Author: idealmedhealth

It’s natural to become anxious, especially when faced with life stressors such as the death of a loved one, financial insecurity, insomnia, limited physical mobility, and speaking in public. But when anxiety becomes persistent to the extent of making one’s life significantly difficult, it might be a sign of a mental disorder. 

An Overview Of Anxiety In Older Adults 

Anxiety is a mental health disorder that makes it difficult to get through the day. According to an article published by the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, around 10–20% of older adults have anxiety disorders. Common symptoms associated with anxiety include restlessness, worrying, problems concentrating, difficulty falling or staying asleep, unexplained pains, and muscle aches.  

Like depression, anxiety has many adverse effects on the well-being of older adults. For instance, it can affect their physical health and hurt their ability to perform daily activities. It can also lead to hypertension and diabetes. All these can negatively impact their functioning and overall health.  

Sometimes, anxiety might be a sign of an underlying health condition. It can also be a side effect of medications an older adult is taking. A mental health professional can help identify and address any underlying condition causing anxiety. However, you should find an experienced behavioral health services provider. You can click here to consult with a specialist and seek help for an older adult you know is struggling with anxiety.  

Ways Older Adults Can Manage Anxiety 

Aside from seeking professional help, there are other steps older people can take to manage anxiety. These include the following:  

• Participating In Physical Activities

Most older adults have mobility issues and don’t get enough exercise. But physical activity is one of the most effective ways of managing anxiety.  

But one may ask: how do physical activities help alleviate anxiety? Here are three ways:

• Physical activities divert their attention from the things they’re worrying about.
• Engaging in physical activities can decrease muscle tension contributing to stress and anxiety.
• Regular exercise triggers the body’s production of feel-good hormones called endorphins and other natural brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve mood, thereby enhancing overall mental well-being.  

There are various physical activities older adults can consider to ease anxiety. These include walking, jogging, tai chi, yoga, swimming, dancing, gardening, and low-impact workouts. Ensure that the type of activity is something your aging loved one enjoys doing and matches their fitness level. 

• Eating The Right Diet

Another effective way for older adults to manage anxiety is by eating a well-balanced diet. For enhanced physical and mental well-being, it’s essential to maintain a diet high in vitamins, proteins, and carbohydrates, which can help ease anxiety. 

In addition, it’s best to consider food items rich in magnesium, omega-3, L-theanine, and other minerals, as advised by a doctor or nutritional professional.  

However, note that some food products can trigger anxiety. These include foods high in sugar, alcohol, caffeine, saturated fats, and processed products such as ready-made meals, chips, and frozen foods. Avoiding or limiting the intake of these food items can help produce a more relaxed state of mind. The more relaxed your older loved one is, the better they can manage anxiety.  

• Engaging In Social Interaction

One of the causes of anxiety in older adults is loneliness. As noted earlier, many of them have limited mobility. They can no longer go to places independently like they used to.

Many older adults live alone, contributing to anxious thoughts and uneasiness. Social isolation can also take a toll on their physical health, leading to a weakened immune system and poor cardiovascular health in some cases.  

There are many ways to help older people deal with loneliness and isolation. For instance, paying them regular visits can keep them from dwelling on negative thoughts. If you’re busy working during the day, you can come by your older loved one’s home in the evening after work. You can also consider visiting them during weekends. Even a one-hour visit can go a long way in easing anxiety in aging adults. 

If you can’t visit them for one reason or another, you can video call them as often as possible. Regular communication can make them feel you value them, improving their mood and overall well-being.

Another way to help your older loved one cope with loneliness is to find opportunities for social interactions in local senior support groups. Another option is to consider a facility that can meet your senior loved one’s behavioral health needs, whether inpatient or outpatient. These programs offer specialized treatment for aging adults and provide opportunities for them to interact with others and get medication for various ailments, including anxiety.  

• Getting Quality Sleep

Getting quality sleep will help an older adult manage stress and be calmer. It works by restoring the brain’s prefrontal mechanism that regulates one’s emotions and prevents the feeling of anxiety. For this reason, doctors recommend that aging adults sleep between seven and nine hours each night.  

Here are some ways that can help older adults get enough sleep:

• Use a supportive pillow to help align the body with the bed and reduce discomfort while sleeping. 
• Engage in moderate exercise to help improve sleep quality and quantity.
• Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. 
• Create a bedtime routine that helps you relax, such as listening to calming music or taking a warm bath. 
• Make the sleep environment comfortable, dark, and quiet.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime, as these can negatively affect sleep patterns.
• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. 

Getting adequate sleep can help older adults better manage stress and anxiety.  

Takeaway

Anxiety can hurt the overall well-being of an older adult. It can lead to chronic depression, hypertension, diabetes, and other health problems. This is why they should find effective ways to cope with anxiety. 

Participating in physical activities, eating the proper diet, engaging in social interaction, and getting quality sleep every night are recommended ways to manage anxiety in older adults.  

The technician as a field is quite broad, but we are about to narrow it down to understand what or who a central service technician is and their job description. These technicians play a key role in the medical field and health care services.

As it stands, hospitals with surgical activities will only function with a central service technician offering their expertise. Indirectly, the CS technicians contribute extensively to protecting the medical team and the patients.

The central technician like other healthcare technicians like the pharmacy technician and  Medical Laboratory Technician often go beyond their line of duty, but this depends on their workplace. That notwithstanding, they receive salaries worth every bit of their trouble.

Who is a central service technician?

A central service technician is responsible for disease prevention in the hospital. They do this by ensuring that the surgical tools and other medical supplies are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before subsequent use.

Responsibilities of a central service technician

Central service techs and their duties can not be disregarded or ignored in a working medical and healthcare environment; else, it may lead to avoidable infection breakout within the environment.

Firstly, these technicians gather all the equipment and tools used during surgical procedures or patient care, detach those needing it, and decontaminate, clean out, and sterilize them.

CS technicians lookout for broken tools or equipment while gathering and cleaning them out. If they notice any damage, they must mention it and ensure that the replacement is in good working condition before they go into use.

These experts often find themselves exposed to great risk of infection during work. So, it is crucial to have proper training in handling recently used tools and always wear compulsory protective gear.

More so, they take inventory and ensure that they are appropriately stored and distribute the needed ones to the departments in need of them daily. These medical tools range from surgical equipment and tools, patient care equipment, and gloves and face masks.

It falls within their line of work to check up on used and stored equipment, know which has expired or is about to, and call for fresh ones. All these are the daily and routine responsibilities a central service technician must carry out.

How to Become a central service technician

If you need to change your career or would love to work in a hospital and health center environment and indirectly save lives without being medical personnel, this should be a suitable career path.

However, you must build your mind and understand that you risk becoming infected each day you report to work if you are not extremely careful while carrying out your duties. When you must have come to this realization and conclusion, then, why not look at the requirements that will usher you into this career?

Firstly, you need to hold some sort of educational qualification. It would be best if you own a diploma or GED.

Secondly, you must enroll in an accredited university that offers this program, and you can take your certification exams upon completion of your studies. The program runs for about eight to one year, depending on your school.

Thirdly, you must complete some hours of the profession before you can sit for the certification exams. Students who successfully complete their programs can intern in a hospital as a medium to complete the assigned number of work hours.

Fourthly, after completing your hours, the next step will be to sit for the board exam for your certificate.

The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) offers the certificate. They are the body that represents and oversees the central service technicians not just in the United States but worldwide. So, with a certification from this body, you are covered to work in any part of the United States.

The type of certifications issued by the management includes;

• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
• Certified Healthcare Leadership (CHL)
• Certified Central Service Vendor Program (CCSVP)
• Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)

Job opportunities and salaries for central service technicians

The world is fastly evolving and more opportunities in the workspace are becoming a norm. The health sector has proven to be flowing with opportunities in different departments as we search for more ways to heal people and make treatment accessible, easier, and faster. The emergence of this role and its in-demand opportunity to date has been proof of the above said.

Therefore, with the expansion in health care services and easier access to surgeries, central service technicians will always have many job opportunities to choose from without trying so hard.

In the beginning, we mentioned that these central service technicians face many threats in their line of work, like coming in contact with contaminated materials, infected blood, and body fluids, or even health hazards from the chemicals from cleaning agents.

However, their salaries can be a comforting factor and offer a pleasant lifestyle, among other things. It is important to know that salaries are affected by many factors like work experience, certification, and primary place of work.

In the United States of America, for instance, a central service technician makes, on average, $35,167 annually according to Zippa.

The usual salary range for central service technicians is $27,000 to $44,000 annually. Central service technicians make, on average, $16.91 per hour.

As an emerging career, there is still great potential on the job, and the growth rate stays at nine percent. This also loosely means that a salary increase is imminent as time goes on.

How to Become a Successful Central Service Technician

The infographic below shows some of the top tips one needs to become successful in this career.

Some of the best schools that offer central service technician program

See below;

LaGuardian Community College

Address: 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA

Phone Number: (718) 482-7244

Website

Mid-State Technical College

Address: 401 N Main Street Adams, Wisconsin 53910

Phone Number: 8885756782

Website

Wisconsin Technical College System

Address: 462 University Avenue Madison, WI 53707-7874

Phone Number: (608) 2661207

Website

Blackhawk Technical College

Address: 6004 S County Road G, Janesville, WI 53546

Phone Number: (606) 7586900

Website

Community College of Baltimore

Address: 800 South Rolling Road Baltimore, MD 21228

Phone Number:

Website

Clover Park Technical College

Address: 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW Lakewood WA 984994004

Phone Number: 2355895800

Website

Conclusion

In summary, for other technicians, it may be another reality. Still, with a central service technician, it’s all about a sterile environment, surgical and patient care equipment, top organizational skills, attention to detail, and enduring many harsh cleaning agents.

In their well-removed yet much-needed contribution to the medical environment, they save lives even without getting their deserved accolades.

I am confident this content will help you understand better what a career in central service as a technician looks like.

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Feeling exhausted and drained by mid-afternoon? If you’re like most people, you know that feeling all too well. But there is hope! You can stay energized all day by making a few simple changes to your daily routine, including using products such as a caffeine vape diffuser.

Here are seven easy tips to help keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

1. Get Enough Sleep

This one should come as no surprise! Getting enough sleep is essential for having high energy levels throughout the day. Ensure you get at least seven hours of shut-eye each night and avoid technology before bedtime to get a good night’s rest.

Additionally, if you’re feeling sluggish during the day, don’t be afraid to take a quick 20-minute power nap. Just keep it short, or you may feel even more exhausted afterward.

2. Eat Healthy Snacks

Instead of reaching for that bag of chips or candy bar when hunger strikes, opt for healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, or yogurt. Healthy snacks will help maintain your blood sugar levels and keep your energy from crashing during the day.

Another option is to make your energy bars or smoothies, which can provide much-needed energy when you feel drained.

3. Drink Water

Staying hydrated is vital for keeping energy levels up throughout the day. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary drinks like soda, which will only make you feel more tired after a brief boost of energy in the short term.

4. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is one of the best ways to increase your energy levels naturally throughout the day! Even if it’s just taking a quick walk around the block or doing some light stretching in your living room, physical activity can make a big difference in how energized you feel daily.

5. Take Breaks

Regular breaks throughout the day can help restore energy and keep you focused over more extended periods than if you try to work straight through without stopping for rest in between tasks. Get up from your desk every hour or so and take a quick break—even just five minutes away from work can make all the difference.

Another way to take a break is to meditate or practice mindfulness during the workday. Spending just a few minutes on deep breathing can help restore energy and reduce stress.

6. Spend Time Outdoors

Spending time outdoors is a great way to increase your energy levels naturally because it allows us to connect with nature and get some much-needed fresh air! Even just spending 15 minutes walking around outside can do wonders for our overall well-being, including boosting our energy level after we return indoors feeling refreshed and recharged.

7. Keep Track Of Your Energy Levels

Paying attention to how energized (or not) we are at different times can be beneficial information when it comes to identifying what works best for us on an individual level when it comes to staying energized throughout our days.

Keep track of how certain activities make us feel—does exercising give us more pep in our step? Does eating a particular snack affect our energy level more than another? Knowing this information about ourselves helps us make better decisions about how we use our time each day to stay energized all day.

Conclusion: 

Staying energized throughout the entire day doesn’t have to be complicated or require significant lifestyle changes if we approach it with small steps first—like making sure we get enough sleep, eating healthy snacks, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, taking breaks when needed, spending time outdoors each week, and tracking how certain activities affect our energy levels— You can also try caffeine vape diffuser.

Their cumulative effects will become evident over time as they contribute towards making us feel more alert during our days while also increasing overall well-being both physically and mentally! So don’t wait and start incorporating these simple tips into your life today and experience greater productivity tomorrow!

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Dexcom G6 is a revolutionary technology that has transformed diabetes management for millions of people worldwide. This continuous glucose monitoring system takes readings every five minutes and sends them wirelessly to a compatible device.

It truly changes the game for those who have struggled to regulate their blood sugar levels manually. In this blog post, we will discuss how the Dexcom G6 works, how to use it effectively, and tips for maximizing its benefits.

How Does Dexcom G6 Work?

The technology behind Dexcom G6 involves a small sensor that is inserted into the skin and a transmitter that communicates with the sensor wirelessly.

The sensor measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (the fluid that surrounds cells in the tissue just beneath the skin) and sends the data to the transmitter every five minutes. Here is a detailed analysis below.

1. Sensor Insertion

The first step in using the Dexcom G6 is to insert the sensor into the skin. The device comes with a small, disposable applicator that helps insert the sensor just under the skin.

Once the sensor is inserted, it will start measuring glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. This fluid is located between the cells and can provide an almost real-time reading of blood glucose levels.

2. Transmitter Connection

The Dexcom G6 transmitter is a small device that is attached to the sensor. The transmitter sends data wirelessly to a receiver or a compatible smart device.

To connect the transmitter, make sure both devices are on and in range. Then, follow the instructions provided with your specific device to pair the transmitter and receiver or smart device.

3. Data Collection

Once the transmitter is connected, it will start collecting data from the sensor. The data is sent to the receiver or smart device every 5 minutes.

Users can view data on a receiver or compatible smart device using the Dexcom G6 app. The app provides real-time glucose readings, trend graphs, and alerts if glucose levels are too high or too low.

4. Alerts and Alarms

One of the key features of the Dexcom G6 is its ability to provide alerts and alarms to users. The device can be set up to alert users if glucose levels are too high or too low, which can help users take action to prevent hypo or hyperglycemia.

Users can also set up specific alerts for different times of day, such as overnight, to help prevent dangerous fluctuations.

5. Calibration

Unlike some other continuous glucose monitoring systems, the Dexcom G6 does not require manual calibration.

The device is factory-calibrated, which means that users do not need to enter any blood glucose values to calibrate the sensor. This can make the device more convenient and easier to use.

Tips for using Dexcom G6 effectively

To maximize the benefits of Dexcom G6, it is essential to use it properly & manage the Dexcom G6 cost effectively. Here are some tips for using Dexcom G6 effectively:

• Calibrate the device regularly to ensure accurate glucose readings
• Keep the device and sensor in range of each other
• Monitor your glucose levels frequently to stay ahead of any potential issues
• Pay attention to the alerts and notifications provided by the device
• Ensure that you have enough supplies, such as sensors, transmitters, and testing strips
• Discuss your Dexcom G6 data with your healthcare provider regularly

Advantages of Dexcom G6

Dexcom G6 offers several advantages over traditional glucose monitoring. One significant benefit is that the device provides continuous glucose monitoring, which can help prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and other related complications.

Also, the device is very accurate in measuring glucose levels. It is also more convenient than traditional blood sugar testing, as users don’t need to prick their fingers frequently.

Lastly, Dexcom G6 can help improve diabetes management by providing actionable data that users can use to optimize their treatment plans.

Wrapping Up

Managing diabetes can be challenging, but the Dexcom G6 is an innovative device that can help make the process easier. It offers continuous glucose monitoring, is very accurate, and is more convenient than traditional glucose monitoring methods.

To use the device effectively, it is essential to set it up correctly, regularly monitor glucose levels, and take advantage of the data provided.

If you’re considering using Dexcom G6, talk to your healthcare provider today about starting this revolutionary device to improve your diabetes management.

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Experts are speculating that the global market size of the HBOT market will grow to over $450 million by 2031. The analysts have put the annual growth rate at a little over 5% between 2022 and 2031. Other projections put the overall worth of the HBOT devices market at a little over $6 billion dollars by 2032.

Apparently, this unconventional method of treatment will be more popular than it is today in the coming years. That is what those figures imply.

Having said that, there is still a little bit of confusion over who should use hyperbaric oxygen therapy and who shouldn’t. If you like to know if you can use it, then you have come to the right place. This article will explain the different category of HBOT users.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Definition

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be defined as a form of medical treatment that is conducted in a pressurized environment.

The pressure inside the chamber is twice or thrice normal atmospheric pressure. When undergoing HBOT, users inhale pure oxygen. The air you breathe in is 100% oxygen. The air does not contain any other gases like natural air.

Who is HBOT Meant for?

We will look at some of the medical conditions that can be tackled with hyperbaric oxygen therapy as that will also give us insight into who it is meant for.

HBOT is perfect for treating decompression sicknesses, gangrene, difficult wounds, carbon II oxide poisoning, diabetic foot ulcer, several infections, and some other health conditions.

HBOT can be used to correct the above health anomalies. It is generally safe for people with the above conditions to undergo HBOTs.

We should also understand that not all health conditions are fit for HBOT. HBOT is not recommended for specific health conditions. Speak with your doctor to know about those medical conditions.

Who are The HBOT End-Users?

Defining the end-users of HBOT can also help you know who the therapy is meant for. HBOT chambers are designed for a wide range of users. HBOT machines are designed for hospitals, individuals, and others.

A look at the various end-users of OxyHelp HBOT chamber will give us a better understanding of who it is meant for.

OxyHelp HBOT chambers are specifically designed for;

1. Sports people who wish to remain fit.
2. Beauty and wellness.
3. Endurance reasons, and
4. Anti-aging benefits.

If you fall into any of these categories, then you can engage in HBOT.

Any Specific Age Brackets?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers are considered fit for all. For now, no age bracket is exempted from undergoing HBOT. Countless tests and researches indicate that HBOT chambers are safe for almost everyone.

Both kids and adults can use the system without any fear of complications. The tests have been varied to show that HBOT is good for all.

But, if you still have reservations about the high-pressure machines, you can talk to your medical advisor. Health professionals are better positioned to give you relevant information about the subject.

Can it Be Used at Home?

Market figures indicate that more people are having HBOT oxygen chamber installed in their homes in recent times. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers are also designed for home care. Such systems can be easily installed in residential spaces.

If you are unable to access the HBOT systems in hospitals because of distance or other reasons, you can access the system at home. OxyHelp has high-quality HBOT chambers that are fit for home use. Scan through their website today to see if you would find something suitable for personal use.

You can become a proud owner and user of HBOT chamber today by simply reaching out to OxyHelp representatives through their platform.

HBOT Chambers are Affordable

It is okay to classify HBOT chambers as mini-treatment units given what you can achieve with them. However, that does not put them out of the reach of individuals. You can have one for yourself because they are affordable.

How much exactly? Scan through the OxyHelp website and see the different prices for the various designs and models. There are also other HBOT brands you can look at in case you are not satisfied with the prices on OxyHelp.

How Much Time Should I Spend in The Chamber?

How much time you spend inside the chamber is key to the benefits of HBOT. The duration of each session also depends on what you hope to achieve. Different brands do recommend different durations, depending on how their systems are designed.

Some therapists recommend about five sessions a week. Others recommend at least three sessions per week. Consult with your medical professional to know how much time you should spend per session.

The general rule of thumb is to spend between 45mins and 2 hours in the unit. Only spend more time when you are being supervised by a medical expert.

Monoplace and Multiplace Chambers

There are basically two types of HBOT chambers. They are called Monoplace and Multiplace chambers. Monoplace chambers are designed to sit one person at a time. Multiplace can accommodate more people simultaneously. OxyHelp multiplace HBOT chambers can sit about five persons at a time.

People who do not joke with their privacy prefer monoplace chambers. Therefore, you should weigh yourself with the two types of chambers.

That will help you know which one to go for. In summary, there is a HBOT chamber for everyone at OxyHelp.

Conclusion

HBOT chambers are meant for almost everybody. If you don’t have any underlying health issues, HBOT is most likely going to work in your favor.

Take your time to visit websites where HBOT chambers are sold. A good example is OxyHelp. OxyHelp hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers are affordable and durable. You can purchase a unit and have it installed in your home as soon as possible.

This article also discussed the different HBOT chamber users that exist today. In addition to home use, they are designed for spas, sports centers, fitness centers, beauty centers, and others.

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A medical physicist is one that has gained knowledge and certification in medical physics. Medical physics is a branch of physics that deals with the application of physics to medical practices.

Its applications include but are not limited to the use of ionizing radiation in the diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

Therapeutic procedures involving ionizing radiation most commonly use high-energy megavoltage x-rays and γ-rays or megavoltage electrons (radiotherapy also known as radiation therapy, radiation oncology, and therapeutic radiology).

Historically, Wilhelm Röntgen’s discovery of x-rays in 1895, Henri Becquerel’s discovery of naturally occurring radioactivity in 1896, and Pierre Curie and Marie Curie-discovery Skodowska’s of radium in 1898 all served as the foundation for the study and application of ionizing radiation.

Other applications of physics in the diagnosis of disease include the use of nuclear bioelectrical investigations of the brain and heart, biomagnetic investigations of the brain, and the use of heat for cancer therapy.

We will be looking at the impacts of medical physicists in the later part of this article, so I suggest you stay glued to the very last dot.

In the past years, there has been a significant evolution in the discipline of medical physics. It has grown from being just a branch of applied science on the fringes of physics into an important discipline that can now be placed on equal footing with other more traditional branches of physics such as nuclear physics, and particle physics.

Medical physics may sometimes also be referred to as biomedical physics, medical biophysics, applied physics in medicine, physics applications in medical science, radiological physics, or hospital radio-physics, however, there are significant differences in the subspecialties.

The medical physics specialty covers several diverse areas of medicine. It is therefore very fundamental for medical physicists to concentrate and work on only one of the four specific subspecialties of medical physics:

Subspecialties/Branches of medical physics

• Diagnostic radiology physics
• Nuclear medicine physics
• Radiotherapy physics
• Health Physics

Diagnostic radiology physics

This subspecialty deals with areas of testing and optimization such as radiographic X-rays, fluoroscopy, mammography, angiography, and computed tomography, as well as non-ionizing radiation modalities such as ultrasound, and MRI.

Nuclear medicine physics

Nuclear medicine physics also referred to as molecular imaging physics deals with diagnostic imaging using radionuclides.

It uses radiation to provide information about the functioning of a person’s specific organs or to treat disease.

Radiotherapy physics

This is also called radiation oncology physics it deals with the treatment of cancer with ionizing radiation. It involves linear accelerator systems and kilovoltage x-ray treatment units on a daily basis, as well as other modalities such as TomoTherapy, and gamma knife.

Health Physics

This deals with the study of radiation hazards and radiation protection. Health physics is the applied physics of radiation protection for health and healthcare purposes.

Educational Requirements for Medical Physicists

The pioneers in medical physics came from traditional branches of physics. By chance or choice they ended up working in nuclear medicine, radiology, or radiotherapy, and through on-the-job training developed the necessary skills and knowledge required for work in a medical environment.

Since medical physicists occupy a responsible position in the medical environment, they are required to have a broad background of education and experience.

The need for a foundational education in physics and mathematics is crucial, but medical physicists must also have a fundamental understanding of other medical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, genetics, and biochemistry because of their close collaboration with medical professionals.

Currently, the most common path to a career in medical physics is academic progression, through a B.Sc. degree in one of the physical sciences but preferably in Physics, to an M.Sc. degree in Medical Physics, and then to a Ph.D. degree (doctorate) in Medical Physics.

The minimum academic requirement for a practicing medical physicist is an M.Sc. degree in Medical Physics, and this level is adequate for physicists who are mainly interested in clinical and service responsibilities.

However, medical physicists working in academic environments should possess a Ph.D. degree in Medical Physics.

A medical physicist cannot be created solely through academic training. In addition to academic training, practical experience with medical issues and equipment is crucial.

This can be obtained by on-the-job clinical education or, ideally, through a structured two-year traineeship program in a hospital following graduation with an M.Sc. or Ph.D. in medical physics.

Certification of a medical physicist

Certification in medical physics is obtained from a national or international professional society and attests that the certified medical physicist is able to competently execute a job or task in the area covered by the certification.

The certification is usually attained through a rigorous examination process run by an appropriate national medical physics organization or medical organization.

Skills required for medical physicist

Here are some of the essential skills required for you to be a medical physicist;

• Analytical
• critical-thinking
• Interpersonal skills
• Good communication

Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs

Many universities around the world offer academic and clinical education programs in medical physics. To achieve international recognition for its graduates, a medical physics educational program should hold accreditation by an international accreditation body that attests to the program’s meeting rigorous academic and clinical standards in medical physics.

Currently, there are two such international bodies, the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs (CAMPEP) and the International Medical Physics Certification Board (IMPCB).

The CAMPEP – www.campep.org/, was founded in the late 1980s and is currently sponsored by five organizations: the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), the American College of Radiology (ACR), American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP), and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

In September 2015, 139 medical physics education programs (49 academic and 90 residency programs) were accredited by the CAMPEP.

The IMPCB – www.impcb.org/ was formed in 2010 by 11 charter member organizations in medical physics.

Career Route in Medical Physics

Below is a detailed career route in medical physics;

The ideal educational and professional steps are as follows:

1. Undergraduate B.Sc. degree in Physics (typical duration: 4 years)
2. Graduate degree (M.Sc. and/or Ph.D.) in Medical Physics from an accredited medical physics program. Typical duration of an M.Sc. program is 2 years; typical duration of Ph.D. program is 3 years or more after M.Sc. studies.
3. Residency in medical physics from an accredited residency program in medical physics. Typical duration of a residency program for a resident holding M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree in Medical Physics is 2 years.
4. Successful completion of a national certification examination in one of the four subspecialties of medical physics.

Medical physics is a tremendously gratifying field to work in, and medical physicists do fascinating and varied work.

The four steps above can be followed to become a medical physicist in theory, however due to the relatively small number of authorized academic and residency programs in medical physics, the steps are still somewhat challenging to follow in practice.

Medical Physicist work scope

Doctors, nurses, technicians, and patients collaborate with medical physicists. Teaching, clinical care and consultation, and research and development are their three core areas of responsibility.

• Consult with physician colleagues
• Develop new safety procedures
• Ensure equipment is safe, effective, and working properly
• Plan radiation treatments for cancer patients
• Research new treatment options for cancer, heart disease, or mental illness
• Study how radiation effects the body
• Teach and train future medical physicists, residents, and medical students

Medical physicist salary in the USA

The salaries of medical physicists vary from region to region. As you know, like other professions, there are different determinants of salary which may include but are not limited to work experience, level of academic acquisition, work organization, certifications, and some complementary skills.

Amidst these variations, we conducted thorough research to make sure you get the perfect answers you seek. It would interest you to know the salary of doctors in Singapore for 2023.

We compared the various reliable salary evaluation platforms and came up with this average salary range. In the United States of America, $70 to $110 per hour. On annual basis, it can range from $130,000 to $180,000.

Medical physicist salary in the UK

As a qualified medical physicist, you’re likely to be employed on Band 7 – £40,057 to £45,839 annually.

Salaries for principal and consultant scientists range from £47,126 (Band 8) to £108,075 (Band 9), depending on your experience and training.

Those working in London and the surrounding areas may receive a high-cost area supplement of between 5% and 20% of their basic salary.

Medical physicist salary in Australia

In Australia, the average salary for a medical physicist is AUD 173,103 per year or AUD 83 per hour. Medical physicists typically earn between AUD 117,364 and AUD 212,051 annually.

The greatest level of schooling for a medical physicist is often a doctorate degree. This examination of remuneration is based on salary survey data gathered from anonymous Australian employees and employers.

Medical physicist job description

Below is a breakdown of what medical physicists do;

1. Administration
2. Clinical service and consultation
3. Research and development
4. Teaching and mentoring

They frequently work in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Medical physicists also work as faculty members at hospitals that are affiliated with medical schools.

The professional staff of the hospital includes physicists who hold professional posts in one of the clinical departments in many non-teaching hospitals.

Many medical physicists are typically employed by larger teaching hospitals, and they are grouped into medical physics departments that offer medical physics services to clinical departments.

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Reference

British Journal of Radiology, Suppl. 25: Central Axis Depth Dose Data for Use in Radiotherapy (British Institute of Radiology, London, 1996)

J.R. Cameron, J.G. Skofronick, R.M. Grant, The Physics of the Body, 2nd edn. (Medical Physics Publishing, Madison, 1999)

D.Greene,P.C.Williams,LinearAcceleratorsforRadiationTherapy,2ndedn.(InstituteofPhysics Publishing, Bristol, 1997)

If you have the dream of taking care of people’s health and well-being and seeing they are in good shape at all times, the first approach to making this dream a reality is by knowing the right medical school for you.

If you are a resident of North Carolina, here are some of the medical schools you might want to consider in your pursuit. We have also covered some of these schools in neighboring states like the Top rated Medical schools in Virginia and the 4 Best Medical Schools In Georgia.

Questions to ask before choosing a medical school

The infographic above gives a clear picture of the critical questions you need to verify in your course of making your choice.

Different schools have different modes of operation and support systems. Therefore, understanding some of these things beforehand would give you a soft landing ground.

1. ECU Brody School of Medicine

This is one of the outstanding medical schools in North Carolina devoted to delivering excellent training to its students. It is one of the schools under East Carolina University(ECU).

Their various departments include but are not limited to Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, and Obstetrics/Gynecology.

Here are the essential things you to know about their admission process for 2023. Applications for prospective students are done through AMCAS. AMCAS is the American Medical College Application Service. It is a centralized medical school application processing service used by most schools.

ECU Brody School of Medicine takes about 120 to 130 students each year to fill the class. The application deadline is usually around October.

Admission Requirements

You must be a legal resident of North Carolina at the time of application

Must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The applicant must have completed one year of each of the following courses (preferably prior to taking the MCAT, and definitely prior to admission):

• One year of General Biology or Zoology with laboratory (Botany alone is not sufficient to meet this requirement)
• One year of General Chemistry with laboratory (which must include both qualitative and quantitative analysis)
• One year of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
• One year of Physics with laboratory
• One year of English (or writing intensive courses)
• One semester of social sciences/humanities
• One semester of biochemistry, and
• One semester of statistics/biostatistics

Contact: +1252-744-1020

Address: 600 Moye Blvd Greenville, NC 27834 USA

2. Campbell University

Campbell is the first and only osteopathic medical school established in North Carolina. It provides students with the best skills and training to positively impact their areas of service.

This university stands among the schools with the highest intake of students about 150 prospective students annually. Its focus on excellence in teaching, research, and patient care gives it an edge to be a choice for many students.

The application must be through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOMAS)

Contact: (855) 287-6613

Address: 4350 US 421 South Lillington, NC 27546

3. Duke University Medical School

Duke is one of the accredited medical schools in North Carolina. It was founded in 1930 and ever since has been striving high in the field of medicine and gained an international reputation as a world-class academic medical institution.

Duke School of Medicine places a high priority on need-based financial assistance for its students with a particular emphasis on grants and alternative loan programs.

Admission requirements

Applications for admission must first begin with the common application submitted to the American Medical College Applications Service (AMCAS).

The Duke Supplemental Application

• Applications are received by AMCAS from late July until October 15.
• After receiving the verified application materials from AMCAS, the admissions office will contact you via email and invite you to complete our online supplemental application.
• Your application materials will be evaluated holistically by two or more screeners to determine if a virtual interview will be offered.
• If your application is considered for a virtual interview you will receive an email with further details.
• Each applicant must submit a minimum of four (4) letters of recommendation; two of which must be from the science faculty.
• If your school submits a committee letter, it applies the four-letter rule. In other words, if you have a committee letter, you will not be required to submit four letters of recommendation.

Contact: +1 919-684-2985

Address: 124 Davison Building Durham, NC 27710

4. UNC School of Medicine

UNC school of medicine’s mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians and others whom they serve.

They accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research.

The applications are submitted online through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)

Admission process

• Take the MCAT
• Garner your letters of recommendation
• Complete and submit an application
• Schedule your interview, if selected
• Receive your final decision

Contact: +1 919-962-2211

Address: 321 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States

5. Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Wake Forest University School of Medicine prepares the next generation of healthcare leaders through education, research, and innovation.

It has once again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its medical research.  The 2023 edition of Best Graduate Schools ranked the School of Medicine #47 in research, up from #48 last year.

Among the things that made them stand out is the high residency match. The school of medicine has a very high match rate, and the students have tremendous success in landing desired residencies.

Contact: +1 336-716-2011

Address: 475 Vine St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States

Closing remark

Conclusively, I hope this piece of content helps you find a suitable school among the listed for you to pursue your dreams.

It is important to note that gaining admission into medical schools in North Carolina could be very competitive because of the high influx of applications.

Kindly make yourself a better candidate by getting the needed admission requirements to stand a chance of chasing your dream in no distant time. I wish you success in this journey.

Are you trying to find a better way to sleep? In this blog article, we’ll discuss the science behind getting enough sleep and how it affects our physical and mental health.

Research by the staff of SweetIslandDreams.com has shown that your mental and physical health is affected by the quantity and quality of your sleep.

It can affect your mood, energy levels, and immune system and even increase the risk of chronic diseases. So, to begin with, let us first understand the science behind sleeping. 

Science Behind Sleeping – Keynote upfront!

When we talk about sleep, it’s not just about closing your eyes and lying down. It’s also among the major activities that we do each day. On average, a human spends 36% of their life sleeping. 

When you are asleep, your body temperature lowers, and your heart rate slows. Next, your respiration starts slowing down. So when everything starts relaxing, your body’s energy consumption lowers when you sleep. 

Are there any Stages of Sleep?

There’re a few stages of sleep that we will explore in this section of the article.

As you know, Sleep is a natural state of rest for your body and mind. The entire body and mind can rejuvenate or recharge during this state. There’re two major types of sleep which are as follows: 

• Non-REM (rapid eye movement) 
• REM 

non-REM (rapid eye movement) 

In this type of sleep, our bodies are in a state of relaxation. In this state, our breathing and heart slow down. As the body progresses in this state, it slowly starts to repair and restore itself. 

In this type, you usually experience 3 stages. In the first stage, you doze off, and your body progresses to stage 2. In stage 2, our body further slows down its activity. But in this stage, you can get awakened easily. 

In stage 3 of non-REM, your body muscles relax even further, and the brain starts to slow its activity even more. This type of sleep is vital for the body’s healing process and can improve memory and thinking. 

REM 

During REM, our brain is said to be more active; this is the state where we experience dreams. It’s when the brain activity picks up. Most body parts except the eyes and breathing muscles experience temporary paralysis. 

The REM state is believed to improve the body’s cognitive functions. Though experts believe that both sleep types have their impact on our bodies, they both play a crucial role in a healthy sleep cycle that delivers quality sleep. 

Impact of Sleep on our Physical Health

This section will look at how you can get enough sleep and boost your body’s physical health after learning the science of sleep.

Sound sleep gives you plenty of benefits and significantly impacts your physical health. In contrast, poor sleep quality can increase the risk of various health-related problems. Following are some of the significant impacts of sleep on our physical health. 

Impact of Sleeping on the Immune System 

So, your immune system is directly impacted by how well you sleep. Our bodies prefer to manufacture the protein cytokines, which fight stress, inflammation, and infection when we sleep. 

If you don’t get enough sleep, your body won’t be able to generate enough of this protein. It will increase your chances of illnesses and infections. 

Impact of Sleeping on Cardiovascular Health 

Maintaining our cardiovascular health is another significant effect of quality sleep on our bodies. 

Hence, both your blood pressure and heart rate drop as you sleep. Your heart and blood vessels can relax and heal as a result. On the contrary, you risk developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and a stroke if you don’t sleep enough.

Impact of Sleeping on Weight Management 

Not having proper sleep can disrupt the hormones that regulate our appetite. It can make you feel hungry and even crave unhealthy foods, which can increase weight and result in obesity. 

Impact of Sleeping on Hormone Regulation 

So when you sleep, various hormonal activities occur, like controlling your metabolism, growth, and stress response. But lack of sleep impacts these and disrupts the balance of these hormones, which can further lead to health problems. 

Impact of Sleep on our Mental Health 

Now we will have a look at how quality sleep can have an impact on your Mental health. 

Impact of Sleep on Cognitive Function

It would help to have a proper sleep cycle to maintain your cognitive function. On the other hand, lack of sleep can hamper cognitive function and make it harder to concentrate or remember information. That’s because it directly impacts your memory, learning, and decision-making. 

Impact of Sleep on Mood

If you experience a lack of sleep daily, you will find that your mood will frequently keep on changing. And if this continues for a more extended period, you can even increase the risk of developing a mood disorder.

Impact of Sleep on developing Mental Health Disorders

If you lack sleep, your chances of suffering from mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and others increase. You can even experience conditions such as insomnia and sleep apnea. 

Impact of Sleep on our Emotional Behavior 

Sleep is essential for controlling our emotions. Your brain processes and controls emotions while you sleep, making it simpler to handle stress and mood. In contrast, sleep deprivation might result in more severe and frequent mood changes.

Conclusion – Importance of Sleep in our daily Routine 

Given its benefits, how can we prioritize sleep in our daily schedules? We may benefit from pleasant and revitalizing sleep by prioritizing it and forming appropriate sleep habits, resulting in a happier and healthier life.

Healthy sleep practices include following a regular sleep schedule, having a consistent bedtime routine, avoiding stimulating activities right before bed, and establishing a calming sleeping environment.

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