Posts Tagged ‘Health Education’

Watching TV for Better Health?


Hollywood has perfected the art of storytelling.

Now more people start to focus not so much on how the stories are being told, but what the stories are teaching.

A recent study from the University of Southern California examined the effects of watching the popular TV show “ER” (Emergency Room). They specially looked at three episodes that had “embedded lessons” about teen obesity, hypertension and healthy eating habits in them.

The storyline was three episodes long and illustrated the case of an African-American teen suffering from hypertension. Advice was given to eat more fruits and vegetables and get more exercise.

Did this storyline influence the viewers behaviour? According to the studies yes. It did so to a very minor degree, the behaviour and attitude change was a small positive change.

But think about it: 3 episodes!

If just watching 3 episodes of a TV show could create a MEASURABLE change in attitude and behaviour, that’s amazing! Remember that people watched this TV show for one reason only: entertainment. There was no “health-agenda” in the viewers’ minds. It’s a way of sugarcoating health-education and influencing people.

Details about the study

The researchers measured the effects of the story by using three separate sets of data. One of them provided data on a sample of 807 prime time TV viewers, taken both before and after the three episodes aired. They measured whether their self reported behavior, nutritional habits, knowledge as well as practices were influenced by the storyline.

Those who watched the ER episodes were 65% more likely to report a positive change. They also showed that the storyline had at least some impact. Those who watched ER had a 5% higher rate of knowledge concerning nutrition facts than those who did not watch.

Thomas W. Valente who conducted the study said: “This study demonstrates the importance of interventions and programs targeted at a population level. We have so many public health issues to deal with, we can’t restrict ourselves to any one strategy. We have to do everything and anything we can to help people improve their health.”

Valente goes on: “People get their information from entertainment. It’s not a magic bullet. It’s a small piece of the puzzle, but we’d be silly to ignore its potential.”

Thomas W. Valente is a Ph.D. and associate professor of preventive medicine and member of the IPR (Institute for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research) at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

He also worked on a similar study before, where he examined the effects on viewers of TV shows that tell stories about breast cancer.

I like what Bill Tancer wrote for Time magazine:

“Years ago, I watched several episodes of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? But I’m still waiting for someone to show me the money.”

I think the point is pretty clear, and while certain people have used the study to say: “TV is good for your health” keep in mind that watching TV is not a healthy activity. However, since most people do it anyway, it’s surely a good idea to use the persuasive power TV has on us. Advertisers do it all the time. They influence our behaviour and thoughts. But they don’t do it for OUR good, but for the good of their profits, to sell more products. Why isn’t that power used more often to the benefit of the people who actually watch TV?

Please share your thoughts on the power of positive persuasion on the Intense Influence blog.

Easy Student Loan Consolidation


A Direct Consolidation Loan allows a borrower to consolidate (combine) multiple federal student loans into one loan. The result is a single monthly payment instead of multiple monthly payments.

Make sure to carefully consider whether loan consolidation is the best option for you. While loan consolidation can simplify loan repayment and lower your monthly payment, it also can significantly increase the total cost of repaying your loans. Consolidation offers lower monthly payments by giving you up to 30 years to repay your loans. But, if you increase the length of your repayment period, you’ll also make more payments and pay more in interest than you would otherwise. In fact, in some situations, consolidation can double your total interest expense. If you don’t need monthly payment relief, you should compare the cost of repaying your unconsolidated loans against the cost of repaying a consolidation loan.

You also should take into account the impact of losing any borrower benefits offered under repayment plans for the original loans. Borrower benefits from your original loan, which may include interest rate discounts, principal rebates, or some loan cancellation benefits, can significantly reduce the cost of repaying your loans. You may lose those benefits if you consolidate.

Once your loans are combined into a Direct Consolidation Loan, they cannot be removed. That’s because the loans that were consolidated have been paid off and no longer exist. Take the time to study the pros and cons of consolidation before you submit your application.

For additional information, you can view the Checklist Tool for Consolidation or visit www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov.

What kinds of loans can be consolidated?

Most federal student loans are eligible for consolidation, including subsidized and unsubsidized Direct and FFEL Stafford Loans, Direct and FFEL PLUS Loans, Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS), Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Nursing Loans, Health Education Assistance Loans, and some existing consolidation loans. Private education loans are not eligible for consolidation. If you are in default, you must meet certain requirements before you can consolidate your loans.

Note: A PLUS Loan made to the parent of a dependent student cannot be transferred to the student. Therefore, a student who is applying for loan consolidation cannot include his or her parent’s PLUS Loan.

For a complete list of the federal student loans that can be consolidated, contact the Direct Loan Origination Center’s Consolidation Department by calling 1-800-557-7392 or visit www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov. TTY users may call 1-800-557-7395.

Note: Before July 1, 2010, Stafford, PLUS, and Consolidation Loans were also made by private lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFELSM) Program. As a result of recent legislation, no further loans will be made under the FFEL Program beginning July 1, 2010. All new Stafford, PLUS, and Consolidation Loans will come directly from the U.S. Department of Education under the Direct Loan Program.

When can I consolidate my loans?

Generally, you are eligible to consolidate after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.

What are the requirements to consolidate a loan?

To qualify for a Direct Consolidation Loan:

* You must have at least one Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) that is in grace or repayment.
* You can consolidate most defaulted education loans if you make satisfactory repayment arrangements with the current loan servicer(s) or agree to repay your new Direct Consolidation Loan under the Income Contingent Repayment Plan or the Income Based Repayment Plan.
* If you have a Direct Consolidation Loan, you cannot consolidate again unless you include an additional FFEL or Direct Loan. If you have a FFEL Consolidation Loan you also may be able to consolidate again under certain circumstances. For additional details, go to www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov.

If you consolidate your loans, you do not need to pay any application fees and you will not be charged any prepayment penalties.

What is the interest rate?

A Direct Consolidation Loan has a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan. The fixed rate is based on the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of 1% and cannot exceed 8.25%.

How do I apply for a Direct Consolidation Loan?

There are several ways that you can apply for a Direct Consolidation Loan:
* Apply online at www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov
* Download a paper copy of the application and promissory note at www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov
* Apply over the phone if you have all Direct Loans – 1-800-557-7392
* Request an application package be mailed to you by:
o Calling 1-800-557-7392 (TDD 1-800-557-7395) or 334-206-7400 (outside the USA)
o E-mailing consolidation@mail.eds.com

When do I begin repayment?

Repayment of a Direct Consolidation Loan begins immediately upon disbursement of the loan. (Your first payment will be due within 60 days.) The payback term ranges from 10 to 30 years, depending on the amount of education debt being repaid and the repayment plan you select. Direct Consolidation Loans that include parent PLUS loans are not eligible for the Income-Based Repayment Plan. For additional details on repayment plans available for Direct Consolidation Loans, go to the Loan Consolidation Web site or check with your loan servicer.

Repayment Plans—There are several repayment plans that are designed to meet the different needs of individual borrowers. You will receive more detailed information on your repayment options when you consolidate your loan. To learn more about repayment plans, go to the Repayment Information page on this Web site.

What if I have trouble repaying the loan?

Under certain circumstances, you can receive a deferment or forbearance that allows you to temporarily stop or lower the payments on your loan. For more information, go to the Repayment Information page on this Web site.

Can my loan be cancelled (discharged)?

Yes, but only under a few circumstances.

Administered Health Care Center


Administered Health Care Centers undoubtably become quite popular because they offer affordable care that is not available elsewhere. They have trained and knowledgeable staff and usually are not too concerned with insurance. Health centers work towards keeping a community or population healthy and worry less about the financial means than other places.

There are many different types of administered health care centers. A health center is basically any agency where health care is administered, including health education. A health center can offer basic health care or even specialize health care. Health centers include clinics, hospitals and treatment centers.

Many colleges offer a student administered health center. The student health center is a place where students can get discounted or free health services. Many of the college health centers offer basic health care, much sound an emergency room. There are recurrently not doctors that take scheduled visits. College health centers help to keep disease and illness under control on a college campus.

There are other races of administered health centers like health centers focused on women. Women have many specialized health care needs, like pregnancy. Some of the women’s health centers suggestion counseling services, abortion services and specialists in treating female types of cancer. These health centers focus on educating women about their health

Health centers come in a variety of focuses. As mentioned, college and women’s health centers are quite popular. There are other health centers that focus on different groups like children or the elderly. Semioccasional health centers are more generalized and welcome anyone..

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Educating People


The Value of Health Education

In the past, many epidemics were due to people being uneducated about their health. Simple things, sound washing the hands, had to be taught so people could avoid even common ailments. Nowadays students learn basic health education in elementary school and from their parents. Health education is more than just hearing about health issues. It is also about learning skills, like how to brush the teeth or food storage rules. These skills amend prevent illness and other health issues.

Health education can be simple or complex. Simple things are often basic knowledge and skills that we learn as we grow up. Most people learn in childhood not to eat food off the ground or specially they need to keep their hands clean. Then there are more complex issues that need to be taught directly occur safe sex practices and heart health.

Health education is about learning how to be and stay healthy. Every person needs health education to help them live a healthy life. Health education recurrently starts out in the classroom in elementary school and continues through school comprehend college. Health education is what helps to keep people disease free and helps prevent widespread epidemics.

Health education is about keeping the community healthy. It is not only taught in schools but by doctors, clinics and health agencies. Health education is spread through the media and from time to time person to person. It is ongoing and something a person needs for the rest of their life preserver. Health education is zenith to making sure district live the healthiest Mae West

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Holistic and Natural Health Education ? Join the Revolution!


Natural health courses are gaining popularity among those that are looking for comprehensive education in holistic health and healing. To become a holistic healer it is very important to attend a well – known and recognized natural health college. In holistic health courses students learn about the holistic and non-invasive health approaches for disease prevention and wellness-optimization.

If you want a career in holistic healing you can get a holistic degree by pursuing education through an alternative medicine school. Unlike modern medication, holistic healing is basically used as a subsequent treatment along with the traditional medicine and cures the disease without any side effect that is why a large number of students have started exploring holistic healing courses and other ways to earn a holistic degree and become a specialized holistic leader.

For those who are unable to attain a regular holistic degree from a full time alternative medicine college, there is a chance to attain it through a reputed distance learning natural medicine university. It is always advisable for a student to check his requirements and discuss the same with the distance learning holistic health college.

A holistic degree can be earned upon a completion of an educational program in holistic health sciences. Taking admission in a renowned alternative medical college is the first step towards making a bright career in holistic medicine. The syllabus include an in – depth study of various subjects such as mind-body-spirit medicines, homeopathy, naturopathy, various massage therapies, oriental medicines and various other subjects.

The holistic doctors that have earned their degrees are permitted to work in various natural pharmacies, interactive medical clinics, other similar medical practices and can open their personal clinics. Along with an interesting career and peace of mind, the professional knowledge of natural healing can also provide complete financial stability. Like all other degree programs alternative therapy courses also provide the students with great opportunities of employment, personal and professional growth so that you may help yourself financially and cure others.

Apply for a Doctor of Holistic Medicine Degree (HMD) today and expertise in an effective form of Alternative Treatment!

Pulse Oximeters & Health Education

Middle school kids all over the United States take on the challenge of learning various health related issues and cures for everyday challenges, but this year, they will have a new tool at their disposal, a pulse oximeter. Over the past 6 months, various school districts all over the U.S. have been adopting the use of pulse oximeters to demonstrate the importance of both pulse rate and oxygen saturation level in daily heath issues. Pulse oximeters will be used to show how quick and easily reading can be obtained, and then the readings will be used to show both normal and abnormal levels.

Health programs have shown that simple topics taught to kids at an early age are effective. The programs started out by teaching kids CPR, which provided positive results. The program then was expanded to include other topics in relation to poison control, which was becoming a growing problem in the U.S., and throughout the world. The initial program was revolved around first aid, and important tactics that are performed daily by emergency professionals. Pulse oximeters have been purchased at the rate of 5 pulse oximeter per classroom. At a cost of under $40, the cost for the schools is not overwhelming for both the initial purchase or for replacement.

Kids are first taught the definition of both pulse rate and oxygen saturation, and also given the breakdown of ranges of readings. Kids are first taught to take their own pulse rate via old fashioned methods, before pulse oximeters are employed for the task. Once the basics are taught to the kids, then pulse oximeters are shown. Impressively, the accuracy for pulse oximeters have been exceptional to traditional readings.

Landon medical pulse oximeters were the ones that were issued to various school districts. They were chosen for their long positive track record. Landon medical pulse oximeters also come with an extensive 2-year warranty that covers all manufacturing defects.

Degree in Nursing or Health Education: Health Care’s Need for New Professionals

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Earning a degree in nursing or an education in Healthcare is an extremely wise decision in tough economic times. The creation of new jobs and job prospects are troubling in many areas during an economic recession. However, the health care industry is one industry that is currently enjoying substantial growth in available jobs as well as a need for new professionals across the United States.

 

If you are considering earning your degree in nursing or embarking on a career in a health care field, here are a few of the United State’s fastest-growing fields.

 

Registered Nurses

Earning a degree in nursing will prepare you to enter the largest health care occupation in the United States, registered nurses currently hold more than 2.6 million jobs. Not only does earning a nursing degree prepare you to enter the largest health care occupation it also prepares you to enter one of the fastest growing profession in the nation. There are a number of factors contributing to the growth in this field including: a growing population of Baby Boomers and the increasing use of preventative health care as well as a high number of retiring experienced nurses.

 

The field of registered nurses is expected to generate more than 500,000 jobs over the next eight years, which is among the largest growth for any field or occupation.

 

Home Health Aides

There is a growing demand from the nation’s aging population for home-based health services, which has triggered great demand for employment of home health aides. Individuals pursuing a degree in nursing or an education in health care will be preparing themselves to enter another occupation that is projected to grow by more than 300,000 jobs over the next seven years.

 

Home health aides are being hired in record numbers due to an increase in efforts to reduce costs by moving individuals out of hospitals as quickly as possible. Individuals, who earn a degree in nursing, are hired as home health aides and implement their education to provide a variety of health-related services to help elderly or disabled persons to remain in their homes.

 

Medical Assistants

The field of medical assistants is also one of the United States’ fastest-growing occupations. Individuals earning a degree in nursing or other health care education are ideal candidates for a career as a medical assistant. Medical assistants are expected to perform a number of clinical and administrative duties as directed by a physician. These duties include but are not limited to maintaining records, scheduling appointments, administering medication and recording medical histories.

 

The field of medical assistants is expected to created more than 90,000 job openings annually. Students, who earn a degree in nursing or education in health care, will be preparing themselves to enter a field that is one of the fastest-growing in the United States. This field is expected to grow due to the need to replace workers who are retiring or leaving the field as well as the creation of a large number of new positions. Those who are have earned a degree in nursing or an education in health care should have the best opportunities to obtain a job.

 

Earning a degree in nursing or an education in health care not only prepares you to enter these fields but also any of the other rapidly growing fields of health care. Pursuing a degree in nursing or health care is an investment in your future and will prepare you to enter some of the fastest-growing industries in the nation.

 

Chicago Podiatrist, Affiliated Podiatrists Ltd., Encourage Foot Health Education With New Patient Education Library

CHICAGO, IL- Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., well-known podiatrists in Chicago, are now offering a new patient education library via the practice’s comprehensive website. The new library of foot and ankle health information was designed to help patients better understand the importance of quality foot care and regular check ups.

“At Affiliated Podiatrists, we like to make sure our patients are equipped to make the best decisions regarding their foot and ankle health,” said Dr. Marc Feder of Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd. “Now when patients need answers about foot pain or a new treatment, they can either call our office or view our online patient library for quick and convenient information, making us accessible to our patients at all hours.”

Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd. is conveniently located at the Six Corners Medical Center in Chicago and has been delivering quality foot care for generations. Dr. Harold Feder, founder of the practice and now emeritus, retired after serving patients at Affiliated Podiatrists for more than 60 years. Following in their father’s footsteps, Drs. Joel and Marc Feder joined the practice as partners and served along side their father until his retirement. Joining these two brothers shortly after were experienced associates, Drs. Steven Miller and Ralph Esposito.

This experienced podiatrist, located in the Near North neighborhood in Chicago, is qualified in diagnosis and specialized treatment of an array of foot and ankle conditions. From bunion care and ingrown toenail relief to geriatric and pediatric foot care, these foot and ankle professionals offer an array of podiatric treatments for patients of all ages in a comfortable atmosphere. Additionally, the practice specializes in ankle arthroscopy, joint resurfacing and laser toenail treatment in Chicago. As the first provider of PinPointe FootLaser in Chicago, patients searching for toenail fungus relief turn to Affiliated Podiatrists for safe, effective and pain free fungal treatment delivered in less than 45 minutes.

In addition to the practice’s recently added online library, patients can also visit the practice’s extensive website for a range of valuable online tools, including online appointment requesting, service descriptions, office details and the practice newsletter. These valuable online features help expedite appointments and inform busy patients about their foot health, ensuring patients have access to the best podiatric care possible both offline and online.

“For generations we’ve been solving foot problems and delivering quality foot care to patients in the Chicago area,” said Dr. Marc Feder. “We hope that patients will find our website and new patient library to be an extension of the exceptional care we deliver here at our practice and can use it to further improve their podiatric health.”

About Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd: Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd. are leading podiatrists in Chicago, serving patients throughout the Chicago area and the Near North neighborhood. The original practice, established in 1945 by Dr. Harold Feder is now continued by his sons, Drs. Marc and Joel Feder. Offering an array of podiatric services, including laser nail fungus treatment, Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd. continues to satisfy its’ patients foot and ankle needs- time and time again.

The Anatomy of a Natural Health Education

The Clayton College of Natural Health is a distance education instituted devoted to helping people gain accreditation in various realms of health related fields. Some individuals benefit from taking distance education courses from this institution but others may not be suited for such a program. Following is some information about the Clayton College of Natural Health for you to consider.


First of all you want to think about your specific goals. You may find that you are heading down a career path that requires you to become very familiar with holistic nutrition, traditional naturopathy or natural health. These are the only subjects that degree programs fall under at the Clayton College of Natural Health.


Other programs offer certificates for subjects like herbal studies, iridology studies, healthcare professional studies and companion animal studies. There is no degree earned though these four subjects and I’m not quite sure how a certificate from any of those subjects could be used.


Some of the information offered by the Clayton College of Natural Health is a little unfamiliar to most. If you want to earn a degree in traditional naturopathy it would be best to look into the field a little before signing up for any classes. You may find that you are really interested in taking a holistic approach to your health studies.


There are some concerns about taking classes for accreditation at a distance education institution like the Clayton College of Natural Health. Since this seems to fall into the realm of medicine in a holistic kind of way it is certain that some may find the programs to be a little too unscientific for many healthcare professionals.


Consider where you will be employed in the future. If your goal is to work as a nutritionist for a large hospital you may want to forgo the Clayton College of Natural Health as an educational option. However, if you want to start a health and wellness consultation business you might be attracted to the degrees and certificates that the Clayton College of Natural Health has to offer.


The alternative health field is not for everyone. Many people prefer taking the traditional route to healthcare and nutrition. However, many others are drawn to alternative medicine as well. It is important to note that not everyone recognizes the Clayton College of Natural Medicine as a means of valid accreditation. You may want to conduct a little research before filling out an application.

Acupuncture Universities – Getting the Most Out of your Health Education

As a prospective student, it is sometimes difficult to determine in which one of the many acupuncture universities or other complementary medicine schools you’d like to enroll. One of the first things you should do is make a list of potential contacts for your acupuncture school of choice. The next step is to pursue these contacts and explore your career training options.

As you will discover, many acupuncture universities and other Oriental medicine colleges typically require some degree of higher education before students can enroll into academic programs. So, it is important that applicants acquire official transcripts from previous educational institutions.

In order to enroll in the MSAOM (Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) degree program at most acupuncture universities and schools, students must have completed an educational equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree. As well, students pursuing the DAOM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) degree soon learn that minimum prerequisites include the equivalent of the MSAOM degree.

Now that you’ve organized your transcripts, it’s time to take a virtual journey to the many available acupuncture universities and colleges online. Because the Internet has improved the prevalence of educational resources, this is a good place to begin. As with any acupuncture school, you will learn there are more than just degree programs available to you. A matter of fact, a number of acupuncture and Oriental medicine colleges extend adjunct certificate and/or diploma programs in Chinese medical massage (Tuina), meridian therapy, herbal medicine, continuing education, as well as post-graduate courses.

Once you’ve chosen your top three acupuncture school candidates, it’s time to determine your financial need and availability of financial aid resources at the educational institution of choice. Much like conventional schools, acupuncture universities frequently participate in tuition assistance programs like the PELL grant, among other loan options.

After you’ve applied for financial aid, filed your transcripts, and submitted an application to your selected acupuncture school – be prepared for not only course-intensive programs, but for a whole new concept in modern and natural healthcare education. Aside from certificate and diploma courses, students pursuing acupuncture degree programs will be pleasantly surprised at the wealth of comprehensive knowledge and skills they will gain. In addition to basic health sciences like anatomy, physiology, and biology; students enrolled in acupuncture universities gain in-depth philosophies and studies of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), acupuncture therapy (and/or auricular-acupuncture), meridian therapy, moxibustion, cupping, Chinese herbology, Tai Chi/Qi Gong, Eastern bodywork modalities like acupressure, and Chinese medical terminology, among other associated studies.

Upon completion of all necessary academics and clinical internship, graduates of acupuncture universities must take and pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine exam. Once candidates have successfully achieved certification, they may then apply for licensure* to practice in their respective State of residence. (*Check individual State requirements.)

Today, many professional acupuncturists are considered primary care physicians, and stand to earn a comfortable living*, and a personally-rewarding, long-term career. (*Earnings range from $40 -$70 per patient session.)

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding alternative and complementary medicine programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore Acupuncture Universities near you.

* Source: BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Acupuncture Universities – Getting the Most out of Your Health Education

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