Radiology Technician Schools

10 Sexual Fetishes that Might Send You to the Emergency Room

Site Administrator — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:40:53 +0000

While this topic may be taboo to some, we're going there and we're going to try to keep it relatively PG. We all know people can be into some pretty freaky things when it comes to sexual pleasure. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that — as long as these things don't get taken too far. It's an old and tired cliche, but college is a time for exploration and pushing personal boundaries. It is in this way that college students are able to discover who they are and what their values are (and, needless to say, it's also how they have so much fun). Whether you are a radiology technician running in to all kinds of strange injuries in the emergency room or a college student "exploring your personal boundaries," it is important to understand the things some do for sexual gratification and know when these things are taken to a dangerous extreme. The following are 10 sexual fetishes that may break bones, or worse.

Sadomasochism: Probably one of the most widely known sexual fetishes, sadomasochism refers to a relatively broad genre of sexual pleasure. People who find cruelty and humiliation sexually stimulating are known as sadists (the pain-givers) and masochists (the pain-receivers). The punishing sex play that occurs between these two classifications of individuals is called sadomasochism (or S&M). While this sexual fetish is very common because of its breadth, when taken to an extreme degree it can become very dangerous. Sadomasochism may involve light whipping, spanking, and biting used to liven up "normal" lovers' sex lives or it may involve more out of control and dangerous actions. When taken to the extreme sadomasochism can involve cutting, violently hitting, and even torturing a partner during the act of intercourse. While it is thought to be fairly uncommon, if sadomasochism is taken too far individuals can end up with broken bones, dangerous bruising, or worse and end up in the emergency room.
Autoerotic Asphyxiation: One of the more blatantly dangerous sexual fetishes, autoerotic asphyxiation involves cutting off the oxygen supply to the brain while achieving sexual climax. The idea behind this is that the sudden loss of oxygen to the brain can increase feelings of pleasure and giddiness. The practice of autoerotic asphyxiation to heighten sexual pleasure has been long documented throughout history (since the 17th century). It's not difficult to see how the practice of strangling oneself or being strangled during sexual intercourse could go horribly wrong. In the United States alone there are an estimated 1000 deaths per year due to autoerotic asphyxiation mishaps.
Pyrophilia: I know what you're thinking. "Pyro" means fire. Yes, pyrophilia is a sexual fetish in which an individual gains sexual pleasure from fire. To be more specific, pyrophilia derives from a fascination and attraction to the actual act of setting a fire. In this way, pyrophilia can be somewhat associated with sadomasochism in that it seems to be a control and dominance type of interest. So, while many guys will boast how they were pyromaniacs who enjoyed lighting ants on fire when they were young, be sure not to confuse this with pyrophilia. Fire can be extremely dangerous and unmanageable. While pyrophilia is extremely rare and heavily disputed in the medical world, painful burns could absolutely land an individual in the E.R. or doctor's office.
Mechanophilia: Just a little forewarning, from this point on things are going to get a little bit weirder. Mechanophilia is a fetish where an individual is sexually attracted to mechanical objects. This means that bicycles, cars, helicopters, airplanes, vacuum cleaners, computers, robots, (must we go on?) become the objects of a person's sexual affections. So, now we're wondering why this particular sexual fetish made this list. And maybe we are stretching it here, but having an intimate relationship with an object that is made of sharp metal or plastic and is as dirty as a car or vacuum cleaner (!) cannot be the safest thing. From nasty cuts to terrible infections, mechanophilia could absolutely send someone to the hospital if it is taken too far.
Acrotomophilia and Apotemnophilia: It is disputed in the medical world whether these conditions should be considered disorders or mere fetishes. Acrotomophilia involves a sexually driven fascination with losing a limb and apotemnophia involves a sexual attraction to those who have already lost a body part (amputees). Not to be confused with (exaggerated) masochism, people with acrotomophilia find pleasure in the idea of being an amputee and having sex. They do not necessarily find sexual excitement from the actual act of amputation or pain. Regardless, there have been several cases of individuals with acrotomophilia who have attempted self amputations or gone so far to maim a limb in order to receive an amputation. Individuals will try to get cuts on arms or legs and then foster an infection that will result in the appendage being removed. In this case, acrotomophilia will certainly send you to the emergency room (however, that may be the exact desired result).
Formicophilia: All right, if you're interested in knowing a little more about this topic, we recommend using caution when searching the web. But formicophilia is a form of zoophilia (sexual attraction to animals) that involves an interest in small insects. Individuals with this sexual fascination find pleasure in having ants, spiders, etc. crawl on their body and bite them. If an individual were to have an allergic reaction to ant bites or choose the wrong species of spider to "practice" with, they may very well end up in the hospital.
Hybristophilia: Defined as the sexual attraction to individuals who have committed gruesome crimes, hybristophilia does not pose immediate danger to an individual in the same way the other fetishes on this list do. However, it is probably safe to assume that an individual who is only sexually attracted to people who are violent are more likely to get hurt than most. There are two types of hybristophilia: passive and aggressive. Passive hybristophilia is when a person is attracted to a dangerous criminal, which may put that person in the emergency room. Aggressive hybristophilia is when a person finds pleasure in the actual act of committing gruesome crimes (rather than the E.R., this will land a person in prison).
Emetophilia: Well, this one is kind of a no-brainer. Emetophilia is the sexual fetish in which a person is aroused by vomiting or observing vomiting. So, obviously if you are interested in making yourself sick while having sexual intercourse then you may very well end up in the hospital. Emetophiliacs will self induce vomiting or force their sexual partner to vomit by either gagging or sometimes with medications (such as ipecac). If ipecac (a drug that makes a person vomit instantly) is used things can easily get dangerously out-of-hand. Vomiting can damage an individual's throat, gums, and teeth as well as cause severe ulcers.
Hematolagnia: Strangely, with the rise of terrible vampire movies and novels in recent popular culture, this sexual fetish has become an everyday thing. Most people barely bat an eye when a certain vampire becomes uncontrollably aroused by blood. Hematolagnia is the sexual fetish, often times connected to vampirism, which involves finding sexual gratification through blood and bleeding. While it, unsurprisingly, was mainly underground, in the wake of television shows like Dexter and movies like Twilight, hematolagnia has gained a much wider exposure. Needless to say, this fetish could easily land someone with a pretty serious injury that required medical attention.
Omorashi: Most common in the Japanese culture, omorashi is the sexual fetish in which individuals are aroused from having a full bladder. In western culture, this is typically labeled under urolagnia (urine fetish), but it is actually somewhat different. While urolagnia involves the act of urinating, omorashi involves holding urination to an uncomfortable degree, which is where the danger lies. Holding ones bladder for too long can lead to painful bladder infections and other urinary issues.

10 Most Pervasive Myths about Eating Disorders

Site Administrator — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 03:40:09 +0000

Eating disorders are becoming increasingly common in Western societies. Despite educators' efforts to create greater awareness of anorexia and bulimia, there still remains a great deal of misunderstanding and misinformation surrounding the facts and consequences of the disorders. In order to get to the root of the problem, more people need to recognize the symptoms, victims, and treatments. That involves dispelling false notions and pervasive societal myths.

Eating Disorders Are Limited to Women: Although eating disorders are most prevalent in women, men are in no way immune to them. Men, one million of them in 2005, relentlessly tried to perfect their body image by excessively working out, eating less, or even throwing up their food after a large meal. According to The Wall Street Journal, many men are no longer acting as caretakers in a relationship — a greater number of women than men are excelling in both university education and the work force. With higher salaries and higher education, many women no longer find themselves financially dependent on men. In fact, they are often earning more than their male counterparts. Sometimes men try to compensate for this role reversal by perfecting their bodies. A muscular, slim man can definitely symbolize dominance and overall strength.
People with Eating Disorders Always Look Underweight: As described by Womenshealth.gov, an online resource provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services, many bulimics are normal weight. In fact, some may even look chubby or a bit overweight. In addition to bulimics, those men and women that exercise excessively and count every single calorie may not look emaciated. The media often only shows the most extreme cases of anorexia nervosa in television and movies. There are some signs that you can look for in bulimics, such as: swollen cheeks, overtly clear teeth, and broken blood vessels in the eyes. However, these symptoms are not always obvious.
Hollywood and Vogue are Responsible for Eating Disorders: True: Constant exposure to images of overtly thin supermodels and actors can affect how we view our own bodies. False: These images are the leading cause of eating disorders. This is a common misconception. Parents often blame skinny celebrities for inspiring anorexia or bulimia; however, there are many other factors that contribute to eating disorders. Many women and men starve themselves or purge after eating as a result of psychological disorders, including (but not limited to): Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Multiple Personality Disorder, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder.
Eating Disorders Are Hereditary: Currently, scientists are actively trying to find out if eating disorders have genetic causes. Although they have found some correlations, correlation does not imply causation. Eating disorders do not necessarily have to be genetically predetermined. Your environment can affect your eating habits and self-image as well. For example, perhaps your mom is obsessed with being unnaturally thin. It may not pass on to you genetically, but it could pass on to you because of your constant exposure to her ideas and unreal image. At the same time, don't assume that just because your sister is bulimic or anorexic, you will be too. There could be a variety of contributing factors to her disorder!
Dieting Will Lead to Anorexia: Many people believe dieting is a gateway habit to future anorexia or bulimia. However, eating disorders are NOT just related to concerns about eating healthy or losing a few pounds. These disorders stem from an extreme obsession with losing weight. If your mind is consistently counting calories (all day long), that would be symptomatic of anorexia. Other symptoms include lying about your food intake and constantly feeling overweight (even though you are not). If dieting always lead to anorexia, we would have many more people with eating disorders. You should not let your weight and eating habits consume you, but still be health conscious about your food intake. Moderation is essential to leading a healthy lifestyle.
People with Eating Disorders Do Not Eat: Although people with anorexia may not eat very much, they usually do consume at least a small amount of food during the day. Otherwise, they would appear to be emaciated at a much quicker pace. Adolescents who suffer from anorexia may just eat one really small meal in front of others. Or, anorexics may also be bulimic. They may try to please friends and family members by eating large quantities at dinner or lunch. Afterward, in order to get rid of calories, they may make themselves vomit.
Bulimics Only Vomit to Get Rid of Extra Calories: Many parents and friends are unaware of another common tactic bulimics use to lose weight: Laxatives. Taking laxative pills help people lose weight initially.They usually get rid of water weight. However, consistent use of these diuretics can lead to a dangerous addiction. Constant abuse leaves users feeling extremely fat and bloated every time they eat. As soon as they finish eating, they have to take pills to get rid of their meal. Celebrities like Janet Jackson have admitted to abusing these pills. This can lead to extreme dehydration and internal bleeding.
Bulimics Purge Everything They Eat: Because vomiting after eating only gets rid of 50% of the calories, bulimics often gain weight from their destructive cycles of purging. In fact, many bulimics who use laxatives only get rid of ten percent of their calorie intake. Those that suffer from this eating disorder believe they are getting rid of everything when they purge. They often overeat during meal times, usually 5 to 6 times more than their normal intake. Furthermore, as the video demonstrates, when your body gets used to purging, you will only lose about twenty to thirty percent of your calorie intake.
People Cannot die from Bulimia: Although there are many unfortunate media stories describing deaths from anorexia nervosa, there is little information about deaths from bulimia. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, a person with bulimia can be at high risk for sudden death. Purging can be extremely destructive on the heart. It can also cause electrolyte imbalances. The New York Times article reports that bulimia can definitely result in death. Fortunately, Melissa Avrin's mom is adding to the short list of movies focusing on bulimia.
Eating Disorders Start at Adolescence: Eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent in children. As in adult eating disorders, similar factors can contribute to the same disorders in children. These factors can be environmental, psychological, and/or biological. Mothers seem to have a huge impact on young girls with eating disorders. The Agras, Hammar, and McNicolas study demonstrates that mothers with eating disorders interact differently with their children than mothers without them. Early on, they are less likely to feed their children (a normal amount) during early development stages.

8 Ways Cell Phones Can Harm Your Health

Site Administrator — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:16:32 +0000

The recent cell phone study from the National Institute of Health was just the latest to yield results indicating that gadgets can disrupt a bodily process. Scientists discovered that 50 minutes of use could affect brain activity in the area closest to the phone's antenna, increasing brain glucose metabolism. Although the study didn't specifically mention it could be harmful to our health, doctors are concerned about the implications. There have been several other findings through the years that caused cell phone users to mistrust their phones, some concerning radiation and others concerning more overlooked issues. Here are eight to consider:

Insomnia, confusion, headaches, depression: Those late-night phone conversations may be preventing you from getting a good night's sleep. Aside from the additional time you spend chatting away, you could be suffering from insomnia due to the radiation emitted by your phone, or more specifically, 884 MHz wireless signals. Scientists from Michigan's Wayne State University and Sweden's Karolinska Institute and Uppsala University found that it shortens the deep stages of sleep, which are necessary for the rejuvenation of the mind and body. The effects of a lack of sleep are most problematic for children and teens, who could experience ADHD-like symptoms, depression and mood and personality changes as a result.
Lower visual abilities: Common sense dictates that driving while chatting on the cell phone is an activity from which people should abstain. That was confirmed by psychologists at the University of Kansas, who discovered the vision-controlling area of the brain becomes less active during a conversation in which people are visually focusing on something. In other words, you don't see or notice as much as you should. When you speak, you're activating the left frontal cortex, the back and lower portion of the left temporal lobe, and other areas of the brain. It's an activity that requires lots of effort. Sobering fact: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 995 people were killed by drivers distracted by their cell phones in 2009.
Hearing loss: Cue the "Can you hear me know?" guy. Verizon and non-Verizon customers alike may have trouble hearing you if they spend more than an hour on their phones per day. Researchers at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India reported that such cell phone use can result in inner-ear damage and thus high-frequency hearing loss. Specifically, they had difficulty hearing consonants, including "f," "s," "t" and "z." People were more likely to suffer the loss if they exhibited symptoms such as ringing, fullness in the ears and a warm sensation. Although the study was preliminary, doctors advise cell phone users to halt their use if they notice hearing loss.
Increased risk of male infertility: After perusing this list, you may be tempted to purchase a hands-free device. If you're a guy, though, you should think twice. Because most men who use hands-free devices carry them in their pockets, their testicles are exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic waves. Cleveland Clinic researchers provided findings that showed semen exposed to the waves exhibited higher levels of free radicals, and lower sperm viability and motility. Some doctors advise their patients to keep their phones and laptops away from the area due to the risks. Better safe than sorry.
Dermatitis: Apparently, it's possible to be allergic to your cell phone. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, people who are sensitive to nickel, a metal often used in cell phone handsets, could develop dermatitis on their faces. The symptoms include dry, inflamed, red, blistered and cracked skin, and most commonly affect woman, who are more likely to be allergic to nickel. The buttons and perimeter surrounding the screen are most likely to contain nickel, so the cheek and ear are typically the first areas that show signs of the rash.
Germs: Do you wash your hands after touching the toilet seat? Do you cringe when you touch a greasy doorknob? What's your reaction when reach for your cell phone? A professor of microbiology at Manchester Metropolitan University found that your phone is a conduit for a multitude of germs, and may be even worse than a toilet seat or doorknob. Microbiologist Chuck Gerba, who undertook the research, stated that it's a breeding ground for bacteria because of the warmth generated by your hand and pocket area. Of course, those who are most susceptible to germs are people with weak immune systems — one study indicated that cell phones may be the source of hospital infections.
Thumb pain and discomfort: Technological advances have corresponded with the increasing use of your digits, creating a truly 21st century ailment called Blackberry thumb. Video games, computers and cell phones in particular are the culprits. In recent years, doctors have reported more instances of stress injuries of the thumb. Patients complain of discomfort, pain and numbness at the base, and some are forced to undergo operations to relieve the problem. Unrelenting use of the thumbs can result in years of chronic pain. Unfortunately for some, reducing the use of their thumbs isn't an option because their livelihood essentially depends on it.
Eblow nerve damage: If it's not your thumb, it's your elbow. People who spend too much time with their arms tightly bent while talking into their cell phones can suffer nerve damage, resulting in cubital tunnel syndrome. So not only do they experience elbow pain and discomfort, but they experience weakness in their hands and thus limited use. "Cell phone elbow" is a new recurring problem that orthopedic specialists are encountering. More severe cases require surgery, but most people can alleviate the problem by simply switching hands when talking on their cell phones for long periods of time.

10 Unsettling Facts about Diet Soda

Site Administrator — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:06:45 +0000

We've all heard that if you're going to drink sodas, choose diet. This may seem like the best option for diabetics and people who are watching their weight, but there is more to consider when drinking diet sodas than just calories. We may not know exactly what these carbonated colas are doing to our bodies, but there is plenty of research that suggests they aren't doing much good. Here are 10 unsettling facts about diet soda:

Causes Diabetic Complications: Diet sodas are often recommended to diabetics, who have to reduce their sugar intake. However, research suggests that the artificial sweetener, aspartame, may actually cause negative side effects for diabetics. Aspartame may cause diabetic complications or worsen them, such as retinopathy, cataracts and metabolic disorders. The artificial sweetener can also make it harder for diabetics to properly control their insulin levels, in addition to affecting appetite or causing weight gain.
Dissolves Tooth Enamel: Even though diet sodas do not directly cause cavities like the sugar in regular sodas, the acid in diet sodas may contribute to enamel breakdown, which makes you more susceptible to tooth decay when sugar is consumed. Diet sodas are very acidic. For example, Diet Coke, Diet Dr. Pepper and Diet 7-Up have pH values ranging from 3.39 to 3.67. Acid starts to dissolve tooth enamel at pH value of 5.5 or less.
Contains a High Caffeine Amount: One 12oz can of diet soda contains anywhere from 23 to 54 mg of caffeine. The amount of caffeine varies by diet soda brands, but most diets sodas contain more caffeine than regular sodas. If you're caffeine intake exceeds 500 to 600 mg a day, your health could be in risk. High caffeine consumption may cause headaches, restlessness, anxiety and other potential health problems.
Leaches Calcium from Bones: Diet sodas leach calcium from your bones in several ways. The phosphoric acid in diet sodas can increase calcium excretion in urine, therefore promoting calcium loss. Caffeine can also zap calcium from bones and weaken them if the body is not replaced with enough calcium. Getting an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D every day, as well as limiting caffeine intake to 300 mg or less a day, will help diet soda drinkers maintain strong and healthy bones.
Increases Stroke Risk: Recent medical studies have determined a link between diet soda consumption and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. The study used 2,500 participants to analyze the health effects of daily diet soda consumption. It found that 61 percent of people who drank a diet soda daily had an increased risk of heart problems compared to non-soda drinkers. It also accounted for smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption and calories consumed per day.
Causes Weight Gain: Diet sodas have been linked to causing weight because sugar substitutes, such as saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, neotame and acesulfame-K, may actually increase people's cravings for more food to feel satisfied. Research shows that artificial sweeteners are hundreds of times sweeter than real sugar and can be addictive. This may increase cravings and consumption of larger and sweeter desserts to get your sweets fix, which may result in weight gain.
Causes Dehydration: Diet soda is a diuretic, which increases the flow of urine and calcium excretion. Depending on how many diet sodas you drink and how much water you consume, this process can cause dehydration. Excessive diet soda consumption can also cause a laxative effect and shed some water weight, but it's very important to be aware of the signs of dehydration and stay replenished with water.
Increases Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome: Research suggests that drinking diet soda may increase one's chances of developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of risk factors that could lead to heart disease, stroke and type 2diabetes. Abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance or glucose intolerance and high cholesterol are some of the known risk factors. Daily diet soda drinkers, who don't exercise and eat unhealthy foods, are increasing their chances of developing metabolic syndrome at a faster rate than those who don't drink sodas but eat the same way.
Inceases Risk of Cell Damage: A preservative found in diet sodas, called sodium benzoate, has been linked to an increase in cell damage. Sodium benzoate is added to sodas to prevent mold. When mixed with the additive vitamin C, it produces a carcinogenic substance called benzene. Studies also show that sodium benzoate may damage the mitochondria, a very important part of DNA within cells. The cells might malfunction when damaged, causing a number of diseases like Parkinson's, cirrhosis of the liver and neuro-degenerative diseases.
Soda Used to Contain Cocaine: When Coca-Cola was first created by pharmacist John Pemberton in 1886, it contained cocaine, which was thought to cure various diseases and ailments. The "feel good" drink was said to cure morphine addiction, neurasthenia, headache and dyspepsia. Coca-Cola may have taken out cocaine from the recipe in the early 1900s, but both regular and diet Coca-Cola still use a cocaine-free coca extract in the recipe.

10 Most Misunderstood Mental Health Disorders

Site Administrator — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:06:42 +0000

One in four adults suffers from a diagnosable mental health disorder ever year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Mental health disorders are a serious public health concern and are widely misunderstood by society. Even though doctors and researchers have made huge strides in their understanding and treatment of mental health disorders, there is still much more to be learned and shared about these complex conditions. Here are the 10 most misunderstood mental health disorders:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD): Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral condition that causes inattentiveness, impulsivity and over-activity, or a combination of all three. ADHD is often misunderstood and there are various misconceptions about the cause of treatment of this behavioral disorder. ADHD is not a made up medical condition, and those who are diagnosed with it aren't lazy or dumb. This condition is real and is not an indication of someone's intelligence or unwillingness to focus. Doctors and researchers are still learning about this widely misunderstood disorder and trying to find the underlying causes and best treatments for it.
Eating Disorders: An eating disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by abnormal eating behaviors, such as reduced food intake, extreme overeating and obsessive concern with diet, body weight and shape. Eating disorders are not only widely misunderstood by the public, but researchers don't know the underlying causes of eating disorders either. Many people believe that eating disorders only occur in females, but it's quite the contrary. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of males in the U.S. have an eating disorder. Another common misconception about eating disorders is that people do it to get attention. This is completely untrue, and for many sufferers it is a way to handle depression, stress or trauma and has little to do with beauty.
Tourette Syndrome: Tourette syndrome is a mental disorder that causes repetitive, involuntary movements and vocal tics. This condition is almost always seen in childhood first and it ranges in severity. Tourette's can be a chronic, lifelong condition, but most sufferers experience their worst symptoms during adolescence and it improves with age. Tourette syndrome is widely misunderstood by the public. Contrary to popular belief, Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder, not a psychiatric problem or a symptom of mental retardation. Another common misconception is that all people with Tourette's swear, but actually less that one-third of people struggle with this symptom.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by repetitive thoughts, ideas and feelings. These reoccurring thoughts and behaviors cause people to act on their compulsions and perform obsessive rituals in order to relieve their anxiety. OCD is widely misunderstood by society and has many negative stigmas. A common misconception about OCD is that it is caused by a poor upbringing, but this is not so. People with OCD have different chemical makeups than those without the condition, and it can be hereditary. Another misconception is that people with OCD are flawed, crazy and weak-minded individuals. People with OCD aren't insane and don't choose to have this condition. They badly want to break the cycle of obsessive thoughts and rituals, so they can return to normalcy.
Autism: Autism is a developmental disorder that affects one's social and communication skills. This mental health condition typically appears in the first three years of life and is characterized by a number of symptoms, such as trouble communicating with words, develops language slowly or not at all, repeat body movements, distressed by changes in routines and many other behaviors. Many of the misunderstandings about this mental condition are associated with the causes of autism, which are open to much debate. One major misconception is that autism is definitely caused by vaccines. There may be various factors that cause autism, such as genetics, diet, mercury poisoning and even vaccines, but researchers have yet to determine any exact causes for these chemical and biological abnormalities.
Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a mental health disorder characterized by extreme mood swings that range from depression to euphoria. These mood shifts can come and go multiple times a day or happen only a few times a year, and some people experience both depression and mania symptoms at the same time. Bipolar disorder is widely misunderstood by society as being a made up condition and an excuse people use to act irrationally and shift their moods whenever they feel like it. This couldn't be more false because it is a real, proven medical disorder that is caused by chemical and biological differences in the brain. People with bipolar disorder don't choose to be in a depressed or maniac state of mind, but they can reduce extreme mood swings with proper medical treatment.
Depression: Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, loss and anger that occur for a long period of time. Although doctors do not know the exact cause of depression, there are several possible factors, such as biological and chemical differences, hormonal imbalances, genetics, trauma and life events. Although it's a relatively common disorder, there are still many misunderstandings about those who have it and how to treat it. Contrary to popular belief, depression isn't just a case of the blues or a mental weakness; it's a serious, chronic mental health illness that doesn't just go away on its own. Those suffering from depression should seek professional care so they can properly and safely treat their condition.
Alzheimer's: Alzheimer's is a form of dementia, a loss of brain function that affects memory, thinking and behavior and worsens over time. People suffering from this mental health condition typically have impaired memories and problems with language and judgment. Alzheimer's is widely misunderstood by the public and is often disregarded as normal memory loss. This belief can be troublesome for those suffering from Alzheimer's because they may be less likely to seek diagnosis and receive professional help.
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions and an inability to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences. Those with schizophrenia have disordered thoughts and behaviors, and struggle with social situations. Schizophrenia is a widely misunderstood disorder with several negative stigmas. Many people misinterpret schizophrenia as split personality or multiple personality, but it's an imbalance in emotions and thinking. Another misconception is that all schizophrenics are violent, but they are actually no more violent that the average person and are usually passive people who fear others.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Borderline personality disorder is an emotional disorder characterized by distorted self image and emotional instability. Those suffering from BPD often have feelings of worthlessness and think they're fundamentally flawed. They may act impulsively and engage in risky behavior. This chronic mental condition is widely misunderstood by society and has many negative stigmas. One common misconception about borderline personality disorder is that it's not treatable, but dialectical behavior therapy has proven to be a successful treatment for BPD. People with BPD are not using it as an excuse to act out or be selfish; it's a serious condition that cannot be ignored because symptoms may worsen and the risk of suicide increases.

10 Unexpected Careers for Nurses

Site Administrator — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 01:25:24 +0000

Just because you have a nursing degree doesn’t mean you have to work in a traditional clinical setting or treat patients at all. Today, licensed nurses can use their clinical experience and medical knowledge in a number of different careers. From pharmaceutical sales, medical writing to clinical research, nurses can assist the medical industry in more ways than one. Here are 10 unexpected careers for nurses:

Medical Writer: Nurses with proficient writing skills and comprehensive medical knowledge may enjoy a career as a medical writer. Medical writers are specialized writers who produce content for various healthcare purposes. Medical writers often work closely with doctors and scientists to make sure that their documents are clear, correct and comply with guidelines. Writers may work at various companies and institutions, such as government agencies, healthcare centers, medical schools and pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. This challenging, yet rewarding job will give nurses a chance to display their knowledge and writing skills, while making an essential contribution to the healthcare field.
Travel Nurse: Nurses who love to travel and want more variety in their job can turn their attention toward travel nursing. Travel nurses get to travel the country to provide care to patients in different healthcare settings and fields. Travel nurses typically work within their specialty, but get exposure to different medical fields and specialties, as well. Depending on the mission, travel nurses can be away for several weeks, months or years. Travel nursing is a great way to expand your medical knowledge and patient care skills, while living in a new and exciting place temporarily.
Patient Advocate: Nurses with excellent patient care and problem solving skills should consider a career as a patient advocate. Patient advocates, also known as case managers, provide assistance to patients who are dealing with financial obstacles, insurance access problems and employment issues as they seek treatment for chronic and life-threatening medical conditions. Patient advocates work closely with patients to solve these problems and provide mediation services that help lessen their burden.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Nurses who have a deep interest in pharmaceuticals and have any sales experience may find their calling in pharmaceutical sales. Pharmaceutical sales representatives are hired by pharmaceutical companies to meet with physicians, pharmacists, hospital personnel and patient advocacy groups and get them to buy their medicines and medical products. Nurses are a good fit for pharmaceutical sales because they have a strong understanding of medicine, pharmacology and public health needs.
Legal Nurse Consultant: Nurses with an interest in the legal system and bridging the information gap can find their niche as a legal nurse consultant. Legal nurse consultants have been specially trained to provide consulting and expert assistance to lawyers handling medical-related cases. Legal nurse consultants review medical records, explain terminology and clarify any questions about the healthcare system. They are key components to the justice system by helping lawyers better understand the complicated factors of medicine.
Telephone Triage Nurse: Nurses who still want to administer care, but expand their caseload and have more regular hours may enjoy a career as a telephone triage nurse. Telephone triage nurses deliver health related services and advice over the phone. Telephone triage nurses use protocols and independent judgment to assist patients of all needs. It is a risky area of medical practice because nurses can’t see patients, but telephone triage nurses are trained to advice patients to reduce unnecessary trips to the doctor or emergency room, while directing those who should go.
Healthcare Recruiter: Nurses can enter the healthcare recruiting field to find qualified candidates for various healthcare jobs. Recruiters are in charge of finding qualified individuals to fill empty positions, in addition to selling and promoting the job to potential employees. Healthcare recruiters also prequalify candidates based on their experience, education and credentials, and help set up interviews. Healthcare recruitment is an exciting career that makes a huge difference in the medical industry. Nurses who don’t want to do clinical work, but want to stay involved in the medical field can try their hand at healthcare recruitment.
Medical Insurance Claims Representative: Nurses with a strong understanding of health insurance, medical billing and other procedural information are excellent candidates for a career in medical insurance claims. Medical insurance claims representatives work for health insurance companies and are in charge of reviewing health-related claims and analyze the costs of diagnoses and treatments. Claims representatives also authorize appropriate payments, deny claims or refer claims to investigators for further review.
Clinical Researcher: Nurses with a deep interest in clinical research and pharmacology may find their calling as a clinical researcher. Clinical researchers generally work with physicians, PhDs and other scientists to conduct research and determine the safety and effectiveness of medications, treatments and medical devices and products for patient use. Clinical researchers work with a team of healthcare experts to conduct clinical trials to study and test medications before, during and even after they’ve been introduced to the consumer market. Nurses are excellent candidates for working in clinical research because of their knowledge, willingness to learn and experience working with patients.
Medical Illustrator: Nurses can combine their love for medicine and art with a career in medical illustration. Medical illustrators are professional artists who collaborate with physicians, scientists and other specialists to produce medical art that is clear, accurate and reaches the masses. Their work is used for various medical purposes, such as education, research, patient care and marketing. Nurses are particularly useful in medical illustration because they have a comprehensive knowledge of medicine and have had a lot of practice studying and analyzing medical illustrations during school and clinical work.

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