Know If You Have Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the technical term for a medical condition characterized by enlarged breasts in males. The typical cause is a fluctuation in hormone levels, which commonly occurs in infancy, during puberty, and at middle age. Although gynecomastia isn't life threatening, you may be experiencing some pain or discomfort. At the very least, you may be embarrassed to have "man boobs" and tempted to simply hide them. However, since enlarged breast tissue may indicate an underlying condition of a more serious nature, it's important to know if you have gynecomastia and to do something about it.

Instructions

1. Examine yourself in a mirror if you suspect you may have gynecomastia. This condition represents an overgrowth of glandular breast tissue, not an accumulation of excess fat. You can tell the difference by looking and feeling for an enlargement of underlying tissue in the area surrounding the nipples that is greater than 5.08 mm in diameter, or approximately 1/5 inch.

2. Pay attention to telltale symptoms. Typical symptoms include general swelling, soreness, dimpling of the nipple or surrounding skin, and enlargement of the lymph glands under the armpit. In some cases, there may be a discharge of clear fluid from one or both nipples.

3. Create a risk factor profile. Risk factors that may predispose you to developing gynecomastia include liver and kidney disease and an overactive thyroid. Certain medications, including those used to treat the previously mentioned conditions, may also increase your risk, such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors. Other drugs associated with increased risk include medications intended to treat heart disease, prostate cancer and HIV infection.

4. Call your physician to schedule an appointment for an evaluation. This is the only way you can really know if you have gynecomastia. Your doctor may order a series of blood tests to measure testosterone levels, steroid hormone output from the thyroid, and liver and kidney function.

5. Be aware that if you delay seeking diagnosis and treatment for too long it can result in scarring of the glandular tissue, which can only be corrected with surgery. Put your self-consciousness aside. It's better to know that you have gynecomastia for sure than to ignore the issue.

Tags: have gynecomastia, breast tissue, know have gynecomastia, liver kidney

Youth Outreach Programs In Miami

Youth outreach programs in Miami focus on dropout prevention, pregnancy prevention, sporting activities and other opportunities for growth.

When communities and nonprofit organizations engage youth in positive activities, it can provide an opportunity for personal, social and physical growth. According to the South Florida Business Journal, 33,600 students dropped out of the class of 2008 in the Miami metro area. Youth outreach programs in Miami may help reduce such harrowing statistics for dropouts and alleviate other social concerns in the area.

Miami Rescue Mission, Inc.

The Miami Rescue Mission offers a youth center for programs, including sports activities, public library visits, sports games, trips to the beach and movies, tutoring services and other opportunities to help area youth grow spiritually, mentally and physically so that they might be better prepared for life's challenges. The Miami Rescue Mission operates in an 18,000-square-foot facility and offers after-school and summer programs for inner-city youth.

Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers

2159 N.W. 1st Court

Miami, FL 33127

(305) 571-2273

miamirescuemission.com

YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade County

The YWCA provides opportunities for youth and teens in the Miami area---these opportunities focus on personal enrichment, goal setting and building up social skills. The stay-in-school program focuses on reducing delinquency and works with youth referred by the juvenile justice system. The program seeks to reduce risk factors for substance abuse and similar problems by focusing on remedial education, tutoring and group counseling. The teen pregnancy prevention program focuses on counseling in pregnancy prevention, tutoring assistance for academia, and referral or support services. The neighborhood empowerment program offers goal setting, planning assistance and the development of interpersonal skills through activities, discussions, field trips, guest speakers and seminars. Offered after school, this program focuses on offering youth positive activities that build personal character. The out-of-school program focuses on nutrition education, literacy skills, life skills, multicultural activities and technological education. The programs are offered at the YWCA, as well as at various schools throughout Miami.

YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade

351 N.W. 5 Street

Miami, FL 33128

(305) 377-9922

ywca-miami.org

Overtown Youth Center

The Overtown Youth Center provides programs for youth through in-school, after-school and summer programs. The in-school programs provide case management to mitigate students who may have difficulty by tracking their achievement, attendance and behavior. The after-school programs provide assistance with homework through tutors, as well as enrichment activities. Summer programs provide opportunities for creative arts, community service, physical activity, field trips and other activities for youth in the Miami area. In addition to programs for students, parents are also offered the opportunity for enrichment through parenting programs, information about health-related issues, and recreation with their children.

Overtown Youth Center, Inc.

450 N.W. 14th Street

Miami, FL 33136

(305) 349-1204

overtownyouth.org/

Miami Youth Outreach

Miami Youth Outreach focuses on the physical and spiritual needs of homeless youth in Miami. The outreach provides food, drink, clothing, assistance with health issues, and help with other youth-critical needs.

Central Bible Assembly of GOD

Rescue Miami Outreach Ministry

1300 S.W. 87 Avenue

Miami, FL 33174

(786) 797-2264

rescuemiami.net

Tags: Miami Rescue, Miami Rescue Mission, program focuses, Rescue Mission, Overtown Youth, Overtown Youth Center

Implement Employee Wellness Programs

Several studies have shown that businesses that have implemented wellness programs have experienced more than a 15 percent return on their investment, along with a drop in their health insurance premiums. They have also benefited from lower absenteeism and disability claims.

Instructions

1. Decide on specific goals for your wellness program. A great place to start would be with programs that focus on weight management, smoking cessation, stress reduction, nutrition and fitness. You will address specific risk factors for several chronic conditions such as heart problems, diabetes and cancer. Your program does not have start out elaborate or all-inclusive to be effective. You can always build upon it as your business needs change.

2. Create an action plan to achieve your program goals. Your plan can always be adjusted once you implement your program. The plan should include an established budget, which will enable you to schedule activities, keep track of costs and evaluate your programs. It should also include a means for measuring the accomplishment of your goals such as an employee honor system or medical evaluations.

3. Gather information from your employees that will help you tailor your program to meet their needs and interests. This will involve them in the process and grant you information on their needs. You can get this information via questionnaire, screenings or even an employee suggestion box.

4. Decide on the features and components of your wellness program. Each wellness program should be developed to suit the needs of your employees and the resources of your business. Your program may range from a basic informational campaign with handouts, workshops and newsletters to comprehensive medical screening and doctor visits. Here are other components that you may include:

*Information to go:

Collect and distribute free or low cost educational materials such as health pamphlets, brochures and flyers from non-profit health organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association or the American Diabetes Society.

*Organize Onsite Presentations and Workshops:

You can often find health professionals from your community who will be willing to do health presentations at low or no-cost. (See resources below for organizations that can provide you low- or no-cost speakers).

*Provide Onsite Preventive Medical Screening:

This can include screening cholesterol levels, blood pressure, BMI, and diabetes. Follow-up exams can be required or offered.

*Offer Incentives:

This will further motivate greater employee participation in the wellness program, by making it personal and providing specific goals.

5. Appoint a wellness coordinator or committee to oversee the program.

Ideally, this should be an employee or employees who have an interest in health and fitness promotion. Your wellness committee will implement and oversee the program to help ensure its continued success. If your company has more than one location, be sure to involve representatives from each of your locations.

6. Launch your wellness program.

7. Monitor and evaluate your wellness program. As with any effective program, you should periodically evaluate your program's performance from both a cost benefit and health benefit perspective. Determine its effectiveness and ensure that it still meets your business and employee needs. Also look for ways to further enhance the program by adding or removing features and components from it.

Tags: wellness program, your wellness program, evaluate your, your business, your wellness

Highdose Progesterone Treatments For Cancer

High-dose progesterone can help treat endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.

Progesterone is a hormone naturally secreted by the ovaries during a normal menstrual cycle. A lack of progesterone to oppose the effects of estrogen on the womb can lead to an abnormal growth of cells (a precancerous condition known as endometrial hyperplasia). This might result in endometrial cancer or cancer of the uterus if left untreated. High-dose progesterone can be given to women to prevent this overgrowth from developing to cancer, or at the early stages of cancer if surgery to remove the womb is not an option.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial carcinoma occurs mostly after the menopause, but there is increasing prevalence in pre-menopausal women because of risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. About 30 percent of cases of endometrial hyperplasia progress to endometrial carcinoma, so the treatment of choice is usually complete hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries.

If you are pre-menopausal or can not undergo surgery for other reasons, that might not be acceptable for you, so high-dose progesterone might be used to delay the need for surgery.

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is bleeding after the menopause. Other symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, painful or difficult urination and bleeding after intercourse. If this happens it is important to see your gynecologist.

Effects

It is important to receive treatment as early as possible, as high-dose progesterone treatment of endometrial hyperplasia has the best response rate, with a high percentage of regression to normal cells, followed by early treatment of endometrial carcinoma and reoccurrences.

Clinical trials have shown that evidence for its effectiveness in recurrent endometrial cancer is not good. By that stage most patients have undergone surgery and chemotherapy. High-dose progesterone can be used as palliative therapy in recurring endometrial cancer but it does not cure it. Whatever stage your disease is at, it is vital to stick to any follow-up appointments made for you.

Other Uses

Progesterone is used in the contraceptive pill at lower doses, and in hormone replacement therapy, where its presence can help protect you against uterine cancer after menopause.

Side Effects

Side effects can include breast tenderness, breast leakage, hair growth, hair loss, weight gain, weight loss, breakthrough bleeding, nausea, insomnia, jaundice and vaginal spotting. If you are taking high-dose progesterone and are concerned about any side effects, you should discuss them with your doctor.

Serious Side Effects

Occasional serious side effects include blood clots. The risk of developing of blood clots is much higher if you smoke, so if you smoke, your doctor is likely to strongly encourage you to stop.

There is an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, heart attack and blood clots in the lungs in post-menopausal women age 50 to 79, and increased risk of dementia in women older than 65 when used in combination with estrogen for five years. If you are post-menopausal, you should discuss this with your doctor, who might discuss other options such as surgery.

If you are diabetic, you might experience difficulty controlling your blood sugar. Careful monitoring of your medication is needed, and it might have to be reviewed.

Considerations

There are progesterone receptors in breast cancer, so your physician will usually avoid progesterone if you have had breast cancer in the past.

Progesterone should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia.

Tags: endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, after menopause, blood clots, breast cancer, your doctor, bleeding after

Medical Technologist Training

Medical technologists perform lab tests.

Medical technologists--also called clinical laboratory technologists--perform lab tests that help detect, diagnose and treat disease. Medical technologist training is available from colleges, universities and hospitals.

Background

The usual medical technologist training for an entry-level position is a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a life science, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. However, sometimes a combination of other education and on-the-job specialized training can lead to a medical technologist job.

General Training

The content of medical technology training varies depending on the specific program and its focus. In general, medical technologist training includes courses in chemistry, biology, microbiology, mathematics, statistics and use of laboratory equipment.

Specialization

Some medical technology programs may also offer the opportunity to specialize in a area, such as health policy development, research, education, public health or veterinary science.

Certification

The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that many employers prefer certified medical technologists. Associations that offer certification include the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel and the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts.

Caution

Medical technologist is not the same as a medical technician. Medical technologists have more education and more responsibility than medical technicians and often supervise technicians, especially in large laboratory settings.

Tags: medical technologist, medical technology, Board Registry, Board Registry American, medical technologist training

Pallidum Life Cycle

Treponema pallidum is a spirochete--a simple type of bacteria possessing less than 1,000 genes. Spirochetes form characteristic helical coils that are tight in some species or loose in others. Treponema pallidum has medium-sized coils. It also possesses flagella, allowing it to move in a corkscrew manner. Treponema pallidum reproduces by asexual transverse fission, dividing across its width into two distinct organisms.

Pathogen

Treponema pallidum is the primary pathogen in the sexually transmitted disease, syphilis. There are three principle stages to the disease--primary, secondary and tertiary--that each possess their own distinct signs and symptoms.

Primary Stage

The primary stage of syphilis presents as a lesion known as a chancre, which is a clean, indurated ulcer on the skin or mucous membrane that contains a localized infection. The painless chancre forms at the site where the organism first enters the body. If multiple spirochetes enter at different locations, multiple chancres may occur. These lesions generally last up to five weeks and may resolve spontaneously even if left untreated.

Secondary Stage

Around six weeks after the initial appearance of the chancre, the infection becomes systemic, spreading throughout the body, and a second stage begins. Symptoms may include general malaise, fever, sore throat, anorexia, headaches and swollen glands, lasting anywhere from two to six weeks. The symptoms generally subside whether treated or not.

Tertiary Stage

The tertiary stage, also called late syphilis, results from infections lasting longer than four years. Tertiary stage syphilis can affect the skin, heart, skeletal system and central nervous system, causing permanent damage resulting in a variety of symptoms including heart failure and blindness.

Transmission

Transmission of treponema pallidum happens when the lesions of the skin or mucous membranes are exposed during sexual activity. Women with syphilis also may transmit the disease to their unborn child.

Treponema pallidum can remain infectious within the host for a period of up to two years after initial infection. However, if no active chancres exist on the host, the disease cannot be spread, despite the host continuing to be infected.

Treatment

All stages of infection with treponema pallidum are relatively easy to treat with proper medication. The drugs of choice for treating syphilis are antibiotics, which can include penicillin or tetracycline, delivered as intramuscular injection. Because treatment cannot resolve any permanent damage to the body caused by the disease, the earlier treatment is administered, the better.

Tags: after initial, permanent damage, skin mucous, stage syphilis, Treponema pallidum, Treponema pallidum

Xrf Preparation

XRF, or X-ray fluorescence, is the process of firing highly energetic X-ray radiation at various substances in order to determine what the elemental composition of those substances is. By observing how much radiation is absorbed by the material, scientists can figure out which chemical elements are constitutive of the materials under analysis. In order to ensure the reliability of this procedure, samples must be prepared using particular preparation techniques. Furthermore, since XRF equipment, such as XRF spectrometers, are so expensive, failing to prepare your samples properly constitutes an enormous waste of money. Preparation techniques depend on the form of the substance in question.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Obtain a sample to be analyzed. This may be a solid, powder or liquid substance. These are typically delivered to the XRF analyst by the person or organization who has requested the results. Common organizations requesting XRF analysis include cement industry professionals, environmental organizations and metal and plastic production companies.

2. Grind the substance into small grains. If the sample in question is solid substance, such as a slag, ore or plastic, it must be ground into very small grains of the same size, in order to produce a reliable analysis. There are many types of grinders available. Be sure to use a grinder that is appropriate for the substance in question. Liquid samples need not be subjected to this step and can be analyzed in their current form.

3. Create beads of substances that are difficult to analyze due to problems associated with their grain size. Some substances are best analyzed in bead form. Take the powdered substance and press them into beads using the bead mold. Fuse the sample into larger beads by heating them in a crucible to between 900 and 1300 degrees.

4. When you have a homogeneously-sized sample, the XRF preparation process is complete. The substance may be bombarded with X-rays using the XRF spectrometer as per the XRF analysis process.

Tags: small grains, substance question

Convert A Digital Camera For Thermal Imaging

Make your digital camera into a thermal imager.

All digital cameras come with an infrared thermal imaging device already built in. Most have a filter, which means that the picture won't appear as a thermal image until you remove the filter. While this isn't difficult to do, once the filter is removed the camera won't be able to take regular pictures again.

Instructions

1. Look through the manual for your digital camera and find where the CCD sensor is located. This is the device that is light sensitive and helps to create the image.

2. Using a screwdriver, take apart your camera.

3. Find the sensor. This is usually located directly behind the lens. The infrared filter will be attached to the sensor. It will be a small translucent blue/green piece of glass. Gently remove this without damaging the sensor by accidentally poking, cutting or pulling on it too hard. Use something flat and thin such as a light-duty utility knife to help remove the filter.

4. Cut a processed, blank negative from a piece of film that is approximately the same size as the filter that you removed. Make sure to wipe it down first to ensure that it's clean. Attach it to the sensor with a tiny bit of glue.

5. Put the sensor back and put the camera body back together.

6. Take a picture just like you normally would, but in complete or near darkness. Make sure that there is something warm that the thermal sensor can detect, such as an animal or a person. When you check the image on the viewer of your digital camera, it will display as an infrared photo.

Tags: your digital camera, digital camera, your digital, Make sure, remove filter

What Are Calcium Deposits

Calcium deposits are areas in which calcium salts have built up in the body. These deposits can occur anywhere in the bones and soft tissues of the body. Many areas that have calcium deposits require medical attention, while others reabsorb into the body. Calcium deposits can also be called calcifications or calcinosis. There are no known causes for calcium deposits.

Calcium deposits can occur in the bones or soft tissues.

Victims

Women are more likely to be affected by calcinosis than men. In particular, women between the ages of 35 and 65 are more at risk for calcium deposits. Women of this age are also at a higher risk for osteoporosis.

Areas Affected

Although calcium deposits can occur in any area of the body, the hips, shoulders, pelvis, calves and thighs are the most usual places to acquire a deposit buildup. The shoulder rotator cuff in particular is prone to calcium deposit buildup. Having calcium deposit buildup in these areas can acutely limit the ability of a person to move.

Problems

Pain is often a problem for people with calcium deposits in their body. Calcium deposit spots may become inflamed and cause calcium salts to leak onto the soft tissue that surrounds the area. Calcium deposits can also damage joints and tendons in the body. They can occasionally cause pain, swelling and redness that can be mistaken for an infection. This reaction is a result to the calcium build-up in the body. Anti-inflammatory medicines are often prescribed to help control the inflammation.

Texture

Initially, calcium deposits are soft with the consistency of toothpaste. As times goes by, the deposit gets bigger and dries up to become chalky in texture.

Finding Calcium Deposits

Lumps that appear around the shoulders, elbows, shins and fingers of a person could be a sign of calcification. These should be checked by a doctor. If lumps cannot be seen by the naked eye, X-rays can be used to find signs of calcification.

Treatment

Place an ice pack on the area that is inflamed because of calcification. Limit the amount of movement of the affected area. Place your arm in a sling or prop your leg up to relieve some of the pressure. Ask your doctor about cortisone injections to help with the pain caused from calcification. Inquire into the removal of the calcium deposits through surgery. Calcium deposits do not usually come back after removal. Discuss the best method of treatment with your doctor based on the level of your level of pain.

Tags: calcium deposits, deposit buildup, deposits occur, body Calcium, bones soft, bones soft tissues

Types Of Input/Output Storage Devices

Input/output hardware used to save data.

An input and output storage device is computer hardware. When information is processed through a computer, people can store their information for later retrieval by saving it to a computer hardware device either internally or externally.

Input/Output Defined

Input is the process of sending data or information to the computer's central processing unit. Output is the process of receiving data from the central processing unit. The CPU controls how the computer information is sent and received. Input storage is data being stored using the computer's internal hardware. Output storage is data from a computer stored on an external device.

CPU Explained

The CPU is the brain of the computer. The CPU gives the computer instructions on handle data. Computers have more than one type of memory chip stored onto the computer circuit board. Read Access Memory (RAM) is temporary information. Once the computer is turned off, tasks that were performed are lost. They cannot be retrieved but can be done over. An example would be copying and pasting information in a word processor or copied information posted to the clip board. Read Only Memory (ROM) is permanent information. An example is when the computer is given instructions to turn on when the power button is pressed.

Internal Storage

Input storage devices allow information on a computer to be retrieved anytime. Depending on the computer manufacturer, different internal storage devices are made with computers. Magnetic disks use a read-write head that give direct access to storage. So information can be skipped to get to the correct data. RAID (redundant array of independent/inexpensive disks) uses a stripping method where data is stored on individual physical disks and information lost is retrieved by the individual disks. Magneto-optical disks use a laser beam to record information. Magnetic tape can be used on a computer internally or externally. Information from a magnetic tape is saved sequentially, so data is lost when accessing a certain file or record.

External Storage

Output storage uses external hardware devices to save information from a computer. Optical discs uses laser beams to record information on a compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD). Iomega Zip drives compress data onto a disk. Virtual tape stores information on a tape cartridge. PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) cards are used with a digital camera or cellular phone. PCMCIA cards can be used to save or upload files to a computer. Information can also be stored on an iPod or MP3 music device.

Virtual Storage

There are certain websites that offer virtual storage where information can be stored on a company's server, but you either have to become a member of their website or pay a fee. Cloud computing is an Internet service where you work with applications and save information on the Internet using a computer. With cloud computing all information is handled over the Internet.

Tags: board Read, cards used, central processing, central processing unit, computer hardware, data from

Xray Tech Schools That Are Easy To Get Into

X-Ray Technician programs are offered at technical, trade, and on-line schools that have less-complicated or exacting entrance requirements than traditional colleges or universities might. In many cases, all that is required to enroll in these programs is a high school diploma or equivalent, proof that you can pay your tuition, and passing scores on an entrance examination.

Anthem College

This multi-campus school offers a diploma and degree program for x-ray technicians through their Limited Scope X-Ray Technician School program. Students study the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology as well as the theory and concepts of radio-graphic physics, patient care procedures, and basic office administration procedures. The campuses in Phoenix and Denver-Aurora offer both diploma programs and Associate of Applied Science degrees, while the campuses in Memphis, Nashville, Orlando, and St. Louis Park-Minneapolis offer just the diploma programs. The admission requirements for the program include the ability to write and speak English fluently, a high school diploma or GED certificate, and a passing score on the Anthem College Entrance Examination. Financial aid is available to qualifying students in the form of an institutional loan or a federal grant or loan.

Heritage College

Another multi-campus school, Heritage College offers a diploma or degree in their X-Ray Medical Technician-Medical Assistant program. Students learn to perform x-rays and also become qualified and fully-trained to be medical assistants through both clinical and administrative lessons. Campuses in Wichita and Little Rock offer diploma programs while campuses in Oklahoma City, Denver, Kansas City, Manassas, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers offer an Occupational Associate's Degree. Admission requirements to these programs include a high school diploma or GED, as well as filling out an application that includes personal, educational, and employment information, and how you intend to pay for for the program. Financial aid is available in the way of Federal Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans, and Federal PLUS Loans.

College of Health Care Professions

This Texas school, with locations in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, offers a diploma in Radiologic Technologist Training through their Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist program. Students take courses in radiographic (x-ray) science as well as medical foundations and radiographic examinations. They also serve an externship where they will receive training in a practical, real-world medical setting. Admissions requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

Remingtion College

This multi-campus, national school offers a diploma in Medical Assisting with X-Ray Technician (Limited Scope) and EKG. Through classroom study and hands-on lab and clinical experiences, students are trained in both x-ray and EKG technology and learn EKG tracing, patient x-ray positioning, and OSHA and HIPAA rules. They are also prepared for certification as X-Ray Technicians and EKG Technicians. Campuses are located in Cleveland, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Little Rock, Mobile, and Tampa. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED, proof that you can pay for the program, and passing scores on a standardized entrance exam. Financial aid is available by way of private scholarships and grants.

Tags: high school, high school diploma, school diploma, Financial available, offers diploma

How Much Does A Phlebotomist Make In Illinois

Phlebotomists are categorized as clinical laboratory technicians by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their work in the laboratory is generally less involved and complicated than those of clinical laboratory technologists. Phlebotomists collect and analyze blood samples. Phlebotomists' salaries in Illinois vary widely from city to city and from region to region.

National

Clinical laboratory technicians (the category including phlebotomists) earn an average annual salary of $37,860, or $18.20 per hour in the U.S., according to a 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate. Those earning in the 25th percentile (75 percent earn more) earn $28,770, or $13.83 per hour. Those earning in the 75th percentile (25 percent earn more) earn $45,420, or $21.84 per hour. The median annual salary is $36,030, or $17.32 per hour.

Illinois

Clinical laboratory technicians in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $40,620, or $19.53 per hour. The median hourly wage is $18.55 per hour.

Chicago and Champaign

The average annual salary of a clinical laboratory technician in Chicago is $41,580, or $19.99 per hour. The median hourly wage is $19.01. Champaign clinical laboratory technicians earn an average annual salary of $62,410, or $30 per hour. The median hourly wage in Champaign is $31.02.

Peoria and Springfield

Peoria clinical laboratory technicians earn an average annual salary of $37,370, or $17.97 per hour. The median hourly wage in Peoria is $18.20. Springfield clinical laboratory technicians earn $38,810, or $18.66 per hour. The median hourly wage in Springfield is $17.84.

Nonmetropolitan

The average annual salary for a clinical laboratory technician in the northwest nonmetropolitan area of Illinois is $43,650, or $20.99 per hour. The median hourly wage is $20.35. In the west central Illinois nonmetropolitan area, the average annual salary is $52,850, or $25.41 per hour. The median hourly wage is $24.98 in this area. In the south Illinois nonmetropolitan area, the average annual salary is $38,130, or $18.33 per hour. The median hourly wage is $18.70 in this part of Illinois. The average annual salary for a clinical laboratory technician in the east central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $32,210, or $15.49 per hour. The median hourly wage is $15.59.

Tags: annual salary, hour median, average annual, average annual salary, hour median hourly, hourly wage

Make Fake Breasts

Make Fake Breasts

Learning to make fake breasts can be a helpful skill if you are trying to construct a realistic Halloween or theater costume, or are just trying to make your Saturday night dress fit better. The supplies don't cost much, and it doesn't take much effort to whip them into shape. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Buy a large bra and stuff it with socks. Remember, though, that socks are not easy to manipulate and form into believable-looking breasts.

2. Stretch a round, helium-quality balloon and insert a funnel. Fill it with the amount of grain rice or birdseed that gives you the bra size you want. Two cups of rice equal a "C" cup, and roughly 2 1/2 to 3 cups of rice equals a "D."

3. Fill nylons at their toe end with grain rice, then cut them to the size you want and tie them off.

4. Fill a balloon with liquid gelatin, then put it in the refrigerator and wait for it to solidify.

5. Secure an ace bandage around your chest with a safety pin. Then stuff socks, nylons or balloons in the bandage, creating the appearance of cleavage.

Tags: cups rice, grain rice, size want

Colorado Christian Colleges

The largest universities in Colorado are public institutions like the University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado State University and the Metropolitan State University of Denver. In addition to its large schools, the state is also home to a number of smaller private colleges affiliated with Christian churches. These schools allow students to study religious topics and philosophy while earning their degrees.

Colorado Christian University

Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University is a nondenominational private Christian college. With over 2,000 undergraduate students, the school is located in Lakewood, a suburb of Denver, Colorado. For undergraduates, the university offers degrees in accounting, biblical studies, biology, business administration, elementary education, English, global studies, liberal arts, mathematics, music, music education, prelaw, premedicine, psychology, science, secondary education, social science, theology, worship arts and youth ministry. All students at the university are required to attend chapel regularly and complete 180 hours of community service before graduating. The school also offers master's programs in business administration, counseling and curriculum and instruction as well as an associate degree in licensed practical nursing. For the 2009-10 school year, the cost of tuition at Colorado Christian University was $21,200 per year.

Colorado Christian University

180 S. Garrison St.

Lakewood, CO 80226

(303) 963-3200

ccu.edu

Regis University

Located in Denver, Regis University is a Roman Catholic University. The Jesuit order founded the school in 1877, and since then, the school has grown to an undergraduate enrollment of over 5,700 students. Despite its Catholic affiliation, Regis also admits students from other denominations and offers prayer services in addition to its masses. The school offers over 30 undergraduate degrees in business administration, sciences like biology and chemistry, art, education, psychology and Catholic studies. The cost of undergraduate tuition was $29,400 annually for the 2009-10 school year. The graduate school at Regis received a rank of 27th among master's degree programs at Western universities in U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges of 2010 for it's master's in education program. Regis also offers degrees in physical therapy, pharmacy and health care administration.

Regis University

3333 Regis Blvd.

Denver, CO 80221

(303) 458-4900

regis.edu

Nazarene Bible College

The Church of the Nazarene has 10 colleges in the United States, one of which is the Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs. Established in 1964, the school is home to over 800 students. The college only grants master's of ministry degrees in areas like bible and theology, Christian counseling, Christian education, leadership and ethics, music ministry and pastoral ministry. The school also provides the coursework needed for ordination as a minister of the Church of the Nazarene. The cost of one year's tuition at Nazarene Bible College was $9,600 as of February 2010.

Nazarene Bible College

1111 Academy Park Loop

Colorado Springs, CO 80910

(719) 884-5000

nbc.edu

Tags: Colorado Christian, Bible College, Christian University, Colorado Christian University, Nazarene Bible

Radiation Therapist Salary Payscale

Radiation therapists help treat patients with radiation.

With the population in the United States quickly aging, jobs for radiation therapists are expected to grow 27 percent from 2008 to 2018. To enter into this growing field, you generally need some type of training in radiation therapy from an educational program, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The starting salary for a radiation therapist is $45,200 to $61,700, but will increase with experience, according to PayScale.com.

Experience

As with most careers, radiation therapists just beginning in the business have some of the lowest salaries. They report a salary range of $45,200 to $61,700, according to PayScale.com. Those with one to four years of experience have a salary range of $50,000 to $67,500 while those with five to nine years of experience have a slightly higher salary range of $52,000 to $71,600. As of June 2010, the highest paid radiation therapists are those with the most experience. Those with 10 to 19 years of experience report a salary range of $66,900 to $85,000 while those with 20 plus years of experience report a salary range of $66,500 to $88,800.

Company Size

As a radiation therapist, the size of the company that you work for may also determines your salary potential. According to PayScale, radiation therapists working for companies with one to nine employees have a salary range of $53,100 to $68,400. Those working for companies with either 10 to 49 employees, 50 to 199 employees or 600 to 1,999 employees have similar salary ranges with salaries generally falling between $55,000 and $76,300. As of June 2010, some of the highest paid radiation therapists are those working for companies employing 2,000 to 4,999 individuals. They report a salary range of $52,100 to $93,300.

Industry

Radiation therapists work in a several types of industries, most of which are related to health care in some way. Those working in cancer research have some of the lowest salaries reporting that salaries generally fall between $35,000 and $75,400, as of June 2010. Radiation therapists working in health clinics report some of the highest salaries with a salary range of $51,100 to $83,400. According to PayScale, radiation therapists working in hospitals have a salary range of $49,100 to $61,800.

Location

Where you work as a radiation therapist may also impact your salary potential. Those working in New York or Illinois are some of the highest paid radiation therapists with respective salary ranges of $56,200 to $78,600 and $53,500 to $78,000. As of June 2010, those in California report a salary range of $63,300 to $75,700 while those working in Texas report a salary range of $49,100 to $64,300, according to PayScale.

Benefits

As a radiation therapist, you may receive some type of benefits along with your salary package. Paid holidays and vacation time is a commonly reported benefit for radiation therapists, as is a 401(k) retirement plan. Some radiation therapists also may receive life insurance or disability and paid sick leave. Though not as commonly reported, they may receive a 403(b) retirement plan, reimbursement for education or training costs, and/or malpractice insurance, according to PayScale.

Tags: salary range, report salary, report salary range, June 2010, radiation therapist, years experience, according PayScale

Get Help With Medicine In Erie Pennsylvania

If you live in or are visiting Erie, Pennsylvania and are in need of advice or help with prescription medications you have several resources. Erie has a free clinic, hospitals with emergency rooms, urgent care centers and many large chain drug stores with free pharmacist consultations. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911 immediately to ensure you receive the needed care to prevent further illness or death.

Instructions

1. Go to the St. Paul Free Clinic. This clinic accepts low-income patients on a sliding scale. If you cannot afford to pay, the clinic makes accommodations for your situation as well. The clinic is located at 1608 Walnut Street, Erie, PA 16502, and the phone number is 814-454-8755. Standard clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. Call ahead to schedule an appointment or go as a walk-in. If you go as a walk-in be prepared to wait.

2. Bring your medicine and questions to any of the large chain drug stores such as Rite-Aid or CVS in the Erie area. These drug stores have free pharmacist consultations. The pharmacists will direct you to a local physician if they cannot answer all of your questions or alter your medication.

3. Go to the emergency room at the St. Vincent Health Center, a local hospital in Erie. The ER takes patients as walk-ins. Bring all prescriptions with you and be prepared to wait until a doctor is available. Because ER rooms operate on a triage basis, patients in the most serious danger are seen first. St. Vincent is located at 232 West 25th Street, Erie, PA, and the phone number is 814-454-4484.

Tags: drug stores, chain drug, chain drug stores, Erie Pennsylvania, free pharmacist, free pharmacist consultations

Interventional Radiologic Technologist Salaries

Radiologic technologists work in hospitals, medical centers and private practices.

A radiologic technologist uses complex and highly-sensitive medical equipment to create images of the internal structure of the human body. These images are used by medical practitioners to perform accurate diagnoses of afflictions. Technologies she may use include X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging. Her salary is dependent upon certain variable factors.

General Salaries

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the official chronicler of American occupations, put the average income of a radiologic technologist in the United States as of May 2008 at $52,210. This equates to a monthly average of $4,351. Bonuses and benefits such as pension provision will add to these figures, but will vary in the case of each individual's contract.

Salary by Location

Where a technologist practices will impact her pay level. A survey conducted of several U.S. states in December 2010 discovered that Arizona and Georgia offered the lowest average salaries coming in between $24,566 and 40,695 and $29,479 to $41,116, respectively. California had the highest salary level at $75,000.

Salary by Employer

Salary comparison website PayScale.com found that the two most lucrative types of employer for radiologic technologists were hospitals and private practices -- these are also the most common. In December 2010 the upper level of average salaries was $50,480 in hospitals and $51,883 in private practice.

Salary by Years Experience

As a radiologic technologist garners more experience, and perhaps skills in more imaging techniques, her salary level is likely to increase comparatively. PayScale.com lists the average pay for a newly-qualified practitioner at between $29,883 and $49,791. The figures for individuals with 10 to 19 years in the field are $75,987 to $90,000.

Training

Typically a course in radiologic technology last between 21 and 24 months, pursued at either a hospital or a tertiary education establishment. Successful completion of the course certifies candidates to use X-ray machinery. Individuals can pursue bachelor's degrees during which they may learn other imaging techniques. These may also be learned on-the-job. Mastery of several imaging technologies, such as bone densitometry, is likely to increase salary potential.

Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics points to an aging population increasing the incidence of illness in America as the primary reason why demand for radiologic technologists will rise by 17 percent through 2018. Diagnostic imaging will be increasingly required by physicians, so salaries for qualified practitioners should remain very competitive, particularly for those with skills relating to several types of imaging.

Tags: average salaries, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, December 2010, hospitals private, imaging techniques

Family History And Breast Cancer Test

Genetic mutations in two genes increase some women's susceptibility to breast cancer.

Genetic breast cancer testing can determine whether you have the genetic mutations that increase your risk for developing breast cancer. More than 254,000 women received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2009. For most, the disease was an anomaly--no one else in their families had ever had cancer. But, up to 10 percent of these new cases resulted from a genetic abnormality.

Testing

Genetic testing determines if you carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation, making you more susceptible to breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you should talk to your doctor about having genetic testing. Doctors' offices and commercial labs conduct these tests with a blood sample. Results are available within a month. In the United States, Myriad Genetics conducts all commercially available tests. The cost ranges from $300 to $3,000, depending on your insurance coverage.

Participants

If you have certain risk factors, this genetic test could offer you information about your cancer susceptibility. Your risk for carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is increased if you are of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage or if you have two first-degree relatives (mother or sisters) who developed breast cancer before age 50, three or more second-degree relatives (grandmothers and aunts) who were diagnosed at any age, a first-degree relative with cancer in both breasts, or a male relative with breast cancer. Breast cancer combined with ovarian cancer is also a risk factor. If you are under the age of 18, doctors recommend you not get tested because there are no safe, effective therapies for individuals your age.

Results

A positive test result indicates BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is present, and that you are five times more likely to develop breast cancer. But, a positive result does not mean you will absolutely develop breast cancer. If you get a negative result and have a family history, doctors consider this a "true negative" -- your DNA does not carry the mutation. If you have no family history and receive a negative result, it could be a false negative, meaning you could still carry the mutation.

Counseling

Genetic counseling from a cancer-genetics professional can help you understand your test result's implications. He can tell you discuss your test with your family, what psychological impact you can expect, and the likelihood that you have passed or could pass the mutation to your children.

Outcomes

Positive or negative results can provide relief by removing uncertainty or they can create unanticipated emotional distress. A positive result could leave you feeling anxious and angry, and impact your choices about preventive surgery, marriage, and having a family. A negative result could prompt survivor guilt if you have lost other family members to breast cancer or if other women in your family receive positive test results.

Tags: breast cancer, BRCA1 BRCA2, breast cancer, have family, have family history

Income Of A Crime Scene Technician

Crime scene technicians are better known as forensic science technicians or crime scene investigators. As part of law enforcement personnel, they investigate crimes by applying a wide range of scientific methods to analyze the physical evidence they collect from crime scenes. How much crime scene technicians make is dependent on a number of factors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unit of the U.S. Department of Labor that specializes in labor economics and statistics.

National Income

According to the BLS, crime scene technicians had a mean annual income of around $55,000 in 2009. The median annual income was around $51,000, with the bottom 10 percent making around $32,000 and the top 10 percent making around $84,000.

Income by State

Massachusetts was the highest-paying state for crime scene technicians in 2009 with a mean annual income of around $82,000, according to the BLS. Rounding up the top five were Wisconsin at second ($79,000), Kansas at third ($73,000) and Illinois at fifth ($68,000), with the District of Columbia in fourth place ($70,000). D.C. also bore the distinction of being the district/state with the highest concentration of crime scene technicians. Arizona, Florida, Maryland and New Mexico, the states, in descending order, that completed the top five state concentration list, occupied a salary range between the mid-$40,000s and high $50,000s.

Income by Metropolitan Area

According to the BLS, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, which encompasses parts of Virginia, Maryland and the federal district, had the highest mean annual income for crime scene technicians in 2009 at around $78,000. However, California, which did not make it onto the top five state list, occupied the next four highest metropolitan area spots with the Oakland/Fremont/Hayward, San Jose/Sunnyvale/Santa Clara, Santa Ana/Anaheim/Irvine and Los Angeles/-Long Beach/Glendale areas. Together, they had a $70,000 to $77,000 income range.

Income by Workplace

The BLS reports that more than 90 percent of crime scene technicians worked for law enforcement at the state and local level in 2009, where they made mean annual incomes within the $53,000 to $55,000 range. However, another major employer, the federal executive branch, had the highest wages with salaries around $92,000.

Income Outlook

Crime scene technician income rose by 0.7 percent between 2008 and 2009, according to the BLS. If the number of jobs for crime scene technicians swells by a much-faster-than-average rate of 20 percent between 2008 and 2018 according to the agency's predictions, that might provide justification for a similar rise in their incomes as well.

Tags: scene technicians, annual income, crime scene, crime scene, crime scene technicians, mean annual

List Of Grants For Businesses In Ohio

Grants are available for advanced energy projects.

For growing businesses in Ohio, especially those related to technology and the green movement, there are numerous grants available. Technology firms will find grants geared toward research and innovation, while other companies will find sources of state funding. Find the grant that is right for your business.

Ohio Advanced Energy Fund

The Ohio Advanced Energy Fund has granted more than $40 million for nearly 400 advanced energy projects throughout the state. The Advanced Energy Fund is administered through the Ohio Department of Development's Energy Resources Division. Companies looking to receive monetary awards must be located in Ohio and must be working on advanced energy projects within the service territories of American Electric Power, Duke Energy, Dayton Power and Light or FirstEnergy. Past projects have involved solar energy, wind energy and geothermal energy.

Ohio Department of Development

77 S. High St.

Columbus, OH 43216-1001

614-466-5017

development.ohio.gov

Thomas Edison Grant Program

The Thomas Edison Grants are state-funded awards to assist budding technology companies. The grants provide seed money and guidance on developing infrastructure. In 2009, the State of Ohio granted $9.6 million to help local businesses advance in their abilities to bring quality products to the global market. Administered through the Ohio Department of Development, the grants also offer legal and financial advice and other forms of technical and administrative resources.

Ohio Department of Development

77 S. High St.

Columbus, OH 43216-1001

614-466-5017

development.ohio.gov

Ohio Microenterprise Grant Program

Microenterprise businesses are defined as for-profit enterprises with five or fewer employees. The Community Development Corporation Microenterprise Business Development Program provides funds to counties, cities and non-profit organizations to grow and develop local microenterprise businesses. Funded through the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, the Microenterprise Program granted $600,000 in the 2010 fiscal year to entities fitting the program's requirements.

Housing and Community Partnerships

77 S. High St.

P.O. Box 1001

Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001

(614) 466-2285

development.ohio.gov

Tags: Department Development, Ohio Department, Ohio Department Development, Advanced Energy Fund, advanced energy projects

Xray Technician Schools In Houston

Houston is home to a number of schools that teach x-ray technology.

In the city of Houston, a small number of colleges and institutions offer training programs in radiologic technology, a field the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will grow by 17 percent from 2008 through 2018. Accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, these schools provide the training necessary to qualify for the licensing exam necessary for performing x-rays in the state of Texas.

Houston Community College

With more than 36,000 students, Houston Community College is a public two-year institution. The college offers a 24-month associate of applied science degree in radiography for students able to attend classes on a full-time basis during the day only. Before enrolling in the program, students must complete courses in English, mathematics, anatomy and medical terminology. Once in the program, students spend each summer session participating in hands-on clinical rotations in area hospitals. Students also have the option to remain at the school for one additional semester to gain a certificate in computed tomography, another type of radiologic diagnostic test. Federal and state financial aid are available to students.

Houston Community College

3100 Main St.

Houston, TX 77002

(713) 718-2000

hccs.edu‎

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Through its MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, the University of Texas offers a three-year bachelor's degree in diagnostic imaging. During their third year, all students have the option to specialize in one area of study, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and education and management. All students take courses in health care finance, billing and coding, health care trends, ethics, law and pathology. Participation in an internship at locations throughout the Houston area is necessary before graduation. The school participates in state and federal financial aid.

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

7000 Fannin St.

Houston, TX 77030

(713) 500-4472

uthouston.edu

Harris County Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging

The Harris County Hospital operates a School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging in Houston. The school's two-year program requires attending classes or working in the hospital five times per week year round. Students study quality control, computer science, pharmacology, physics and x-ray interpretation as part of the required curriculum. Students in the program are permitted to apply for part-time work positions at the hospital as they become available to earn money toward tuition. No other financial aid is available to students in the program.

Harris County Hospital

School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging

9250 Kirby Drive

Suite 1800

Houston, TX 77054

(713) 634-1553

hchdonline.com

Pima Medical Institute

Pima Medical Institute operates branch locations in seven states throughout the western United States and features one Texas branch in the city of Houston. The college's associate degree program in radiography requires two years of study to complete, and students can take a small number of the courses online. During the course of the program, students complete four one-semester externships to gain hands-on experience in the field. The school offers federal financial aid programs as well as campus-based grants and loans. Job placement assistance is available for all students.

Pima Medical Institute

8300 Bissonnet St. # 230

Houston, TX 77074

(713) 778-0778

pmi.edu

Tags: available students, Center Houston, Community College, County Hospital, Diagnostic Medical, Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Calculate An Annual Salary From An Hourly Rate

Calculate an Annual Salary from an Hourly Rate

Have you ever wondered how much your hourly rate would equate to in an annual salary? While it may not seem important, knowing your worth in annual salary gives you some bargaining leverage when looking for a full time job. Read on for a simple calculation that you can do in your head.

Instructions

1. Take your hourly rate and multiply it by two. Let's assume you make $25 per hour. You would multiply 25 by 2 to get 50.

2. Add three zeros to the figure you calculated in Step 1. For this example, the result would be 50,000. Based on an hourly rate of $25, the annual salary would be $50,000 (the actual number is $52,000 but we are in the same range for doing very simple mathematics without a calculator).

3. These calculations are based on an annual salary for a standard 40 hour work week. If you plan to work part-time, you would reduce the annual salary accordingly. For example, if you work 20 hours per week, and your hourly rate is $25, your converted annual salary for a 20 hour workweek would be $25,000.

Tags: annual salary, your hourly, your hourly rate, annual salary, Calculate Annual, Calculate Annual Salary, hourly rate

Xray Technician Schools In Connecticut

A number of colleges provide instruction for X-ray technicians.

In Connecticut, a number of hospitals, colleges and universities offer programs in radiologic technology, a field the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. By combining classroom-based instruction with hands-on practice, Connecticut's X-ray technician schools prepare students for careers in this rapidly growing field. Located throughout the state, these programs result in certificates, associate's or bachelor's degrees.

Quinnipiac University

Founded in 1929, Quinnipiac University is in Hamden, approximately eight miles north of New Haven. A private institution, the university has nearly 5,900 undergraduate students. Through the school's bachelor's degree program in diagnostic imaging, students learn to perform X-rays, cardiovascular intervention, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, bone density scans and sonography. Students spend the first three years of the program in classroom-based classes and clinical settings throughout the New Haven area. Then students take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist certification examination in their junior years. The fourth and final year of the program is spent studying in one of five areas of specialization: advanced imaging, science, management, computer science or marketing.

Quinnipiac University

275 Mount Carmel Ave.

Hamden, CT 06518

(203) 582-8200

quinnipiac.edu

Stamford Hospital

Stamford Hospital offers a two-year certificate program in radiograpy for students who have completed at least 15 credits of college-level coursework, preferably in math, science, language and communications. Students in the program study radiation protection, physics, anatomy, quality assurance, patient care, radiobiology, medical terminology, medical law and research. Students spend approximately half of the program in clinical settings and half in classrooms. Classes begin once per year in July and meet full time.

Stamford Hospital

30 Shelburne Road

Stamford, CT, 06904

(203) 276-1000

stamfordhospital.org

Capital Community College

A public institution, Capital Community College is in Hartford with more than 3,700 part- and full-time studies. The school opened in 1992 when the state legislature combined the Greater Hartford Community College and Hartford State Technical College. The college grants a two-year associate's degree in radiologic technology. In addition to courses in the field, students study algebra, English, literature, physics, psychology, computer science and electives in social sciences, humanities and the arts. Students complete a clinical rotation in area hospitals each semester and must participate in a mandatory internship over their winter holiday breaks each year.

Capital Community College

950 Main St.

Hartford, CT 06103

(860) 906-5000

ccc.commnet.edu

University of Hartford

Established in 1877, the University of Hartford is a private college with more than 7,000 undergraduate students. The university's four-year program grants students a Bachelor of Science in management, education, communication, computer science or advanced science and medicine as well as certificates in radiologic technology. Students complete their clinical studies in general surgical and pediatric hospitals in Hartford, Rockville, Manchester and Farmington. During the final year of the program, students choose to receive advanced training in either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

University of Hartford

200 Bloomfield Ave.

West Hartford, CT 06117

(860) 768-4296

hartford.edu

Tags: Community College, Capital Community, Capital Community College, computer science, Quinnipiac University, radiologic technology

What Is Ultrasound Gel

Many people are acquainted with the colorless, green or blue goo that is squirted onto the bellies of pregnant women at the beginning of an ultrasound. The gel serves several important purposes.

Ultrasound Gel

Ultrasound gel is water-based. It is used for all types of ultrasound exams, including obstetric, vascular and cardiac.

Types of Gel

There are many brands of ultrasound gel varying in consistency. Some sonographers--those who specialize in ultrasound imaging--prefer thicker gels, while others prefer thinner. The type of gel does not affect the quality of the ultrasound and is chosen based on the sonographer's preference.

Movement

Ultrasound requires many types of movement by the sonographer. Many of these are subtle and require a frictionless surface to allow the sonographer to obtain the perfect image. Ultrasound gel acts as a lubricant that allows for easy movement of the transducer (camera) across the skin.

Contact

When air is present, a signal is not returned to the ultrasound machine to create an image. Ultrasound gel removes the air between the skin and the transducer so ultrasound waves can move freely between the body and the transducer.

Standoff Pad

Most ultrasound cameras cannot focus on structures that are too close to the surface of the skin. A thick layer of ultrasound gel can be applied to the skin to distance the camera from the structure for better focus.

Tags: image Ultrasound

Ultrasound Technician Requirements

Ultrasound technology is used to assess the health of unborn babies, and for diagnosing cardiovascular abnormalities, abdominal conditions, nervous system disorders and more. Most ultrasound technicians work in hospitals and clinics. The position is one of the highest-paying in the health care field that does not require at least a four-year degree.

Associate's Degree

Most employers require ultrasound technicians to hold a two-year associate's degree in ultrasound technology or diagnostic medical sonography.

General Coursework

Required general coursework includes medical terminology, physics, anatomy and physiology, and patient evaluation and care.

Ultrasound Courses

Specific ultrasound courses include ultrasound equipment operation, clinical procedures and physics of ultrasound. A clinical internship is also required for the degree.

Certificate Program

People already working in health care generally can complete a one-year certificate program to learn ultrasound technology.

Becoming Registered

Many employers require ultrasound technicians to be registered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This involves passing a written exam.

Physical Requirements

Ultrasound technicians must have a certain degree of physical fitness, as they spend time standing and doing repetitive movements with the transducer. They also do some moving and lifting during the procedure to reposition the patient.

Tags: employers require, employers require ultrasound, health care, require ultrasound, require ultrasound technicians

Abnormal Pap Smear Causes

Abnormal pap smears are caused by cellular changes found on or inside a woman's cervix. Pap smears are swabs of cervical cells that are taken to labs for testing to determine whether cells are normal or abnormal. Abnormal pap smears occur for a variety of reasons, and some changes can be more severe. Women can take proactive steps with their gynecological health by visiting their primary care doctor or obstetrician/gynecologist every two years for a pap smear.

Trichomonas

A common cause of abnormal pap smears is trichomonas, a sexually transmitted disease that causes vaginal irritation and inflammation. Women usually don't have severe symptoms, and might not know they have it until they learn about the pap smear results.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections can also cause abnormal pap smears. Candida albicans is a fungi that rapidly grows inside the vagina, and symptoms include cottage cheese-like discharge and vaginal irritation and itching.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that causes cellular changes (dysplasia) on the cervix. Severe cellular changes associated with HPV sometimes lead to cervical cancer.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

Cellular changes can occur due to cervical irritation from intrauterine devices (IUDs) and may cause abnormal pap smears. IUDs are small devices inserted through the cervix and placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Irritation and Inflammation

Vaginal irritation and inflammation from normal sexual intercourse can also cause abnormal pap smears. Repeat pap smears usually find that the cellular changes were only temporary (after the irritation and inflammation subsides).

Tags: cause abnormal, cause abnormal smears, cellular changes, abnormal smears, irritation inflammation

Find Medicare Hmo Plans

Finding a Medicare HMO plan is a moderately easy process, thanks to plentiful resources available to seniors and their families online and over the telephone. Numerous companies offer Medicare HMOs, and in many cases, the most difficult part of finding a Medicare HMO plan is the research needed to examine all the choices and find the plan that is right for you. Fortunately most of the resources created to find Medicare HMOs also include worksheets and tips to picking a plan that will work best for you.

Instructions

Find a Medicare HMO plan

1. Find Medicare HMO plans through Medicare's online tools. Using Medicare's search options on its web site, you can find and compare HMO plans in your area. Medicare allows you to search for HMO plans in one of two ways. You may perform a general HMO search based on your city, state or Zip code, or you may perform a specialized search by entering your Medicare enrollment information from your Medicare card. Medicare also offers a printed resource entitled "Medicare and You," which you can get on the Medicare web site, or by calling 1 800 MEDICARE (1 800 633 4227) to have a printed copy mailed to you.

2. Search for Medicare HMO plans through resources developed by the American Association of Retired People (link in References). AARP has developed a guide to help older Americans find the Medicare coverage that is right for them; included in this guide are tools to find Medicare plans, including HMOs and PPOs.

3. Find Medicare HMO plans through the guide developed by America's Health Insurance Plans, a trade group that represents the nation's health insurers. The guide covers both Medicare health plans and Medicare drug coverage and includes helpful resources to find a plan that works for you.

4. Search for Medicare HMO plans through your state health insurance assistance program (SHIP) -- links to all of the SHIPs in the U.S. are available in the contact section of the Medicare web site. You may also contact Medicare by telephone at 1 800 MEDICARE to get contact information for the state health insurance assistance program in your state.

Tags: Medicare plans, Medicare plans through, plans through, Medicare plan, plan that

Automotive Technology Research

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the Clean Automotive Technology program for the purpose of researching, evaluating and developing advance vehicle engines and drive train technologies in order to help them to produce less pollution. This is one of many organizations that have the goal of improving automotive technology through research and development.

NVFEL

National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) is a part of the EPA and one of its purposes is to test vehicles, engines and fuel for determining laws and manufacturing standards for vehicle emissions. Its work is performed on cars, trucks, buses and heavy trucks.

USCAR

United States Council for Automotive Research LLC (USCAR) helps the automotive industry with research and development in areas of technology, research investments and quality improvement. It partners with auto manufacturers to carry out these objectives. USCAR conducts research and offers technical development in areas such as fuel cells and hydrogen vehicles.

GATE

GATE stands for Graduate Automotive Technology Education, and it's a program that is offered at various universities such as the Ohio State University and the University of California. GATE is designed to educate and train future engineers in five key areas of vehicle technology such as fuel cells and advance energy storage. GATE is funded by the Department of Energy and it trains and educates future engineers through research and development programs.

Tags: research development, Automotive Technology, development areas, fuel cells, future engineers

Get Badges From Battle Frontier On "Emerald"

In "Pokemon: Emerald," the Battle Frontier makes it possible for players to level up, earn prizes and items, compete against friends for rankings and earn badges. There are seven leaders called the "Frontier Brains" in the Battle Frontier who are similar to the gym leaders that players face throughout "Emerald." Players must first defeat the Elite Four at Indigo Plateau before it is possible to play in the Battle Frontier.

Instructions

1. Go to the Battle Dome area of the Battle Frontier. Win five one-on-one tournament battles in a row to face the Battle Dome leader for the first time. Defeat your opponent to earn the Silver Battle Dome Badge. Win another five one-on-one tournaments to battle her again. If you win the second time, you will earn the Gold Battle Dome Badge.

2. Win 28 battles in a row in the Battle Pike or travel through 28 rooms to face the Pike Champ, Lucy. Seviper, Milotic and Shuckle are in Lucy's original party. Defeat her to get the Silver Battle Pike Badge. Go through 140 rooms in the Battle Pike to face Lucy again. If you defeat her, you earn the Gold Battle Pike Badge.

3. Participate in the Battle Arena and win 27 battles in a row in one-on-one battle to face Captain Greta. You will win the Silver Battle Arena Badge when you defeat her the first time. Win 56 battles to face her again. You will earn the Gold Battle Arena Badge upon her second defeat.

4. Win 21 battles in the Battle Factory to face Factory Head Noland. Defeat him to win the Silver Battle Factory Badge. Compete and win another 21 battles to face him again. Upon his defeat, the player will earn the Gold Battle Factory Badge.

5. Go to the Battle Palace section of the Battle Frontier to face Palace Maven Spenser. Win 21 one-on-one battles, and then a total of 42 one-on-one battles, to face Spenser twice. You will earn the Silver Battle Palace Badge after you defeat him the first time and the Gold Battle Palace Badge after you defeat him the second time.

6. Travel to the twenty-first floor of the Battle Pyramid to encounter Pyramid King Brandon. Upon his defeat, you earn the Silver Battle Pyramid Badge. Go through the Battle Pyramid multiple times, until you have been on a total of 70 floors. Face Brandon again and defeat him to win the Gold Battle Pyramid Badge.

7. Win 35 battles in a row at the Battle Tower to face Salan Maiden Anabel. You will earn the Silver Battle Tower Badge when she is defeated. After a total of 70 wins in a row, you will face Anabel again to earn the Gold Battle Tower Badge.

Tags: Gold Battle, Silver Battle, Battle Frontier, earn Gold, earn Gold Battle, will earn, Battle Dome

Facts On The Cost Of Health Insurance & Health Care

The factual data on the costs of health insurance and health care present a disturbing trend -- that the cost of health care, even with insurance, is growing for all Americans. Facts gathered by the Kaiser Family Foundation, which tracks health care spending and health insurance trends, point toward health care becoming unaffordable for many Americans if costs continue to grow; as insurance becomes more expensive, few can afford it, and those without insurance can rarely afford health care.

Spending Higher

Spending on health-related costs has risen steadily -- and dramatically -- in the United States just within the last 10 years. In fact, health-related costs have doubled since 1998, with America spending $1.2 billion on health care in 1998, and $2.5 billion in 2008.

Insurance Costs

Having health insurance is no guarantee of protection against rising health care costs, as the costs of health insurance have risen in tandem with spending. Both employer-sponsored and individual health insurance costs have risen substantially in the 2000s. While costs of group health insurances have risen steadily, the rising cost of individual health insurance policies has skyrocketed; the Kaiser Family Foundation reports that those with individual health insurance policies have endured double-digit rate increases repeatedly throughout the past 10 years. The astronomical cost of individual health insurance has resulted in fewer being able to afford coverage.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Those who are lucky enough to have health insurance are finding that even with insurance, health care is growing more expensive, as insurers look to pass the growing cost of health care onto the insured. Out-of-pocket costs are rising in the form of deductibles and copays for medical care such as physician's visits and hospitalization. Those with health insurance are expected to foot more of the bill before insurance begins to pay, and at the point of service.

Prescription Costs

Along with rising insurance costs and out-of-pocket costs, the cost of prescription benefits are also climbing. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that copays for those with prescription drug benefits through an employer-sponsored health insurance plan have grown steadily from 2000 to 2010. For instance, the copays for second-tier, or preferred prescriptions, have gone from an average $15 copay in 2000 to an average $28 copay in 2010, almost doubling the cost.

Considerations

Data gathered on health insurance costs during the past decade show overwhelmingly that the cost of health care in the United States is growing each year. As health insurance becomes more expensive in the form of premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, even those with insurance find that health care is less affordable.

Considerations

Tags: health care, health insurance, health insurance, individual health, individual health insurance, cost health

Low Adrenal Gland Function

Low adrenal gland function carries symptoms that are similar to other conditions and should be diagnosed by a physician. The most common symptoms are chronic fatigue, stress and anxiety, and a low resistance to colds and infections. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, relaxation and proper diet can improve the gland's hormone-secreting functions.

Cortisol

A common medication prescribed for low adrenal function is cortisol, which helps to regulate the body's production of hormones. Once started, however, patients sometimes must continue taking the medicine for life.

Vitamins

Vitamin C often can help boost the body's immune system. Vitamin C also helps the body better utilize carbohydrates and proteins, build red blood cells and fight infections that can hinder adrenal gland function.

Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar often is a contributing factor in low adrenal gland function. Blood sugar levels can react to a weakened adrenal gland, while poor diet contributes to an already weak glandular system.

Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments have had positive results in restoring adrenal gland health because the adrenal glands receive nutrients from the blood that flows through the spine.

Food

Pantothenic acid deficiency can create a weakened adrenal gland. Eat food high in the nutrient, such as tomatoes, broccoli, salmon and whole grains.

Exercise

By oxygenating the blood vessels through exercise, the adrenal glands function better. Jumping on a trampoline can have restorative effects on the adrenal glands, while increasing balance and aerobic endurance.

Tags: adrenal gland, adrenal gland function, adrenal glands, gland function, function Blood

Make An Excellent Brochure

Most brochures are produced on a personal computer.

A brochure provides an opportunity for you to make a big impact in a small space. You can share a summary of important information about a product or service. Brochures are especially beneficial as a marketing tool. Although you can hire someone to make a professional brochure for you, most home computers have software programs such as Microsoft Word that allow you to make your own brochure.

Instructions

1. Compile an outline of the information you need to include in your brochure. Because a brochure is only a few pages in length, present the most important information in a concise manner. If the brochure is about services you offer, for example, include details about what services are provided, why your services are better than the competition's and what you charge. Include your contact information.

2. Select some graphic images to include in your brochure. You can use stock images included in your word processing program or use photographs or other graphics you have designed. In a typical tri-fold style of brochure, you want to include an image on the front cover and at least two graphics on the inside pages. Use graphics to separate ideas of text on inside pages.

3. Use a computer program to make your brochure. Microsoft Word has a template for making brochures, which should make creating your project easier. From your computer, open Microsoft Word. Select "file: new" and open "brochure," which should be the sixth option. Select the size of the brochure you want to use.

4. Input your text and images into the template. To use clip art, select "insert: picture: clip art" and search for appropriate images using a keyword that fits the topic of your brochure. Print on colored or shiny paper for a more attractive and eye-catching look.

Tags: your brochure, Microsoft Word, brochure want, important information, include your, include your brochure

Metabolism & Calcium Deposits

Vitamin D from sunshine helps metabolize calcium.

Calcium occurs in the body more than any other element. It is present in bones, nails, hair, teeth and nerves as well as being a muscle relaxant and a vital mineral for detoxifying the blood. Calcium increases the secretion of insulin and inhibits thyroid-releasing hormones, but when the body has too much or too little calcium or it is not properly metabolized, problems occur.

Significance

Calcium deposits are the result of poor metabolism of calcium rather than too much calcium in the body. Calcium absorption is regulated by magnesium and phosphorus levels, vitamins A and D, and the thyroid, which depends on iodine to function. Too little iodine can lead to low thyroid activity, resulting in calcium becoming bio-unavailable. This in turn may lead to calcium deposits in the soft tissues. Too much sugar and fluoride can upset the calcium/phosphorus balance and inhibit the absorption of calcium in the intestines, again leading to deposits.

Types

When there is too much unmetabolized calcium in the body, it migrates in lumps to the soft connective tissues between joints. This condition is called calcinosis and comes in two main forms: metastatic and dystophic.

Metastatic calcinosis is either hypercalcemia, which occurs when there is too much calcium in the blood, or hyperphosphatemia, which occurs when the calcium is not metabolized because of too much phosphorus in the blood.

Tumoral calcinosis is classified as metastatic. Research suggests that this condition is hereditary and results from elevated phosphorus levels. Metatstatic calcinosis is a long-standing complaint and often related to thyroid activity or renal disease.

Dystrophic calcinosis is when calcium deposits occur in the soft tissues but there is no sign of abnormal phosphorus levels.

Effects

Mestastatic calcinosis affects lungs, eyes, brain, kidneys, stomach and the soft tissues between and around joints. Tumoral calcinosis causes huge calcified masses to form in the tissue and muscles around hips, shoulders, elbows, hands and chest walls. Dystrophic calcinosis is less obvious. Calcium deposits form in the soft tissues but not as a result of abnormal phosphorus or calcium metabolism. This condition is often detected at the site of scarring or previous injury.

Treatment

There is little effective treatment for calcinosis. Large calcium deposits are generally removed by surgery; however, the trauma induced by surgery may cause more calcium deposits to form.

Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed, but they offer pain relief rather than cure. Various antacids may be given to control the amount of phosphorus and allow calcium to be properly metabolized. Warfarin has been known to have some benefit.

A dietary substance called myo-inositol has been used on animals and shown to inhibit the formation of calcium deposits, but as of June 2010, this treatment is still experimental.

Considerations

To facilitate the metabolism of calcium it is important to eat a balanced diet that is calcium-rich and low in sugar and saturated fat. Most soft drinks and sodas contain excessive amounts of sugar and fluoride, which can upset the body's calcium/phosphorus balance. The body's ability to metabolize calcium diminishes with age and might lead to osteoporosis as well as calcinosis. Regular weight-bearing exercise is also recommended, and if you exercise outdoors, you will also benefit from a dose of vitamin D.

Tags: soft tissues, calcium deposits, phosphorus levels, abnormal phosphorus, calcium body, calcium phosphorus, calcium phosphorus balance