As 40 quickly approaches, I am becoming increasingly aware of the medical screenings that are in my future. With a history of breast cancer in my family, I have already been getting mammograms since I was 33. Recently, I was reading the May/June issue of the Journal of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, I found an article about ...

Last week I had to have surgery to repair an inguinal hernia. This is a rare type of hernia for women and I initially had difficulty finding information about it on line. It usually afflicts men. I first had to look at what could have caused this. I have had several surgeries to my lower abdomen, I have lifted weights for many years, and I ...

This week I made a special connection with one of my patients. There are just those people who you feel instantly drawn towards. I could tell by looking into his eyes that he was in a lot of emotional pain. He was so kind, honest, and open that the conversation just flowed. He used to work as a phlebotomist so he was patient and helpful with ...

Anyone who has ever CT scanned a patient who is allergic to the IV contrast knows how scary it can be. Previously, I only dealt with inpatients so I could confirm with the nurse that the patient had in fact received the allergy prep medications. Now I am working almost exclusively with outpatients. This week I had five patients who were ...

The tough job market continues to affect me. I got hired at the VA as a fee-based CT technologist on a part time basis. I was told that I would work 5 days a week every other week until the two full-time open positions were filled. This was supposed to take me at least into the fall of this year. In an unprecedented turn of events, the usually ...

I spent most of yesterday at the VA Hospital having various tests performed and handing over copies of my fingerprints at the police station. I first met with a nice woman from HR who needed me to sign yet another form. She also informed me that I have more paperwork to complete on line. These forms seem to have no end. She then escorted me ...

Veterinary diagnostic imaging has sure come a long way, baby. The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for feline subjects who have a recent diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) or a respiratory illness. The study is examining the use of diagnostic methods that involve minimal stress for cats. X-rays and ...

It is with great anticipation that many Americans welcome opening day of the 2012 NFL Season. With all of the fun that comes with tailgates and parties, the health of these athletes must not be overlooked. The American Academy of Neurology just released a study that confirms previously held beliefs “… that head injuries cause neurologic ...

Men and women returning from war need help and sometimes that help comes with four legs and fur. Veterans are being paired with companion dogs to help them navigate the delicate re-entry back into civilian life. They also help them cope with the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. One such service dog named Sadie ...

February is American Heart Month and we all need to sit up and take notice, especially women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Smokers, diabetics, and the obese are at higher risk. If you are having heart related symptoms and visit your doctor, any ...