological technicians will have faster than average employment growth through 2014."

Mayo School of Health Sciences

The Mayo School of Health Sciences offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography upon completion of a 22 1/2 month program. This program is accredited through The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The program operates through GateWay Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. According to GateWay Community College, "graduates may advance in their profession by seeking a bachelor's and master's degree in a related field."

GateWay Community College

108 N. 40th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85034

(602) 286-8000

gatewaycc.edu

Central Arizona College

Central Arizona College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, which it describes to be "in accordance with the Radiography Curriculum established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists." The Central Arizona College Radiologic Technology program is accredited with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, as well as with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Central Arizona College

8470 N. Overfield Road

Coolidge, AZ 85128

(800) 237-9814

centralaz.edu

Arizona Western College

Arizona Western College is located in Yuma, Arizona. AZ Western offers an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, which is a two-year degree program. The AZ Western Radiologic Technology program is accredited with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The AZ Western Radiologic Technology program accepted its first class in May 2005.

Arizona Western College

2020 S. Avenue 8E

Yuma, AZ 85365

(928) 317-6000

azwestern.edu

Tags: Radiologic Technology, Applied Science, Arizona College, Arizona Western, Associate Applied, Associate Applied Science

Radiography Requirements

Radiographers use x-ray equipment to diagnose conditions.

Radiographers, sometimes referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, conduct diagnostic imaging such as x-ray examinations to diagnose and treat medical conditions. They work closely with patients and use computerized topography, magnetic imaging equipment and mammography, used to detect breast cancer tumors. Radiographers also prep patients before procedures by explaining the process and positioning equipment. The median salary of radiographers and radiologic technologists as of May 2009 was $53,240, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education Requirements

Candidates who wish to study radiography should take high school courses in chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics, before undertaking further study.

Radiography degree programs at colleges and universities are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. As of 2009, they approved over 600 programs resulting in the award of bachelor’s degrees or associate’s degrees. Radiography degrees entail classroom instruction and clinical training in areas including patient care, imaging principles, anatomy, radiobiology and physiology.

Taking a two-year associate’s degree in radiation science is the most common route into the field.

There are also shorter courses available, however, which provide certificate awards for radiographer technicians. Certificate courses are designed for candidates who have experience in radiography roles or have worked as health professionals and wish to change career direction, as stated on the Degree Directory website. Certificate training programs typically take one to two years to complete.

Licensure

Public exposure to the harmful effects of medical radiation procedures are protected under federal legislation, which stipulates that radiographers must be trained. Each state, though, sets standards to assess candidates and grant licenses. Many states require the completion of a board exam before permitting candidates to practice, as stated by Education Portal. For specific rules regarding licensure, you should contact your state medical board.

Professional Certification

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists runs voluntary certification programs for radiographers who complete an accredited program and pass an examination. Although not required, certification may help candidates secure job roles. Many states also used AART-approved exam questions when licensing radiographer candidates. To keep certification valid, a radiographer must undertake at least 24 hours of educational development every two years. Certification is also available via the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Physical Requirements

Radiographers require good physical stamina because they often work on their feet for sustained periods of time. They may also need to help lift or turn disabled or incapacitated patients. Radiographers should have excellent communication skills to explain the nature of procedures. They also have to instruct patients on safety procedures during treatment, including positioning protective devices to ensure exposed areas of the body do not suffer from the effects of radiation. A radiographer should also be a good team player and be proficient in following medical procedures safely and precisely. A radiographer may be required to work evening, weekend or on-call shifts, depending on hospital staff resources.

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Types Of Breast Cancer Treatment

Types of Breast Cancer Treatment

Women and men who have breast cancer have an uncontrolled growth of cells in their breasts. This unhealthy growth is caused by mutations, or abnormal changes that take place in the genetic structure, which is responsible for keeping these cells healthy. Usually, new healthy cells replace older ones in our body as they die. However, gene mutations can alter this system and make too many cells, forming a tumor, which may be benign or malignant. A malignant tumor in the breast is called breast cancer. There are several ways to treat this cancer, and choosing a course of treatment can be overwhelming. Some basic information can help you make an informed choice.

Surgery

In many cases, surgery is the first approach to breast cancer treatment. You and your doctor will review the kinds of surgery and discuss which is best for your type of cancer and with which you feel most comfortable. In some cases, breast cancer patients can choose between mastectomy--when the breast is completely removed-- and lumpectomy--when part of the breast is saved and radiation treatments follow.

The Breast Cancer Organization reports that lumpectomy with radiation is "likely to be equally as effective as mastectomy" for individuals with just one cancer location and a tumor less than 4 centimeters in diameter. The absence of cancerous tissue around the tumor is also a necessity. Your decision will be based on concern about the cancer returning, breast reconstruction and desire to keep your own breast.

Chemotherapy

Any systemic form of treatment using chemicals to halt the rapid growth of cancer cells is called chemotherapy. Although it is generally very effective, possible chemotherapy side effects include reduced white or red blood cell or platelet count, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and loss of hair. These occur because other rapidly dividing cells are also affected. Post-surgery chemotherapy for patients with no sign of cancer in any other location is called adjuvant therapy. It is used to decrease the risk of a returning cancer. Pre-surgery chemotherapy, called neoadjuvant therapy, can reduce larger cancers enough to make lumpectomy effective. Chemotherapy is also used as a main treatment for cancer that has spread outside the breast and underarm area.

Radiation Therapy

In radiation therapy, patients receive exact amounts of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cell division. While stopping the growth, the radiation also minimizes injury to healthy tissues. Radiation therapy, a proven treatment for breast cancer survival, is given after breast surgery, either alone or along with chemotherapy in order to reduce the cancer's return. Surgeons also use radiation if they feel the tumor cannot be taken out safely, the person's health condition will not permit surgery or the patient requests that surgery not be performed. Radiation treatment is given to patients whose cancer has spread to the brain or bones and/or to reduce pain and other concerns when cancer recurs.

Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal, or anti-estrogen, therapy is not the same as hormone replacement therapy, which may be taken to reduce post-menopausal side effects. Hormonal therapy medicines instead treat breast cancer by reducing or blocking the action of estrogen. Some cells in the breast have hormonal receptors, estrogen or progesterone, which have "told" these cells to grow. When hormones are lowered or cut off from these cells, the risk of cancer returning is reduced. Other cells, which are estrogen- or progesterone-negative, or not produced through hormones, will not be affected by this treatment.

Targeted Therapy

Some breast cancer treatment focuses on specific cancer cell traits, such as a protein permitting cells to grow quickly. These "targeted" therapies will usually cause less harm to healthy cells than a treatment such as chemotherapy. Some of them target antibodies that are like those in the immune system. Three main target therapies for cancer are: Herceptin, chemical name of trastuzumab, targets HER2-positive breast cancers, by keeping cells from knowing where to grow; Tykerb, lapatinib, deters proteins that cause uncontrolled cell growth; and Avastin, bevacizumab, blocks new blood vessel growth, so cancer cells cannot expand and function.

Tags: these cells, breast cancer, breast cancer, breast cancer, Breast Cancer Treatment, cancer cell, cancer cells

What Are The Dangers Of Mri Scans

Since being introduced in the late 1970s, the magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI) has become a valuable diagnostic tool. Unlike X-rays, the MRI does not use potentially dangerous radiation to produce images of the inside of the body. However, because it uses a magnetic field that is about 10,000 times stronger than that of the earth, MRIs can pose a danger to patients who have certain medical devices implanted.

Why Are MRIs Used?

An MRI machine allows doctors to see inside the body. Unlike x-rays, which show only hard structures, the MRI produces images of the soft tissues, such as the heart, lungs and brain. The MRI does this by using magnetic waves, which travel through the tissues at different rates, and as a result can be used to create detailed images, or scans, of the body.

Dangers from Magnetism

A patient inside an MRI machine lies within a huge magnet. Like all magnets, those within the MRI machine attract iron and iron-containing materials.

Some objects are classified as "MR Safe," meaning that they are not affected by the MRI. Others are "MR Conditional," which means that they are not known to cause problems within specific conditions; these items must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if they can safely be around the particular type of MRI device. An item classified as "MR Unsafe" is known to pose a risk in an MRI environment. These items range from cardiac implants to scissors that contain iron.

Patients with an implant that contains iron will be at risk of injury if they undergo an MRI because the powerful magnetic fields produced by the machine can make the object move, possibly leading to physical damage for the patient, or cause the device to malfunction

Among the objects that are considered "MR Unsafe" are:

certain medication pumps (such as insulin pumps)

older vascular stents

cochlear implants

brain-aneurysm clips

pacemakers or cardiac defibrillators

gastrointestinal clips

Other Dangers

In some cases, the metal object within the patient will become hot, possibly hot enough to burn, during an MRI. A catheter with metal parts, for example, could cause a burn injury.

The ActiPatch, an electromagnetic device that aids in the healing of soft tissues, should not be worn during an MRI. Not only might the device be damaged, but its potential for heating is cause for concern.

Heating is also an issue with body piercings. Depending on the mass of the metal in the piercing, a serious burn can result. Even if a burn does not occur, the movement of the piercing that is caused by the magnetic waves can become uncomfortable or even painful.

Similarly, a patient who has a metal fragment near the eye or another organ should not undergo an MRI because the metal piece could become dislodged and damage the organ. This is a common problem facing iron workers and metal workers; before undergoing an MRI, they should have an X-ray to evaluate the location of the fragment.

Contrast Dye Complications

In 2007, Dr. Aneet Deo of St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, along with Dr. Mitchell Fogel of the Columbia University College of Surgeons and Physicians and Dr. Shawn Cowper of Yale University School of Medicine, found a connection between the contrast dye used in magnetic resonance imaging and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with impaired kidney function.

The dye, which is used in about 5 to 10 percent of MRIs, contains gadolinium, which is normally removed from the bloodstream without harm to a healthy kidney. Damaged kidneys, however, cannot process the gadolinium; approximately 18 months after receiving the dye, patients began to show symptoms of NSF, including the development of thickened skin and subcutaeous tissues. The thickening can affect the tissues of the liver, lungs and the myocardium around the heart and may lead to death.

In response to the research, the Food and Drug Administration in 2007 required manufacturers to include a black-box warning on the labels on their products that warns against using gadolinium-containing contrast dye with patients who have impaired kidney function.

Other Concerns

Any iron-containing object within the MRI area presents a potential hazard. The magnetic field from the machine can pull on a pen and cause it to fly across the room---turning an innocent item into a potentially dangerous missile. As a result, such objects are not allowed in the scanning area.

Before the scan, a patient will remove glasses and any hearing aids and will need to leave them outside.

Although it is not a danger to the patient, image distortion can be caused by some metal objects. For example, metal jewelry, dental fillings and spinal rods have been known to disrupt the image. Some tattoos can also affect the quality of the image.

Tags: impaired kidney, impaired kidney function, inside body, kidney function, magnetic field, magnetic resonance, magnetic resonance imaging

The Average Salary In Medical Radiography

Those who work in medical radiography help doctors diagnose patient problems.

A person working in medical radiography is commonly known as an x-ray or radiologic technician. Someone working in this field will work in a medical environment using various digital imaging methods to help doctors identify and diagnose patient illness. Training as a medical radiographer can take as little as 21 to 24 months, or can take up to four years. Each state has specific licensing requirements to work in the medical radiography field.

Education Requirements

Training in medical radiography ranges from a certification program up to an associate's or bachelor's degree. In a certified training program, you will learn use x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and mammography to create digital images that a doctor will then use to determine the nature of a patient's injury or illness. While training, you will also learn adjust and maintain the equipment you will be using. The most common education level in medical radiography is an associate's degree.

Licensing

The federal government works to protect the public from excessive or dangerous levels of radiation by ensuring that people in the medical radiography field have been properly trained. Each state is responsible for establishing its own certification or licensing program for radiographers who wish to practice in that particular state. Most states require licensing for radiologic technologists. Your state health board can inform you of its specific requirements.

Compensation

My Salary.com reports that the average compensation for a radiologic technologist in the United States as of January, 2011 is $48,286. Your compensation will be affected by your experience level and whether or not you specialize in more than one area of medical radiography. Where you live will also have an impact on your salary. The average salary in Oakland, California, was $56,625, while those working in Indianapolis, Indiana, averaged $47,218.

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

Most medical radiographers work in hospital settings, although the Bureau of Labor Statistics believes that more jobs may become available in medical offices and surgical centers. Medical radiographers spend most of the work day on their feet, and they may be required to lift or position disabled patients in order to image the affected area of the patient's body clearly. Precautions are taken to minimize the radiographer's exposure to radiation during procedures.

Tags: medical radiography, work medical, diagnose patient, Each state, help doctors, medical radiography field

Liposuction Disadvantages

Liposuction is a procedure done by a surgeon, who suctions excess fat from certain areas of the body. Although liposuction is a common and usually safe procedure, there are risks and disadvantages to this operation. People considering liposuction should consider their overall health, lifestyle and financial situation before making a decision.

Weight Gain

Liposuction does not prevent weight gain, and new weight may accumulate in other areas where liposuction was not performed.

Cost

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure and generally not covered under health insurance policies, requiring the patient to pick up the full cost of care.

Body Shape

After liposuction, the body may appear asymmetric or lumpy if fat cells were not removed evenly.

Swelling

According to the Food and Drug Administration, swelling may persist for several months after liposuction, resulting in a lack of improvement of physical appearance.

Pain

Pain or numbness from anesthetics and at the incision site may linger for several months after liposuction has been performed.

Infections

Incisions may become infected, and infection can spread to the internal organs, which can become a life threatening condition.

Recovery

Depending on what area of the body liposuction is involved, it may take patients several weeks to regain full range of motion and muscle strength.

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The Average Salary For A Diagnostic Radiologist

The Average Salary for a Diagnostic Radiologist

Diagnostic radiologists are specialized physicians who are trained in the use of radioactive substances for imaging and treatment purposes. While these medical professionals may be involved with obtaining and interpreting medical imaging through the use of x-rays, fluoroscopy, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), they should not be confused with radiology technicians, who have much less training and are typically not medical doctors. Diagnostic radiologists are highly trained and are well compensated for their skills.

Considerations

Doctors and surgeons are among the most highly compensated professionals in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median income for primary care physicians was $186,044 in 2008 while those working in medical specialties, such as diagnostic radiology, received a median compensation of $339,738. Salary.com places the median annual salary of radiologists at nearly $402,000. According to the American College of Radiology, approximately 1.2 percent of American physicians choose radiology as a specialty.

Time Frame

Experience plays an important role in determining the total compensation for diagnostic radiologists, according to PayScale.com. As of October 2010, diagnostic radiologists can expect to earn a minimum of $45,000 during their first year in practice. Those with more than five years on the job average a minimum annual income of more than $145,000. Diagnostic radiologists with more than 20 years in practice may average between $192,971 and $294,791.

Geography

The part of the country where a diagnostic radiologist chooses to practice can affect her income. According to PayScale.com, as of October 2010 diagnostic radiologists practicing in California earned the lowest average salary with incomes ranging from approximately $100,000 to $247,344. Pennsylvania offered the highest average salaries for diagnostic radiologists with salaries ranging between $160,000 and $365,000.

Benefits

Salary only represents a little more than 80 percent of a diagnostic radiologist's total compensation, according to Salary.com. Paid time off accounts for an additional 10 percent of compensation. The remaining 10 percent is made up of bonuses, employer contributions to health and disability insurance, and employer contributions to private and government retirement programs.

Potential

The demand for physicians and surgeons in both primary care and specialty fields is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018 according to the BLS. Growth in this employment sector is expected to be fueled by increased demand for health care services due to the aging of the population along with an anticipated higher-than-average number of physician retirements. The demand for specialties such as radiology is expected to increase due to the increased risks for heart disease and cancer associated with an aging population.

Tags: more than, Diagnostic radiologists, diagnostic radiologists, 2010 diagnostic, 2010 diagnostic radiologists, aging population, Average Salary

North Carolina Teachers' Retirement Information

Teachers in North Carolina need at least 30 years of teaching service.

North Carolina provides its teachers with a 401a defined benefit retirement plan. Teachers can only access their contributions upon employment termination and they do not have the option to borrow against their contributions. Employees are required to contribute 6 percent of their earnings into their retirement fund. The school district contributes 8.75 percent of each teacher's salary amount in addition to the teacher's personal contributions. All contributions earn interest while in the retirement system.

Time Frame

As a teacher in North Carolina, you are only able to receive retirement benefits once you become vested in the retirement system. To become vested, you must complete at least 5 years of teaching service. To receive the maximum retirement benefits, you must complete 30 years of teaching service. If you leave employment prior to completing 5 years of service, you can request a refund of your personal contributions into the system.

Features

Retirement benefits include the option to choose additional death benefit coverage in the amount of $10,000. Also, North Carolina will pay 50 percent of the cost of health insurance for any teacher with 10 years of service and 100 percent of the cost of health insurance for those teachers with 20 years of service.

Benefits

To estimate benefits, use the North Carolina Treasurer's online Retirement Estimator. Benefits are determined by multiplying 1.82 percent of the average of your last four years earnings by your years of service. Then, that amount is divided by 12 to determine the monthly retirement payment. Any remaining personal contributions and accumulated interest will be awarded to your beneficiary upon your death.

Considerations

If you decide to return to work within the school system, you must wait at least 6 months or all your retirement benefits thus far will be revoked. After waiting 6 months, you may return to work, but either you will be subjected to earning limits or you will have to suspend retirement benefits until you terminate employment again. You should thoroughly discuss any plans to go back to work with the state retirement office prior to making any final decisions.

Expert Insight

According to the North Carolina Treasurer, teachers who plan to retire at the end of the school year should complete Form 6 about 3 to 4 months before their last day of work. Upon receipt, the Treasurer's office will send a letter acknowledging your retirement request along with additional instructions and forms.

Tags: North Carolina, retirement benefits, years service, personal contributions, teaching service, years teaching

Psychosocial Effects Of Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

Prophylactic mastectomy is often a difficult decision.

About five percent of breast cancer in women comes from a hereditary gene mutation.When some women test positive for this gene and have relatives who have had breast cancer, they opt to undergo removal of both breasts as a preventive measure. This procedure is a prophylactic bilateral total mastectomy.

Need

Women who undergo prophylactic bilateral total mastectomies should undergo psychological counseling before and after the procedure. Included in the counseling should be assessment and support of the patient's psychological status.

Decision

A 2000 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that most women who choose to undergo prophylactic bilateral mastectomy have decreased stress about contracting cancer and are happy with their decision to have the surgery.

Post-Surgery

Most women surveyed in the aforementioned JAMA study were highly satisfied with their emotional and physical recovery, as well as with their social and psychological function.

Exceptions

About one-third of the women studied, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the reconstruction surgery, largely because of complications that occurred post-operatively.

Support

Most women surveyed express satisfaction with the emotional support given to them by friends and family, both before and after their surgical procedure, according to an October 2007 article in the Cancer Control journal.

Tags: prophylactic bilateral, with their, before after, bilateral total, breast cancer, Most women

The Average Salaries In Radiologic Technology

X-rays can be used to both diagnose and treat afflictions.

Radiologic technology is the practice of using complex medical machinery --- such as X-rays, mammography and magnetic resonance imaging --- to form images of the inside structures of the human body. These images are then used by radiologists and other physicians in the diagnosis of afflictions. Radiologic technicians (sometimes called technologists) perform this role.

Average Salary

The latest figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the body that calculates and catalogues pay and conditions in American industries, listed the yearly average income of a radiologic technician to be $52,210 as of 2010. This reflects basic salary and may be bolstered on an individual basis by the bonuses and benefits attendant to a technician's employment contract.

Salary by Experience

As a radiologic technician gains experience his earning potential is likely to increase. In part this is due to undertaking further training in advanced imaging technologies (such as computed tomography), but also because he is likely to have accrued better benefits, such as pension provision. PayScale.com found that while newly-qualified technicians could expect an average salary of $29,883 to $49,791 per year, those with between 10 and 19 years experience were attaining $75,987 to $90,000.

Salary by Employer

Radiologic technicians work in both the public and private sectors of the economy. With regards to the former, hospitals are by far the biggest employer. Salary analysis website PayScale.com places the average salary for a technician working in a hospital at between $31,315 and $50,480 per year. For those in private practice the figures are $25,434 to $51,883, while private companies offer between $23,489 and $43,909.

Salary by Location

The location in which a radiologic technician is employed can influence his salary level. A survey by PayScale in December 2010 found that of the states surveyed Arizona offered the lowest salaries, $24,566 to $40,695 per year, while California offered up to $75,000.

Training

Radiologic technician training courses typically last between 21 and 24 months and are pursued at either a university or a hospital. Successful completion of the course qualifies individuals to use X-rays in practical situations. Other technologies are learnt on-the-job.

Certification

Within the industry the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is seen as the leading organization for ensuring professional standards. Individuals who pass an ARRT-approved training program can register with the organization. This is a mark of expertise that employers will look for.

Prospects

Radiologic technicians are likely to be able to secure excellent salary packages in the future as demand for their services is expected to rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 17 percent rise in demand for practitioners through to 2018.

Tags: Radiologic technicians, afflictions Radiologic, average salary, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, found that, Labor Statistics

Clean Gums And Teeth

Good oral hygiene can prevent cavities, tooth loss and heart disease.

Properly cleaning your teeth and gums daily will help preserve your appearance and general health. Good oral hygiene prevents cavities and gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and serious health problems. According to Perio.org, the Web site of the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease affects nearly 75 percent of Americans and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Infection from gum disease may also cause far more serious health risks. Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease, a major cause of heart attacks. Additional studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. There is also a growing amount of evidence of links between the inflammation from gum disease and arthritis, diabetes, pregnancy problems, osteoporosis, and respiratory problems. Daily brushing and flossing are necessary for healthy teeth and gums.

Instructions

1. Brush your teeth after every meal.

Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle at the gum line. Move the brush back and forth gently in tooth-wide strokes. To clean the inside surfaces of the teeth, use the bristles at the end of the brush with a gentle up and down movement. Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth and the tongue.

2. Floss daily.

Wind the floss around the middle finger on each hand. Hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger. Insert the floss gently between the teeth, and pull the floss alternately in the shape of a "C" toward the tooth on each side to remove tartar (plaque). Floss picks can be useful when you are on the go, but traditional floss is recommended by dentists because it can reach much more of the gum line. The American Dental Association urges everyone to floss their teeth daily.

3. Rinse with a germ-killing mouthwash.

4. Have a checkup and professional cleaning at least once a year.

Visit your dentist for a dental checkup and cleaning at least once a year. Some periodontists provide antibacterial treatments to treat gum disease. This type of treatment, pioneered by J. Slots, DDS of the University of Southern California, uses antibiotics targeted at the specific type of gum infection. Gum problems will recur without a routine of good oral hygiene.

Tags: oral hygiene, tooth loss, cleaning least, cleaning least once, from disease

Radiation Safety In Ct Imaging

Radiation from CT scans may increase cancer risk over time.

A single CT (computed tomography) scan is generally safe. There are some health risks associated with the radiation used in these tests, but doctors consider these risks when deciding if a CT is right for an individual patient.

Significance

During a CT scan, the Mayo Clinic reports that the tested individual is exposed to an amount of radiation much higher than that used in x-rays.

Time Frame

Although a relatively high amount of radiation is used in a CT scan, the Mayo Clinic reports that exposure to this radiation lasts only a very short time.

Effects

The radiation from a CT scan could increases a person's risk for developing cancer, but Medline Plus reports that the risk from a single CT scan is very low.

Features

The risk from the radiation in CT scans increases with the number of CT scans a person goes through, according to Medline Plus.

Considerations

Pregnant women should not have abdominal CT scans, according to the Mayo Clinic and Medline Plus. The risk of performing a CT is weighed against the risk of not performing the test.

Tags: Mayo Clinic, Medline Plus, reports that, amount radiation, Clinic reports, Clinic reports that

Estriol Cream Side Effects

Estriol cream is a non-prescription treatment for the hot flashes and vaginal dryness associated with menopause. It has been proven safe with few, if any, side effects.

Facts

One of the primary hormones of pregnancy, estriol is a form of estrogen produced by the ovaries.

Benefits

Aside from relieving the symptoms of menopause, estriol has proven safer than other forms of estrogen, like estrone and estradiol, in hormone replacement therapy. Unlike its counterparts, estriol doesn't increase the risk of breast or uterine cancers, nor does it cause blood clots. It's also been shown to prevent skin aging.

Use

One gram of estriol cream is applied to the vagina each night for one week. After that, the frequency is reduced to two or three times each week as needed.

Effects

The most common side effect reported with estriol use is mild vaginal burning upon application. This sensation typically goes away after the first day or two of treatment.

Considerations

Estriol cream is not intended to be used as a sexual lubricant.

Tags: Estriol cream

Breast Pain During Pregnancy

Before you even take the test that gives you that little plus sign, your body may already be giving you signs that you are pregnant. Breast pain is one of the first indications that you are pregnant and can be uncomfortable at times. Understanding the facts surrounding breast pain during pregnancy helps you know what to expect.

Causes

During pregnancy, your body secretes higher levels of certain hormones--estrogen and progesterone--which causes blood to rush to your breasts. This rush of blood and the ensuing formation of milk-producing cells both contribute to breast pain during pregnancy.

Signs

Breast pain during pregnancy typically shows itself as soreness, tenderness, sensitivity, and swelling in both breasts. Excessive pain or redness in only one breast may indicate mastitis or another disorder you need to discuss with your obstetrician or midwife.

Duration

Although mild breast soreness may continue throughout your pregnancy, it is typically most severe during the first trimester, starting when you are about four weeks pregnant.

Solutions

According to BabyCenter.com, the best way to reduce breast pain during pregnancy is to invest in supportive bras that fit your body, especially during exercise. Bras constructed of soft materials (such as cotton) without underwires will most likely provide the most comfort.

Considerations

Breast pain during pregnancy is usually accompanied by other changes in your breasts, including an increase in size, which might make your breasts itch. Your breasts also produce colostrum, which may cause your nipples to leak toward the end of your pregnancy.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy In Surgical Menopause

Hormone Replacement Therapy in Surgical Menopause

An oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and tubes) before natural menopause to reduce the risk of breast cancer will put a woman through surgical menopause. Hormone replacement therapy can reduce the side effects of surgical menopause.

Symptoms

Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, loss of libido, memory lapses, vaginal dryness and many more, and they are the same for women going through natural or surgical menopause.

Expert Insight

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology examined the risk of HRT on the benefits of oophorectomy. Short-term HRT did not negatively impact the results of the surgery.

Explanation

Even though HRT replaces the hormones that are usually produced by the ovaries, the amount of hormones given to women after surgery are less than what the ovaries secrete before menopause.

HRT Options

There are several HRTs available for women with surgical menopause, according to Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered. The choice depends on a woman's symptoms and how extensive the surgery was (i.e. if she still has her uterus).

Considerations

Most research studies that have been done on the effects of HRT on menopausal women have not included patients who underwent surgical menopause and risks of HRT for surgical menopause are uncertain.

Tags: surgical menopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Replacement Therapy, Replacement Therapy Surgical, Therapy Surgical, Therapy Surgical Menopause

Deal With Insurance Companies When Filing Accident Insurance Claims

Deal With Insurance Companies When Filing Accident Insurance Claims

These are few guidelines that you should follow when dealing with insurance company when filling for accident insurance claims.

Instructions

1. Read the insurance policy- Make sure that you understand the terms and the policy of insurance company before you purchase an insurance plan. Ask your your insurance agent and let him explain to you in full details.

2. Do not sign any document if you have not completely understand. Being aware of everything will guide you in the future, when it is time to claim for your insurance, you will have a clue when the time comes.

3. Do not delay, immediately file for insurance claim after the accident. The insurer will not be eligible to claim for any insurance if the Insurance companies given time period expires

4. With the above information, you will be in a better position when problem arises, deal with your insurance company and seek accident insurance claims the right way. Good luck...

Tags: insurance company, your insurance, accident insurance, accident insurance claims, Accident Insurance Claims, Companies When, Companies When Filing

Prevent Waterborne Diseases

Waterborne diseases are diseases or illnesses caused by ingesting contaminated water. The water itself can be directly or indirectly contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms usually found in animal and human feces. Waterborne diseases are dangerous because they can contaminate water sources that large amounts of people use, like bottled water and city tap water. However, despite the dangers that waterborne diseases present, there are many ways for you to prevent them and keep your water clean.

Instructions

1. Maintain proper hygiene. Poor hygiene is a major cause of the problem that waterborne diseases represents, and is the main culprit in the transfer of parasites like giardia and hookworms. Always thoroughly wash your hands with warm soap and water after using the bathroom, and try to refrain from drinking from containers that belong to other people.

2. Keep fecal matter away from drinking water. Farm animals like cows and pigs often defecate near water that runs off or floods into villages and small towns. This contaminated water can contain highly dangerous parasites that can cause diarrhea and hepatitis in humans. A good way to cut down on the fecal transfer between drinking water and animal fecal matter is to keep animals far away from water that could possibly be used by humans.

3. Disinfect the water to keep it safe for public use. Water used by humans for drinking, cooking, and bathing is often treated by the city's water department with products like fluoride. However, disinfecting water with chemicals like chlorine is another good preventative measure to use and can kill pathogenic microorganisms as well as other harmful germs in the water. Untreated water increases the chance that you'll be infected with a waterborne disease; therefore, disinfection practices should be kept in place to help prevent these diseases from infecting more people.

Tags: away from, city water, contaminated water, drinking water, fecal matter, from drinking

The Average Income Of A Ballerina

Ballerinas often earn low pay, but some primas earn as much as some doctors.

Like other jobs in the arts, the job of ballerina usually offers pay comparable to minimum wage. For many ballerinas, however, sacrificing high pay for the opportunity to be physically and emotionally expressive is well worth it. Ballerinas represent some of the most graceful, strong and hard-working performers in the dance industry.

Average Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide figures specifically for ballerinas. Instead, the bureau provides salary data for all dancers. These figures suggest that, based on 2009 information, a ballerina can earn anywhere from $7.54 to $29.18 per hour, with an average hourly rate of $16.37. Hourly rates more accurately reflect earnings because a ballerina may have many assignments with different companies each year.

Choreographers

Dancers have one of the highest rates of nonfatal injury due to the physical demands placed on their bodies, according to the BLS. For this reason, many dancers, including ballerinas, stop dancing around age 30. To continue their careers, some ballerinas begin working as choreographers. The BLS indicates that, according to 2009 information, a choreographer makes $18,210 to $69,070 per year with an average salary of $42,130.

Supplemental Income

Because ballerinas face inconsistent work, they often supplement their income through other employment. It is not possible to ascertain exactly how much a ballerina may make through this supplemental employment because ballerinas may work in any industry outside of dance. However, the most common avenues for supplemental funds are to take ballet jobs outside of their normal dance company or to teach. Some ballerinas may receive bonuses if they dance consistently for one company.

Touring

Tours can affect how much a ballerina earns. According to the BLS, employers usually compensate touring ballerinas with room and board provisions as well as overtime pay. Thus, it may be to a ballerina's financial benefit to tour often.

Unions

Some ballerinas belong to unions such as the American Guild of Musical Artists, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Screen Actors Guild and the Actors' Equity Association. Ballerinas who belong to these unions are guaranteed a set minimum pay rate, although they often negotiate deals far better than the minimum. However, many starting ballerinas don't yet belong to these unions.

Position

Not all ballerinas are equal on the stage -- some dancers are merely in the background. Others, like prima ballerinas, are the "leads" of a production, often dancing solo. They get paid more because, simply put, they dance more. Only the best ballerinas are prima ballerinas. A well-known prima easily can earn six figures a year. Ballerina Julie Kent, for example, earns $171,000.

Tags: 2009 information, ballerinas belong, belong these, belong these unions, much ballerina, prima ballerinas, Some ballerinas

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Being A Gynecologist

Gynecologists may be called to work off hours, including late nights or weekends.

Gynecology addresses the health of the female reproductive system, so gynecologists perform examinations, diagnose conditions and diseases and offer treatments for patients. Types of conditions treated by gynecologists include gynecological diseases, pregnancy and fertility and professionals may also work with patients diagnosed with cancer, urine incontinence or problems with the pelvic organs. While being a gynecologist can be both profitable and rewarding, these professionals must still overcome disadvantages related to gynecological careers.

Specializations

One advantage to being a gynecologist is the opportunity to specialize in a particular area, providing different challenges in your career should you become ready to try something new. Some gynecologists specialize in obstetrics, providing care for pregnant women before and after giving birth. Others may specialize in gynecological cancer or fertility challenges.

Job Prospects

Another advantage to becoming a gynecologist is the possibility of strong job prospects. Employment for gynecologists is projected to grow by 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is faster than average compared with other professions, according to Degree Finders. Additionally, gynecologists can choose from a variety of job locations including hospitals, clinics, health organizations or their own private practice.

Salary

Gynecologists earn higher salaries than many professions, making this an advantage for this career option. In 2009, the middle-range salary for gynecologists ranged from $199,486 to $289,712, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest-paid gynecologists earned more than $336,668 for that year. The mean annual wage in 2009 was $204,470.

Preparation

Gynecologists must spend significant amounts of time and money completing education and training requirements before entering the field. This can be considered a disadvantage, since you may accumulate steep student debt loads and defer salary earnings because of extended schooling requirements. After completing a four-year undergraduate degree, gynecologists must earn a doctor of medicine degree. You'll also complete a four-year gynecological residency program, including a one-year internship. Preparation for a specialty (such as those described above) may include an additional three years of residency training. Gynecologists must earn a license by completing required academic and internship hours and pass a state-issued content mastery exam. After becoming licensed, gynecologists continue with professional development requirements by completing additional courses or attending trainings.

Stress

Like many jobs in the medical field, working as a gynecologist involves some level of stress. Patients and their families rely on you to make accurate, informed decisions and there will be instances when you'll need to act quickly and knowledgably in emergency medical situations. At times, you may need to share difficult news (such as a cancer diagnosis or information about a pregnancy complication) with patients and their families. Depending on job type and medical condition, you may be called upon to perform services at odd hours, such as weekends or late at night.

Distrust

Culturally, male gynecologists may face jokes or questions from other people regarding their career choice. Female patients may express discomfort about being examined by a male gynecologist. This disadvantage may be overcome by always exhibiting professionalism about gynecology and directly addressing questions and concerns patients may have.

Tags: being gynecologist, must earn, their families, with patients

The Salary Of A Histology Associate

Histology associates may prepare slides from the tissue of animals, plants or humans.

Histology associates are clinical laboratory technicians and technologists who specialize in preparing sections of body tissue for examination. Histology technicians, sometimes referred to as histotechnicians, must typically complete a diploma or certificate course from a technical institute or earn an associate degree from an accredited community college. Histology technologists, sometimes referred to as histotechnologists, typically hold at least an associate degree but may hold a bachelor's degree or have training at the post-bachelor's level. Wages for histology associates vary based on their occupational level, their employment type and their geographic location.

National Technician Wages

Histology associates who work as histotechnicians belong to the "Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians" occupational category, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual wages for all medical and clinical lab techs from across the United States was $36,280 as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 25 percent of medical and clinical laboratory technicians earned more than $45,690. Histotechnicians were among the most highly compensated of all medical and clinical lab techs. The Indeed.com website placed the national average annual salary for histotechnicians at $49,000 as of June 2011.

Regional Technician Wages

Wages for histology associates who work as histotechnicians can vary significantly based on the geographic region of the country where they work. Medical and clinical laboratory technicians who worked in Rhode Island earned the highest median annual wages in the country at $56,950 as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wyoming-based medical and clinical lab techs earned the lowest median annual wages in the country at $23,400.

National Technologist Wages

Histology associates who work as histotechnologists belong to the "Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists" occupational category, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual wages for all medical and clinical lab technologists from across the United States was $56,130 as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 25 percent of medical and clinical laboratory technicians earned more than $66,370 per year, while the bottom 25 percent earned annual wages of less than $47,130. Histotechnologists earned similar wages to all medical and clinical laboratory technologists. The Indeed.com website placed the national average annual salary for histotechnologists at $54,000 as of June 2011.

Employment Type

Histology associates may work in a variety of health care-related industries. The pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry paid the highest mean wages for medical and clinical laboratory technicians and technologists. Technologists who worked in this industry earned mean annual wages of $80,390 as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Approximately 58.4 percent of all job opportunities for histology technologists were in general medical hospitals and surgical hospitals. Technologists who worked in hospitals earned mean annual wages of $57,300.

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Connect A Sony Ccdtrv138 Handycam To A Tv

The Sony Handycam CCD-TRV138 camcorder uses Hi8 videotapes to record your home movies. In addition to the built-in liquid crystal display (LCD) screen on the camera you can connect the CCD-TRV138 to your television to review videos recorded with the camera. An A/V cable comes supplied with the camera as it is needed to connect the camera to your television. Watch your movies recorded on the CCD-TRV138 by connecting the camera to your television.

Instructions

1. Pull the rubber cover out of the "DC IN" jack located under the battery on the back of the Sony CCD-TRV138. Connect the AC adapter cable to the "DC IN" jack with the arrow on the cable facing up. Plug the square end of the power cord, which does not come connected to the AC adapter, into the power jack on side of the AC adapter opposite the cable and then plug the opposite end of the power cord into a wall outlet. You should use the AC adapter when connecting your camera to a TV to preserve battery life.

2. Plug the small, round end of the supplied A/V connecting cable into the "A/V OUT" jack on the right side of the camera. The "A/V OUT" jack is found near the lens.

3. Connect the yellow connector of the A/V cable into a "Video IN" jack on your television and the black connector of the A/V cable into a "Audio IN" jack on your television to finish connecting the camera to your television.

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What Are Common Medications For Diabetes

Nearly 24 million people in the United States have diabetes and the number continues to grow, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Diabetics are categorized as either Type 1, those who produce little or no insulin, or Type 2, those who produce an insufficient amount of insulin or who are resistant to the insulin they do produce. This article provides an overview of the common medications prescribed for both types of diabetes.

Types of Medications

Diabetic medications can be broken into two categories: oral and injectable. Insulin and Byetta are the two common injectable treatments. Oral diabetic medications sold in the United States fall into to five classes, according to the American Diabetes Association. These are: sulfonylureas, meglitinides, biguanides, thiazolidinediones and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. The oral medications are most commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but are sometimes used in conjunction with insulin for Type 1 treatments under the advice of a healthcare provider.

Injections

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows your body to turn blood glucose into a form of energy your cells can use. All Type 1 diabetics and some Type 2 must take insulin injection. There are four types of insulin with different peak times and effective durations. These are: rapid acting insulins that peak in 30 to 90 minutes and last one to five hours; short acting insulins that peak in 40 to 60 minutes and last two to eight hours; intermediate insulins that peak in 4 to 12 hours and last 10 to 18 hours; and long-acting insulins that last up to 24 hours. Side effects of insulin include low blood sugar, weight gain and redness and swelling at the injection site.

Byetta, approved for Type 2 diabetics, is an injection that helps control blood-sugar levels by increasing insulin production, slowing the movement of food out of the stomach and stopping the liver from releasing glucose. Side effects of Byetta include vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache and nausea

Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides

Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides both stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. Sulfonylureas are generally taken one to two times a day before meals. Meglitinides are usually taken three times a day, once before each meal. Since both of these drugs cause increased insulin production, they can cause low blood sugar. Other side effects of Sulfonylureas include weight gain, upset stomach and rash. Side effects of Meglitinides include headaches, weakness and irritability.

Biguanides

Biguanides lower blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and helping your body use the insulin you produce. Biguanides are usually taken two times a day. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and decreased appetite.

Thiazolidinediones

These drugs increase your fat and muscle cells' sensitivity to insulin to help the insulin you produce work more effectively. They also reduce the amount of glucose produced by your liver. Side effects include an increased risk of heart failure and anemia.

Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors

Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors block the breakdown of starches in your lower intestine and slow the absorption of carbohydrates into your body. Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors are taken at the beginning of each meal. Side effects include bloating, nausea and diarrhea.

Tags: Side effects, insulins that, Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors, blood sugar, effects include

Ease Breast Pain

Breast pain, or mastalgia, is a very common complaint of women. Breast pain can be severe and debilitating, or very mild. It can occur in both breasts, or just one, and there are many causes. Many times, breast pain is related to a woman's hormone levels, especially elevated levels of circulating estrogen. Breast pain may be caused by muscular pain, improperly fitting bras, medication, cysts or tumors. You will need to visit your doctor for an examination. Your treatment will be based on his findings. There are steps you can take for easing breast pain.

Instructions

1. See your doctor. You should get a physical examination that will include a breast exam. Your doctor should evaluate your breasts to determine if there any lumps or irregularities. If he discovers an abnormality, he will send you for further testing, such as a mammogram or ultrasound of the breast.

2. Maintain your weight. Losing weight may reduce the incidence of breast pain by stabilizing the level of your hormones. Losing weight will also reduce the size of your breasts, which may ease some of your pain.

3. Take a pain reliever. Many times, an over-the-counter pain reliever will help alleviate or reduce breast pain. Check with your doctor before taking pain medication.

4. Try vitamins. Vitamin B6, Vitamin E and Vitamin B1 may relieve your breast pain. Ask your doctor if he recommends the use of these vitamins for treatment of your breast pain.

5. Eat a low fat diet. A diet that is rich in grains, fruits and vegetables may promote hormonal balance, and thus ease breast pain. Eating healthily will also help maintain your weight, which can also help reduce your pain.

6. Get the right sized bra. Wearing a bra that does not fit properly contributes to breast pain. Go to a department store or a store specializing in undergarments to be properly fitted for your bras. A well fitting bra will properly support your breasts and help reduce your breast pain.

7. Reduce caffeine. Caffeine can contribute to painful breasts and promote formation of breast cysts. Limiting your intake of coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks may help alleviate your breast pain.

Tags: breast pain, your breast, your breast pain, Breast pain, your breasts, also help

What Are The Symptoms Of Shingles In Women

Shingles is a painful condition involving blistering rashes. Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which also causes chicken pox. The symptoms of shingles in women are the same for others with shingles.

Pain

Burning, tingling pain on one side is usually the first symptom of shingles. The pain and burning can be severe.

Rash

Rashes, or red patches, may show up on your skin, then small blisters which break and form small ulcers. The rash typically goes from the spine to the front of the stomach or chest.

Face

When shingles affect the nerves in your face your symptoms may include pain, rash and muscle weakness in the face.

Eyes

Symptoms of shingles affecting the eyes include vision problems, drooping eyelids and a loss of eye motion.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms of shingles in women include fever, chills, headache, hearing loss, problems with your sense of taste, swollen lymph nodes and genital lesions.

Tags: Other symptoms, shingles women, symptoms shingles, symptoms shingles women

Pros & Cons Of Microwaves

Microwaves have many advantages and disadvantages over traditional ovens.

Millions of homes have a microwave oven in addition to a traditional oven and stove. While microwaves are ideal for cooking some food, certain disadvantages make them less than perfect for some situations. Does this Spark an idea?

Speed

It's hard to argue with the convenience of microwave cooking. Foods that can take 15 to 30 minutes to cook in a conventional oven usually can be cooked in a fraction of that time in a microwave. Not only does a microwave cook food faster, it expends less energy. According to the the Advanced Microwave Technology website, cooking with a microwave is up to 70 percent more efficient than cooking with a conventional oven.

Quality

According to the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler website, some foods heat better in microwave ovens than other food. Microwaved meats and vegetables may not always have as appealing a texture as the same foods that were broiled or grilled. Also, microwaves do not always cook uniformly, leaving food very hot on the surface but not fully cooked inside.

Safety Concerns

The university's website also states that some plastic containers cannot withstand the heat generated in microwave ovens and can introduce potentially harmful chemicals into the food cooked. Also, materials such as aluminum foil can spark and cause violent reactions in microwave ovens.

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Affordable Health Insurance For Children In Georgia

Children in Georgia can receive free or low-cost medical care if they qualify.

While health insurance coverage is important for everyone, it is especially critical for children to have access to affordable health care. Whether it's regular checkups and immunizations, or physician visits for the inevitable sniffles and sneezes that come with childhood, it's important that children get proper medical care to stay healthy. In Georgia, low- to moderate-income families that do not have health insurance or qualify for Medicaid can apply for affordable health insurance for children.

PeachCare for Kids

In the late 1990s Georgia established PeachCare for Kids, a program that provides low-cost health insurance for children under age 19 in households that earn up to 235 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. The income restrictions for Medicaid in Georgia are strict -- only families with incomes less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for Medicaid -- and as a result, some children with working parents who could not afford health insurance coverage were going without. As of 2011, a family of four can make up to $51,818 per year and qualify for PeachCare.

Cost of PeachCare for Kids

Families with children in the PeachCare program pay a monthly premium for the coverage if the children are over age six. Children under age six are free, while parents pay a monthly premium for older children that ranges from $10 to $35 per month, depending on the household income and size. The maximum monthly premium is $70 per month for two or more children. PeachCare benefits do not require the payment of deductibles or co-payments for services.

PeachCare for Kids Coverage and Benefits

When families enroll in PeachCare for Kids, they choose a Georgia Families Care Management Organization to coordinate the benefits and health care. These organizations are private health insurance companies, and after your initial enrollment period, you can only change your company once per year during the open enrollment period. The insurance covers most medical procedures and services, including preventive services and immunizations, doctor visits, emergency room and hospital care, dental, vision and mental health care and prescriptions. PeachCare coverage starts on the first day of the month that application is approved, and bills incurred before that day will not be covered by the insurance.

PeachCare Eligibility

In order to be eligible for PeachCare for kids, families not only need to meet the income requirements, but they must also be residents of Georgia and U.S. citizens or legal residents. Children of state employees are not eligible for PeachCare, as they have access to health insurance through their parent's employment. Children must be without health insurance for at least six months before they can be eligible for PeachCare for kids. Income verification is also required; you are required to provide copies of pay stubs or tax information to prove that your income falls within the eligibility requirements.

Tags: health insurance, children PeachCare, eligible PeachCare, health care, monthly premium

College Grants For Women Over 50 In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is full of scholarships for nontraditional students.

Women over the age of 50 who reside or attend school in Wisconsin are able to take advantage of dozens of nontraditional student scholarships. The majority of these awards are open to students over age 25 and have no maximum age limit, so women who are over 50 may apply. Institutes of higher education in Wisconsin may have an office devoted to nontraditional or returning students, and scholarship information will be available through the department.

Alma Baron Second Chance for Women Scholarship

The University of Wisconsin-Madison administers several scholarships for returning students, single mothers and mature women. The Alma Baron Second Chance for Women Scholarship is for women aged 45 years or older who have been admitted to or will be continuing their studies at UWM. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and the probability of academic success in either beginning or continuing a degree program. The award is for $1,000 and is renewable for up to five years, and both citizens and permanent residents of the United States are eligible to apply.

UW-Madison Continuing Studies

Adult and Student Services

21 N. Park St, 7th floor

Madison WI 53715

608-263-6960

dcs.wisc.edu

Riverview Hospital Auxiliary Scholarships

The Riverview Hospital Association was established in 1912 to serve the health care needs of Wisconsin Rapids and South Wood County residents. It provides four Auxiliary Scholarships each year to students planning on a career in health care. Two of the scholarships are for undergraduates, and two for nontraditional students. The nontraditional student award is for those who are at least 25 years of age and are enrolled in a program with a course load of at least six credits. Applicants must reside in Wood County. The scholarship is worth $2,000 per year and is renewable for up to two years.

Riverview Hospital

410 Dewey Street

Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

715-423-6060

rhahealthcare.org

Nan Pickett Memorial Scholarship

Specific to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the Nan Pickett Memorial Scholarship is for students at least 25 years of age who are in good academic standing. Applicants must be majoring or minoring in one of 14 subjects, including biology, astronomy, environmental and public health, computer science and nursing. The scholarship is worth $300. UW-Eau Claire has an extensive amount of internal scholarships for nontraditional, returning and single parents through their Nontraditional Student Services department.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Nontraditional Student Services

105 Garfield Avenue

P.O. Box 4004

Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004

715-836-3259

uwec.edu/advising

Lenice Christine Merrill Eskritt Scholarship

This memorial scholarship is administered through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and is awarded to a different department in the College of Professional Studies each year. Candidates must be aged 25 or older and have completed a minimum of two semesters with at least a 3.0 GPA. Further, they must have dependent children and be able to demonstrate financial need. The award covers one year of full-time undergraduate tuition and fees or at least two part-time semester tuitions and fees.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

2100 Main Street

Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897

715-346-0123

uwsp.edu

Tags: Applicants must, Riverview Hospital, Student Services, Alma Baron, Alma Baron Second, Auxiliary Scholarships, Baron Second

The Advantages Of Investing Money In Information Technology

IT saves money

IT spending is a large source of debate for most businesses. The amount of must-have technology on the market is staggering and, because of that, companies often find themselves unable to prioritize their purchases. There is also the training curve that goes along with any IT investment. Still, the cost savings advantages often far outweigh the short term stumbling blocks associated with IT spending.

Increase in Productivity

Some of the productivity increases improved information technology allows may not seem obvious, but consider this: cloud computing allows employees to work from home by connecting to the company "cloud." A cloud is the modern term for a server that holds a series of documents and files that are editable by an infinite number of employees. In the past, technology has not allowed employees to collaborate on a project in real time unless they were in the same room. Cloud computing has changed that and, even better, this technology is relatively cheap.

Travel Costs

For companies who spend a significant portion of their budget on employee travel, technology is cutting those budgets drastically. There are many current services on the market that allow for video or audio teleconferences where employees all over the world can gather in a virtual meeting. Not only does this save a company money, it increases worker happiness by allowing them to go home to their families at the end of the day. The small expense of these services will pay for itself many times over when compared to the money saved on travel costs.

Paper Costs

While the price of paper does not seem like a significant expense for a large company, it is. The cost of office supplies can take up a large amount of the yearly budget for a small company. Technology has solved this problem with e-mail, PDF file formats, and documents that allow changes and edits to be tracked.

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Develop Cancer Wellness Centers

Globally, cancer wellness centers are at the forefront of revamping health-care systems and patient opportunities. As the populace ages and the number of cancer diagnoses rise, patients are taking charge of their own health care and seeking out successful wellness facilities. Patients are more educated consumers than ever before. They choose hospitals and doctors by reputation, and their access to quality care. For a wellness center to develop and thrive in this competitive environment, the organization needs a creative and proactive business plan.

Instructions

1. Proactively plan and supervise in a multifaceted and always-changing financial environment. Develop a five-year strategic plan outlining revenue and identifying aspects that affect the profitability of the program. That plan should also include a vision and mission statement for the organization, an assessment of internal and external cost issues, the recognition of four major strategic goals, and the development of 50 specific proposals to be executed to carry out the goals of the organization.

2. Design programs and contact leading experts in your area for advice and possible involvement as a healer, lecturer or board member. Place a strong emphasis on staff and training. Offer regular programs/classes/events on an assortment of cancer wellness and management issues, such as the side-effects of chemotherapy, eating for health, pain management and living with lymphedema.

3. Offer comprehensive care plans that treat the whole person, not simply the disease. Centers that support body, mind and spirit are most sought after in the cancer community. For example, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America offers Conventional Treatments like surgery and chemotherapy alongside complementary therapies such as acupuncture and spiritual support. Combining long-established cancer care programs with sophisticated complementary/alternative healing helps increase recovery rates.

4. Create a coordinated, customer-focused patient care program that is both well-organized and cost-effective using the relationships within the health care community. Look for ways to creatively partner with other organizations to increase market share. For example Seattle's Cancer Lifeline holds regular cancer wellness and management classes at the local area hospitals for their cancer patients. This symbiotic relationship is a win-win for everyone--patient, wellness center, doctors and hospitals.

5. Provide access to the most recent technology and cancer management in surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, pain management, nutrition counseling, cooking classes, naturopathic medicine, oncology, mind-body medicine, spiritual support and grief counseling---if not all in one location, like a clinic or a hospital, then through strategically planned and endorsed providers. Make the information available to patients and providers through a far-reaching marketing program of on- and off-site classes, partnerships with hospitals, universities, yoga studios and health food stores. Develop a website with an ongoing outreach newsletter filled with wellness information like Seattle's 24-Hour Cancer Lifeline.

6. Devise a wide-ranging marketing approach that will fuel your programs of integrative and compassionate care, give added value to your grant request and position you as a leader in the community. Enact an ongoing fundraising program with at least two annual major events. To raise investment capital and ongoing donations, focus energy on developing relationships and partnerships through philanthropic initiatives with cancer-based foundations in the community and across the country. Susan Komen and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation are two good examples of foundations that seek community partners.

Tags: cancer wellness, Cancer Lifeline, cancer wellness management, health care, pain management, spiritual support, surgery chemotherapy

Non Ionizing Radiation Training

Radar stations are strong sources of non-ionizing radiation.

Non-Ionizing radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation having less energy than ultraviolet (UV) light or X-rays. While this makes non-ionizing radiation safer than the ionizing kind, it still carries some risks. As with all forms of radiation, you protect yourself by shielding against it and managing distance between yourself and its source. Various government and independent organizations have defined safe levels of exposure, and equipment manufacturers follow those guidelines.

Properties

As radiation's energy increases with decreasing wavelength, non-ionizing radiation has relatively long wavelengths, spanning visible light of about 450 nanometers all the way to radio waves of several meters. Other than light, non-ionizing radiation is invisible, though easily detected with electronic devices. It travels in straight lines and can be guided or absorbed by various materials.

Heating

Unlike ionizing radiation, which can directly damage biological tissue, non-ionizing radiation simply heats things up. Polar molecules, such as water, absorb the radiation's energy, becoming warm. Microwave ovens and heat lamps are common examples of this, though it happens with all wavelengths to some degree. Excessive heat can cause pain and tissue damage.

Exposure

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set limits for exposure to radio waves in MRI machines, though most of the same ideas apply to other sources of non-ionizing radiation. Exposure has been defined in terms of specific absorption rate (SAR), which describes how many watts of energy become absorbed by a kilogram of human tissue. The FDA's safe exposure limits are no more than 8 watts per kilogram of tissue for five minutes, or 4 watts/kilogram for 15 minutes. Other organizations, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA), set exposure limits for specific workplace settings and types of equipment.

Shielding

You can prevent non-ionizing radiation from leaking out of equipment and cabling by using various kinds of shielding. In many instances, equipment designers use grounded metal cages to block radio-frequency energy. The energy can perform its intended function inside the cage but cannot escape it. A common example of shielding is coaxial cable. It consists of an inner wire conductor surrounded by a plastic jacket, in turn surrounded by a conducting mesh. The outer mesh keeps radio-frequency radiation from escaping the cable, especially when it's connected to an electrical ground.

Distance

All radiation from a point-like source diminishes in intensity as the reciprocal of the square of the distance from the source. Scientists and engineers call this the inverse-square law. With increasing distance, non-ionizing radiation's power drops off to a tiny fraction of what it is nearby. This fact, along with the effects of shielding, allow people to work safely with radiation-producing equipment.

Tags: non-ionizing radiation, radiation from, exposure limits, radiation energy, radio waves, sources non-ionizing

Metabolic Hurthle Cell Adenoma Syndrome

Metabolic hurthle cell adenoma (MHCA) syndrome is an unusual and uncommon medical condition.. Hurthle cells are located in the thyroid and are sometimes referred to as oncocytic cells. An adenoma is a benign tumor in which the cells form a glandular structure. In the case of MHCA syndrome, the cells grow to build on to the existing thyroid structure.

About

MHCA syndrome affects only about 3 to 10 percent of thyroid tumors, according to Dr. Serhat Aytug of eMedicine. The hurthle cells of the thyroid begin to grow abnormally to form a tumor. Another name for MHCA syndrome is Hashimoto thryoiditis or toxic thyroiditis. Onocytic cells are also known as hurthle cells. Adenoma grows are often benign, but in some cases may be malignant and potentially travel to other parts of the body.

Facts

MHCA syndrome is often on both sides of the thyroid (bilateral) and present in multiple places in the thyroid. According to Dr. Aytug of eMedicine, a diagnosis of MHCA may not necessarily mean that the growth is malignant, since the majority of these types of growths are benign. Often, the tumor can be felt by hand. Metabolic MHCA affects only about 2.3 percent of women and 0.74 percent of men.

Causes

According to Dr. Aytug, there are several factors that contribute to MHCA. These include a history of radiation therapy for other illnesses and iodine deficiency. Another significant factor is the activation of genes that may contribute to uncontrolled or abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland.

Symptoms

Symptoms of MHCA include a physical discernible mass in the throat. Common symptoms include husky or raspy voice, coughing, swollen lymph nodes, redness around the throat, a feeling of construction or blockage in the throat--particularly upon swallowing--and occasionally facial swelling.

Treatment

The most common treatments for MHCA include surgical treatment to remove the tumor and thyroid, external radiation and chemotherapy. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, supplemental thyroid treatment is often necessary for the rest of the patient's life. Supplemental thyroid medication is not administered until after the medication intervention is completed. Common thyroid supplement medications can include Synthroid and Levoxyl.

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