5 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Mental Health

With the rise in mental health awareness and major progress in the field of psychology, it is becoming more apparent that the general public needs to do more to maintain and improve their mental health. Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical wellbeing to live a long, productive, and fulfilling life.

Tackling mental health concerns can be extremely difficult and it often feels overwhelming considering all the different factors contributing to psychological wellbeing. Luckily, there are a few simple and healthy ways to improve your mental health on your own and with company!

 Exercise

A body in motion tends to stay in motion, and getting up and getting active is a great first step to make changes for the benefit of your mental health. Exercise and daily movement are incredibly good for both your physical and mental health. Both doctors and mental health professionals agree that taking steps to increase your daily activity and finding new and enjoyable ways to get active greatly impacts your mental wellbeing for the better.

Getting active doesn’t have to involve drastic changes right off the bat, starting off with small changes in your everyday routine will help you make the transition to a healthier life. For most adults, a goal of 10,000 steps a day, avoiding remaining sitting for long periods of time, getting some adequate time out in the fresh air and sunlight, and some mild to intermediate cardio are very healthy goals for daily movement.

As your daily activity increases you can find more enjoyable ways to increase the intensity of your exercise. It is easier to stay motivated to move when you enjoy the activity, so finding a sport or workout routine you really love is a great way to keep up the hard work.

Joining a gym is a great way to give yourself a variety of machines and equipment to get in a solid workout. Most gyms also offer personal training, group fitness experiences, and special classes to see what kinds of exercises are the most effective and enjoyable for you.

Apart from working out in a designated fitness center, many communities have small sports teams that anyone can join no matter the skill level. Getting out and active with a local sports team adds community and allows you to explore a variety of organized sports to find more enjoyable ways to stay active.

Getting out and staying fit with daily movement and exercise is one of the most important steps to consider when looking for ways to improve your mental health.

 Nutrition

The human brain is a very complex organ and it needs proper nutrition to function correctly. Consuming a colorful array of nutrient-rich foods is an important part of maintaining your mental health.

There are many vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy brain. Vitamins B1, B9, C, and minerals Calcium, Zinc, and Magnesium are some of the most crucial for healthy brain chemistry. Many doctors recommend eating lots of leafy green veggies and lean meats to get the majority of these vitamins in your meals. If you still aren’t getting enough of the essential vitamins and minerals there are plenty of daily supplements to fill in the gaps.

Apart from making sure you get in your vitamins and minerals, it is important to take note of the quality of your meals. Eating nutrient-rich meals and steering away from processed foods helps your body take in what it needs and will make you feel better about what you are putting into your system.

Taking steps to take in the right nutrients and eat a well-balanced diet is another great way to improve your mental health.

 Moral Support

Tackling mental health problems can be extremely difficult on your own. Everything can be so overwhelming, so having a solid support group to fall back on will help you find comfort and good company for the long road ahead.

Identify a few people in your life that you feel comfortable sharing your emotions with and who will love and care for you no matter what. Whether they are friends, family, healthcare providers, or someone else close to you, having someone else to help you through your mental health troubles is very important to making positive change.

 Therapy

Mental health is complicated and sometimes it’s difficult to know when you need to call in professionals. Seeking therapy can be a difficult decision to make but it will benefit you in the long run. Having a mental health professional on your side to help you work through your problems and your pain will assist you in your journey to better wellbeing.

Therapists strive to make a personal connection with their patients, getting to know them and their life stories to learn how best to help them. They also give their patients tools to work through their mental health problems and address the difficulties of life in a healthier and more productive way.

While making the choice to start therapy and open up to the professionals can be a very daunting experience, getting help from the right therapist and taking advantage of their knowledge is a very important step to improving your mental health.

 Somatic Therapy

One emerging alternative to traditional talk and psychotherapy is somatic therapy. Somatic therapy is a form of therapy that aims at targeting trauma-related stress responses and developing healthier responses to those triggers.

This type of therapy is usually used on patients experiencing post-traumatic stress disorders and associated disorders but there are many therapists that use somatic trauma therapy techniques to address other mental health concerns. Patients looking to address possible signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress-related disorders should seek the advice of a therapist or medical professional before moving forward with treatment.

While somatic therapy might not be the right fit for everyone, the right therapist may be able to address very specific needs in the right patients and help them make positive changes for their mental wellbeing.

 

Gabe Nelson is a content specialist of over 7 years of experience, currently working with downtownsomatictherapy.com. Just out of high school he set off crab fishing on the Bering sea in Alaska. From there he went back home to finish his college degree at the University of Montana. He has a passion and keen understanding when it comes to Mental Health inside and out. He has written hundreds of content pieces in numerous niches. Currently, he lives in Missouri with his wife and kids.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Why Acupuncture Could Be the Right Career for You

Being an acupuncturist could be the profession you’ve been looking for! Learn about the advantages to joining this expanding field of healthcare.

Acupuncturists bring a completely unique skill set to healthcare — and they’re needed now more than ever. In fact, acupuncturists are being integrated into many healthcare settings that weren’t even an option 20 years ago.

If you’d like a career in healthcare but haven’t found a profession that feels right to you, then you may want to consider acupuncture. As an acupuncturist myself, as well as the dean of  Northwestern Health Sciences University’s College of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, I have seen the exciting changes in this field firsthand.

In the following, I’ll describe four reasons to consider being an acupuncturist. But first, let’s take a closer look at what acupuncturists actually do.

What do acupuncturists do?

Acupuncturists use techniques rooted in Chinese medicine to treat illnesses and improve health. More specifically, they stimulate prescribed points on the body through the use of sterilized needles or similar techniques that involve heat, pressure, or electric current.

Understanding the East Asian perspective of the body is integral to being an effective practitioner of acupuncture. However, to be successful in today’s modern healthcare environment, acupuncturists also need to understand the Western, biomedical-based perspective.

Special note on education requirements. In the U.S., attending an accredited acupuncture or Chinese medicine program and obtaining a master’s degree is the minimum education requirement to become an acupuncturist. Note that there is a movement toward doctoral degree training.

Let’s now turn to those reasons for becoming an acupuncturist.

1 – Enjoy helping patients and also getting to know them on a deeper level

If you feel called to help others, acupuncture could be a great fit for you. Acupuncturists help their patients on multiple levels and have the opportunity to connect with them more deeply.

Managing pain, reducing anxiety, finding relief from insomnia — these are just a few examples of how acupuncturists can help their patients. And they also can utilize more than just needles in their care.

For instance, acupuncturists can help patients achieve health goals by making dietary recommendations, suggesting lifestyle changes, and, with the appropriate training, prescribing Chinese herbal medicines.

More generally, acupuncturists can serve their patients by simply providing more time and attention. Yes, conventional medical appointments are important, but if you think about it, they’re often quite brief.

Acupuncturists, on the other hand, can take more time to sit and discuss a patient’s health and well-being. And that can be incredibly rewarding for both the acupuncturist and the patient.

2 – The role of acupuncturists is expanding in mainstream healthcare

Acupuncture services are being incorporated into more and more hospitals and primary care clinics. This is an important indication of acupuncture’s growing acceptance within conventional Western healthcare.

These positive developments also extend to the job market. Consider, for example, major healthcare organizations like the following that now employ acupuncturists:

In addition, influential healthcare entities like The Joint Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the American College of Physicians all officially support acupuncture as a viable drug-free option for pain relief.

3 – Have the freedom to create your own career path

Compared to many other healthcare professions, acupuncturists can enjoy more freedom to create a personalized career path.

For example, there’s good news if you have an entrepreneurial spirit: Establishing a private acupuncture practice is a viable and popular option. This also makes it easier to shape your own schedule, create your own work atmosphere, and have more control over your work pace and earnings.

But if running your own practice doesn’t sound appealing, today you actually have more options than ever. I’ve already mentioned the growing opportunities for acupuncturists in mainstream healthcare settings, but here are more specific examples of where you could work:

  • Public and private hospitals
  • Integrative care clinics
  • Chiropractic offices
  • Community clinics
  • Primary care clinics
  • Sports and rehabilitation clinics
  • VA medical centers
  • Health & fitness centers
  • Sports team facilities
  • Hospices
  • Long-term care facilities

From another perspective, you can also help shape your own career direction by developing a speciality with a certain type of patient population. What are you passionate about? Who do you imagine helping on a daily basis? Here are some possibilities:

  • Athletes
  • Children
  • Seniors
  • Veterans
  • Cancer patients
  • Expectant mothers
  • Women with fertility issues
  • Underserved populations (e.g., people without homes, low-income families)
  • Patients undergoing rehabilitation from a stroke, spinal injury, or brain trauma
  • People in hospice care

4 – Join a new and promising era in healthcare

As an acupuncturist, you can become part of the exciting changes happening in healthcare. A great example is the movement toward integrative healthcare. This is a patient-centered, team-based approach involving practitioners from various fields working together to help patients.

It’s also an approach that bridges treatments like acupuncture with mainstream Western medicine. That means acupuncturists are increasingly part of healthcare teams that include medical doctors, nurses, chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapists, and more.

Also, as drug-free approaches to pain relief and overall health improvement become more common, the job opportunities for acupuncturists will continue to grow.

In fact, the demand for acupuncture is increasing as more and more healthcare practitioners — and their patients — seek alternatives to opioids and other drugs for pain management. (A great example of this can be found in acupuncture’s growing use in emergency departments.)

Take the next step and start exploring acupuncture programs

Acupuncturists are becoming more and more valuable in today’s evolving healthcare system. You now have a better understanding of the career advantages to being an acupuncturist. Do the points I’ve made resonate with you? Could acupuncture be the professional fit you’ve been looking for?

If you’re intrigued by the prospect of becoming an acupuncturist, I encourage you to take the next step and start researching acupuncture programs today.

Jessica Frier, DAOM, L.Ac., is dean of the College of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University and owner of Birchwood Integrative Care Clinic in Eagan, Minn.  

 

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

The Greatest Difficulties that Can Arise When Studying Medicine Abroad

Much like any other profession, you can master medical specializations while studying abroad. And people do it despite the difficulties of getting into such programs. In the US, for example, 3% of medical students come from other countries.

 

However, studying medicine abroad is as difficult as finding a program that will fit you in. International students can face many challenges, which are not easy to overcome.

 

What challenges?

 

Take a look.

1.   Language Barrier

Studying medicine doesn’t only mean being good at biology, chemistry, physics, and math. It is also about your ability to operate very specific terminology. And, if your knowledge of the language of the country where you’re going to is shaky, consider improving it first.

 

The reason is simple – you won’t have enough time to learn the language when your classes start. You will spend so much time studying for lectures and seminars that you will hardly have time to sleep. But such is the life of a medical student.

 

So, before you make any plans to study abroad, make sure you master the language. The best way to do it is to get yourself a native speaker. It’s not that expensive – for example, on Preply, you can find Portuguese tutors for as low as $5 an hour:

 

Why should you go for a native speaker?

 

You need someone who doesn’t just know the language and culture very well, but who also understands the medical and educational systems of the country you’re going to. This way, you will have a connection to keep in contact with if you encounter misunderstandings.

2.   No Shadowing Period

A shadowing period is a time you get at a potential workplace to go around observing doctors, nurses, and other medical staff and gaining valuable knowledge from it. Shadowing is essential in any job that requires a learning curve.

 

Unfortunately, not all medical programs can provide that. For instance, in the 2017 research, surveyed medical students in the UK shared that the lack of a shadowing period was one of the disadvantages of becoming a medical practitioner there.

 

So, before you apply for a program, do your research. Find whether you’ll have access to internships with shadowing periods and other opportunities to apply your knowledge in practice.

3.   Pressure During Exam Weeks

Medical school is stressful. A study that surveyed medical students around the Middle East has revealed most of them experienced severe stress and even considered leaving the studies altogether.

 

Since you will be responsible for saving people’s lives, you can’t take your education carelessly. The exam weeks will be the most challenging – even to get a simple pass, you will have to study tirelessly.

 

The worst part is that you will hardly have any support system. So, if you’re not ready for such stress, reconsider your choice of studying medicine. Or, think about going to a local college or university.

4.   Expensive Courses

Some colleges and universities abroad offer additional courses to students who want to further their education. Such courses aren’t necessary to attend to get a diploma, but they can be really helpful in your future career.

 

For instance, a workshop about AI in healthcare can give you valuable knowledge and advance your career path, especially if you want to be a surgeon. Adding such qualifications to your CV will help you stand out in the job market.

 

That said, such courses can be very expensive. For instance, a course on AI in healthcare services at MIT costs $2,800. So, consider such expenses before enrolling in a medical school and put some money aside to be able to get extra skills and expand your knowledge.

Over to You

These are only a few examples of difficulties a medical student can encounter when studying abroad. Of course, there are other problems, like difficulties to adapt, ethical differences, etc. You need to be mentally and emotionally ready for the lack of moral support as well, as your parents and friends will be far away from you.

 

But no worries, all these challenges are manageable. Every college and university has a department helping international students adjust and get everything they need to keep up with the studies. So, it would be wise to contact this department before you set off to start your studies – they will help you prepare everything you need to start your first semester stress-free.

 

Article written by Ryan Pell

Ryan is a passionate blogger and writer who likes sharing his thoughts. He works as a content editor and internet researcher and likes to travel and explore new countries.

 

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Tools That Are Helpful With Charting

Basic but Helpful Charting Tools

Medical note charting and medical transcription are necessary parts of the nation’s healthcare system. With more and more organizations needing to convert paper charts and analog records to electronic and digital counterparts, the need for services like these is increasing in demand. If you want to make money doing this kind of work, then you need to know specific tools that are helpful with medical note charting.

A Computer
Whether it’s a laptop or a desktop, you need a computer that can run your preferred transcription platform and software. Fortunately, such machines are relatively affordable given how powerful computers have become in recent years. Just make sure it also has the right software, too.

A Good Headset
For many transcriptionists, verbal input works better than mouse and keyboard. A microphone can work, but a headset stays closer to your mouth and is less likely to pick up background noises, creating a higher efficiency rate and more accurate transcription.

Transcription Service
There might be times that you get behind enough that it becomes overwhelming. Having a third-party service, such as Mercedes Transcription Inc. you can outsource your work to let help you lighten your load. For that matter, if they charge less for the work than you do, you can just be a middleman and make a profit while someone else handles the work for you.

A Desk
Many people who work from desktops or laptops love heading out to a coffee shop or restaurant and doing some work from there. However, given the confidential nature of medical transcription, working outside the home or office isn’t always a good idea. You need a central space, preferably with privacy, where you can sit down and focus on your work.

An Organizer
Keeping up with your workload requires self-motivation, but it is mostly about staying organized. An organizer, whether paper or digital, can help you break your workload into segments you can manage on a daily basis while still meeting all of your deadlines.

Medical Note Charting Makes Money
Medical note charting was a high-paying gig long before the ‘gig economy’ was a general concept. If you’re involved in this profession, then you need a computer, an effective microphone or headset, a backup transcription option, a place to work, and an organizer. Whether you do this full-time or just for some extra income, these tools will make medical note charting much easier to accomplish.

Rachelle Wilber
Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700

 

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Helping Behind the Scenes: 5 Advantages to Being a Medical Lab Professional

If you’re looking for a career in healthcare behind the scenes, being a medical lab professional could be a great option.

Physicians and other clinicians rely heavily on lab testing to help care for patients. That means the medical lab professionals who conduct those tests are vitally important. As the volume of testing grows and new types of testing emerge, medical lab professionals will continue to be in great demand.

If you’d like to play an active, hands-on role in the healthcare field but aren’t necessarily drawn to working directly with patients, becoming a medical lab professional could be a great fit for you.

Below, I’ll describe five advantages to being a medical lab professional. But first, let’s take a closer look at the professions I’m talking about.

 

Understanding the roles of medical lab professionals

There are two types of medical lab professionals who commonly perform testing. They vary in the education required and in the kinds of responsibilities they typically have.

1. Medical lab technicians

Medical lab technicians generally work in clinics and other healthcare facilities that provide lab services. They use specialized medical instruments and automated technology to conduct a variety of testing and analysis on specimens taken from patients.

Although they may occasionally have direct patient contact, most of their tasks are conducted within the lab.

A common path to becoming a medical lab technician involves completing a two-year associate degree program. Note that a medical lab technician can pursue further education to become a medical lab scientist (see directly below).

2. Medical lab scientists

Medical lab scientists commonly perform more advanced hands-on lab tests in hospitals and large clinics. These procedures often go beyond the more automated processes that a medical lab technician is likely to perform. In addition, medical lab scientists often take on lab leadership roles.

Working as a medical lab scientist requires at least a bachelor’s degree. Note that there are a number of options you can take to obtain that degree, including a bachelor’s degree completion program.

Let’s now turn to the advantages of a career as a medical lab professional.

1. Become a healthcare professional within a shorter amount of time

If you’re interested in a healthcare career but are concerned about the time and expense it can take to earn an advanced professional degree, pursuing a career as a medical lab professional could be an excellent option.

For example, you could be working full-time in a medical lab environment in as little as two years by earning the appropriate associate degree. In fact, if you have transferable credits, that time could be even shorter. (See How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician for more information.)

And with approximately another two years of education, you can obtain a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science. This can open up additional opportunities for taking on leadership positions and conducting more advanced lab procedures. (See How to Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist for more information.)

2. Choose a profession with a bright future

Although there are no guarantees when it comes to obtaining employment, you should know the current — and expected — demand for medical lab professions is high.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “70% of today’s medical decisions depend on laboratory test results.” In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has served to underscore just how crucial medical lab professionals are.

Another encouraging indicator is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which projects a positive job growth rate for medical lab professionals over the next decade. (Note: The BLS uses the terms clinical laboratory technicians for medical lab technicians and clinical laboratory technologists for medical lab scientists.)

3. Channel a science background into a valued healthcare profession

If you obtain a medical lab degree, you’re going to have a specific healthcare profession to enter upon graduation. This isn’t necessarily the case if, for example, you major in a subject like biology.

In fact, people who are drawn to medical lab education programs may already have college science credits and even job experience. But what they lack are the credentials to establish a specific career in healthcare.

An associate degree in medical lab technology or a bachelor’s degree in medical lab science can change that.

4. Enjoy a schedule that fits with your lifestyle

Medical lab technicians are typically employed at clinics. That means they generally work steady weekday shifts, during regular daytime hours, with occasional weekend rotations. Also, medical laboratory technicians usually have plenty of opportunities for part-time positions.

Medical lab scientists, who often have positions at hospitals, may work daytime shifts as well as evenings, weekends, and holidays. Note that working non-daytime shifts often comes with additional pay on top of the base hourly wage.

In either case, as a medical lab professional you’ll likely be able to find a schedule that fits well with your lifestyle and your responsibilities outside of work.

5. Play a key role in helping care for patients

Although you may not have a lot of direct interaction with patients, as a medical lab professional you still play a vital part in caring for them. And that can be incredibly rewarding.

On a daily basis, you’ll be using specialized medical instruments and cutting-edge technology to conduct a variety of testing and analyses on specimens taken from patients.

The resulting information helps physicians and other healthcare providers make critical decisions in the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of illnesses and diseases.

 

Take the next step and start exploring programs

Becoming a medical lab professional gives you the opportunity to join the exciting and ever-expanding field of healthcare — while also working behind the scenes without extensive patient interaction.

If that sounds appealing to you, I strongly suggest you take the next step and begin researching medical lab programs.

 

Jessica Hoernemann, MS, MLS(ASCP), is an assistant professor and the program chair for the Medical Laboratory Technology and Medical Laboratory Science programs at Northwestern Health Sciences University.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

7 Potential Benefits And Risks Of Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare

Over the next few years, artificial intelligence (AI) will gradually become more integral to the medical sector. While the healthcare industry is no stranger to ground-breaking and potentially lifesaving advancements in technology, AI-based technologies offer an impressive array of applications. From automating the most trivial tasks to detecting errors, the benefits of artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry have been undeniable. Unfortunately, these benefits come with potential risks.

The Benefits Of AI In The Medical Sector
Despite being in its infancy, the advantages of AI-based technologies in the healthcare industry are already impressive. Numerous clinical settings and healthcare practitioners are already taking advantage of AI systems to enhance patient care.


Improve Patient Diagnosis And Treatment
The ability to improve patient diagnosis and care is arguably the biggest allure of artificial intelligence in the medical sector. Thanks to artificial intelligence, many physicians are diagnosing patients with greater accuracy at a faster rate.

Due to the capabilities of neural networks and machine learning, AI can analyze an immense amount of data and research findings instantaneously. Medical professionals can then use these findings to provide a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment. Moreover, AI-based medical systems are able to detect some illnesses early. Early detection allows for earlier treatment, which can be potentially lifesaving.

Greater Efficiency For Medical Settings
With the support of artificial intelligence, healthcare practitioners can practice medicine more efficiently.

For example, AI medical pre-screening is capable of answering common questions from patients and address any nonemergent issues. “Artificial intelligence not only saves the patient from an unnecessary and costly session with a physician, but it enables healthcare professionals to focus on patients in urgent need of care,” explains James Conway, a business blogger at Write my X and 1 Day 2 write. “AI could essentially optimize healthcare.”

The numerous applications of AI-based systems can drastically reduce the work burden on healthcare professionals and allow them to provide higher quality patient care to those in need.

Reduce The Cost Of Healthcare
Due to machine learning’s ability to access and analyze data on a patient’s detailed medical history, healthcare professionals are better equipped to identify patients at risk of a potential illness. In addition to possibly saving that patient’s life, AI could save them from expensive procedures, medicine, and other treatments. Several clinical settings are already employing AI to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

The Risks Of AI In The Healthcare Industry
While AI offers many advantages for practitioners and patients alike, there are some potential dangers to relying on this technology.

Regulation And Liability
As more healthcare professionals turn to AI to support them with patient care, liability becomes blurry. “In the event of an incorrect diagnosis or treatment suggested by AI, there’s the question of whether the physician or AI developer should be held more responsible,” warns Ida Hall, a technical writer at Origin Writings and Brit Student.

It’s imperative that medical practitioners avoid becoming overly reliant on AI-based technologies. Their medical training and knowledge must be the ultimate judge regardless of AI’s recommendations.

Patient-Physician Relationship
Although patients typically trust their doctors and other healthcare professionals to have their safety and best interest at heart, some are more reluctant to trust artificial intelligence. As a result, the introduction of AI to patient-facing systems could be harmful for the patient-physician relationship. Patients may be more mistrustful of a diagnosis from an AI and clinical practitioners who employ AI to help with their care.

Data Protection
A patient’s medical history is an incredibly sensitive matter. Since AI enjoys unrestricted access to vast amounts of medical data, concerns about patient privacy must be addressed. Medical AI developers must be regulated to ensure the collection and sharing of patient data is as ethical and confidential as possible.

Job Security
Though AI currently fulfills a supporting role to human healthcare professionals, the technology is still in its early stages. Some medical practitioners, such as radiologists, have raised concerns over the future of their career.

Conclusion
As the medical industry begins to embrace the various applications of AI, the potential for better and faster patient care will revolutionize healthcare. As long as healthcare practitioners and medical AI developers handle this technology with the utmost care, artificial intelligence can continue to play a beneficial role in medicine.

George J. Newton is a tech content specialist at Write my essay and PhD kingdom. He has been married for ten years, perfecting the art of the apology throughout. He writes articles on the latest news and innovations in tech for Next Coursework.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Want to Work in Healthcare? Medical Assistants Are Always Needed

Want to Work in Healthcare? Medical Assistants Are Always Needed

Working in healthcare is a rewarding career choice. There are many different options for you to choose from, including medical assistants. Medical assistants help doctors and nurses with administrative tasks, so they are able to spend more time with their patients. They also have the opportunity to learn about new treatments and procedures that could be beneficial to them or someone they know in the future. However, if you’re thinking about becoming a medical assistant, it’s important to remember these four tips.

Get Your Degree
Medical assistants usually need to have an associate degree or certification for employers to hire them. There are several different types of degrees you can get, including one that focuses on medical billing and coding, which is very helpful if you want to work in healthcare but don’t necessarily like the idea of working with patients directly.
There are many medical assistant programs that you can get a certification through, all of which will allow you to further your career more quickly than if you were on your own. This will help those who are just starting out gain more experience in their field and have better job opportunities available to them down the road.

Be Willing to Take on Responsibilities
Some medical assistants begin their careers as receptionists or office managers until they have enough experience with patients. Others take a fast track and get a degree in the field. Either way will help them build confidence and learn more about how a medical office or hospital clinic works before they spend time working directly with patients who need care. There’s no shame in starting out slowly, especially if it means you will be able to work your way up in the long term.
It’s also important for medical assistants to stay up to date on new technologies and healthcare laws so that they can provide patients with quality care where they are able. Medical assistants who keep their skills fresh are more likely to get promoted than those who don’t show any interest in learning about the field.

Find the Right Work Environment
Some medical assistants prefer to work in a hospital, while others would rather spend their days working for a private clinic. It’s important that you find an environment where you feel comfortable and enjoy spending your day. The right environment could influence how much free time you have outside of work and who they will meet, and the types of people they work with.
Medical assistants are sought after across the country. With a degree and a little looking it will be very easy to find work to be able to cover your bills, but more importantly, be able to help people across the nation, and get your foot in the door in a great career field.

Article by Rachelle Wilber

Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

5 Tech Devices that are Changing Healthcare

Health tech refers basically to all vaccines, devices, medicines, systems, and procedures intended to modernize the operation in Healthcare, improve and lower the cost of health care. The future of Healthcare will be greatly affected by emerging technology.

Health tech refers basically to all vaccines, devices, medicines, systems, and procedures intended to modernize the operation in Healthcare, improve and lower the cost of health care. The future of Healthcare will be greatly affected by emerging technology. It is, therefore, important you familiarize yourself with the tech devices in health care so that you may be able to control and operate them. The following tech devices are changing Healthcare greatly, and you should be aware of them.

1. Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

This device can be used for professional or personal use. It saves you the hustle of having to visit the hospital now and then to keep track of your blood pressure. To operate, this gadget has a wireless device plus an armband that helps you connect it to your mobile or any other electronic device via Bluetooth. After connecting it, it configures your blood pressure, sends the data to your mobile, processes it, and finally, the information is displayed on your phone. If you follow the procedure keenly, the device is very easy to operate. After receiving the displayed data, you can consult your doctor or take your medication according to the doctor’s prescription.

2. Muse

Muse is an EEG solutions gadget that can monitor the activities of your brain. The Muse is mostly used in the neuroscience field to translate the waves in the brain. Muse interprets your mental actions through the use of advanced processing signals. When your mind is at rest, translate the waves into weather sounds. However, when your mind is drifting, the waves are translated into stormy weather and suggest tips on calming your brain by controlling your breath.

Moreover, it updates you on your stress level and gives suggestions on dealing with the stress. This gadget also can connect to your phone via Bluetooth. After connecting to the Bluetooth, you can start the Meditation App on Muse, plug in your earphones and enjoy the meditation with your eyes closed. Once the session is over, you can track your progress by reviewing your results.

3. Glucose Monitor

You can conduct s diabetes test on your own from the comfort of wherever you might be by using a glucose monitor. You do not need any doctor’s prescription to purchase this device, and it can be bought over the counter. Any local pharmacy around your residence can sell you diabetes test supplies such as lancets, glucose meters, and test strips. Through this device, you can monitor your glucose levels since it automatically tracks your blood sugar levels at any time of the day. The device operates with the help of a mobile app that connects to it via Bluetooth. Before purchasing this gadget, you need to know how it works and the variety of options available in the market. You can navigate this page to find the techniques that can help you choose the best glucose monitor.

4. DNA Monitor

Small clinics might experience difficulties in purchasing machines for testing DNA. When powered by a mobile app, this device turns into a DNA-based disease detection device that is very powerful. It utilizes Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to operate. The device is flexible in that it can be compatible with either iPhone or Android gadgets.

5. Asthma Monitor

This gadget is perfect for individuals who have asthma as well as health care practitioners handling asthmatic patients. When you breathe in and out, this device records the pattern of whizzing air, and you’re breathing. An asthma monitor analyzes the patterns in your breathing and configures your asthma condition. It makes it easy to manage the state of an asthma patient by monitoring their existing condition. To configure the results, a patient must place this gadget close to their nose and inhale and exhale normally. The device collects the breathing data and sends the information to the connected mobile. This data is then processed per the criteria and settings of the mobile app and provides the results.

These are but a few of the available tech devices that are transforming Healthcare. Digital Healthcare Tech will continue to boom, and new gadgets will be discovered. It is upon you to get updated with these changes to enjoy the ease and benefits of this technology.

Article by Maggie Bloom

Author Bio: Maggie graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys traveling and scouting out new brunch locations.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

5 Tips For Passing Your CPC Exam

If you are a medical coder who wants to rise to the top of your profession and earn possibly as much as 20% more than coders who are non-certified, you will want to take and pass the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam.

If you are a medical coder who wants to rise to the top of your profession and earn possibly as much as 20% more than coders who are non-certified, you will want to take and pass the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam. Considered the gold standard by healthcare employers, passing this exam is critical for your continued career success. However, while you may be feeling stressed out about your upcoming exam, there are things you can do to increase your chances of passing on the first try. To do so, follow these five tips.

Stick to Your Routine

First of all, you want to make sure you feel as good as possible on exam day. You can do this by sticking to your routine of getting a good night’s sleep, getting up early enough so that you don’t have to rush through things, and eating a good breakfast. After all, staying awake most of the night worrying about the exam won’t do any good.

Remember it’s an Open-Book Exam

While the CPC exam is open-book, this doesn’t mean it’s easy to pass. Though this means you won’t have to memorize everything, it does mean you’ll need to know how to get the answers you need very quickly, since the exam is timed. Oftentimes, courses that you take before going into the exam will have recommendations for how to navigate through the textbook. Online resources such as Coding Clarified, also have resources to help you through the exam and come out with a passing grade.

Take Some Practice CPC Exams

To give you a good feel for the exam, take several practice CPC exams before it’s time to take the one that really counts. By doing so, you’ll have a general idea of the types of questions you’ll be asked, how long it will take you to finish, and let you know which areas you may need to brush up on before exam day.

Buy a Study Guide

During the course of your studies leading up to the exam, it’s always a good idea to purchase a CPC-specific study guide. Since these guides are known for highlighting key areas you should focus on for the exam, buying one can put you on the right track as to which areas of the exam you may need to focus on the most.

Trust Yourself

Last but not least, trust in yourself as you prepare to take the CPC exam. Since you did well in your classes and have the necessary knowledge and skills, chances are that by preparing ahead of time, you’ll do just fine.

By sticking to these five tips, you’ll soon find yourself passing the CPC Exam and being a Certified Professional Coder.

Article by Ani O.
Freelance writer and web enthusiast

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

A Profession with a Bright Future: 5 Advantages to Being a Clinical Massage Therapist

Clinical massage therapists are becoming increasingly important in healthcare. Learn why this profession could be a great career option.

The demand for massage therapists is high and a big part of that has to do with the profession’s growing role in healthcare. Clinical massage therapists use massage techniques to help heal injuries, alleviate pain, and improve muscle function.

I’ve experienced the exciting transformation of the massage therapy profession firsthand, both as a practicing massage therapist and as a massage therapy instructor and program director.

Below, I’ll describe five advantages to being a clinical massage therapist.

1. Become a healthcare professional within a shorter amount of time

If you’re interested in a healthcare career but are concerned about the time and expense it can take, massage therapy could be a great option for you.

Depending on the program you choose, it’s possible for you to obtain a certificate in therapeutic massage in a year or so. This can prepare you to work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, chiropractic offices, and integrative healthcare clinics, as well as your own massage therapy practice.

And with approximately another three to eight months of education, you can obtain an associate degree. This can open up additional opportunities for further education and professional advancement. (For more info, check out how to become a massage therapist.)

2. Choose a profession with a bright future

Although there are no guarantees when it comes to obtaining employment, you should know the current — and expected — demand for massage therapists is extremely high.

In fact, in my 18 years of experience, I can’t recall a more promising time to enter the massage therapy job market.

A great indicator of this is the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook from 2020 to 2030, which projects a 32% job growth rate. To help put that in perspective, that’s nearly four times the average growth rate for all jobs.

3. Enjoy a low-stress career helping improve people’s health

Clinical massage therapists do more than help people feel more relaxed. They can play a pivotal role in relieving certain types of pain, helping people rehabilitate from injuries and surgeries, and optimizing muscle functioning.

Having a career helping improve people’s health in ways like these can be incredibly rewarding.
Also, keep in mind that some healthcare settings can be hectic and stressful. But the good news here is that clinical massage therapists typically work in low-stress settings.

They also can enjoy the satisfaction of establishing a deeper connection with patients. Rather than move patients quickly through appointments, clinical massage therapists provide direct care through touch, sometimes for an hour or more.

4. Have the freedom to create your own career path

Compared to many other healthcare professions, clinical massage therapists have more freedom to create their own career path.

For example, opening your own massage therapy practice is a viable — and popular — option for massage therapists, which makes it easier to shape your own schedule.

But if having your own massage practice isn’t for you, that’s not a problem. Clinical massage therapists can find employment in a wide range of settings. Here are some examples:

Integrative care clinics
Chiropractic offices
Community clinics
Primary care clinics
Sports and rehabilitation clinics
Public and private hospitals
VA medical centers
Fitness centers
Sports team facilities

Clinical massage therapists can also specialize in working with specific types of patients. Veterans, children, seniors, athletes, expectant mothers, cancer patients, hospice patients — these are just some of the many possibilities.

5. Be on the front lines of exciting changes in healthcare

As a clinical massage therapist, you can become part of an exciting new era in healthcare. I’m talking specifically about integrative healthcare, a patient-centered, team-based approach involving practitioners from various fields working together to help patients.

Increasingly, clinical massage therapists are part of a healthcare team — in some cases working alongside — healthcare professionals like chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, medical doctors, nurses, and more.

In the process, clinical massage therapists are also helping to meet the growing demand for drug-free, noninvasive alternatives to pain medications such as opioids.

Take the next step and start exploring programs

You’ve just gotten a glimpse of a growing healthcare profession in high demand, one where you can become a professional in a shorter amount of time, shape your own career more easily, and enjoy a low-stress environment helping others become healthier.

Could becoming a clinical massage therapist be right for you? To learn more, start researching massage therapy programs today.

Spring Saldana is board-certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork, the highest credential within the massage and bodywork profession. She is also the Program Chair of the Massage Therapy Programs at Northwestern Health Sciences University.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.