Ultrasound Technician Schools

Why Would You Want to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Ultrasound

Site Administrator — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:52:04 +0000

Bachelor’s Degrees are one of the best investments of your time and money that you can make during the course of your education. Regardless of the field, most degrees will earn you a higher salary than you are currently making at work, and many times a promotion. If you do not currently have a job, a degree can put you ahead of the competition who may not be as educated as you are. In the ultrasound field, a Bachelor’s Degree can put you ahead of the competition in job searching and earn you job security at your current ultrasound job.

Ultrasound technicians are not required to hold a Bachelor’s Degree, but simply need to have some training for their profession to ensure that they know what they are doing. Many times, a simple Associate’s Degree or certificate will suffice. However, in order to continue in this profession as well as move up within the health industry, a Bachelor’s Degree in Ultrasound can go a long way toward your future goals. Bachelor’s Degrees are found to increase your salary by about $20,000 when compared to people in equivalent jobs who carry only a high school diploma.

While it may seem that the economy has encouraged many people to return to school to get degrees, there are still many who chose to earn money working rather than spend money in school. This approach may work for some people, but in the ultrasound field, the more education you have earned, the more stability you will have at work. Job security is an important part of the work place, and finding a degree that can better your work position while remaining interesting to you at the same time is a rarity.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Ultrasound gets overlooked in the health industry when compared to higher levels of education such as MDs and Master’s Degrees in Nursing, but it serves just as valuable a purpose. A Bachelor’s Degree in Ultrasound is analogous to a Master’s Degree in Nursing because a Bachelor’s Degree is the next step up from a certificate. Nursing programs are a bit different, so that Master’s Degrees are a step up from the lowest level. The health field prides itself on employing the brightest and smartest graduates from all levels of education, although they typically prefer a Bachelor’s Degree at the bare minimum and work their way up.

Ultrasound Technician careers may seem to be jobs that nearly anyone can do, but until you sit through 30 course hours for a degree, you will not have the appreciation for the exactness of the field.

How to get a Top Ultrasound Technician Salary

Site Administrator — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:54:35 +0000

Ultrasound technicians make roughly around $54,000 a year, depending on their years of service. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the highest ten percent earn more than $66,000, even earning up to nearly $90,000 a year. Therefore, this presents the question to students as to what can they do to elevate their salary up to this level.

First of all, as with any career, higher salaries come with experience. Most careers offer a raise for every few years that you remain with the company, thereby nearly doubling your starting salary after twenty years of commitment. However, if you do not want to wait that long, and simply want to earn more than the lowest ten percent ($35,800), you need to take drastic steps with your education and career choices to ensure you have all the requirements of a top-notch ultrasound technician. A degree or certificate for an ultrasound technician (or sonographer) can take from one to four years to complete, depending on what type of expertise you wish to attain from your schooling.

Choosing the school you want to attend (and what type of school)is half the battle in preparing for a high-paying salary. Ultrasound technician degrees are now offered online, although you must be prepared to investigate the school to determine whether it is accredited. Reputable programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, the organization which accredits diagnostic medical sonography programs within the country. Their website is: www.caahep.org and presents a comprehensive list of accredited programs. The school you attend for a sonography degree or certificate is important to securing your future success within the field, as better-rated schools typically yield better career options. Additionally, making high grades while you are in school is another thing potential employers look at when hiring the “best of the best”.

After completing your education, you are not done with the process yet, as you still have to take the national credentialing/certification exams. These are typical in nearly every type of “certified” field: medicine, law, science. These fields all require their graduates to take (and pass) a comprehensive exam relating to all the course material they learned and studied throughout the years. Securing a passing grade on this exam is an important step to achieving a higher salary as well. Therefore, it becomes obvious that you as a student are responsible for your career options upon graduation. Simply making your way through the courses is not enough; you need to push yourself to succeed and make those high grades in order to succeed within the ultrasound technician world. Without high grades, your salary will remain mediocre at best. However, once a potential employer views outstanding grades on your transcript, they will understand that you are a hard-worker and capable of earning such a salary.

100 Awesome Twitter Feeds for Healthy-Minded Moms

Site Administrator — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:37:34 +0000

When you want real tips and advice for keeping your family healthy, turning to Twitter can be extremely helpful, especially if you’re short on time. Get constant updates on health and medical news, pregnancy, autism, green living, healthy cooking and more all day long without having to waste time on lots of different sites. Here’s our list of 100 awesome Twitter feeds for healthy-minded moms.

Pediatrics and Pregnancy

Learn about healthy eating while you’re pregnant, get tweets from respected pediatricians, and learn about infant health here.

@TheMommyStation: This feed shares links about pregnancy, adoption, breast feeding and more.
@APregnancyStory: Sharon Rowe is an RN who is also runs the website epregnancyjournal.com.
@Pediatricians: The National Association of Pediatricians tweets here.
@WeeklyPregnancy: Find pregnancy tools, diet info., and newborn safety tips here.
@saludpediatrics: This Chicago pediatrics practice tweets about healthy living for kids and families.
@MarchforBabies: Learn what March for Babies is doing to ensure a healthy future for newborns.
@LamazeOnline: @LamazeOnline shares tips for healthy weight gain during pregnancy, exercising during pregnancy, and more.
@ebabymagazine: Pregnant and new moms learn about early childhood development and infant health.
@DrMommyCalls: Dr. Tanya R. Altmann is an LA-based mom, author and pediatrician.
@First5CA: This is California’s campaign to get kids healthy and ready for school by the time they’re five. Learn about healthy living tips, healthy food ideas for kids and more.
@DrKimMD: Dr. Kim Newell is a San Francisco-based pediatrician who tweets about kids’ health.
@thebump: The Bump pregnancy social network and information hot spot tweets here.

Family Health and Doctors

These family health feeds come from hospitals, doctors and real moms.

@TeenageCancer: If your teen has cancer, tune in to this feed for research findings and more.
@autismanthem: Lorraine Spencer’s son has autism, and she uses her Twitter feed to share information and support.
@childrenshealth: The Children’s National Medical Center tweets here.
@K1Dz: Dr. Jim tweets to help caregivers of young children raise healthy kids.
@MFCHatWMC: The Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center tweets about whooping cough, bike helmets, hospital news and pool safety.
@speaknowforkids: This child’s health reform feed is full of news and information from Congress, the American Academy of Pediatrics and more.
@ChildrensMercy: Kansas City’s premier pediatrics hospital tweets about child safety, accident prevention and public health.
@DrMariaSimbra: Dr. Maria Simbra is a TV medical reporter in Pittsburgh who is also a new mom.
@sanjayguptaCNN: CNN medical reporter Dr. Sanjay Gupta keeps families up to date on the health news that’s affecting you.
@FamilyDoctorMag: Leigh Ann Otte is the editor of Family Doctor Magazine.

Running

Moms who run have Twitter feeds that are full of inspiration, support and fitness tips.

@BrennanAnnie: Ann Brennan is a runner, freelancer and mom who tweets about it all.
@run2ny: Follow @run2ny to learn what it’s like to train for a marathon while raising kids.
@Coach_Jenn: Jenn is a running coach and mom who tweets frequently about shopping, running shoes and more.

Health Care and News

Get public health news, find health care providers and more from these feeds.

@mydochub: Find doctors and health information through this Twitter feed’s doctor search engine.
@CR_health: Consumer Reports Health tweets about fitness tests, parenting news, health surveys, drug reviews and more.
@JohnsHopkinsSPH: Read tweets from JHU Public Health to learn about childhood pneumonia, vision impairment, antibiotics and more.
@organizedwisdom: OrganizedWisdom.com is a physician-reviewed health search tool, and their Twitter feed shares news and information about odd cures and news.
@WSJHealthBlog: Get quick, frequent updates from the health news world.

Recipes

Get never-ending ideas for healthy meals and snacks here.

@WholeRecipes: Whole Foods shares one healthy recipe after another, like grilled caprese salad and watermelon salad.
@recipeupdates: SimplyRecipes.com tweets recipes from its many categories, including easy and quick recipes and healthy recipes.
@Healthy2Eat: Follow @Healthy2Eat to get reviews of healthy eating cookbooks.
@healthy_recipes: This New Zealand feed shares healthy, green eating tips and resources.
@fertilefoods: Learn about the kinds of foods you should eat before, during and after pregnancy.
@recipeaday: Follow this feed to get a quick and healthy recipe idea a day.
@NutritiousFeast: Learn about farmer’s market shopping, basic nutrition and more.
@thepoorchef1: Learn how to make satisfying, nutritious meals for less than $7.
@TheChefsWife: This working mother is looking to network with healthy-minded moms who love to cook.
@Chefjen: Jen is a mom and cookbook author who tweets about all the fun things she cooks and does.
@elanaspantry: If your family needs to eat gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan, find recipes on this feed.
@whatscooking: @whatscooking is maintained by an eco-mom who teaches kids how to cook healthy meals.
@Chefgigi: Learn about nutrition and kids’ cooking projects here.
@KidsCuliChefs: This kids’ cooking school tweets about healthy cooking alternatives and fun cooking facts that appeal to kids.

Stress and Balance

These Twitterers will help you manage stress and find a balance between your work, family, R&R time and mission to live healthier.

@Parenting_Famil: Turn to this feed when you feel stressed or overwhelmed from a day with the kids.
@HealthyMinute: The tips shared on this feed can help you quickly release stress and channel a healthier lifestyle.
@JulieBaird: Help your kids get better grades with less stress when you follow @JulieBaird.
@Potentialz: This Australian psychologist tweets about childhood behavioral issues, mental health treatment options and more.
@twittermoms: @twittermoms is the Twitter feed for the expanding mom-centric network.
@DraHelenaDuch: This bilingual child psychologist tweets lots of helpful information and tips.
@thedailybalance: Get tips on how to lead a more balanced, stress-free life.
@ChildPsych: Dr. Laura Compian is a child psychologist who works with school-age and adolescent kids.
@MomBalance: This working, single mom has a son with ADHD and Aspergers.
@ZenMommy: Follow @ZenMommy for positive parenting support.

Organic and Green Living

Eco-moms tweet about healthy and safe products, diets and lifestyle choices here.

@TastyMom: Follow this feed for information from the organic baby food company.
@deliciousliving: Get ideas for better, greener living from this feed that shares recipes and more.
@lunchboxbunch: Learn about whole foods and wellness here.
@LighterFootstep: Get cheap ideas for living green.
@JollyGreenGirl: This natural mom and "eco-fashionista" tweets about green brands and more.
@thegreenparent: Jenn Savedge tweets about natural remedies, green eating, diaper alternatives and more.
@teensturningre: Teens Turning Green tweets about all the inspiring green projects they take on.
@Green_Parents: Get green living tips and giveaways for eco-conscious families here.
@barleyandbirch: Follow this brand, which creates eco-friendly clothing for kids and babies, on Twitter.
@care2: Learn about all things green and healthy on Care2’s Twitter feed.
@shopOrganic: Learn about organic shopping deals here.
@VEGdaily: Vegetarian families will like this feed that shares health, cooking and lifestyle news.
@mattyhick: @mattyhick tweets about greening your home from Brooklyn.
@Treehugger: Learn about the products and lifestyle tips that are safe for your family and the environment.
@madonnacramer: This feed combines healthy and eco living with mom survival tips, deals and more.

Fitness and Diet

Keep your family active and healthy here.

@workoutmommy: This mom loves yoga, running and fitness.
@TropicanaOJ: The official Tropicana orange juice feed shares links and tips for healthy living, boosting energy and more.
@FITNESSkristen: Kristen Diederich is the editor of Fitness Magazine.
@dailyfitnesstip: This women’s fitness feed posts fun links about making your workout more interesting and effective.
@LifeFitness: Find everyday tips for managing fitness and exercise plans for your family.
@dietnews: Get diet news and information here.

Alerts

Follow these feeds to get important health news alerts.

@bbchealth: Get world health news from the BBC here.
@CDCemergency: Get all kinds of health and safety alerts from the CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response organization in Atlanta.
@PublicHealth: Learn about the newest public health alerts, risks and news here.
@CDCFlu: Learn about outbreaks, vaccines and other flu information here.
@DailyMeHealth: Get a roundup of the top health news stories, diet columns and more.
@FamHealthGuide: Find breaking health news relevant to families.

Safety

Keep your kids safe from recalled products and accidents by following these feeds.

@AlivePast5: Learn about recalls and general baby and child safety here.
@safekidsusa: Follow this government feed to stay abreast of car seat regulations, product recalls and more.
@SafeKidsTV: Learn how to prevent accidents here.
@FDArecalls: The FDA tweets recalls, health risks and other public heath information here.
@MyPreciousKid: Get safety information and reviews for baby and kid products.
@wiredmom: Learn how to keep your kids safe when they’re online.
@FoodSafety: Here you’ll find food recalls and general food safety info.
@MomRN: This mom nurse is also a child safety expert.
@foodsafeguru: @foodsafeguru is another food safety feed.

Miscellaneous

From Oprah to women’s health to medical social networking, here are even more Twitter feeds for healthy-minded moms.

@womenshealth: Womenshealth.gov tweets about healthy living, exercise, women’s check-ups and more.
@HighChair: Aimee is a food blogger, former chef and mother of two who tweets about healthy-minded–but yummy–living.
@eatrightdenise: Denise is a registered dietician, wife and mother who shares stories from family BBQs and more.
@iVillageBuzz: This mom’s and women’s site tweets about raising kids, shopping, finding the balance and more.
@TodaysMoms: These authors and NBC Today Show producers tweet about general healthy, responsible, spiritual living for moms.
@momswithcancer: Moms who have cancer can find support and tips for balancing their illness and family.
@Oprah: Let Oprah help you become a healthier minded mom.
@SELFmagazine: Get healthy eating, fitness and emotional well-being tips here.
@medicalmommas: Follow the tweets from the women’s medical social networking site here.
@HIFS: This twitter feed and organization is "standing up for healthy individual and families."

Ultrasound Technician Schools get a Facelift

Site Administrator — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:05:43 +0000

Ultrasound technician schools have jumped the barrier of traditional schools to online education in recent years, joining many other disciplines in the process. However, such specified degree programs appear to be almost impossible to be part of distance learning and therefore have created more intrigue about the realities of the program. Converting their courses from the traditional to online classes has increased the amount of students nation-wide who wish to attain such a degree and thus has improved many schools funding as a result.

Online ultrasound schools now offer their students the opportunity to get either four-year degrees or one or two-year certifications. This allows students to get an ultrasound technician degree who otherwise would not have the time or money to attend a traditional university. Online universities thus cater to a specific type of student who has already been in the work world and cannot take off a few years to attend school and attain an additional degree. Online schools offer these students a chance to increase their education, and in a field as widely-regarded as that of ultrasound technician, it is a wise degree choice to make.

Ultrasound technicians make up their own niche within the heath care industry and the U.S. Bureau of Labor has predicted that this career will increase in demand within the next few years. The health industry in general has been in dire need of nurses, doctors, and administrators over the past few years, and it makes sense that ultrasound technicians are in this category as well. Allowing ultrasound technicians to gain their certification online has been a huge boost to the health-care industry as more qualified technicians have emerged from the shadows during the time of need for the industry.

Online schools teach students the same things as traditional schools would teach, although they cater more to the students’ schedule, understanding that most of them have careers and family. Regardless of the method, ultrasound technician students in online schools gain the same knowledge as other students around the country and are just as qualified to manipulate the equipment. While this profession does not receive the respect it deserves many times, it is a difficult degree to obtain (as are most in the health care industry), but it is a rewarding career at the same time. Being able to be the first person who can see a first-time mother’s new baby is a satisfying feeling in itself and reassures us all that there will always be a need for this type of position within the world of medicine.

50 Incredible iPhone Apps to Relax Your Mind and Body

Site Administrator — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:01:57 +0000

If you have an iPhone, you probably depend on it to keep your contacts organized, your web access fast, your music on hand, and your maps, GPS and utility tools easy to find at any given moment. But if all that data starts to give you an anxiety attack, will your iPhone still be able to help you out? Of course it can. Check out our list of 50 incredible iPhone apps to relax your mind and body.

Exercises and Healing

These apps are designed to help you de-stress through optimum exercise moves.

Yoga Trainer PRO: Customize your yoga workout from this iPhone app.
Pocket Workout: Practice your calisthenic exercises along with this training app.
Workout: This app helps you balance high intensity exercises against periods of relaxation and cooling down.
Japanese massage: Get detailed illustrations of how to do shiatsu.
YOGA Instructor: This app is another yoga tool to help you learn poses and come up with a customized work out.
Sole Massage Guide: Learn how to give yourself an effective foot massage with this app.

Visual and Simulation

Sometimes visualization is the most effective strategy for regaining your composure and relaxing your mind and body. Use these apps to picture yourself somewhere peaceful and away from the people and situations gnawing at your sanity.

Distant Shore: This game centers around a desert island and simple tasks like collecting sea shells and sending messages in a bottle.
Blow Away: Use this app to view a peaceful image of a windmill blowing flowers.
iLava: View 3D blobs move around your iPhone screen just as they would in a lava lamp.
Trancit: Use Trancit to distract you from whatever’s worrying you with bright, swirly lights and colors.
iAquarium: iAquarium displays a colorful, peaceful tropical tank full of chilled-out fish.
MindWave Lite: This incredible app brings your brain to its optimum level for relaxing, learning and breaking bad habits.
iFish: This fishing simulator features 40 different locations in which to zone out.
Glyder: Play Glyder to simulate flying in a magical, relaxing land.

Audio

Here you will find play lists, nature sounds and music to help you drift away from your hectic day and fall asleep, focus, or just mellow out.

Music Healing: Music Healing plays soothing songs and pieces while streaming relaxing images to help you de-stress.
iheartradio: Find your favorite radio stations, including jazz and classical music.
Audiogasm: Audiogasm displays corresponding images to the songs you listen to for a cohesive relaxing experience.
SleepStream Music Spa: Start the soothing play lists during your lunch break, nap time or anytime you need to wind down.
Public Radio Tuner: Find relaxing public radio stations with this app.
iLoveNature: Learn about wild animals and the environment while listening to natural sounds that relax you, too.
Tranquil Alarm: Set up your alarm so that it wakes you up with sounds of wind chimes, wind in the trees or a violin.
Ambience: Ambience blocks out distracting, stressful noises by playing gentle, peaceful sounds from the jungle, a rainstorm, the ocean and more.
BBeats Lite: These beats lure you into a hypnotic trance and help you focus on positive affirmations and relaxation.
AmbiScience: These tracks are designed to boost brain power, help you visualize your tasks, and relax. Tracks include Angel Ascension, High Plains Asia and Pink Noise.
iAspirin: Take a virtual aspirin that manipulates brain waves to make you drowsy, relaxed, and free of pain.

Meditation and Sleep

Drift off to sleep or get help meditating with these useful apps for the iPhone.

Sleepmaker Waves Lite: Listen to relaxing ocean waves with this app.
White Noise: This app plays natural sounding noises like crickets chirping and waves to help you fall asleep or tune out your environment.
Daze: Hypnotize yourself with Daze, which uses the eye fixation technique to relax you.
Zen Bound: This mind game is challenging but also relaxing.
Meditate Now: Meditate Now can help you fall asleep, chill out, end emotional eating, find inner peace, ace a test and get over whatever’s troubling you.
Sleepmaker Storms: Sleepmaker Storms mimics the sound of heavy rain, heavy wind and more.
Sheep Counter: Count sheep along with this app to fall asleep faster.
aRelax Sound Sleep Lite: Set a timer and choose a relaxing sound or play list, like dogs barking, katydids, cave winds and more.
Tylenol PM Sleep Tracker: Customize your sleep experience by keeping a sleep log, picking your mood for the day, getting sleep tips and more.
Meditate Now 2: This thought coach app will help you with affirmations to end pain, center your chakras, breathe it out, anchor your spirit and more.

Mood

Use these apps to boost mood and help you study mood cycles so that you can better understand how to make yourself relax and feel more positive.

Happiness: This simple app shows you comforting images to make you smile and laugh.
Wired for Joy: Wired for Joy lets you log your emotions and helps you deal with your mood swings.
iPsychologist: Track your moods and let this tool help you define your behaviors and attitudes.
Mood Tracker Ver 1.0: Rate your mood and tune into your overall psychological health with this app.
MindPulse: Depending on your mood, this app generates a synchronized audio/visual experience to enhance meditation, sleepiness, relaxation or focus.
Dream: Ultimate: This app syncs audio and visual features to help you focus. Choose from rain, fire and water settings.
iTakeBreaks: This app vibrates at pre-set intervals to remind you to get up and take a stretch or snack break.
Cheer For Me: Cheer for Me is better than a pep talk. When you open your iPod or iPhone music, this app will cheer you on as you work out, run or relax.
iMood Tracker: This app is another mood tracker that lets you record and study the factors that influence mood.

Health

Relaxing isn’t just about feeling more positive and focused: relaxing is also key to good health. These apps will help you lower blood pressure, learn about holistic living and more.

Natural Cures: With Natural Cures, you can learn about natural health remedies that will help you feel better without going to the doctor.
Yogi Says: Touch the yogi to generate a new quote about holistic living.
Hypertension Awareness: Learn the signs of hypertension and high blood pressure and what you can do to minimize risk.
ChakraMania: Sync up your seven Chakras (located along the spine) to minimize stress, anxiety and pain. This app will show you how to do it.
iRest: This app helps you relax your head, throat and eyes.
BeatMonitor: This app can be used as an exercise partner to monitor your target heart rate. Or, you can use it to help you calm down and slow heart rate when you’re overanxious.

The Evolving Role of Ultrasound Technicians

Site Administrator — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:53:00 +0000

Only a few decades ago, ultrasound technicians had a sole task they focused on: that of showing new parents their fetus’ heart beat and ensuring the new baby would not suffer from any abnormalities in the womb. However, recent leaps in science have found a new need for ultrasound technicians, from mammograms of young women to a new form of cancer therapy for sufferers of prostate cancer.

Ultrasound technicians typically focus solely on the well-being of new babies, but these recent evolutions within their sonography world has led to give them a heightened role at the forefront of cancer studies. Young women now come into ultrasound rooms to ensure that a lump they have on their breast is nothing more than a calcification instead of a cancerous tumor. This has become more and more common around the nation, as women under the age of 40 are typically urged not to have mammograms because of the dangers radiology can do to their bodies at a young age. Ultrasounds have therefore presented the perfect alternative for mammograms for younger women and the digitalization helps to focus better on the presence of a tumor. Mammograms at a young age are not nearly as helpful.

This type of discovery in technology has resulted in different courses which ultrasound technicians must take. While the procedure is the same, there is still a difference in dealing with women who are not pregnant and are instead worried about the possibility of cancer. Additionally, the presence of men who are coming to ultrasound technicians for treatment of prostate cancer is a wide stretch away from the original use of ultrasounds. However, this treatment is still not available in the United States, and therefore American men travel to Mexico to have this treatment performed. High-intensity focused ultrasound (or HIFU) attacks the cancerous tissues by heating the prostate to temperatures near boiling without surgery.

Many American doctors will now perform this treatment, leading to more ultrasound technicians who are involved in the process. Because it is not available in the United States, this means that many times companies will have to travel across the border in order to treat many patients. Since this procedure is not yet legal, it is not taught in ultrasound technician schools, but is instead learned on the job. While currently doctors are in charge of these procedures, ultrasound technicians will merge into the picture once the treatment passes legal ramifications within the country.

Modern technology is constantly finding new uses for ultrasounds, leading to new roles for many ultrasound technicians as the years go by. However, the skills they learn throughout their education and early years of their career are skills which will be applicable to nearly any type of curve ball which may come their way throughout the evolution of technology.

How to Turn Wii Fit into Your Personal Trainer: 100 Tips, Tools, and Guides

Site Administrator — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:37:09 +0000

Wii Fit became an instant hit when it was released because it helped kids and their busy parents be more active when watching TV. While the debate over the Wii Fit’s ability to completely transform your physique is still active, the Internet is full of resources for keeping up with the console. Read below for 100 tips, tools and guides for making the most of the Wii Fit’s potential to become your very own personal trainer.

Customization and Accessories

Make your Wii Fit work for you by customizing your avatar, choosing skins and researching accessories.

How to Customize the Wii Menu for Your Nintendo Wii: This video from Shawn Grover explains the basics of Wii customization.
Customize your Wii-mote!: Here you can get tips on customizing the earlier versions of the Wii-mote.
3 Ways to Customize Your Nintendo Wii Fit and Give It Character: This guide recommends getting a Wii skin as one way to give your Wii Fit character.
What Wii Fit accessories are a "must have?": Amazon shoppers weigh in on the best Wii Fit accessories.
Customize Your Wii Fit With Custom Wii Fit Skins: Learn about Wii Fit accessories from this guide.
Wii Fit Accessories, Balance Board Accessories Round-Up: Here you’ll learn about the smartest balance board buys.
Mii Creator: The online Mii creator lets you experiment with your Wii avatar.
Mii: This Wikipedia entry on the Mii includes background on the tool, tips on creating your Mii, and more.
How to Make Your Mii: Mahalo’s step-by-step guide shows you how to make your own Mii.
Wii Fit Accessories: Joanne LaSpina discusses balance board skins, the yoga mat, and travel accessories.

Best Games for Fitness

If you really want to get into shape, these games are probably going to be your best bet.

Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2009: The Biggest Loser trainer Jillian Michaels has her own Wii game for sale.
The Best Wii Fit Games: TRCB.com rates five of the best Wii Fit games.
Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2 with Dance Mat: Learn new dance steps and get a cardio workout with this game.
Top 5 Wii Fit Games: This list includes Shaun White Snowboarding and others.
We Ski: We Ski is a popular game for the Wii Fit.
Wii Fit Yoga: Yoga is a classic Wii Fit game. Find out if it’s worth all the hype here.
Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout Boxing Video: Watch a trailer for the Gold’s Gym game here.
EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack: This Wii Fit game includes extra workout gear and lets you play with a friend.
Summer Athletics 2009: This pack includes 28 different summer athletics and can be used on the Wii Fit, Xbox and Play Station 3.
Wii Fit’s Rhythm Boxing is My New Cardio Workout: Read this guide to find out if the Wii Fit Rhythm Boxing can be just as effective for you.

Hacks and Cheats

Learn all the secrets of the Wii Fit to inspire you to try harder, make it to the next milestone, and unlock special bonuses.

Transfer Wii Fit Game Data: Follow this blogger’s advice when transferring game data to another console.
Wii Fit Cheats: This guide teaches you how much time you need to accumulate in each workout to receive bonuses.
Wii Fit Unlockables: Find out how you can unlock new features on the Wii Fit.
Latest Wii Fit Cheats: Here you will find cheat codes, unlockable games and other tips.
Wii Fit Cheat List: This list contains cheats and hacks for the Ultimate Balance Test and more.
Wii Fit Cheats: While some of these cheats won’t help you with your fitness plan, others share tips for scoring better and working out harder.
Wii Fit Secrets: Mahalo shares tips for the Ultimate Balance Test and Alternate Jogging Routes.
Make your own Balance Board: If something happened to your old board, don’t buy a new one: make your own.
All Working Wii Fit Cheats: Here you can find cheats for unlocking FitPiggy colors, unlocking the challenge mode, and more.
Cheating Dome: Wii Fit cheats for Nintendo Wii: Learn about Fit Money bonuses, muscle workout challenges, and more.

Wii Fit Reviews

Read these Wii Fit reviews to get tips on using the games that will help your fitness plan the most.

Wii Fit = Mii FatM: Keith Shaw gets annoyed when the Wii Fit calls him obese, but he still manages to make a 10-week commitment.
Wii Fit Will Definitely Get You Moving: Winda Benedetti reviews the Wii Fit’s ability to get her in shape for a triathlon.
O.K., Avatar, Work With Me: The New York Times’ Seth Schiesel investigates the popularity and effectiveness of the Wii Fit.
Nintendo Wii Fit Review: This guide reviews the Wii Fit, especially the yoga game.
Wii Fit Review: This straightforward review outlines the good and the bad points of Wii Fit.
It’s Shocking, We’re Pissed, Wii Fit Sorta Works: After all the hype, it turns out that the guys at Kotaku admit Wii Fit is effective.
Wii Fit Review by a Formerly Fit Geek: Former athlete Brian Lam writes a Wii Fit review for Gizmodo.
CNET Wii Fit: CNET’s lengthy guide to the Wii Fit includes an editor’s review and user reviews.
Wii Fit Games: Search for user reviews of various Wii Fit games on Amazon.com before you shop.
Wii Fit Video Game: GameTrailers.com: Get reviews and watch trailers of different Wii Fit games.

Forums and Community

Get tips, support and advice from real-life Wii Fit users by heading to these forums and community sites.

Wii Fit Forum: Turn to this community for game reviews, news, progress reports and tips.
GameFAQs Wii Fit Message Board: Currently, this site has over 125 pages of Wii Fit message boards, cheats, reviews and more.
Amazon.com Customer Discussions: Amazon’s Wii Fit forum keeps the discussion going for pros and new shoppers.
Nintendo’s Tech Support Forums: If you have a technical question about your Wii Fit, head to this forum first.
Neoseeker Wii Fit Forum: Here you will find threads for reading user reviews, professional reviews, and more.
The Wii Mommies: Moms and families can turn to this network for tips, support and more for using the Wii fit.
The Wii Fit Community: This Mixx community ranks Wii Fit news stories and facilitates discussion.
Wii Fit Routine: Join other Wii Fit users, plan out a fitness routine, and network on on Wii Fit Routine.
Wiifit Forum: Learn about new game releases and more.
Wii Fit Tracker: Head to this site when you want to learn about new specials, product information and stock information for the Wii Fit.

Walkthroughs and Guides

If you’re new to the Wii Fit, try out these walkthroughs and fact sheets to become acquainted with all the features.

Wii Fit: The official site for the Nintento Wii fit features an interactive walkthrough of the console.
Wii Fit FAQ/Walkthrough: Other users share their tips and walkthroughs on GameFAQs.
Wii Fit: Wikipedia shares the history of the Wii Fit game lists, design information, and more.
Wii Fit Users’ Guide: GameSpot shares an introduction to the Wii Fit here.
Wii Fit Walkthroughs, FAQs, and Guides: Get general walkthroughs and tips for specific games and topics here.
Beginners Get Fit With Wii Fit: Kimberly Shavatt reviews the Wii Fit and explains how to use it when starting out.
Some Quick Wii Fit Hula Hoop Tips: Learn how to do the hula hoop game correctly on the Wii Fit.
Other Wii Fit Features: Learn about Wii Fit features like the Wii Fit Bank, Your Instructor and more.
Wii Fit Manual Booklet: Download the manual for the Wii Fit here.
Wii Fit Guide: View the archived posts about buying a Wii Fit, strength training, and more.

Fitness Plans

Steal tips and strategies from these Wii Fit fitness plans.

Wii Fit Training: Customize your workout routine based on the four key areas: yoga, balance games, strength training and aerobics.
Diary: One Week Playing Wii Fit: Use this week-long Wii Fit fitness plan as a starting point for your own program.
Wii Fit BMI Calculator: Use this tool to enhance your Wii Fit fitness plan.
Wii Fit training log: Chi Kong Lui logs his fitness plan with the Wii Fit for GameCritics.com.
WiiGetFit’s Blog: Though it’s in reverse order, this blog tracks a couple’s fitness journey with Wii Fit.
Wii Fit Workout Plan: This workout outlines a plan for men on a 2,500 calorie-a-day diet, and women on a 2,000 calorie-a-day diet.
The Wii Fit Workout 30 Day Exercise Challenge: The MediaSapien shares tips for starting out with the Wii Fit.
Wii Fit: the 30 day test starts today: Steal strategies from Ryan Block’s Wii Fit plan.
Can you really get fit with Wii exercise games?: Annabelle Robertson explores fitness plans that make effective use of the Wii.
Gyminee Workout Program: Gyminee’s Wii Fit workout program is all cardio.

Updates and Wii Fit News

Keep up with game releases and new developments for the Wii Fit here.

Wii News: Read about new releases and game reviews from this Nintendo site.
Wii Fit News: GameSpot tracks the news stories about Wii Fit here.
WiiFit.org: Get information about the latest game releases and Wii Fit news.
CNET News: Wii Fit news stories from CNET are archived here.
Wii’s World: Get Wii News, game information, hardware, plus other online features from Wii’s World.
Games Radar Wii Fit: Games Radar keeps up with Wii Fit news and releases.
Nintendo Wii: Get official updates and the latest games from the Nintendo Wii site.
Gamasutra: Find interviews, reviews and news about the Wii Fit here.
Fit like Mii: This blog from The Daily Journal in New Jersey covers fun stories, reviews and more about the Wii Fit.

Personal Stories

If you’re unsure of how the Wii Fit can help you get into shape, read these personal stories from real-life users.

Me and Wii Fit: One Month Later: Wired.com’s Chris Kohler updates readers on his fitness program with the Wii Fit.
Wii Food Journal: Take a look back at this community Wii weight loss plan from 2008.
The Great Experiment: Wii Fit: Read weekly reports from a real-life Wii Fit "athlete."
10 Wii Fit Exercises Tested and Judged By Fitness Trainer: The MTV Multiplayer blog reviews 10 different Wii Fit exercises, from a fitness trainer’s perspective.
Wii Fit Review: TotalVideoGames.com tracks BMI, Wii Fit age and weight to test out the game.
I Tried it: Wii Fit Yoga: Yoga Journal’s reviewer admits that the Wii version can help beginners learn the practice.
Wii Fit Impressions: Dubious Quality reviews his first impressions of Wii Fit tests and activities.
I Exercise with Nintendo Wii Fit: This anonymous Wii Fit group features stories from real-life users.
Wii Fit: More fun than a barrel of Miis: David Sheets from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that "Wii Fit is still primarily a tool for entertainment, not a substitute for either genuine exercise or instruction from trained fitness professionals."
Finally Got My Wii Fit…Here’s My Story: WiiBlog.net includes a personal review of Wii Fit workouts.
Can You Really Lose Weight with Wii Fit? My Personal Weight Loss Challenge: L. Marie Dubuque has started the discussion about how to lose weight with Wii Fit.

Videos

For tips and previews of Wii Fit games, watch these videos.

Step 1: Watch us demonstrate Wii Fit. Step 2: Laugh.: The Orlando Sentinel’s Matthew Simantov and Ethan Horowitz awkwardly demonstrate Wii Fit activities.
Wii Fit Experience Videos: Us.Wii.com posts video demonstrations of the Body Test, Hula Hoop, Ski Jump, Soccer Heading, and more.
Official Wii Fit Video Shows Off Hula Hooping, Soccer Headers: See how far the Wii Fit has come when you view this official video from two years ago.
Wii Stepping Games: This video encourages Wii Fit users to try out Dance Dance Revolution.
Wii Fit, Yoga, Crocodile Twist: Preview Wii Fit yoga here.
Play Some Schtuff: My Fitness Coach (Wii): Check out the My Fitness Coach game for the Wii.
Wii Fit Run with Treadmill Example: This mom has hacked using the treadmill by syncing it up with the Wii Fit.
Wii Fit Jump Skiing: Watch this video of Wii Fit Jump Skiing to improve your game.
Wii Fit Soccer Heading Perfect Score 555: Learn how to master this game on the Wii Fit.
Wii Fit, Aerobic, Hula Hoop, Nintendo Wii: Get inspired to try the hula hoop game on Wii Fit.

The Twitter Diet: 100 Tips, Tools, and Twitter Feeds for Your Weight Loss

Site Administrator — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:26:52 +0000

Twitter is a powerful tool for both business people and the regular Joes and Janes. From marketing to sharing information to creating community, Twitter does it all. Now, Twitter has become a new way to help people lose weight too. If you are interested in this new trend to get healthy and fit, then you will want to check out the following tips, tools, and Twitter feeds below. The following list includes everything from inspirational Tweets to connecting with others to learning how to make the best progress for yourself.

Inspirational Weight Loss Feeds

These Twitter users have lost weight and share their experiences as they continue to lose or are now maintaining their weight.

@pastaqueen. pastaqueen has lost an amazing amount of weight and Tweets with support and diet tips.
@priorfatgirl. 100 pounds lighter, Jen still Tweets about weight loss, fitness, and maintaining her weight.
@RonisWeigh. Roni lost 70 pounds and has kept it off. She writes about keeping off weight, eating right, and offers product reviews too.
@donedieting. Ron is still working toward his goal weight and stays accountable with updates about fitness, food, and weight on Twitter.
@FormerFatGirl. 85 pounds down, Jade is still losing and Tweets about her upcoming races, rides, fitness, and more.
@bwJen. Jen is on a mission to lose her weight and is succeeding. Follow her Tweets to find support, learn about fitness and diet, and more.
@skinnyjeans. After losing weight through Twitter, Stephanie still Tweets about fitness, nutrition, and shares motivational posts.
@dietdrama. This woman is still working toward her goal while providing food, fitness, and fashion tips.
@LaughItOff. Through her writing, blogging, and Tweeting, Rebecca is losing weight and supporting others.
@CalamityRobin. Robin is losing weight with Jenny Craig and is buddies with @LaughItOff.
@stringsn88keys. This marathon runner went from 230 to 168 pounds and Tweets about his fitness and lifestyle.
@FAT_Life. Drew is Tweeting himself to a healthier life and includes posts about exercise and eating better.
@OnlineDietClub. Get a run-down of what this woman eats as well as other tips and information on her feed that documents her weight loss.
@LoserLady. This young woman is losing weight and getting healthy with exercise and better nutrition.

Finding Others With Similar Goals on Twitter

Use these feeds and tools to find others who share your weight loss and fitness goals.

@wwtweets. This group of dieters not only follows Weight Watchers, but other diets as well and offers support to those losing weight.
@fabfatties. These two "fatties" post about their weight loss and have successfully created a community of others trying to get healthy.
@shrinkingjeans. Give-aways, weigh-ins, and support abound at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans Twitter feed.
Twitter #10morepounds Community Weightloss Project: Week 1. Join this group trying to lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks.
twit2fit. This social network offers member-to-member support and includes a section just for members’ Twitter feeds.
Twitter Group: Nutrition. Join this unofficial Twitter group to see what others have to say about nutrition.
Twitter Group: Weight Losers. Another unofficial Twitter group, these members are all working toward weight loss and offer support and information.
TweetWorks WeightLoss. The members in this group on TweetWorks are all losing weight and getting fit with Twitter.
Twitter Search. Type any word you want to find Tweets that mention your word (try words such as weight loss, diet, fitness, or nutrition).
Twitag. Use this tool like Twitter Search to find any recent posts tagged with whatever keyword you enter.
WeFollow. Search for Twitter users who have included themselves in categories of their own definition. Search the same way as with Twitter and Twitag.
GroupTweet. Create a group of those using Twitter for weight loss with this tool.
TweetDeck. Use this tool to create groups of Tweets so you can keep all of your weight loss Twitterers together.
Tweetizen. Find specific groups on Twitter that share your weight loss interests or start a group yourself.
tweetparty. This tool creates Twitter groups and allows you to communicate directly with members.

Nutrition and Wellness Feeds

These feeds all focus on eating better and taking care of yourself.

@urbannutrition. Get links to recipes and information about vitamins and nutrition with this feed by a holistic nutritionist from Canada.
@foodessentials. Learn all about food additives and allergens with the information here so you can start eating more healthily.
@EatWithoutGuilt. Dinneen helps you learn how to eat healthier so you can eat guilt-free.
@LifeScript. Dieting, nutrition, weight loss, exercise, and more are all discussed by the panel of experts from LifeScript.
@healthyeatingnu. Nutrition is the focus here, but you can also find links to articles about fitness and wellness.
@FeelingGreat. This healthy living coach will help you get on the path to feeling great.
@dietgirl. This woman has lost weight and shares her diet information with readers on Twitter, her blog, and through her book.
@FatFighterTV. Find out how to fight your fat with the information on this feed.
@themojocoach. This registered dietician and personal trainer sends out plenty of positive energy in her feed.
@vlatonaSHAPE. The editor of Shape magazine, Valerie Latona posts links to healthy living articles.
@SkinnyScoopers. These women provide links to news stories that will help you lose weight–with an emphasis on nutrition.
@CalorieGirl. Count calories with CalorieGirl to help get your eating where it should be.

Workouts and Fitness Feeds

Find your motivation and inspiration from these feeds offering exercise and fitness tips, advice, and more.

@crossfitchat. Exchange Tweets with others using the Crossfit workout.
@TheFitShack. Get motivation and information on getting fit with this feed.
@frenzyfit. The fun and fitness here will help you make light of what is often considered a very un-fun part of weight loss.
@MizFitOnline. MizFit writes about getting fit as well as other life events.
@SmashFit. Get motivation for getting fit from Heather Frey.
@foodiemcbody. This woman got fit through running and also helps manage her Type 2 diabetes through better eating.
@Losing4Life. An "Ironman wannabe," Craig is learning how to get fit and get healthy.
@fitnesschick. This Canadian can show you the way to fitness with all her great exercise and fitness posts.
@purplefitness. Fitness, parenting, and good nutrition all figure highly in the posts on this feed.
@fitnesstips4you. Find fitness tips and advice on this Twitter feed.

Twitter Diet Tools

These tools are specifically designed to help you lose weight and get fit using Twitter.

Tweet What You Eat. Set up a food-based Twitter diary with this app that allows you to track your food, calorie consumption, and weight with the help of Twitter.
TweetYourEats. Send what you just ate to this app via Twitter and it will track your consumption and calories to stay on track for your weight loss goal.
TweetPlot. Use this tool to make a graph of anything from calories eaten to miles run.
foodfeed. This tool helps you keep track of what you eat through Twitter. You can also search for what others are eating by keyword.
FlowingData. Help with this experiment and track your weight, what you eat, your mood, and how much you’ve slept by Tweeting your information.
Tweight. Follow tweight, Tweet your weight goal, then send updates to keep on track with your weight loss.
iMapMy. Use these apps on your iPhone to track your ride, run, or walk, then send your results to your Twitter feed.

General Diet and Weight Loss Tools

Use these tools in conjunction with Twitter to lose weight. Some of these also have Twitter feeds or work in conjunction with Twitter.

FitDay. Use this online journal to track your fitness and nutrition.
Gyminee. Not only can you track your nutrition and fitness progress with Gyminee, but you can also join challenges such as this one that uses Twitter.
Skinnyr. Chart your weight loss and choose what you want to share with others and what you don’t.
The Daily Plate. This tool allows you to track what you are eating each day as well as log your workout information so you can determine how many calories you are eating and burning and also allows you to plug into Twitter.
traineo. Track your fitness activities, calories, and weight loss or plug into the community here. Also, get the inside scoop for what’s happening at traineo on their Twitter feed.
SparkPeople. Get meal plans, weight tracker, calorie counter, fitness log and more at this weight loss community. Follow them on Twitter too.
FitWatch. Create your profile and start tracking your fitness and nutrition data with this tool.
Healthy Body Calculator. Enter your personal information to get a simple report about your overall health, and request nutrition facts to help you maintain or lose weight.
Weight Loss Calculator. Based on calorie intake, calculate how long it will take you to meet your goal weight.
Activity Calorie Calculator. Enter your weight and the duration of one of the 222 activities listed and this calculator will give you the amount of calories you burned.
Calorie Lab. Find the calories in over 70,000 foods and 500 different restaurant menus with this tool. Follow their Twitter feed for restaurant nutrition facts as well as diet and nutrition tips.

Handy Twitter Tools

Use these tools and resources to enhance your Twitter experience.

A Basic Guide to Twitter. Beginners can learn how to get started using Twitter with the help of this blog post that also includes a Twitter glossary.
bit.ly. When you only have 140 characters to use, this service that shortens URLs is a valuable tool when sharing web links.
TwitterFone. Use this tool to leave a voice message that will be turned into a Tweet.
Tweetree. This tool organizes your Tweets in context so everything is grouped together.
TwitterNotes. Keep private notes on your Tweets with this tool.
TwitPic. Share before and after or your progress photos on Twitter with this app.
Tweet Later. Write Tweets that you can schedule for posting at future times.
50 Easy Ways to Improve Your Twitter Experience. Find apps, tools, tips, and more to help make the most of your Twitter experience here.
postica. Use this tool to post sticky notes on your Twitter feed for a visual reminder or to place motivational words for yourself.
Twitter tips - tools for your tweets. Find tools to enhance your Twitter usage and also learn some basics about using Twitter.

Tips for Losing on Twitter

These tips will help you get started on your Twitter weight loss experience.

Make connections. Meeting others that share your goals will provide you with more support to help you meet those goals.
Check in every day. Keep yourself accountable by checking in with your Twitter feed everyday.
Reach out for advice and support. Don’t be shy. If you have questions or feel yourself faltering, reach out to your Twitter friends.
Follow others. Be sure to follow others who inspire you or motivate you to lose weight. Getting their Tweets will keep you going.
Reply to other Tweets. To make Twitter a true community experience, you should reply to those feeds you are following to encourage two-way communication.
Share your experiences. As you make progress in your fitness and weight loss journey, answer questions or provide advice to others who are seeking help.
Remember that you are going public. Weight loss can be a very personal journey full of emotional highs and lows. Keep in mind that while your Twitter community may become a valuable resource for you, everything you say is in the public eye. You can make your profile private, but then you lose the ability for others to discover you.

General Diet Tips

These tips are applicable to any diet, so be sure to follow these suggestions to help you reach your goals.

Get plenty of exercise. Get moving every day, whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood or a trip to the gym. Exercise is one of the biggest factors of whether you will keep your weight off or not.
Eat healthier foods. Learn to make healthier choices with the foods you select by choosing natural, unprocessed foods and organic foods.
No fast food. Fast food is high in fat and frequently low in balanced nutrition. If you depend on fast food for convenience, learn how to pack fast healthy food to take with you.
Adjust portion size. Get in the habit of creating smaller portion sizes for yourself. Correct portion size is not as large as you may think.
Read labels. Learn to look at what is in the food you are buying and learn what you should avoid as well as recognize how many portions are in each package.
Eat slowly. Eating slowly will allow your brain to catch up with your body to let you know when you feel full. You’ll enjoy your meal more too.
Keep a food diary. A food diary can help you see what you are eating and how much you are eating as well as show you patterns and eating triggers.
Reduce stress. Stress often triggers eating. Embrace relaxing activities such as meditation and yoga .
Get sleep. Get a full night’s rest to help lose weight. Your body works more efficiently when it has the proper amount of sleep.
Take before and after pictures. Take a picture of yourself when you first start losing weight. Continue to take pictures as you progress to see the difference you are making for yourself.
Lose weight slowly. Two pounds a week is the maximum you need to lose to ensure you are losing a healthy amount of weight. Losing weight faster than that will likely result in your gaining the weight back.
Don’t expect immediate results. For many people who begin a weight loss and fitness program, it is frustrating to make changes and not see the weight drop right away. Be patient as your body is adapting to the changes, as it may take a while before you begin to see the results of your positive changes.
Don’t compare. Your weight loss and body requirements are different from your friend’s or your partner’s. Don’t compare yourself and your results to anyone else.
Backslides happen. Everyone falls off their program at some point, but don’t let it stop your progress. Recognize that you stumbled, but pick yourself up and pick up where you left off.

50 Best Blogs for Your Anti-Aging Toolbelt

Site Administrator — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:17:00 +0000

Staying young is a goal for many, and reading anti-aging blogs can help keep you informed about the best way to keep your youth. Whether you’re interested in learning about aging, increasing longevity, nutrition, or just general good health, you can find what you need here. We’ll take a look at 50 of the best blogs for anyone who’s interested in keeping the hands of time held back.

General

On these blogs, you’ll find general information and advice for anti-aging.

Alliance for Aging Research: This group will keep you on top of the latest policies and more in anti aging.
Global Ageing Network: Find out about aging around the world through this blog.
Ageless Lifestyles Radio: Follow this radio program to learn about strategies that can help you maintain a youthful attitude while aging.
Boomers: You can learn about everything interesting for baby boomers from this blog.
Fight Aging!: Fight Aging! is working to create an era of longer, healthier lives.
The Future of Aging: Check out this blog to learn about movements in the future of aging.
Better Humans: On Better Humans, you’ll learn how to improve your health for a better and longer life.
Anti-Aging Psychology: This blog focuses on states of mind that can make aging more enjoyable.
Ageism in America: You can find the latest news and research on US age discrimination from Ageism in America.
The Life of Riley: Read this blog to find an inspiring story of an aging woman, Olive.
The New Old Age: This blog examines the ever-growing 80 and older population.
Cut Back: Fighting Ageism: On this blog, you’ll learn about how to fight ageism.
The YOU Docs: These doctors on Real Age offer a daily blog that can have you live better than ever.
Aging Issues: Ohio Department of Aging Director Barbara E. Riley offers information on topics of interest to older adults.
Department of Health and Ageing: This blog from the Australian government can help you stay on top of aging news.

Research & News

Find interesting anti aging research and news on these blogs.

Ageing Research: You can learn more about the ageing process from this blog.
Ouroboros: Find research in the biology of aging on Ouroboros.
British Society for Research on Ageing: The BSRA promotes research to understand more about the aging process.
World Health: World Health is the global resource for anti-aging medicine, representing over 20,000 physicians and scientists from 105 countries around the world.

Women

These blogs are specifically written with women in mind.

The Gimpy Girls: The Gimpy Girls blog is written for aging baby boomer women.
OlderWiserWomen: These women celebrate the journey of growing old.
Healthy Aging for Women: Healthy Aging for Women is full of great resources for women who want to stay healthy.
Our Bodies, Our Blog: Part of Our Bodies, Ourselves, this blog offers women’s health news and analysis.

Good Health

Keeping up with good health can go a long way in the fight against aging-check out these blogs to find out how you can stay well.

Health Blog: The Wall Street Journal’s Health Blog offers timely news and advice on health.
Healthy Aging: This blog offers news you can use for 100 good years.
One Big Health Nut: On this health and fitness blog, you’ll find tips and strategies for getting into good physical shape.
FitSugar: Find fitness, health, and well being on FitSugar.
Well: Tara Parker-Pope’s blog reminds readers that healthy living is all about the small decisions we make every day.
Better Than I Ever Expected: Learn about sex after sixty on this blog.
Health Blog: This blog offers advice for a healthy body and sound mind.
That’s Fit: Check out this blog for diet and fitness, healthy living, and more.
RealSelf.com: On RealSelf.com, you’ll find thoughtful articles on plastic surgery, laser treatments, and more.

Nutrition

A major part of fighting aging is eating the right amount of the right food, so learn all you can from these nutrition blogs.

Anti Aging Nutrition News: Check out this blog to find out how you can make nutrition work with you as you age.
Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Mayo Clinic nutritionists Jennifer Nelson and Katerine Zeratsky offer expert advice on nutrition on this blog.
April’s CR Diary: Follow April on her calorie restriction diet through this blog.
I Ate a Pie: This blog offers a wealth of healthy diet food reviews.
Nutritious Data: Blogger Monica Reinagel encourages readers to know what they eat.
Eat Right, Stay Well: On this blog, you’ll learn about making nutrition work for your health.
Real Age Food Bites: Food Bites offers a look at foods that will help you make your body younger.
CRON Diary: This blogger has been practicing calorie restriction for almost 8 years.
Eat Stop Eat: On this blog, you’ll learn about Brad Pilon’s strategy for good eating.
Aging Fabulous: Learn how to age beautifully and gracefully from Aging Fabulous.

Longevity & Life Extension

Find out how to live a longer life from these blogs.

Al Fin Longevity: Check out this blog to learn more about longevity and preserving the best of humanity.
Longevity Science: In this blog, you’ll learn about aging and longevity in terms of extending the human lifespan.
ChangingAging: Dr. Bill Thomas writes as an authority on longevity and eldercare.
Depressed Metabolism: This blog is about the science of personal survival.
Grailsearch: Grailsearch offers research in engineered longevity.
The Methuselah Foundation: The Methuselah Foundation works to create solutions and therapies that can end the disabilities and diseases of aging.
Alcor News: You can learn more about cryonics and the Alcor Life Extension Foundation from this blog.
Existence is Wonderful: This blogger discusses the science of longevity.

The Growing Need for Ultrasound Technicians

Site Administrator — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:01:56 +0000

The health care industry has been a growing entity since the days of Florence Nightingale, indicating that this is one of the best fields to delve into as a recent graduate. Whether you plan to be a surgeon, nurse, general physician, or even ultrasound technician, the rise in health care technologies has meant a new demand for every career in the health care sector. Ultrasound technicians in particular are increasingly needed as ultrasounds are used for a wide array of procedures today. Only a few decades ago, ultrasound technicians were only needed for expecting mothers, but they are now used to detect potential tumors and help save thousands of lives every year.

Ultrasound technicians have a variety of specialties to choose from, including cardiac, obstetrical, vascular, or just general sonography. With each discipline comes a different type of career choice. While each field will still remain in the health care industry and will still be used to run the sonography equipment, each field means a different future. The fact that there are so many fields for ultrasound technicians is indicative of the growing need within the health care industry for recent graduates in sonography programs.

There are a wide range of schooling options for students who may wish to become ultrasound technicians, ranging from bachelors programs to shorter associate programs. Depending on where you want to practice and in what setting will be a big part of the decision process. Many ultrasound technicians end up going back to school in order to earn another health care degree that will raise their position within the clinic. Careers in sonography are constantly changing, as new technologies have allowed ultrasound technicians to be a part of a wide range of health care options. The most meaningful job of most ultrasound technicians is of course that in obstetrics, in which you will be able to show a new mother the first image of her child.

The new need of ultrasound technicians in cancer centers is additionally an important part of the growth of sonography as ultrasound technicians can now determine whether that lump under your arm is cancerous or benign. Many younger women have to get ultrasounds instead of biopsies when they feel a lump in their breast and rely on ultrasound technicians to tell them the news. Ultrasound technicians can now help save lives by locating a cancerous tumor before it spreads throughout the body. Whether your career is to work in a hospital or clinic, the ultrasound technician demand is always expanding and will always have openings around the country for potential job seekers.