Digestive System Career- Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists specialize in treatment of chronic or acute conditions of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon. Also, most gastroenterologist also practice some hematology, which is the treatment of liver disease and maladies. Gastroenterology is a sub-specialty of Internal Medicine, so they do not perform surgery on the digestive system. 

A gastroenterologist has completed all of the same training as an internist: 4 years undergraduate, 4 years medical school and 3 years of residency) plus three years of fellowship training in Gastroenterology. Common activities of a gastroenterologist includes documenting patient profiles, directly caring for others, making important decisions over others' health, and interpreting symptoms into diseases. The average compensation for a gastroenterologist is $496,139 annually.

Sources:
http://www.mymajors.com/career/gastroenterologist/skills/

NS Disease 3-Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions. It is a chronic disease that tends to afflict people over age 60. As of 2013, 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. 

Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms. Other symptoms include:

•difficulty thinking and understanding, forgetfulness

•inability to recognize common things, or difficulty concentrating

•irritability, agitation, lack of restraint

No cure exists, but medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms. Commons drugs prescribed to people who have Alzheimer's are Memantine, Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine through the skin or by mouth. People suffering from Alzheimer's may need to see multiple specialists, such as a neurologist to help with brain functions, and a geriatrician to help with health care in aging. People diagnosed with Alzheimer's are generally advised to perform more exercise and consume a vitamin enriched diet. 

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/basics/definition/con-20023871?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=abstract&utm_content=Alzheimers-disease&utm_campaign=Knowledge-panel

NS Career 3-Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeons examine, diagnose and surgically treat disorders of the nervous system. Training to become a brain surgeon requires a 6-7 year neurosurgical residency following four years of medical school, but qualified brain surgeons receive some of the highest salaries of all medical health professionals. This career is physically and intellectually demanding and requires excellent hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Neurosurgeons perform surgery on the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves to remove tumors, relieve chronic pain and treat wounds, vascular disorders and diseases such as Parkinson's and epilepsy. They also use surgery to relieve hydrocephalus, the abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Brain surgeons may focus on the correction of deformities and treatment of diseases of the spinal cord such as degenerative spine disorder and scoliosis. Other areas of sub-specialization include pediatric neurosurgery and radiosurgery, the targeted use of radiation to treat tumors.

In addition to performing procedures, neurosurgeons oversee and coordinate the efforts of large teams of surgeons and nurses in the operating theater. Neurosurgeons interpret results of diagnostic tests such as magnetic resonance imaging, CT scans and PET scans to diagnose patients. Before starting residency training, aspiring neurosurgeons must complete four years of undergraduate school followed by four years of medical school. Neurosurgeons then take 6-7 years of neurosurgical residency training. In the first year, commonly called Post Graduate Year One or the internship year, residents undergo training in basic clinical skills in areas such as trauma and critical care followed by 3-6 months of training in clinical neurology. Over the next six years, residents complete a total of at least 42 months training in core clinical neurosurgery.

The average salary for neurosurgeons is $540,029. Half all neurosurgeons reported that they earned $400,000-$600,000 in 2013. 

Sources:

http://study.com/articles/Brain_Surgeon_Job_Description_Salary_Duties_and_Requirements.html

NS Disease 1-Multiple Schlerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of unknown cause that manifests as multiple hard clumps of degeneration of the insulating layer of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The loss of insulation allows “short circuiting” of nerve impulses. Depending upon where the degeneration occurs, patients may suffer paralysis, sensory disturbances or blindness. Some symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:

• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side of your body at a time, or the legs and trunk.
• Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement.
• Double vision or blurring of vision.
• Tingling and pain in parts of the body
• Tremors
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Bowel and bladder problems

About 60-70% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis have treatments that worsen over time. Multiple sclerosis is twice as likely to affect women than men and can be passed down through genetics. There are no treatments for multiple sclerosis, but there are numerous options of treatment to alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and to calm down multiple sclerosis attacks. For example, there is corticosteroids which is prescribed to reduce nerve inflammation. Another form of treatment is plasma exchange. This is done by removing plasma from blood cells and replacing them with a protein called albumin. More than 400,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. 

Sources:

https://www.dmu.edu/medterms/nervous-system/nervous-system-diseases/

NS Career 1-Neuroscientist

Neuroscientists research how the nervous system behaves. They can also develop pharmaceuticals for neurological disorders and treat patients. Neuroscientists study the development and function of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells throughout the body. They could specialize in one part of the nervous system, such as neurotransmitters, or focus their research on specific behaviors, such as psychiatric disorders. Illnesses based in the nervous system include Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Neuroscientists typically perform research in offices or laboratories. Some work in clinics and hospitals to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients.

Neuroscientists are expected to complete advanced degree programs and must be licensed before performing clinical work. Individuals will need a PhD or MD  in order to work clinically in the field of neuroscience. 

Clinical neuroscientists make on average $79,930 per year, while neuroscientists who perform research make approximately $101,280 per year. 

Sources:

http://study.com/articles/Neuroscientist_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html

Digestive System Disease-Celiac Disease

Celiac disease occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a type of protein called gluten. If a person eats food that contains gluten, the immune system will gradually damage the lining of the small intestine. When the small intestine is damaged, it is difficult for the body to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from food. This can affect young childrens' overall health and growth. More than 2 million people in the United States have Celiac Disease. 

Some symptoms of celiac disease are:

abdominal bloating and pain

chronic diarrhea

vomiting

constipation

pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool

weight loss

fatigue

irritability and behavioral issues

dental enamel defects of the permanent teeth

delayed growth and puberty

short stature

failure to thrive

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Gluten is found in rye, barley and all forms of wheat, including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and faro. Gluten is also found in some non-food products, such as stamp adhesive (glue) and some medicines.

Celiac disease cannot be cured, but it can be treated by following a gluten-free diet. 

Sources:

http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/ResourceCentres/Nutrition/Digestive-system-conditions-and-special-diets/Pages/Digestive-system-disorders.aspx

NS Disease 2-Aphasia

Aphasia is the loss of speech. The speech centers are located on the left side of the brain in a majority of people, but if someone suffers from a stroke or brain injury then this part of the brain can be impaired. These problems include difficulty in finding the right word, speaking slowly and with difficulty, or complete loss in speech. 

Some symptoms of aphasia include:

• Speaking in short or incomplete sentences
• Speaking in sentences that don't make sense
• Substituting one word for another or one sound for another
• Speaking unrecognizable words
• Not understanding other people's conversation
• Writing sentences that don't make sense

At your visit to the doctor, he or she will perform some common physical tests and may request an MRI to properly diagnose the disease. In addition, the doctor may do some of the following speech tests:

• Name common objects
• Engage in a conversation
• Understand and use words correctly
• Answer questions about something read or heard
• Repeat words and sentences
• Follow instructions
• Answer yes-no questions and respond to open-ended questions about common subjects
• Read and write

For treatment, the patient may be prescribed drugs that will help with the production of depleted neurotransmitters. A common form of treatment is speech therapy, which will be prescribed early and most likely will take place in a group.

200k to 3 million people are currently diagnosed with aphasia.

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Aphasia/

NS Career 2-Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health and emotional problem. Because all psychiatrists must undergo medical school training, the psychiatrists understands bodily functions and the complex relationship between mind and body.

Psychiatrists use a wide variety of treatments such as psychotherapy, medications, and hospitalization to treat their patients. Psychiatry is one of the oldest medical specialties, but many new discoveries are being made about this field of medicine. Recent advances in the neurosciences have led to new technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.

The average psychiatrist works 48 hours every week at work. They spend most of their time working directly with patients. Psychiatrists work in hospital settings or in private practice. Often times psychiatrists also go into administration, teaching, consultation, and research.

To become a psychiatrist, people need to be well educated in chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology, as well as neuroscience and behavioral science. After graduating from medical school, psychiatrists must take on a minimum of three years of residency.

Because there is a shortage of psychiatrists in the work field, the job market for psychiatrists is booming. Psychiatrists have the privilege of being flexible with their diversity and flexibility in its work, making it a popular career choice for students. The mean annual wage for a psychiatrist is $163,660, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

http://www.psychiatry.org/medical-students/what-is-a-psychiatrist

Dead men (lit #3)

Drinking and Driving Blog

Drinking and driving is a horrific combination that can cause injuries, and even death in many cases. The rate of drunk driving is highest amongst 21 to 25 year olds. Dying at such a young age is not worth it; do not drink and drive. Another aspect to the terror of drunk driving is the fact that innocent people may die as a result. Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash, and these people are not always necessarily the ones driving. In 2013, a total of 1,149 children under age 14 were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Out of all these incidents, 200 were in the car of a drunk driver, while 29 were pedestrians who were hit by drunk drivers. The good news is that the number of drunk driving deaths has been cut in half since MADD was founded in 1980. Still, with today's distracting technology, the chances of getting in a drunk driving accident is still significantly high. With alcohol as a primary distraction, and cell phones or radios as another, it is essential to keep a careful eye out when you drive.

References:
http://www.madd.org/drunk-driving/about/drunk-driving-statistics.html

Dead Men (lit chart #2)

Dead Men (lit chart #1)

Disease-Asthma

Asthma is a long term, incurable 

respiratory disease in which one's airways contract and tighten, and there is a build up of mucus. Approximately 25 million Americans have asthma. Most of these people are young children, though asthma can occur in any age group. About 3,000 per year die from asthma. Fortunately, the symptoms of asthma are treatable by doctors and physicians. 

Asthma is diagnosed by family history, physical exams, lung function tests, and other tests. Researchers are not sure of the underlying cause of asthma, but many doctors believe that it is caused by a combination of family genetics and environment. The most common treatments for asthma is anti-inflammation drugs and beonchiodilator inhalers. 

References:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-pro/resources/lung/naci/asthma-info/

Career-Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists use science to prevent, identify, and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the respiratory system. To become a respiratory therapist, you must have knowledge of the cardiopulmonary physiology, physiology in general, biomedical engineering, how to work technology, and social skills. Some illnesses that respiratory therapists treat are asthma and emphysema.They treat patients as young as infants and as old as elderly patients.Most therapists work in hospitals, while others work in nursing care facilities or travel to patient's homes.

Respiratory therapists typically need an associate's degree, but some have bachelor's degrees.To practice respiratory therapy, you need to have a license. The license is issued in every state except for Alaska. The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $55,870. The employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 19 percent to 2022.

References: 

http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/respiratory-therapist

Disease-Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. Mutations in the genes interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscles. For most people with the common type of muscular dystrophy, the symptoms show up in childhood. This common type of muscular dystrophy is called myotonic dystrophy, also known as Steinert's disease and abbreviated as MMD. In rare cases, it can appear in newborn infants. 

Early symptoms of myotonic dystrophy are more behavioral than physical. For example, the have problems planning ahead, making decisions, and processing visual-spacial dimensions. For adults, symptoms include breathing and swelling abnormalities, cataracts, weakness in the head and neck area, heart difficulties, insulin resistance, weakened internal organs, hand muscle weakness, and myotonia (problems relaxing grip, causes pain). These symptoms get worse when the weather is cold. There is currently no cure for myotonic dystrophy, there are only cures to alleviate the symptoms.

References:
Signs and Symptoms | Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy | MDA

Career-Masseuse (A Day In The Life)

A masseuse is a massage therapist. They treat their clients using touch and pressure to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Their job is to relieve pain, help rehabilitate injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general health of their clients. They work in a variety of settings that may be either private or public. Some even travel to their clients' homes or offices to give a massage. 

To become a massage therapist, you must complete a postsecondary education program of 500 or more hours of study and experience, although the guidelines may vary by state. Most states require masseuses to have a license or certification to practice massage therapy. The median pay for a masseuse is $35,970 and the job outlook looks pretty good; the employment of massage therapists is expected to grow 23% by 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Reference:
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm