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Breathalyzer is a simple invention that can save thousands of lives.  It is normally associated with cop reality tv shows, but this device has more to offer.  It can be an important tool for the health of patients as a simple exhalation could help patients detect diseases early.  The device is developed by Stony Brook University with the funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF).   It utilizes a sensor chip capable of detecting minute amounts of chemicals in the human breath which act as “biomarkers” or signs of disease.

In June 2, 2012, it was revealed that a cancer-detecting breathalyzer system was developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and is still awaiting clinical trials. This new device may provide an alternative method to current screening process using large scanners, which are both invasive and expensive.  The test works by the patient blowing into a tube and the breath being captured in a specialized storage container.  It can be stored for up to 6 weeks in proper refrigeration.  It will then be sent to a lab where a chemical sensor is applied to look for compounds given off by a body that has cancerous cells.  This device will definitely drop the cost and will give alternative to the physical discomfort of CAT scan and mammograms.  A lead researcher on this project said that the breathalyzer will not eliminate the need for further tests but it could be a simple way to determine whether a patient need them or not.

The idea for a disease breathalyzer began with Dr. Perena Gouma’s work on the Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC).  She was inspired with the knowledge that a chemoreceptor can detect a specific chemical in the environment and has a wide range of uses from medical to military.  She thought that she can make a single breath diagnostic device using one selective chemoreceptor at a time detecting a specific biomarker that signals one specific disease or allows the monitoring of a metabolic malfunction.

Dr. Gouma predicted that future versions of the current breathalyzers will be able to specifically detect a wider range of disease from diabetes to lung cancer.

Healthy Babies: New Technologies For Your Little Ones

Having babies is difficult at times, but being a parent having those tired times worth it by their giggles and a smile seems the day is okay. With new technologies in the market today, it’s much easier to raise your child. A lot of parents provide these technologies not just to make their burdens lighter, also their babies much comfortable in life. There are a lot in the market that it seems difficult to sort out what you need most for your babies. But the most important is that it won’t be hazardous to your child and its quality, so that you can get most out of your money.

The healthcare industry is only set to grow bigger.  As nations’ population continue to increase, so does its demand for healthcare, infrastructure, and security services.  For students or individuals who are looking for lucrative careers, being aware of this fact should guide them in picking the right career path. If you are someone who likes working with people, likes to care for others, and does not faint at the sight of blood, then a job in the healthcare industry may be best for you.

There is a prevalent misconception that most professionals working in the healthcare industry are only doctors and nurses.  The truth is, there are many different kinds of healthcare professionals that work hand in hand with doctors to provide patients with the care they need.  If you think the decade-long path of becoming a doctor is too much for you, then you should consider some of these healthcare professional jobs, where you can still care for people and get good pay without necessarily having to be a doctor.

Physician’s Assistant, Dental Assistant

This profession in the healthcare industry has seen a steady rise in the past years due to the overwhelming demand of competent medical assistants who can help doctors make their jobs easier.  They’re main function is about providing healthcare services like assisting and teaching patients preventive and therapeutic techniques as per instruction of the physician.  The same goes with dental assistants but with the exception that they more likely to assist the dentist during procedures.  Dentists in Sydney, Brisbane, and other major cities have expressed the need for more qualified and competent assistants.  So this job could grow even bigger in the future

Social Worker and Community Health Worker

This profession is very much related to healthcare as much as it is in social work simply because the main issues most communities face and very much about mental and physical health.  These workers help people and families in communities to better equip themselves in handling life-threatening diseases and social problems like abuse, trauma, and recovery.  People from different social sciences courses can be social workers as long as they undergo training for a more specific area of study.  If you like helping people protect themselves and their families, then this job is built for you.

Mental health workers or Community Counselors

Much like the social worker, mental health workers basically do the same things but with the exception that they are equip to handle therapy sessions and one on one counseling for troubled children or families.  They’re main focus is to help address and inform communities about mental and emotional disorders to create awareness and to promote a more mentally sound community.  They are also trained to do various kinds of therapeutic counseling techniques with the aim to promote mental health.

Pharmacists

There is a growing demand for pharmacists here and abroad. Competent pharmacists help patients by informing them about the medications prescribed by their physicians and reiterate proper dosage and application of meds.  They also help patients by informing them about possible side effects, or symptoms that should mean the discontinuation of the medication and a revisit to the physicians.  Basically, they don’t just sell drugs; they also help to inform patients the importance of proper medication.