We here at Online Ultrasound Schools have created the following infographic to show some of the major statistics on teen pregnancy in America, while highlighting of the more significant negative consequences. While teen pregnancy rates have declined over the years, it is still a social and economic problem that needs to be addressed. The first step to reducing teen pregnancy rates, abortions, and the amount of single teen mothers is to recognize the facts.

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<a title="Click to enlarge" href="http://onlineultrasoundschool.com.s3.amazonaws.com/teen_pregnancy_infographic.png" rel="lightbox[1756]"><img src="http://onlineultrasoundschool.com.s3.amazonaws.com/teen_pregnancy_infographic.png" alt="Teen Pregnancy in America - Facts Figures and Trends" width="450" /></a><br />Teen Pregnancy in America – Facts Figures and Trends – An infographic by the team at <a href="http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/">OnlineUltraSoundSchool.com</a>

Ultrasound was first researched in 1790 when Italian biologist Lozzaro Spallanzani researched how bats were able to maneuver without sight. He disovered that they had an internal radar that allowed them to use high frequency sound as their way of navigating.

In 1826, physiscist/engineer Jean-Daniel Colladon used an underwater bell to accurately determine the speed of sound in water.

Pierre Currie was able to find the breakthrough needed to create the first ultrasound transducer, in 1881, when he found the connection between electrical voltage and pressure on crystalline material. We still use the crystalline material lead zircinate titinate in modern day transducers.

Not only was the historical sinking of the ship Titanic turned into a blockbuster film, it also lead to the invention of the very first ultrasound transudcer.This transducer called the “hydrophone” was developed after the ship’s sinking to detect icebergs. The “hydrophone” was later used in World War I to detect submarines.

Dr. Karl Dussik, a psychiatrist, first used ultrasound for medical purposes to attempt to detect brain tumors in his patients in the 1930′s. Later, ultrasound would be used on animals to test how it traveled through soft tissue, muscles, and organs by Dr. George Ludwig in the late 1940′s.

During World War II, Professor Ian Donald became interested in radar and sonar. In the 1950′s,when a woman presented to him with inoperable stomach cancer, he used his equipment to discover that she had an ovarian cyst which was later safely removed. He was also able to detect a twin pregnancy. Prof. Donald became the father of obstetric ultrasound.

In 1953, a cardiologist named Inge Edler along with a graduate student in Nuclear Physics named Carl Hellmuth Hertz at Lund University in Sweden,were able to detect and measure heart activity using barrowed ultrasound equipment from a ship builder.

In the 1950′s and 60′s, in order to perform and ultrasound scan on a patient, the patient had to be submerged in water in order to produce an image. At that time, the transducer being used was not in direct contact with the patient. Being that there is a large difference in the speed of sound in air and the speed of sound in soft tissue, having the patient submerged in water allowed the ultrasound to penetrate the body. Douglas Howry and Joseph Holmes improved the technology of the transducer allowing it to be used in direct contact with the patient which lead to the ultrasound pictures common in today’s technology. However, a water based gel is still applied to the patient’s skin to be used as a coupling medium that allows the ultrasound beam to enter the body.

Throughout the 1970′s, 80′s, 90′s, and continuing on into the new millenium ultrasound has continued to advance with the developement of 2D gray scale imaging, doppler, color flow doppler, and 3D imaging. Not to mention the addition of using contrast agents to further improve the diagnostic quality of images. Today, ultrasound is the second most commonly used medical imaging modality. Due to the fact that most ultrasound exams are non-invasive, cost less than many other medical tests, and that it serves as a way to avoid unnecessary surgeries, there is ongoing research and new methods applied to ultrasound technology to further it’s use and accuracy.

Many schools will advertise that they are fully accredited and can show you a whole bunch of certificates on the wall to prove it. However, the accreditation that a school needs to obtain so that they can keep their doors open and charge you tuition, may not be the same accreditation that will help you become a registered sonographer. Depending on the state, many schools can offer a sonography program without having an accredited sonography program. So, what does this mean? It means that once you have completed an ultrasound program from a school without an accredited program you cannot take your registry exams without at least one year of paid clinical ultrasound experience. It also means that potential employers have no way of knowing how worthwhile your education in sonography is. In other words, this can make finding a job much more difficult.

So what accreditation should your ultrasound program have? Your sonography program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs, also known as CAAHEP. The easiest way to find out if the school you are interested in has an accredited sonography program is to go to CAAHEP’s website and do a search. When you search on CAAHEP’s website, select “Diagnostic Medical Sonography” then select your concentration and see all the schools that are accredited in your state, which can be helpful if you discover that the school you are interested in is not accredited.

The field of sonography is an evolving field. Thirty years ago there were no schools that offered sonography, a technician was trained on the job. Sonography has become so advanced and is used in so many different practices accross medicine that the demand for sonographers is on the rise. However, this also means that having a valuble education and being a “registered” sonographer is imperative. In the near future,sonographers will not only be required to be registered but have a Bachelor’s degree as well. Accreditation by CAAHEP ensures that the sonography program you are enrolled in is meeting the standard education requirements for your field. Schools that are accredited need to be up to date with their curriculum, teaching methods, technology, staffing, and clinical requirements you will need to be a well trained sonographer and sit for your registry exams upon graduating. Asking a school if their sonography program is accredited is the number one question that you should ask before anything else to ensure that you will receive the best education possible.

Although there millions of things in our lives that stress us that we cannot plan or control, there are things that you can do to keep your stress levels down.

1. Get Organized. Though the thought of organizing your desk may make you feel even more stressed, by keeping your work space neat and organized you will help yourself be more efficient. Not to mention, walking in to a clean work space is much less overwhelming than starting your morning by staring at the piles of paperwork on your desk.
2. Prioritize your tasks. Take some time to make a list of all that you need to do, then put them in order of what needs to be done first. Not only does this give you a jumping off point, but it also can put things into perspective. When a million things are being thrown at us at once we can become overwhelmed, but making a plan for yourself can help you to focus on one thing at a time.
3. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Fueling your body with good nutrtrients can help to reduce the effects that stress has on your body. Mainitaining normal blood sugar levels can also keep you from becoming irritable throughout the day. Exercising not only helps to combat the negative effects of stress, but can also help to relieve stress. In addition to increasing your endorphine levels which can improve your mood, it also allows you to focus on something else besides all the things you need to do at work.

4. Do something fun. Find something that you enjoy to do outside of work that allows you to let your hair down. Whether it be reading a book, doing yoga, or taking a photography class, having something that you enjoy to look forward to at the end of a work day can help to reduce stress.
5. Leave work at the office. Though many of us have jobs that do not fall in to the typical 9 – 5 working hours, it is important to establish a boundary between work time and home time whenever possible. You need to be able to have time to relax and recharge.

Stress is a part of life. However, learning how to manage what makes you stressed can make a difference in you mental and physical health. For more information on stress and stress management please visit the following websites:

• American Institute of Stress
• Mayo Clinic: Stress Symptoms
• WebMD: Manage Your Stress

So, what can you see with ultrasound? Ultrasound can be used to assess the size, function, blood flow, and abnormalities on many organs and soft tissue. It can be used to see cysts, tumors, stones and other abnormal pathology in the body. Ultrasound can also be used to assist in procedures such as Ultrasound guided biopsies in which a doctor uses ultrasound to guide a needle into an area where he or she would like to take a tissue sample from. Ultrasound can even be used on your pets! Some of the things that Ultrasound can image are:

• Kidneys
• Gallbladder
• Liver
• Spleen
• Pancreas
• Thyroid
• Vascular System (Veins and Arteries)
• Breasts
• Female Reproductive Organs
• Male Reproductive Organs
• Muscles – Just to name a few!

So what is ultrasound and how does it work? Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves (sound waves beyond the frequency that humans can hear) that travel through the body then return to the Ultrasound machine to produce an image. The technology used in Ultrasound is based on the technology used in Radar and Sonar. A technician holds a small wand with a gel on it to the area on the patient’s body that is being imaged and the wand sends and receives the sound waves. It is painless and in most cases requires no needles or contrast agents to be administered. The benefit of using ultrasound to image the body is that it does not expose the patient to radiation like X-Ray and CT scans do. Ultrasounds can be more cost effective in some situations as well.

Ultrasound technology continues to become more and more advanced. Though ultrasound uses the simple mechanics of sound waves to produce an image, over the years the clarity of these images have greatly improved and additonal technology, such as 3D, has been utilized to optimize these images and how they can be used. This allows for more accuracy and can prevent a patient from having to have more invasive procedures.

So now that you know a little more about ultrasound, spread the word that ultrasound is not just for pregnancy!

Here are some websites with more information on ultrasound:

• How Stuff Works, “How Ultrasound Works”
• SeeMyHeart.org
• Mayo Clinic – Ultrasound
]]> http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/what-can-you-see-with-ultrasound/feed/ 0 http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/heart-disease-in-women/ http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/heart-disease-in-women/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:41:05 +0000 Gloria http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/?p=1411 Continue reading →]]> Did you know that 1 in 4 women die of heart disease? Though heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women, over the last 25 years or so there has been in a decline in the number of heart related deaths in males, however, the number of heart related deaths in females has had little change. According to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease kills more women than any other type of disease including breast cancer.

For starters, what exactly is a heart disease? Although there are many types of heart disease, it mainly refers to Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) which is the type that can lead to a heart attack. A heart attack is caused by the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen to be able to pump properly. This is caused by a blockage (usually a blood clot) in the coronary arteries which are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Although most people view a heart attack as sudden event, coronary artery disease develops over a long period of time. Over time cholesterol, fat, and other substances build up in the walls of the coronary arteries causing plaque to form which makes the blood vessels hard and narrow. If the plaque breaks it can cause a blood clot to form which will then obstruct blood from getting to the heart muscle. The part of the heart muscle fed by the blocked artery will begin to weaken and eventually die if blood flow is not restored. The reason why some heart attacks are fatal and some are not is because it depends on where the blockage or blockages are and what parts of the heart muscle is being affected.

One of the factors that contributes to the high rate of heart related deaths in women is that a woman’s symptoms of a heart attack can be much different that those of a man. According to the American Heart Association, the symptoms that a woman may experience during a heart attack are: Chest pain or pressure that may come and go, pain in one or both arms, jaw, neck, or stomach pain that can mimic indigestion, shortness of breath, breaking in to a cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. Needless to say, some of these symptoms are very general and may not trigger one to realize that they are having a heart attack.

Another factor in the high number of women with heart disease is that heart disease has had a stigma of being a “man’s disease.” Most of the initial research done on heart disease was focused on men. It was not until the 1980′s that heart disease research began to focus on women. We all know that men and women are very different in many ways and therefore women can present differently with heart disease.

Although the statistics can seem grim, there are plenty of things that woman can do to reduce there risk. Maintaining a healthy diet with regular exercise is the first line of defense. Being proactive with your health is key. This means knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. If they are not within normal limits, work with your doctor to improve them. If you have a history in your family of someone having heart disease before the age of 55, this may put you at a greater risk for heart disease. Talking to your doctor about your risk factors and how you can prevent heart disease is a great start to minimizing your risk for heart disease.

Below are some helpful websites and videos that provide information on women’s heart disease.

Videos:
• Go Red for Women Presents “Just a Little Heart Attack” with Elizabeth Banks.
• Noel Merz:The single biggest health threat women face

Websites:

• GoRedForWomen.org
• American Heart Association
• CDC Leading Causes of Death in Females United States, 2007
• SeeMyHeart.org provides information on different heart diseases and how cardiac ultrasound can be used to detect them
]]> http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/heart-disease-in-women/feed/ 0 http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-ultrasound-externship/ http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-ultrasound-externship/#comments Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:06:58 +0000 Gloria http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/?p=1397 Continue reading →]]> Starting your ultrasound externship can be both exciting and scary at the same time. This is the time when you get a taste of what it’s like to work in the field and apply what you’ve learned in school to real patients. Your externship will also give you a chance to make connections with professionals in the field that you can potentially use as references for future job opportunities. Your externship acts as the foundation on which to build your career.

Every student’s externship experience is a little different. Depending on the size of the facility, the number of patients they see, and the size of their staff can affecet how much time you get to scan and what role you will play as an extern. For instance, a busy facility with a high patient volume but small staff may not be able to provide you with much time to scan as a facility with a lower patient volume. No matter which facility you end up in, you need to be proactive in taking away all that you can from your experience. This means that even when you are not scanning a patient that you are observing studies, taking notes, and asking questions. When you are scanning a patient ask for feedback and advice for how you can improve your skills.

Being professional at all times during your externship is very important. Although you may not be getting paid to be there, you should think of it as a job. Showing up on time and dressing appropriately show that you care and you want to be there. When communicating with patients always introduce yourself and do as much as possible to make them comfortable. Also, offer to help out the staff that you are working with. Whether it be filling gel bottles or stocking supplies, make yourself available to help out. This will show that you take an interest in what you are doing and want to make the most of your time.

The key point to remember while you are on your externship is that you are there to learn. Your school may assign you certain tasks to complete on your externship such as getting images of certain pathology. Do all that you can to complete these assignments and if you need help, ask the techicians you are working with to help you. Ultilize the people around you as they have been in your shoes and are now in their career. Even if you are at a very busy facility, try to pick a time of day, such as at lunch or at the end of the day to go over things that you have questions about. If you feel that you are not provided these opportunities and you are not getting all that you should from your externship, be sure to contact your school and make them aware of the situation. Keep in mind that part of your tuition is being paid to these facilites to have you there as an extern so you deserve to get the best experience possible.

Your ultrasound externship is your stepping stone to starting a rewarding career in the field of ultrasound. Be sure to make the most of the opportunity to ensure a great start to your career.

]]> http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-ultrasound-externship/feed/ 0 http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/things-you-should-know-before-going-to-school-online/ http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/things-you-should-know-before-going-to-school-online/#comments Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:17:09 +0000 Gloria http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/?p=1383 Continue reading →]]> In recent years, online learning has become much more common. From high school diplomas to doctorate degrees, all can be achieved through online learning. With all of the options online, it makes going to school very convenient for the student. Being able to log-in at your convenience and go to class from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you happen to be, can take a lot of stress out of going to school. Here are some things you should consider if you are thinking of enrolling in an online program:
1. You will need to be able to learn independently. Although the formats for online courses vary from school to school, you will not have that same face to face interaction with your instructors as you would in a traditional setting. In some cases, you will only have your books to teach you and someone available if you need help. When researching online schools, consider what types of courses you will need to take and what type of academic support your school offers for extra help.
2. Time management is important. Although you may not have to attend class at a specific time each week, you will still need to ensure that you have ample time to study and complete assignments. You will still have deadlines to meet, chapters to read, and papers to write. No one will be looking over your shoulder so you must be self-motivating to stay on track.
3. Your local college may offer your degree program fully online. With the growing demand for online and adult learning, many traditional schools are now offering online degree options. This can also save you money in the long run as you will pay in-state tuition rates just like you would if you attended classes at the school. Be sure to check out some local colleges, as you may be surprised to see what they offer online.
4. An online degree is just as valid as a degree from a traditional brick and mortar school. As long as the online school you are attending is a regionally accredited institution your degree is just as good as all the rest. If you are feeling unsure, compare the cirriculum of a traditional university to the cirriculum of the online university that you are interested in to make sure it measures up.
5. Making new friends at school is still encouraged. Most online courses have a platform for fellow students to communicate with one another whether it be on a message board or class email. In fact for some courses, group study activities and class participation count towards your grade for the course.
6. You can still have a graduation ceremony! Many online institutions still have commencement ceremonies in or near major cities so that graduates can still celebrate in the traditional fashion – cap and gown and all!

Online education will continue to grow and expand to meet the high demands. Going to school online can offer education to those who would otherwise not be able to attend a brick and mortar school. Although, as with a traditional school, it will still take time, effort, and an eagerness to learn to be successful.

]]> http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/things-you-should-know-before-going-to-school-online/feed/ 0 http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/becoming-a-registered-sonographer/ http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/becoming-a-registered-sonographer/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:29:26 +0000 Gloria http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/?p=1353 Continue reading →]]> So you’ve completed an ultrasound program and your preceptorship/externship – or perhaps you are still in the process, and by now you’ve been told a million times how important it is to become a “Registered” Sonographer. Now you’re wondering, “Where do I begin?” or “Why do I need to become Registered? Isn’t the certificate/degree I completed enough?”.

For starters, what does it mean to be a “registered” sonographer? Being registered means that you have met certain criteria, passed registration exams, and hold a credential in the field of sonography. It also means that in order to maintain your credential, you adhere to certain guidelines and obtain Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits to stay up to date with the latest in research, clinical findings, and technology in your field. You can be employed and practicing in the field of sonography without being registered as long as you have the proper education and training. However, with the changing climate of our economy, holding a credential in the field of sonography is becoming more of a requirement than an option.

The main, and probably most important reason you need to become a registered sonographer, is so you can find employment as a sonographer. Though it is true most States do not require a sonographer to be registered in order to work, most employers will not hire a sonographer without their registry. One of the reasons for this is that Medicare is currently cutting back on reimbursements for diagnostic testing. In other words, Medicare may not pay for a patient’s sonogram if the lab where the patient had their test is not accredited. In order for an ultrasound lab to become accredited, one of the many criteria is that certain members of the staff be registered sonographers. Although an ultrasound lab may not need to have all of their sonograpers credentialed in order to become accredited, most labs hiring new staff require sonographers to be credentialed just so that all of their bases are covered. In fact, New Mexico has already passed a bill that requires that all sonographers must be registered in order to work in the field. Many other States are currently working on passing similar legislation.

So where who do you go to to obtain your registry? There are three different credentialing bodies that credential sonographers including the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), and the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). All are reputable organizations and offer national certifications. All require the sonographer to sit for an exam – or two, and each have their own set of prerequisites. The one you choose depends on your personal career path and prerequisites that you meet.

Most sonographers are credentialed by the ARDMS due to the fact that they offer registry certifications in all specialties of sonography and can be very specific. For example, I am a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) with my concentration being in Adult Echocardiography(RDCS-AE). A sonographer who wishes to specialize in Obstetrics ans Gynecological Sonography would obtain the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer credential with their specialty being in OBGYN (RDMS-OBGYN). Once you obtain one registry with the ARDMS, you may sit for an exam to become credentialed in another specialty as long as you can show that you have been trained in that additional specialty. Visit the ARDMS website for more information on the prerequisites and certifications that they offer.

ARRT offers certifications in Sonography, Vascular Sonography, and Breast Sonography. Getting credentialed through ARRT may be a good option if you have experience in or plan to broaden your career into other imaging modalities such as X-Ray or CT technology.

CCI credentials sonographers in cardiology and vascular specialties. CCI also offers certifications for cardiographic technicians as well as other cardiology related certifications.

As long as you meet all the prerequisites for the credential you would like to obtain, it is advisable that you start preparing for an sit for the exam as soon as possible. It is much easier to study material that you have just learned while in school, than have to go back and re-learn it later for the exams. All of the credentialing websites provide outlines of the content of their exams. There are many review courses to help you prepare that are available throughout the year and some that are available via webinar online. Below are some helpful websites that offer review courses and materials to help you on your road to becoming a registered sonographer:


Pegasus Lectures

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute
ESP Ultrasound

]]> http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/becoming-a-registered-sonographer/feed/ 0 http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/kick-start-a-heart-healthy-lifestyle/ http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2012/kick-start-a-heart-healthy-lifestyle/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:09:14 +0000 Gloria http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/?p=1306 Continue reading →]]> February is American Heart Month so there is no better time to start living a heart healthy lifestyle! According to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in the U.S. Here are some ways to start living a heart healthy lifestyle:
• Move more! The general rule is 30 minutes a day of exercise. However, if you are just starting out, it can be hard to go from no exercise to exercising every day. The important thing to remember is that something is always better than nothing. If ten minutes is all you have time for, then that’s okay. It’s also okay to break up that 30 minutes into three 10 minute mini-workouts. Don’t torture yourself. Find a form of exercise that you like to do. If you hate the gym, then don’t work out there. Hate the treadmill? Don’t use it. Like dancing? Take a zumba, salsa, or swing dancing class. Find a friend to take evening walks with and catch up on your gossip while you exercise. Miss the days of Little League? Find a community softball or volleyball league to join and add some friendly competition to your workouts. The more you enjoy the activity you are doing, the more likely you are to keep it up.
• Eat more fruits and veggies! It’s time to finally start listening to Mom! However, eating the recommended daily amount of fruits and veggies (2-4 servings daily for fruit, 3-5 for vegetables) can be overwhelming. Try to make small changes such as replacing your serving of pasta or rice with a vegetable. Instead of potato chips with your sandwich at lunch, go for some baby carrots or an apple. Also, don’t be afraid to season your cooked vegetables. Most seasonings have very little bearing on your caloric intake. Just be sure to keep an eye on the salt content in your seasonings.
• Get more sleep! A lack of sleep can cause your blood pressure to rise, your immune system to weaken, and can cause you to gain weight. If you notice that you are sleeping for the recommended 8 hours and still feel tired throughout the day, you may want to talk to your doctor.
• Drink more water! Your body needs to be hydrated to control your blood pressure, support kidney function, and eliminate waste from your body.Find that you are feeling sluggish and have a headache? You may be dehydrated. Caffeine can act as a diuretic which causes your body to void water. Try to cut back on your caffeine and get your 8 servings of water daily. Keep a water bottle at your desk to sip on and refill it throughout the day.
• Watch your salt intake! According to Institute of Medicine, the recommended daily salt intake is 2,300 mg per day. To put this in perspective, the amount of salt in 1 tablespoon of Soy sauce is 1,000 mg! Needless to say, limiting your salt intake to 2,300 mg per day can be pretty tough. The easiest way to do this is to avoid processed foods. By cooking with fresh ingredients, the only salt you will take in is the salt you add to your food yourself.
• Eat healthy fats! Putting the words “healthy” and “fat” next to each other probably seems contradicting. However, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat can actually help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and help control blood sugar levels. Examples of monounsaturated fats are olive oil and canola oil and polyunsaturated fats are generally found in nuts and seeds.

Living a heart healthy lifestyle does take some effort, but don’t be too hard on yourself. It can take 60-90 days to form a habit so you have to be patient with yourself. Living heart healthy is about making permanent lifestyle changes, not a temporary quick-fix. Talk to your doctor about how you can improve your diet and exercise to keep your heart healthy!

Below are some websites that provide more information on American Heart Month, heart health, heart disease, stroke, and dietary recommendations:

American Heart Association

Center for Disease Control – Heart Month

Center for Disease Control – Nutrition for Everyone

Mayo Clinic – Heart Healthy Diet

American Stroke Association

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