Monday, January 5, 2009

X-Ray Aprons a New Way to Protect Against Radiation

X-ray aprons are an important part of any doctor’s wardrobe. Doctor’s that perform surgeries are constantly surrounded by large amounts of radiation. Surgeons rely heavily on the images that x-rays allow them to see. However, taking these x-rays can be extremely harmful to the physician’s health. The patients do not have to be nearly as cautious as the physicians because they are not surrounded by radiation as frequently as the surgeons.



One of the best ways for physicians to protect themselves from this radiation is to wear an x-ray apron. These aprons used to be traditionally only made out of lead, however newer alloys are being manufactured that are equally as protective. There are significant downsides to wearing x-ray aprons made of lead.



Lead while it is a great element for protecting against radiation it is extremely heavy. This can really pose a problem for physicians because in some cases they must wear these aprons for long spans of time. Lead has a very high density which why it is able to protect against x-rays so well. Unfortunately its dense nature also makes it very difficult to wear due to its weight. Physicians who have been wearing lead aprons for many years are now developing back problems from having the excessive weight on their bodies for extended periods of time.



Doctors have begun to demand a better solution to radiation protection. While they know that x-ray aprons are a necessity to their work they have asked for a more ergonomically feasible solution to this problem. New technologies have come to light to help these physicians in during these long procedures. New x-ray aprons have begun development from several manufactures that are significantly lighter than their lead counterparts.

These new aprons contain other protective agents to shield from harmful radiation. These new alloys are significantly lighter than the traditional lead x-ray apron. While they are lighter they do protect from radiation at the same rate and in some cases can actually protect better than the old lead aprons. Old aprons that are made of lead should be replaced by these ergonomically suitable substitutes. Doctors are taking on unnecessary risks if they continue to use their old lead x-ray aprons. Upgrading to a new x-ray apron is highly recommended to most surgeons that are wearing the apron for a long period of time. However, there are also concerns for disposal of the old lead aprons since they cannot be simply disposed of in the trash.



Physicians should always dispose of old lead x-ray aprons properly by sending them to a recycling plant. It is vital that doctors take this precaution when getting rid of their old apron because of the contamination factor of lead. This is just another benefit of the newer x-ray aprons. Since they are not made from harmful materials themselves, such as lead, they do not need special disposal procedures. These new elements are not harmful to the environment and will not contaminate areas liked lead will. Physicians should make the switch to a new x-ray apron that is not made from lead if they haven’t already, for both their sake and the environments.



About the Author: Stephen Is CEO of Medical Equipment Today a website updating physicians of the latest medical equipment or more information on x-ray aprons



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=274597&ca=Medical+Business

Friday, January 2, 2009

Points To Remember For Home Improvement

After many years of living in the same house, there may be a time when the house will need a facelift. Some parts of the house may need some renovation, while other parts may need some remodeling. All this work is collectively called home improvement of the house.

A home improvement project has to be thought of clearly to be successful without any confusion. Consider what part of the work you think you can do by yourself, without the help of the constructor, like perhaps the painting of the newly added room. You can also lower home improvement costs by considering less expensive alternatives when additions are being designed. For example, choose between a prefabricated fireplace unit and a traditional masonry. Plan all the work that you can do, before giving the contract to the constructor as additional changes made after the contract only leads to additional charges. It is always better to schedule your home improvement schedule to be completed in an off time period of the year. Like it is cheaper installing central air conditioning in winter and not in summer!


If you intend to take on the home improvement project on your own, you have to make sure you have the essential tools for the respective jobs. It is also necessary to be experienced in using the tools, lest you end up with injuries if the equipment is not used correctly. You may find a few home improvement tips on the Internet; but these tips are only feasible for minor repairs. However, it is very important that you have the skills to do the home improvement job. You should undertake any intricate work or a job that needs a high degree of craftsmanship only if you possess the necessary competence. However, it is always better to hire a professional as they will supervise the job from start to finish, and do it at a much better time than you would have taken to do it on your own!


The first thing that has to be done to get a good contractor is, to look around for a good contractor! Good contractors have a fine reputation, and do not mind entering into a contract. It is always better to have an idea of what home improvement you want to be done, before looking for a contractor. Then get recommendations for contractors through friends, neighbors and co-workers. It is always better to approach not one, but 3 to 4 contractors to get estimates of the job to be done. On meeting them, get written estimates for the same work from all of them, to make comparisons. If you want, you can also get references from them, to be contacted. You can then approach the references to find out how the contractors work is.


Once you are satisfied with the contractor, you have to get a written and complete contract. Include the contractors name, address, the total cost of the job, the start and completion date and a description of the project, including the materials to be used, the changes in the order and a written statement giving you the right to cancel the contract within three business days. Add a broom clause in the contract that makes the contractor responsible for all cleanup work of the job, including spills and stains. If you feel that there is something wrong with the contract, it is better to contact an attorney before signing.


Once the contractor is chosen, you have to choose your finance options. If you have cash, then it is fine. Otherwise, you will have to get a home improvement loan that are available in many banks. Consider the interest rates and the benefits of various banks before actually settling down to a choice for your home improvement project. Once the loan is sanctioned, it is always better to avoid paying cash to the contractor. Instead, pay by check and try to limit the down payment. Then make payments during the length of the project contingent on the completion of a definite amount of work. Always keep the final payment and the signing of the affidavit till you are satisfied with the work done, and that you are sure that all the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.


Instead of getting the contractor to buy all the material, you can supply the materials. In this way, you can shop for materials that are on sale. You are likeable to find building supply stores having various items like tile or wood flooring on sale at one time or the other, due to overstocks or any other factor. If you have the time you could also consider doing the light demolition, painting, garbage removal and landscaping work of the home improvement project. By doing so, you save the money you would have had to pay for labor. Keep all these home improvement tips in mind as it is greatly going to help you in your next major home improvement project!



About the Author

Gregg Forscher founder of Discount Web

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