Friday, October 30, 2009

The Importance Of An Accurate Cholesterol Test

The Importance Of An Accurate Cholesterol Test
The advances made by medical science truly cannot be underestimated. Diseases that terrified humanity hundreds of years ago are now cured, controlled or wiped out.
The modern lifestyle includes vaccinations, safe housing, accessible medical care and vitamin supplements as well as good health information. People are living longer, healthier lives. One exception to the benefit of the modern lifestyle, however, is the modern diet.
Where mankind once lived on small meals of fresh fruits and vegetables supplemented with roasted meat, now an average person eats three or more meals a day of foods heavy with flavor-filled fats and artificial ingredients. Our diet changes more rapidly than medical science can assess the effects. Fortunately, one addition to the modern lifestyle is the cholesterol test.

Why Test it?

Your cholesterol levels are an indication of potential heart disease. High levels of bad cholesterol, HDL, can foretell the hardening of arteries that can result in heart disease or a heart attack. As serious as high cholesterol is, there are no symptoms that can warn someone of a problem.

And following a diet filled with foods low in cholesterol and foods that can lower cholesterol is no guarantee that your body is not making too much HDL, either. The only way to know your cholesterol levels is to take a cholesterol test. Of course, the results of a cholesterol test are not the only indication of a problem or the lack of one. Your doctor will also want to listen to your heart, check your heart rate, take your blood pressure, ask about your medical history and perform a full physical exam. That’s because your levels don’t tell the whole story.

What your cholesterol test does tell is the level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL - the “bad” cholesterol), the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL - the “good” cholesterol), triglycerides (very low density lipoprotein) and the total cholesterol level.

If your cholesterol is too high, your doctor can discuss options to help lower it. You would probably be told to change your diet and exercise habits and if the numbers are very high or you have a contributing condition like diabetes, you may be put on medication. Doctors recommend that everyone over the age of 20 take a cholesterol test at least once every five years.

Even though medical science tries to control cholesterol levels through foods low in cholesterol, most cholesterol is made in the body itself. The best way for your doctor to understand how your body is dealing with cholesterol is through your cholesterol test.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Accomplishment

3 Grades of Chemicals for Thames Kosmos Chemistry Sets
Chemistry sets from brands like Thames Kosmos, Scientific Explorer and Powertech provide children with hours of educational entertainment. The great thing about these sets is they provide all the chemicals and materials required to conduct the experiments. But what do you do when the chemicals have all been used?


Walmart seems to have just about everything but have you ever found the chemicals aisle? Not only are chemicals hard to find but who even knows what to buy? This article explains the difference between 3 grades of chemicals so you can know the right chemicals for your next school experiment, homework assignment or science fair project.

Chemistry sets can awaken an interest in chemistry and the physical world, setting children on a path to a future career. Even the most basic chemistry sets are filled with experiments that will peak and keep the interest of children who already have a basic scientific interest or knowledge, or those who are absolute beginners. Chemistry experiments are designed to teach things like air pressure and water tension, and how everyday things function. Some of the experiments work with benign objects, while others require chemicals.

Not all the experiments found in chemistry sets like the Thames Kosmos series require the use of chemicals. For those that do, it’s good to know what you’re working with, and what your choices are when you need to purchase chemicals.

Most chemicals are graded, the grade representing the purity of the chemical. A chemical with a higher grade has fewer impurities, or other chemicals, such as metals and water, than those with a lower grade. The cost of chemicals is in keeping with its grade: a higher grade is more expensive than lower grades.

Although there are several different protocols for grading chemicals, there are three basic grades that are the most common and most likely to be used. They are, from highest to lowest, reagent grade, laboratory grade, and technical grade.

Reagent grade, also known as ACS, is the highest chemical grade there is, meaning it is the most pure. It meets or exceeds American Chemical Society standards. Chemicals graded as reagent grade can be used in all situations, from scientific to manufacturing. It is the only chemical grade that can be used in biological experiments.

Laboratory grade chemicals, which may also be referred to as lab, are less pure than reagent grade chemicals, but are still of a fairly high purity. These chemicals would not be pure enough to use in medical or food products, but they are usually more than adequate for science fair projects.

Technical grade chemicals are also called industrial grade, and are the least pure chemicals. Chemicals of this grade are typically used in industrial or commercial applications, but may be adequate for some science fair projects. These chemicals are not acceptable for use in food or medicinal purposes.

If your experiment has stringent requirements for chemical purity, your best bet would be purchasing from a chemical supply house where you can be assured of the grade of chemical you are purchasing. If you are unsure of what grade is needed for a particular experiment, laboratory grade is a safe choice.

So now that you have a handle on that, where do you go to find the chemicals you need? You don’t have to buy chemistry sets to get more chemicals. You can actually purchase just the chemicals at various stores (hardware store, drug store, even the grocery store) rather than a chemical supply house. However, before you get excited about that, there is a problem. When you buy from these types of stores, the chemicals are unlikely to be graded and may contain an unacceptable level of impurities for the experiment being performed.

Now you can buy the right chemical with confidence that it will get the job done. Having the proper chemicals allows you to successfully conduct experiments. It also allows you to replenish the supply of chemicals in your old Thames Kosmos chemistry sets so you can blow the dust off of the set and put it back to good use.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

3 Grades of Chemicals for Thames Kosmos Chemistry Sets

3 Grades of Chemicals for Thames Kosmos Chemistry Sets
Chemistry sets from brands like Thames Kosmos, Scientific Explorer and Powertech provide children with hours of educational entertainment. The great thing about these sets is they provide all the chemicals and materials required to conduct the experiments. But what do you do when the chemicals have all been used?


Walmart seems to have just about everything but have you ever found the chemicals aisle? Not only are chemicals hard to find but who even knows what to buy? This article explains the difference between 3 grades of chemicals so you can know the right chemicals for your next school experiment, homework assignment or science fair project.

Chemistry sets can awaken an interest in chemistry and the physical world, setting children on a path to a future career. Even the most basic chemistry sets are filled with experiments that will peak and keep the interest of children who already have a basic scientific interest or knowledge, or those who are absolute beginners. Chemistry experiments are designed to teach things like air pressure and water tension, and how everyday things function. Some of the experiments work with benign objects, while others require chemicals.

Not all the experiments found in chemistry sets like the Thames Kosmos series require the use of chemicals. For those that do, it’s good to know what you’re working with, and what your choices are when you need to purchase chemicals.

Most chemicals are graded, the grade representing the purity of the chemical. A chemical with a higher grade has fewer impurities, or other chemicals, such as metals and water, than those with a lower grade. The cost of chemicals is in keeping with its grade: a higher grade is more expensive than lower grades.

Although there are several different protocols for grading chemicals, there are three basic grades that are the most common and most likely to be used. They are, from highest to lowest, reagent grade, laboratory grade, and technical grade.

Reagent grade, also known as ACS, is the highest chemical grade there is, meaning it is the most pure. It meets or exceeds American Chemical Society standards. Chemicals graded as reagent grade can be used in all situations, from scientific to manufacturing. It is the only chemical grade that can be used in biological experiments.

Laboratory grade chemicals, which may also be referred to as lab, are less pure than reagent grade chemicals, but are still of a fairly high purity. These chemicals would not be pure enough to use in medical or food products, but they are usually more than adequate for science fair projects.

Technical grade chemicals are also called industrial grade, and are the least pure chemicals. Chemicals of this grade are typically used in industrial or commercial applications, but may be adequate for some science fair projects. These chemicals are not acceptable for use in food or medicinal purposes.

If your experiment has stringent requirements for chemical purity, your best bet would be purchasing from a chemical supply house where you can be assured of the grade of chemical you are purchasing. If you are unsure of what grade is needed for a particular experiment, laboratory grade is a safe choice.

So now that you have a handle on that, where do you go to find the chemicals you need? You don’t have to buy chemistry sets to get more chemicals. You can actually purchase just the chemicals at various stores (hardware store, drug store, even the grocery store) rather than a chemical supply house. However, before you get excited about that, there is a problem. When you buy from these types of stores, the chemicals are unlikely to be graded and may contain an unacceptable level of impurities for the experiment being performed.

Now you can buy the right chemical with confidence that it will get the job done. Having the proper chemicals allows you to successfully conduct experiments. It also allows you to replenish the supply of chemicals in your old Thames Kosmos chemistry sets so you can blow the dust off of the set and put it back to good use.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Homeschooling Facts - Research against Homeschooling

Homeschooling Facts - Research against Homeschooling
A lot of research has been done to proof that homeschooled children’s academic achievements are better than that of learners in public schools.

There is, on the other hand, very little research available to proof arguments against homeschooling.

Certain questions that were raised by experts in the education field can, however, not be ignored.


Regulation of homeschooling seems to lack dismally in most states of the USA. The parent has the freedom to teach any curriculum and some even work without a specific curriculum.

Marty Hittelman, the president of the California Federation for teachers, has a problem with the stringent standards, evaluation and training teachers are subjected to, in public schools, compared to homeschooling parents that are not expected to undergo training or any form of standardized evaluation.

According to the California Federation for Teachers, there are also no standards or specific exit exams imposed on homeschooling students, in the California region. This seems to be the rule rather than the exceptions in most of the states. Even though these arguments proof some problems regarding the control of homeschooling by the state, it is necessary to mention that regardless of this, most children being homeschooled still have much higher grades than most of their peers in public schools.

Further than these specific negatives been pointed out regarding the regulations by the state, the rest of the opposing arguments against homeschooling are just arguments and there is no research available to proof the validity of these arguments.

Many of these arguments point to possible problems, that any parent considering homeschooling should definitely be aware of.

Most of the arguments against homeschooling rather has to do with the ability of the family to provide the correct homeschooling opposed to definite research that homeschooling is wrong for everybody.

There is no argument against the fact that there are many challenges for homeschooling parents and children. Before homeschooling can be successful and be of more benefit to the child than public schooling, the parents will have to realize and overcome these challenges.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Thinking About Homeschooling Your Children? It’s an Awesome Experience that Delivers Superior Education!

Thinking About Homeschooling Your Children? It’s an Awesome Experience that Delivers Superior Education!
Many parents are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the current public education system. The coursework has systematically declined in content and class sizes, typically consisting of 30 or more students, creates a situation where a lack of discipline among students sets the stage for bullying and even more dangerous events. The overcrowding of classrooms makes it difficult, if not impossible, for teachers to exercise adequate supervision.



All of these factors contribute to greater numbers of parents seeking an alternative education venue. How about homeschooling? Educating your children at home is one of your best alternatives. You need not have a teaching credential to home school. Every state has accredited homeschooling programs, with a curriculum defining the subjects you must cover and periodic testing that demonstrates a certain level of achievement equal to public school programs.


Here we take a look about homeschooling programs and how your child can receive a superior education to that offered in the public schools. We hear so much about that ‘quality time’ spent with your kids. Well, homeschooling offers a way to spend hours with your kids every day, in one of the most valuable experiences parents and children can share. Imparting knowledge in this one-on-one environment is one of the richest, most productive and satisfying you’ll ever enjoy.


The only caveat about homeschooling is that you must enroll your child in an accredited homeschooling program. This is not a difficult or highly bureaucratic process, not much more than is required to register your child in public school. A call to your local school district gets you on the rosters in short order.


One of the best features about homeschooling is that you can organize the school lessons pretty much the way you like. A mix of structured and unstructured lesson plans usually works well for almost any schedule. For example, scheduling for sick days: if your child wakes up with a sore throat, has a case of poison oak or a sprained ankle, this doesn’t mean a missed day of school. This may be a good day to read story books, or watch a special on Animal Planet. Learning can take place cozied under a blanket on the sofa, with a cup of soup or cocoa. You’ll also find that your child will have fewer sick days, not being exposed to kids with a cold or fever in the public classroom.


Another wonderful thing about homeschooling is the latitude you have with respect to what you can add to the education of your child. While fulfilling the requirements of the state mandated curriculum, your one-on-one environment allows for comprehensive, in-depth examinations of subject matter. Let’s say your child’s coursework requires that you cover state geography. In public school, a certain amount of time is allotted to this lesson, but when you’re talking about homeschooling, you have the time to pull out the atlas and explain topographical maps. Kids learn faster and more easily when they can take their time and ask as many questions as they like. If your child is fascinated with the subject matter, why not spend the entire school day on that subject? Tomorrow’s another day.


On the other hand, there are bound to be some subjects which your child doesn’t enjoy. In public school classrooms, there’s no latitude in choosing time slots for subjects. How about homeschooling? You can break up the lesson into manageable chunks, diminishing the boredom and frustration. The material will still be covered, in a manner that promotes learning and gets the tasks completed and understood.


This approach also helps a child’s self esteem. There’s no peer pressure by other students which may cause your child to feel ’stupid’, or falling asleep in class, resulting in a poor grade and a lasting dislike for that subject. When it comes to educating children, one size does not fit all. So this is yet another of the advantages about homeschooling: your lessons can be customized to the specific needs of your child.


Television can be a terrific resource for the home schooled child. Animal planet, the Discovery channel and the History channel offer lessons your child might never get in public school. You’ll find abundant TV resources for the language arts, including grammar, composition, and even foreign language lessons.


In addition to television lessons, you’ve got the net. Let’s say your child does not enjoy math. There are hundreds of kid’s learning sites which have interactive math games which are fun for kids and produce results. These sites are run by education professionals, who provide practice tests. These help point out the concepts your child finds difficult, so you know where your future lesson emphasis should be.


Teachers in public school seldom have the time to identify an individual student’s weaknesses. So there you have another plus about homeschooling in contrast to public school. Other net resources include free online and downloadable dictionaries, thesauri i, grammar and spelling game sites and e-books to enrich your child’s learning experience and knowledge base.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Optical Multi-Meter Ideally Suited for Single Mode Fiber

Optical Multi-Meter Ideally Suited for Single Mode Fiber
Toronto, Canada - GAO Tek Inc. (www.GAOTek.com) has announced the release of its optical multi-meter ideal for fieldwork. The easy-to-use meter can act as an optical power meter, a stable light source or a loss measurement system. It features a backlit LCD screen and selectable power sources: AC-DC adaptor, rechargeable Ni-Cd battery or dry cells.


The optical meter is specifically designed for single mode fiber measurement and provides a wavelength calibration function at four wavelengths. The optical multi-meter, model 2498A, measures optical loss and checks the performance of optical parts. It provides CW mode light signals; the measurement resolution is 0.1dBm to 1dB in W display mode or 0.01 to 0.1dB in REL display mode. This multi-meter covers 0.85&m, 1.30?m, 1.31?m and 1.55?m wavelengths for optical loss measurement within a measurement range of 3dBm to -70dBm or 20dBm to -50dBm. Additionally, the deviation of optical power sensor is compensated automatically. Visit http://www.GAOTek.com for more information or to purchase this product online. For any sales inquires please contact: 1-877 585-9555 ext. 601 - Toll Free (USA & Canada) 1-416 292-0038 ext. 601 - All Other Areas sales@gaotek.com About GAO Tek Inc. GAO Tek Inc. (www.GAOTek.com) is a global leader in research, development and manufacturing of high performance telecommunication testers, electronic measurement instruments, embedded development tools and other electronic products that serve the needs of electronic professionals internationally.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Online Computer Science Degrees: What Everyone Needs to Know

Online Computer Science Degrees: What Everyone Needs to Know
Do you really love computers? Do you wish to know how computers function, how they really work? If you possessed a computer science degree, you would have knowledge encompassing all about computers and more. How could you possibly be able to receive a computer science degree while you barely are hanging on financially with your present job and impending financial obligations? The answer is rather easy. You are able to receive an online computer science degree by learning, studying and working in just your spare time. In just a little time, you may be able to give your notice at that dead end job you now hold and you ought to be able to acquire your dream job of working with computers.


At the time you locate a good school, and know that there are many available, you simply need to sign up for classes and get to studying. If you happen to be worried about finances, you will be pleased to learn that many online computer science degrees can be reached by obtaining financial aid with the school, a bank or even a student loan company, such as Sallie Mae. To locate a good school, a mere internet search will come up with a long list and you can begin to start comparing the schools you locate. With a little time and research, you will find a school program that suits you and your lifestyle and you can proceed to work on your online computer science degree.

It ought to be voiced that merely as and just because you are taking classes and embarking towards an online computer science degree does not mean you are able to slack off. No one will be there to verify and ensure that you are paying attention, studying or even doing your homework. You must therefore be very self-disciplined. Set your goals, recall them often and work toward them. Study at the times it states and complete your work and turn it is as directed and at the time when you finally earn and receive your online computer science degree, you will certainly be able to say you that it has been earned, just as if you were to have attended an actual college.

There exist a lot of advantages with obtaining an online computer science degree. First off, you are able to work towards your degree at the same time as holding a full time job. This will allow you to support yourself and/or family while you attempt at bettering yourself. Secondly, it will allow you to study at any location you have a computer, laptop and an internet connection. This means you are also able to travel and earn your degree simultaneously, assuming that you are also still working hard at studying and learning the materials as needed. Finally, laboring towards your online computer science degree will provide you with a immense sense of accomplishment and enhanced self worth. You should be able to apply for different and better paying positions with a confidence in the knowledge that you have improved your life by way of your own hard work, studies and dedication. Obtaining an online computer science degree is quite an accomplishment that you will be proud of.

So locate a school program that fits and begin your progression towards an online computer science degree. You never know the doors that may open for you and you if you do not try. The ultimate career opportunity may present itself, often while in school and working on internships or even after a few classes, positions in your field of study quickly open up for you.