Orange juice weakens teeth enamel (The Sun Daily)

ACIDIC fruit juice such as orange juice could be worse for your teeth than whitening, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Dentistry.

A research team from the Eastman Institute for Oral Health of the University of Rochester Medical Centre used a new focus-variation vertical scanning microscope to compare the effects of acid on tooth enamel with the effects of 6% hydrogen peroxide, the common ingredient in over-the-counter teeth whitening agents.

The study found that the acid from fruit juice changes the hardness and enamel of teeth significantly more than whitening agents.

"The acid is so strong that the tooth is literally washed away,’"said Yan Fang Ren, who led the research. "The orange juice decreased enamel hardness by 84%."

Juices and sodas have long been known to have high acidic content, which can affect enamel hardness and cause tooth erosion.

Weakened enamel accelerates degeneration of the tooth and increases the risk of tooth decay. Whitening has also been shown to affect the hardness of teeth, but this is the first study to compare the two.

"Most soft drinks, including sodas and fruit juices, are acidic in nature," Yan said.

"Our studies demonstrated that orange juice, as an example, can potentially cause significant erosion of teeth."

He added that drinking sodas and juices daily could heighten the risk of tooth erosion.

The study also found that the longer teeth are in contact with the acid, the more severe the erosion will be.

"People who sip their drinks slowly over 20 minutes are more likely to have tooth erosion than those who finish a drink quickly," the report stated. – AFP-Relaxnews

Tips for stronger teeth (The Sun Daily)

THE quality of your teeth is often used as a measurement of your general health. Keeping your teeth strong and healthy not only gives you a pearly white smile, it protects your mouth and other parts of your body.

Cavities and infections in the mouth can cause a range of other ailments such as ear infections and mouth pain.

Here are some steps to follow for strong, healthy teeth:

» Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush at least twice a day (after you wake up and before you go to bed).

» Floss at least once every day to ensure that food doesn’t deteriorate between your teeth and end up creating cavities that can weaken your teeth. Flossing also helps circulate the blood into your gums, which support your teeth.

» Rinse with a mouthwash that contains fluoride at least once a day. Fluoride strengthens your enamel and prevents soft spots, which have the potential to turn into cavities.

» Consume foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D, which promote bone health.

» Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables and protein.

Nurses calling for safer staffing (BBC News)

More than half of nurses surveyed said they did not have enough time

Four out of 10 nurses say staff shortages compromise patient care at least once a week, according to the Royal College of Nurses.

An RCN manifesto to all the political parties says NHS employers must assure themselves they have safe staff levels.

The RCN, whose survey covers the views of 9,000 nurses, is warning against job cuts due to possible reduced funding.

NHS trusts said managers were increasingly examining their workforces to best use the skills of their staff.

'Heavy workload'

THE RCN MANIFESTO Stand up for staff who speak out Safer staffing levels Give nurses time to train Regulate the drinks industry Improve care for long-term conditions Current levels of health spending should be maintained

The RCN has issued its 2009 Employment Survey which covers the views of 9,000 nurses.

It shows that more than half (55%) say they are too busy to provide the level of care they would like.

Almost two thirds (67%) consider their workload is too heavy.

And nurses say they are looking after more patients on the wards.

Dr Peter Carter, head of the RCN, said staff were concerned that they were delivering the basics but were unable to provide the full range of quality care they would like.

He said: "Nurses and healthcare assistants feel up against it, worn down and exhausted by the pressure to make efficiencies and frustrated by being prevented from delivering the quality of care they want to be providing."

'Shortfall'

The RCN are also warning of a shortfall in the number of nurses in coming years.

The RCN's Labour Market Review said about 200,000 nurses are expected to retire in the next 10 years, there will be fewer newly qualified nurses and fewer nurses moving to the UK because of restrictions on migration.

The RCN says the impact of growing retirements from the profession will be felt first in the community sector where most of the nurses tend to be older.

Dr Carter said: "The nursing workforce has grown in recent years but only just enough to keep up with rising demands on healthcare.

"We expect the next few years will be the most challenging for staff levels in decades.

"There is considerable pressure to focus on short-term funding constraints and cut staff numbers without taking patient needs into consideration.

"Policy makers must look at the workforce in conjunction with their ability to deliver high quality and safe care."

Karen Charman, head of employment services at NHS Employers which represents trusts in England, said NHS organisations certainly needed to have a clear method of working out safe staffing levels in order that patient care was not harmed.

"There are a number of different ways of achieving this and we believe that this should be determined at local level," she said.

"Advice from professional bodies is extremely important to help trusts ensure that clinical standards and staffing levels are right to ensure the safety of patients.

"However, fixed staffing ratios do not provide the flexibility to meet differing local circumstances and care settings

"Employers are increasingly examining the different roles within their workforce to best use the skills of their staff."

Kannika Damrong pelajar terbaik Kolej Kejururawatan Melaka (Utusan Malaysia Online)

ARKIB : 28/10/2009

SEBAHAGIAN graduan Majlis Konvokesyen Kolej Kejururawatan Melaka Ke-8 di Melaka, semalam. - utusan/Gaie Uchel

MELAKA 27 Okt. - Mengharungi hidup tanpa bapa tersayang, tidak mematahkan semangat Kannika Damrong Pradid, 25, untuk menerima Anugerah Graduan Akademik dan Kurikulum Terbaik pada Konvokesyen Kolej Kejururawatan Melaka Ke-8 hari ini.

Beliau antara 75 pelajar kolej berkenaan yang menerima Diploma Kejururawatan pra asas daripada kumpulan Julai 2006.

Buat Kannika Damrong, dia tidak menyangka berkat kesungguhannya selama beberapa tahun membuahkan hasil apabila berjaya meraih anugerah tersebut.

''Bagi saya, seseorang pelajar atau pelatih jururawat itu harus bijak mengatur masa dan aktiviti riadah memastikan semuanya berjalan dengan teratur," katanya yang berasal dari Kelantan.

Pada majlis itu, keseluruhan seramai 223 pelajar termasuk 148 menerima sijil dan selebihnya diploma masing-masing.

Majlis tersebut telah disempurnakan oleh Pengarah Kesihatan negeri, Datuk Dr. Azmi Hashim.

Kannika Damrong yang memperoleh keputusan 3.45 purata nilai gred keseluruhan (CGPA) berkata, dia menggunakan masa sepenuhnya ketika berada di dalam kuliah.

''Saya hadiahkan kejayaan ini kepada ibu saya yang sentiasa memberi pendorong kepada saya untuk menerima anugerah ini," katanya.

Sementara itu, bagi Rabiatul Adawiah Abu Bakar, 22, yang menerima Anugerah Graduan Cemerlang Akademik melahirkan rasa gembira atas kejayaan tersebut.

Katanya lagi, dia mengamalkan belajar secara berkumpulan bagi memastikan keputusan praktikal dan akademik mencapai keputusan yang baik.

''Saya mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada kedua ibu bapa serta tenaga pengajar yang tidak pernah putus memberi sokongan dan mendorong sehingga saya mencapai kejayaan ini," katanya.

Pada majlis tersebut juga sepasang suami isteri, Zulkarnain Mohd. Iskandar, 32, dan Rozita Rashid, 28, masing- masing menerima sijil kursus Pos Basik Kebidanan dan Perawatan Ortopedik.

Pasangan itu menyifatkan kejayaan ini merupakan berkat usaha gigih mereka.

''Setiap masalah yang timbul kami galas sebagai cabaran kerana semua itu mengajar kami untuk jadi yang terbaik sepanjang mengikuti kursus selama enam bulan ini.

''Saya dan isteri harus bijak mengawal emosi ketika berhadapan dengan anak dan kerjaya serta menjalankan latihan kursus yang telah ditetapkan.

''Malah, ada satu ketika, kami terpaksa bersengkang mata untuk mengulang kaji di musim peperiksaan kerana pada waktu siang, komitmen terhadap kerjaya dan anak-anak harus diberikan terlebih dahulu," katanya yang mempunyai dua cahaya mata berusia dua dan empat tahun.

Do Nursing Career Opportunities Still Exist?

By Matt Murren

Nursing is one of the fastest growing in most in demand skill sets in the health care market today. With the increase in retirees over the next 5-10 years, nursing will continue to grow. The demand should outstrip the supply for years to come. This means lots of nursing career opportunities for you. If you are not sure what opportunities exist in nursing, we will cover those in this article.

Is currently estimated at their over 100,000 vacant nursing positions at the moment. Over the next 10 to 20 years experts expect this number to increase well over 100,000 as baby boomers swing in the full retirement and require more hands-on care. Does this mean for you? Big opportunities ahead…

One of the largest advantages of considering a nursing career is the pay. Nurses make anywhere from $45,000 to $65,000 per year. I’d say that’s a great opportunity. In addition, most nurses typically receive a signing bonus and excellent benefits.

The opportunities to continue to expand as traveling nurses as well as home health care options become greater and greater. The most common settings for nurses are still Hospital’s, Physician offices, and outpatient care facilities.

Before you can jump in and take advantage of all the benefits you must decide what field in nursing you want to pursue. Here are some of the entry level requirements after high school to become a nurse.

· Associates Degree in Nursing: The Associates Nursing Degree is offered at junior and community colleges. This is a 2 to 3 year program that will prepare you for patient care.

· Bachelor in Nursing: This is a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Bachelors of Nursing students have the greatest career opportunities in the nursing field.

· Licensed Practical Nurse: LPN’s are usually under the direct supervision of RN’s and Doctors. They typically take vital signs , temperatures etc.

· Hospital Diploma Programs: These programs are 2-3 year programs that prepare nurses in a variety of care scenarios.

All nurses must pass the RN exam which is accredited nationally. Nursing is a great career for those that want the ability to relocate. Nursing careers exist all of the United States, especially in areas where people are moving for retirement.

There are also many specialties you may find yourself interested in. After you achieve your degree or certification you may want to consider nursing experience in pediatrics, surgical, PeriAnesthiesia, or Informatics. These are only a few of the options available to you in the nursing career.

Some nurses find that once they get into a direct care environment, they are able to get a sense as to what specialty is for them. Many times, those nurses that go after specialization will make a little more money as it requires additional training and studying.

I think you will be happy with your decision to enter a nursing career. Best wishes in your new adventures.

Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.nursing-jobs-advisor.com
Nursing Career Opportunities

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