Health Department Epoxy Flooring Requirements

Each state has its own Health Department specifications for food preparation areas. You will need to touch base with your local Health Department before starting your food preparation area to get approval for the materials and system you will use.

Your Health Department inspector will want a smooth, easy to clean surface which is continuous down your walls and curving on to your floor. Most departments want at least a 4 inch cove up the wall and with as small a lip at the top of your flooring as possible. The transition from the wall to the floor should have at least a ¼ inch concave curve but can be wider as needed. The floor and the cove should show no breaks and there should be no pockets for dirt to accumulate in. Epoxy is called for as a coating and most specifications do not call for a specific mil thickness. Be sure to read the code requirements, as many inspectors will ask for thickness that is more than specified and can become quite expensive. 100% solid epoxy floors usually go on at about 10 mils thick per coat while solvents or water based epoxies leave about 3 mil per coat.

Preparation is key to getting good value out of your floor. If done well your floor should last 10 or 12 years. However, if preparation problems occur your coating can be lifting and peeling in 6 months.

After preparation comes the exciting part which is making your walls and floor integrate together to encapsulate the surfaces with epoxy floor seal. For very rough surfaces with holes, craggy stone or cement, 100% epoxy may be needed. With a gloved hand mix the grout material to a peanut butter consistence. (About 4 to 1 with water) Press the grout into the corner where your wall meets your floor. Use a putty knife or paint stir stick to pack the grout into the corner making a 45 degree angle between the two with the grout. Next, pull your thumb or a curved tool along the grout to create a slight curve. Remove excess grout from above and below the new grout. You can do the same with the holes and cracks in your floor until the floor is basically level. Once the grout has been down for 30 minute to an hour use a broom to sweep off the excess. This brooming will help smooth it into shape and remove some of the grout crumbs that will be inevitable. Let the grout set for an hour or more depending on your schedule. Once the grout is dry enough that it can no longer be shaped by brooming then you can screen or brush your floor. Screening uses a 60 grit screen and a rotary scrubber to level the floor and remove excess material. A black pad or bristle brush could also be used. Sweep up the debris and then roll down your coatings. For a straight line above your cove apply at least 4 inch blue painters tape above the wall intersection with the floor. Be sure to pull the tape as you coat the area so the epoxy does not glue it to the wall and make it difficult to remove.

After your first coat cures re-apply grout to any areas that are not the shape you want them to be. You do not have to wait for the grout to fully dry. You can coat over the grout as soon as you wish without changing its shape with your roller and brush. For your second coat re-tape and screen the surface with a 60-grit screen before your second coat. Once screened be sure to sweep up all derbies that could get into your second coat. It often helps to vacuum the corners.

This is a two-coat process so don't be worried if you see your coating sinking out of sight or sagging on the first coat. Allow each coat to cure 15 hours.

Durall Industrial Flooring supplies kits of materials that are customized to owner specification and delivered directly to the job site. Kits include full directions and 24/7 help lines staffed by seasoned flooring experts, so professionals and amateurs alike can successfully install a quality floor.

Temporary Health Insurance

A major benefit of being a fulltime employee at an American corporation is the security of health coverage. Medical costs along with the cost of health insurance have skyrocketed in the past 60 years. Under these circumstances, insurance coverage provided by employers, who enjoy tax benefits for giving health benefits to their workers, has helped foster loyalty and reduced the financial stress of thousands of American employees, many of whom would not be able to afford health insurance if purchased privately.

Just how expensive those skyrocketing insurance costs really are becomes painfully obvious when someone loses a job. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), requires insurance companies to continue to make their plans available to former employees who have left a group policy due to unemployment. However, when you sign up for COBRA, you suddenly find yourself paying much more for your health coverage than what you were paying at the time you were employed. The financial burden can be unbearable, as at the same time you have probably lost your primary source of income. The national average cost per family for COBRA is in excess of $500 a month. For a relatively healthy person who rarely visits a doctor, the cost of COBRA may seem unacceptably high.

However, thousands of people who have opted not to continue with their health insurance because of its costs have come to regret the choice. In fact, every 30 seconds someone in the United States files for bankruptcy following a major medical emergency. The vast majority found themselves seriously sick or injured without health insurance coverage. Fortunately, an inexpensive alternative to COBRA exists that can fill in the gaps between jobs. Temporary low-cost health insurance typically has a much higher deductible than COBRA, but also very affordable rates. It's possible to receive coverage in a matter of days, if not hours.

Who generally purchases short-term temporary health insurance? The list includes people who have left a company for another job or were laid off, students wh are about to graduate from college and need a plan to cover them after they leave school and before the enter the workforce, spouses waiting for coverage from a wife or husband, young adults who are coming off parents' health plans as a dependent, employees who are now working part time or as temporary workers, and other people who are waiting for permanent health insurance to commence.

While the affordable prices are attractive, it's important to remember that temporary low-cost health insurance is considered a "stop gap" for individuals who are between jobs that normally provide complete healthcare benefits. These policies are not designed as a long-term solution.

Who Qualifies? Everyone who is young and healthy probably qualifies for temporary low-cost health insurance. Those that likely may not qualify include someone who has a pre-existing condition, is over the age of 65, or who has been rejected for insurance before. Pre-existing conditions are generally defined as any condition or symptom which you had during the 3-year period prior to the start of coverage.

Generally, the holder of a temporary low-cost health insurance policy should plan on having the policy a year or less. Some policies do last 2 years, and rarely last for 3 years or longer. Many policies allow people to renew after the policy has run its course, but usually customers are limited to renewing a policy only once.

Temporary low-cost health insurance policies apply on a per-illness or per-injury basis. You will likely be required to pay a deductible, with your insurance company paying some portion of the next $5,000 in healthcare expenses, before 100 percent coverage takes effect. Plan maximums are typically $1 million to $2 million. Healthcare expenses ranging from emergency services to surgery, prescription drugs to hospital care are typically covered by the policies.

If you do have a pre-existing condition, it's unlikely you will qualify for temporary health insurance. But it's still too financially risky to function without some kind of insurance coverage. Your best option may be to apply for a low-income health insurance plan. Medicare, a health insurance program of the federal government, covers senior citizens aged 65 and over, as well as the disabled of any age. Medicaid is usually available for pregnant women, depending on a woman's income and family size.

health insurance

INTRODUCTON - The stretch health insurance is commonly used in the United States to explain one curriculum with the intention of helps shell out pro health check expenses, whether through privately purchased insurance, social insurance or a non-insurance social welfare curriculum funded by the government. Synonyms pro this treatment include "health coverage," "health trouble coverage" and "health benefits" and "medical insurance" inside a more technical significance, the stretch is used to explain one form of insurance with the intention of provides protection hostile to injury or illness.

Inside America, the shape insurance industry has altered speedily all through the continue hardly any decades. Inside the 1970's generally public who had shape insurance had indemnity insurance. Indemnity insurance is often called fee-forservice. It is the traditional shape insurance in which the health check source (usually a doctor or hospital) is paid a fee pro all service provided to the uncomplaining covered under the plan. An valuable class associated with the indemnity diplomacy is with the intention of of consumer driven shape trouble (CDHC). Consumer-directed shape diplomacy allow those and families to be inflicted with greater control ended their shape trouble, counting as and how they access trouble, could you repeat that? Types of trouble they receive and how much they waste on shape trouble services.

These diplomacy are however associated with privileged deductibles with the intention of the insured be inflicted with to shell out from their sack previous to they can aver insurance. moneyConsumer driven shape trouble diplomacy include Health Reimbursement Plans (HRAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), distinguished deductible shape diplomacy (HDHps), Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Of these, the Health Savings Accounts are the generally contemporary and they be inflicted with witnessed rapid growth all through the continue decade.

WHAT IS A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged health check savings tab unfilled to taxpayers in the United States. The funds contributed to the tab are not theme to federal returns tariff by the calculate of deposit. These could be used to shell out pro qualified health check expenses by one calculate lacking federal tariff liability.

Another figure is with the intention of the funds contributed to Health Savings Account roll ended and accumulate time ended time if not spent. These can be withdrawn by the employees by the calculate of retirement lacking one tariff liabilities. Withdrawals pro qualified expenses and appeal earned are furthermore not theme to federal returns taxes. According to the U.S. Treasury Office, 'A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional shape insurance; it is a savings manufactured goods with the intention of offers a uncommon way pro consumers to shell out pro their shape trouble.

HSA's enable you to shell out pro current shape expenses and save pro prospect qualified health check and retiree shape expenses on a tax-free basis.' Thus the Health Savings Account is an effort to boost the efficiency of the American shape trouble logic and to promote public to be more reliable and prudent towards their shape trouble needs. It cascade in the class of consumer driven shape trouble diplomacy.

Origin of Health Savings Account

The Health Savings Account was established under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act voted for by the U.S. Assembly in June 2003, by the board in July 2003 and signed by President plant on December 8, 2003.

Eligibility -

The following those are eligible to commence a Health Savings Account -

- Those who are covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

- Those not covered by other shape insurance diplomacy.

- Those not enrolled in Medicare4.

Also here are thumbs down returns limits on who could say to an HAS and here is thumbs down requirement of having earned returns to say to an HAS. However HAS's can't be fit up by persons who are dependent on someone else's tariff return. Also HSA's cannot be fit up independently by children.

What is a High Deductible Health preparation (HDHP)?

Enrollment in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a de rigueur qualification pro somebody wishing to commence a Health Savings Account. Inside detail the HDHPs got a boost by the Medicare Modernization Act which introduced the HSAs. A High Deductible Health Plan is a shape insurance preparation which has a particular deductible threshold. This limit should be crossed previous to the insured person can aver insurance money. It does not cover initially dough health check expenses. So an party has to himself shell out the early expenses with the intention of are called out-of-pocket expenditure.

Inside a digit of HDHPs expenditure of vaccination and preventive shape trouble are disqualified from the deductible which earnings with the intention of the party is reimbursed pro them. HDHPs can be taken both by those (self employed as well as employed) and employers. Inside 2008, HDHPs are being existing by insurance companies in America with deductibles ranging from a smallest of $1,100 pro Self and $2,200 pro Self and Family coverage. The most amount out-of-pocket limits pro HDHPs is $5,600 pro self and $11,200 pro Self and Family enrollment. These deductible limits are called IRS limits as they are fit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Inside HDHPs the relation linking the deductibles and the premium paid by the insured is inversely propotional i.E. Privileged the deductible, decrease the premium and sub- versa. The major alleged advantages of HDHPs are with the intention of they will a) decrease shape trouble expenditure by causing patients to be more cost-conscious, and b) get on to insurance premiums more reasonably priced pro the uninsured. The logic is with the intention of as the patients are fully covered (i.E. Be inflicted with shape diplomacy with low deductibles), they look after to be a reduced amount of shape conscious and furthermore a reduced amount of cost conscious as vacant pro behavior.

Opening a Health Savings Account

An party can sign up pro HSAs with banks, confidence unions, insurance companies and other standard companies. However not all insurance companies offer HSAqualified shape insurance diplomacy so it is valuable to aid an insurance company with the intention of offers this type of qualified insurance preparation. The employer could furthermore fit up a preparation pro the employees. However, the tab is permanently owned by the party. Direct online enrollment in HSA-qualified shape insurance is unfilled in all states apart from Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

Contributions to the Health Savings Account

Contributions to HSAs can be made by an party who owns the tab, by an employer or by one other person. When made by the employer, the contribution is not built-in in the returns of the employee. When made by an employee, it is treated as exempted from federal tariff. For 2008, the most amount with the intention of can be contributed (and deducted) to an HSA from all sources is:

$2,900 (self-only coverage)

$5,800 (family coverage)

These limits are fit by the U.S. Assembly through statutes and they are indexed annually pro inflation. For those higher than 55 years of age, here is a special catch up provision with the intention of allows them to deposit bonus $800 pro 2008 and $900 pro 2009. The real most amount an party can say furthermore depends on the digit of months he is covered by an HDHP (pro-rated basis) as of the initially time of a month. For eg If you be inflicted with family tree HDHP coverage from January 1,2008 until June 30, 2008, at that time conclude having HDHP coverage, you are allowable an HSA contribution of 6/12 of $5,800, or $2,900 pro 2008. If you be inflicted with family tree HDHP coverage from January 1,2008 until June 30, 2008, and be inflicted with self-only HDHP coverage from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, you are allowable an HSA contribution of 6/12 x $5,800 plus 6/12 of $2,900, or $4,350 pro 2008. If an party opens an HDHP on the initially time of a month, at that time he can say to HSA on the initially time itself. However, if he/she opens an tab on one other time than the initially, at that time he can say to the HSA from the then month onwards. Contributions can be made as in the dead of night as April 15 of the following time. Contributions to the HSA in surplus of the contribution limits should be withdrawn by the party or be theme to an excise tariff. The party should shell out returns tariff on the surplus withdrawn amount.

Contributions by the Employer

The employer can get on to donations to the employee's HAS tab under a salary reduction preparation renowned as Section 125 preparation. It is furthermore called a refectory preparation. The donations made under the refectory preparation are made on a pre-tax basis i.E. They are disqualified from the employee's returns. The employer should get on to the contribution on a comparable basis. Comparable donations are donations to all HSAs of an employer which are 1) the same amount or 2) the same percentage of the once a year deductible. However, part calculate employees who bring about pro a reduced amount of than 30 hours a week can be treated unconnectedly. The employer can furthermore compartmentalize employees into persons who opt pro self coverage single and persons who opt pro a family tree coverage. The employer can involuntarily get on to donations to the HSAs on the behalf of the employee except the employee specifically chooses not to be inflicted with such donations by the employer.

Withdrawals from the HSAs

The HSA is owned by the employee and he/she can get on to qualified expenses from it when vital. He/She furthermore decides how much to say to it, how much to withdraw pro qualified expenses, which company will call the tab and could you repeat that? Type of funds will be made to grow the tab. Another figure is with the intention of the funds wait in the tab and role ended from time to time. There are thumbs down aid it or lose it rules. The HSA participants sort out not be inflicted with to take advance praise from their HSA trustee or their health check insurer to withdraw funds, and the funds are not theme to returns taxation if made pro 'qualified health check expenses'. Qualified health check expenses include expenditure pro services and items covered by the shape preparation but theme to cost sharing such as a deductible and coinsurance, or co-payments, as well as many other expenses not covered under health check diplomacy, such as dental, idea and chiropractic trouble; durable health check equipment such as eyeglasses and examination aids; and moving expenses correlated to health check trouble. Nonprescription, over-the-counter medications are furthermore eligible. However, qualified health check expense should be incurred on or with the HSA was established.

Tax emancipated distributions can be taken from the HSA pro the qualified health check expenses of the person covered by the HDHP, the partner (even if not covered) of the party and one dependent (even if not covered) of the party.12 The HSA tab can furthermore be used to shell out before year's qualified expenses theme to the condition with the intention of persons expenses were incurred with the HSA was fit up. The party should preserve the total admission money pro expenses met from the HSA as they could be looked-for to verify with the intention of the withdrawals from the HSA were made pro qualified health check expenses and not otherwise used. Also the party could be inflicted with to yield the total admission money previous to the insurance company to verify with the intention of the deductible limit was met. If a withdrawal is made pro complete health check expenses, at that time the amount withdrawn is considered taxable (it is added to the those income) and is furthermore theme to an bonus 10 percent penalty. Normally the money furthermore cannot be used pro paying health check insurance premiums. However, in particular circumstances, exceptions are allowable.

These are -

1) to shell out pro one shape preparation coverage while receiving federal or state unemployment repayment.

2) COBRA prolongation coverage with leaving employment with a company with the intention of offers shape insurance coverage.

3) Qualified long-term trouble insurance.

4) Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, counting deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance pro: Part A (hospital and inpatient services), Part B (physician and outpatient services), Part C (Medicare HMO and PPO plans) and Part D (prescription drugs).

However, if an party dies, becomes disabled or reaches the age of 65, at that time withdrawals from the Health Savings Account are considered exempted from returns tariff and bonus 10 percent penalty irrespective of the function pro which persons withdrawals are made. There are uncommon methods through which funds can be withdrawn from the HSAs. Some HSAs provide tab holders with deduction cards, approximately with cheques and approximately be inflicted with options pro a reimbursement process akin to health check insurance.

Growth of HSAs

Ever since the Health Savings Accounts came into being in January 2004, here has been a unusual growth in their facts. From around 1 million enrollees in progression 2005, the digit has developed to 6.1 million enrollees in January 2008.14 This represents an boost of 1.6 million since January 2007, 2.9 million since January 2006 and 5.1 million since progression 2005. This growth has been visible across all segments. However, the growth in generous groups and small groups has been much privileged than in the party class. According to the projections made by the U.S. Treasury Department, the digit of HSA plan holders will boost to 14 million by 2010. These 14 million policies will provide cover to 25 to 30 million U.S. Citizens.

Inside the Individual Market, 1.5 million public were covered by HSA/HDHPs purchased as on January 2008. Based on the digit of covered lives, 27 percent of newly purchased party policies (defined as persons purchased all through the generally contemporary satiated month or quarter) were enrolled in HSA/HDHP coverage. Inside the small assemble promote, enrollment stood by 1.8 million as of January 2008. Inside this assemble 31 percent of all extra enrollments were in the HSA/HDHP class. The generous assemble class had the leading enrollment with 2.8 million enrollees as of January 2008. Inside this class, six percent of all extra enrollments were in the HSA/HDHP class.

Benefits of HSAs

The proponents of HSAs envisage a digit of repayment from them. First and foremost it is said with the intention of as they be inflicted with a distinguished deductible threshold, the insured will be more shape conscious. Also they will be more cost conscious.

Mental Health Center

If a friend or someone in the family is to be treated in a mental facility, we try to find the best facility for them. After all, the goal is for them to get well, and we believe that our choice of hospital is vital for the person's recovery. In Illinois, when we speak of psychiatric facilities, one hospital easily comes to mind. That is Elgin mental health center or EMHC.

As the second oldest state hospital in Illinois, this facility opened in 1872 under its former name, Northern Illinois Hospital and Asylum for the Insane. The first-ever physiological measurements of mental patients were recorded by the Elgin Papers back in the 1890s. By 1997, the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations gave EMHC its commendation for two years in a row.

How the hospital was developed can be broken down into five phases. The first phase ended in 1893. A stable leadership was responsible for the gradual growth during this period.

After this phase, the hospital immensely grew to more than twice its size. This second phase, which ended by 1920, was characterized by a lot of politicking, leadership changes and power struggles in the system.

For the third period, growth was more rapid. Hospital population, which reached its peak by the 1950s, increased for both geriatric and veterans. This is because the period was post World War I and World War II.

By the time the third phase ended, hospital population declined. During this phase, psychotropic medications were introduced. Other milestones for this period include the development of community health facilities, deinstitutionalization, until the decentralization of decision-making and authority. This fourth phase ended until the 1980s.

The last phase is what some call the "rebirth." It began in 1983, when hospital census was at its lowest. Because of this, the hospital was on the verge of closure. However, the state decided to close Manteno Mental Health Center instead.

During this time, the hospital was practically rebuilt. While the old buildings used a congregate model called the Kirkbride plan, new physical facilities were added such as cottages in order to adhere to a segregate plan. There are two divisions, civil and forensic. Each division has an acute treatment center, office and conference rooms which faculty and trainees can use.

Forensic programs were further developed, and new affiliations with medical schools were also made. Affiliations include that with The Chicago Medical School, among others. An increase in educational activities showed that EMHC is also concerned with the education of future doctors and medical graduates.

Hospital system operations were also modified. Activities of community mental health centers are integrated in the system operations. Community mental health centers refer their patients to EMHC. These community mental facilities include DuPage County Health Department, Lake County Mental Health Center, Ecker Center for Mental Health, and Kenneth Young Center.

At present, admissions are close to 1300 annually. Patients are usually African-American, Euro-American and Hispanic. The hospital holds 582 to 600 beds and about 40 full-time physicians.

Just like any health facility, EMHC is harassed with problems and controversies with respect to their policies and programs. Nevertheless, Elgin Mental Health Center continues to do what it is supposed to do, and that is to provide the best treatment for their patients.

There Are Many Women's Health Centers To Choose From

There is an urgent need for education, clinical care, research as well as advocacy of health care for young girls as well as young women. To meet these requirements there are many women's health centers and one such women's health center is Women's Health Clinic which is located in Winnipeg, Canada.

The aim of this clinic is to bring together agencies as well as individuals to educate and provide action on issues including childbirth, midwifery as well as new reproductive and genetic technologies. Their holistic approach lays great emphasis on preventing, educating and taking action related to women's health issues. The aim of this women's health center is to encourage other women to educate themselves and know about what are the reasons behind healthy living and so enable them to make informed choices.

Providing a Comprehensive Range of Health Services to Women

There are a number of services that this women's health center provides and these include health and wellness services whose focus is very women centric, and includes advocacy and research concerning women's health, educating the community as well as professional groups regarding health education and also to train and impart experience to volunteers and students.

For those women who live in New York, there is the Iris Cantor Women's health center which provides comprehensive healthcare services that have specifically been designed for women and is the first of its type and scale in the city of New York. Its physicians are also full-time faculty members at Weill Cornell Medical College.

The Center is staffed with leading specialists in all spheres of women's health and they aim to provide complete primary health care by integrating quality health care with better research and outstanding education. The range of health services available at this women's health center include breast cancer, physicians offices for gynecology, surgery, mammography, nutritional counseling as well as a health education resource center.

Whichever women's health center one chooses it should have the right combination of specialists since they would be able to treat women for serious breast or gynecological problems. This may involve their having to see numerous doctors that could range from imaging doctors to surgery to internal medicine.

The women's health center should bring the patient and doctor close to each other. The center should even have an interdisciplinary approach that would mean that physicians from different medical specialties, as well as nurses and other related health personnel are able to collaborate to provide improved patient care.

A center also enable the women to come to the women's health center and be treated for menstrual, breast as well as hormonal concerns and those other health areas that are specific to women. Indeed, women should be able to receive the full complement of health services that could also be customized to meet individual needs.

Mental Health Nurse Recruitment

If you are searching for the right career that best suits your lifestyle and personality then mental health nursing is an option worth considering. Mental health nurses provide treatment, care and support for patients that suffer from moderate to severe emotional, mental and psychological problems. It can be an incredibly rewarding career choice and you will learn plenty about not only other people but yourself. This specialist nursing in New Zealand also provides many opportunities for you to work in different environments. The health care system in New Zealand is of a high standard so you will have access to the equipment you need as well as being fully supported.As a mental health nurse there are several skills and attributes that you will gain and develop. This includes excellent nursing skills and knowledge of different nursing methods and theories. You will undergo an initial three year training period where you will learn the basics of nursing in New Zealand and you will develop the skills you need to be an excellent nurse. You will gain knowledge of different diseases and illnesses and how the human body works and you will also learn about different medicines and treatments and the effects they have on patients.Specialising in mental health will require you to gain knowledge of psychiatric disorders and you will also gain knowledge on counselling and therapy techniques. You will also need to have a thorough understanding of the Mental Health Act and other relevant legislation. There are also several basic skills that are necessary in order to become a competent nurse and these include good oral and written communication skills, good listening skills and excellent organisational and decision-making skills. You will also have the resources available to you in order to maintain and keep up to date with medical trends and nursing practices in this field.It can be a rewarding career choice in New Zealand and mental health nursing recruitment will help you discover if it is the right decision for you. As a health care professional there are several personal attributes that are very important. Patience is one key attribute as some of the situations you will find yourself in can be frustrating and demanding. You also need to be concerned for and able to build relationships with others. You need to be mature and responsible and able to work well under pressure. You will find yourself dealing with people from a range of different backgrounds and cultures and you need to be capable in handling these situations appropriately.

The Many Community Mental Health Services Available to You

Well developed and well managed community mental health services are actually associated with low suicide rates. Hence, mental health services for the masses can be improved by focusing on the community based and specialized mental health services.

If ever you are in need of mental health services, you can contact your local affiliates of the national self help organizations or the local mental health center. Most of these agencies have the relevant information on the various services designed to meet the different needs of those who are suffering from different types of disorders such as anxiety conditions, panic disorders, schizophrenia, etc. Apart from these, they also provide information related to community mental health services designed specifically for children, refugees, HIV infected patients, the elderly, etc. Here are a list of various community health services available for your use.

Mental health act has provided a great opportunity in rendering different kinds of community care based upon individual needs. The provision of good residential accommodation for various groups of mentally disordered or patients with disorders who need constant care by the government aided agencies is a step towards enhancing the community health services.

Generally community health services treat or support people suffering with mental disorders in a domiciliary setting instead of placing them in a hospital or a psychiatric asylum. The various services offered by these community services usually differ from country to country. Most of the community services consist of psychiatric wards similar to that of a hospital. These services are mostly rendered by professionals and government organizations. According to the world health organization, community services are very easy to access by a wide range of people and are quite effective and even aid in reducing social exclusion.

When compared to private mental hospital, community services are less likely to have possibilities for the violation and neglect of human rights which are rarely encountered in few of the mental hospitals. These community services also play an important role in educating the people about the various common disorders and their corresponding symptoms. This way, people gain knowledge on various disorders and can easily recognize individuals who may be suffering from these disorders but might not really be aware of them. Aged and older people who require constant attention, can get benefited by these community services, instead of paying huge bills at private hospitals, they can get good care at the community services.

With the population in the older age group on the rise, there is need for the development of community mental health services in various localities. Also, with many specialists willing to volunteer at the community services, clients can gain a lot of benefits. Since, most of the mental health disorders occurrence do not have a clear reason behind them, the treatment usually is a long term one and for people who cannot afford highly expensive treatments and consultations, community mental health services is the best place to choose. With government pitching in to provide funds for them, it is time people think of visiting them when needed.

Mental Health Center

If a friend or someone in the family is to be treated in a mental facility, we try to find the best facility for them. After all, the goal is for them to get well, and we believe that our choice of hospital is vital for the person's recovery. In Illinois, when we speak of psychiatric facilities, one hospital easily comes to mind. That is Elgin mental health center or EMHC.

As the second oldest state hospital in Illinois, this facility opened in 1872 under its former name, Northern Illinois Hospital and Asylum for the Insane. The first-ever physiological measurements of mental patients were recorded by the Elgin Papers back in the 1890s. By 1997, the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations gave EMHC its commendation for two years in a row.

How the hospital was developed can be broken down into five phases. The first phase ended in 1893. A stable leadership was responsible for the gradual growth during this period.

After this phase, the hospital immensely grew to more than twice its size. This second phase, which ended by 1920, was characterized by a lot of politicking, leadership changes and power struggles in the system.

For the third period, growth was more rapid. Hospital population, which reached its peak by the 1950s, increased for both geriatric and veterans. This is because the period was post World War I and World War II.

By the time the third phase ended, hospital population declined. During this phase, psychotropic medications were introduced. Other milestones for this period include the development of community health facilities, deinstitutionalization, until the decentralization of decision-making and authority. This fourth phase ended until the 1980s.

The last phase is what some call the "rebirth." It began in 1983, when hospital census was at its lowest. Because of this, the hospital was on the verge of closure. However, the state decided to close Manteno Mental Health Center instead.

During this time, the hospital was practically rebuilt. While the old buildings used a congregate model called the Kirkbride plan, new physical facilities were added such as cottages in order to adhere to a segregate plan. There are two divisions, civil and forensic. Each division has an acute treatment center, office and conference rooms which faculty and trainees can use.

Forensic programs were further developed, and new affiliations with medical schools were also made. Affiliations include that with The Chicago Medical School, among others. An increase in educational activities showed that EMHC is also concerned with the education of future doctors and medical graduates.

Hospital system operations were also modified. Activities of community mental health centers are integrated in the system operations. Community mental health centers refer their patients to EMHC. These community mental facilities include DuPage County Health Department, Lake County Mental Health Center, Ecker Center for Mental Health, and Kenneth Young Center.

At present, admissions are close to 1300 annually. Patients are usually African-American, Euro-American and Hispanic. The hospital holds 582 to 600 beds and about 40 full-time physicians.

Just like any health facility, EMHC is harassed with problems and controversies with respect to their policies and programs. Nevertheless, Elgin Mental Health Center continues to do what it is supposed to do, and that is to provide the best treatment for their patients.

Popular Mental Health Career Alternatives

Gone are the days, when just physical fitness was of prime importance. These days, increasing importance is being given to psychological fitness as well. Health organizations are stressing on the need of being psychologically fit. With this, a career in mental health only appears worthwhile. There are various mental health careers that you could go in for.

One very well-liked career option in this context is marriage and family therapist. This work profile requires the individual to understand the nuances of varied relationships of a family. An increasing number of folks battle out relationship issues and face problems in adjusting in a typical family frame. This is where a therapist comes to aid. He/she tries to understand the specific thought patterns of several individuals of the family and therefore helps resolve concerns. Get a master's degree in marriage and family therapy to get started in this profession.

Another well known career option in the field of mental health is social work careers. This one is ideal suited for people who wish to pursue this field along with bringing a constructive change in the society. There are several stigmas such as poverty, domestic violence and the like which are plaguing the society and taking away the mental peace of many. Pursuing this profession could help you understand the agony of the sufferers and help them come out of the hard times. In the process, you too will experience a feel good factor of helping out someone distraught.

The need for rehabilitation becomes amazingly crucial in some situations. Whether it's a case of drug abuse or a broken marriage, rehabilitation becomes essential. This is when the role of a rehabilitation counselor comes to play. Rehabilitation counseling becomes extremely crucial in certain psychological, emotional and physical disabilities. They can usher in a positive approach, helping in improving the general quality of life.

Another popular career choice in the field of mental health is guidance counselors. These counselors basically assist kids during their growing up years to find answers to many questions. As a child or even as an adolescent, we had our fair share of confusions and queries. Guidance counselors help young kids and adolescents with the same. They help ensure that the students are progressing mentally as well as emotionally. They even help students with the career decision-making process. A Master's degree in counseling is required to enter this field.

Further on, you can contemplate joining any company that deals in mental health insurance. Nevertheless, this concept is still at initial stages.

So, if you wish to alleviate stress from the lives of people, you could contemplate taking up any given career option.

Mental Health Nursing Jobs

Mental health nursing jobs provide one of the most complex and demanding areas of nursing. With as many as one in three people suffering from some form of mental illness in their lifetimes, the need and demand for nurses who specialise in mental health is on the increase. With most people suffering from this illnesses being treated in the community they live in, many of these nursing jobs require the individual to travel. One of the key challenges for these nurses is to form a trusting relationship with the patient and their families, so that the correct care and support can be provided. As a result, one of the key competencies of nurses specialising in this work includes excellent interpersonal communication skills, with a compassionate personality and the ability to empathise with those suffering from such illnesses.

Those healthcare specialists who secure mental health nursing jobs require specific training to enable them to complete their responsibilities proficiently and productively. However, it is suggested that many people are attracted to these roles through personal experience of knowing someone close, perhaps a friend or family member, who has suffered from some form of mental illness. Experiencing the symptoms, effects and/or recovery process of those suffering from mental illness can provide a level of insight, understanding and empathy with users of these healthcare services. The ability to connect with those who are being treated and understand their needs is one of the most important steps in the road to recovery for suffers of this illness.

Those who are formally trained to work as mental health nurses are typically employed in psychiatric units in general hospitals and specialised psychiatric care facilities. Those who choose to work with mentally distressed people in the community are commonly coined community mental health nurses. The ability to connect with people and gain their trust is as important as their specialist level of knowledge in all types of mental health care, whether community or hospital based.

The proliferation of mental illness at the community and national level is creating an unprecedented level of demand for qualified mental health specialists. According to recent research conducted by The NHS Confederation, there is a considerable increase in the number of common mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the report goes further to claim that the proportion of the English population meeting the criteria for one common mental disorder has increased from 15.5% in 1993 to 17.6% in 2007.

Mental Health Continuing Education

The healthcare field is unique and unlike any other. There are new discoveries and methods of treatment surfacing almost daily, and this is no different for the mental health field. Psychiatry professionals who wish to provide the best care for their patients should not end their education after getting their doctorate degree and licensing to practice in their jurisdiction. In the field of mental health continuing education can help professionals in the field stay up-to-date on the latest medications, technologies, and behavioral therapies to better serve their patients.

In many jurisdictions, all health care professionals are required to pursue continued education, and this includes psychiatry and mental health professionals. In fact, mental health continuing education is a requirement for many professionals in remaining current with the licensing and certification requirements in most states. This is the main motivation for mental health professionals to pursue further education even after they have graduated with an advanced degree in psychiatry. Many times, mental health professionals will seek courses to brush up on some of their skills, especially if they do not have the opportunity to practice these skills on an everyday basis. All medical doctors, including psychiatrists, must complete two years of hands-on training in their field before they can receive their medical degree. This training covers a lot of basics that will be valuable throughout the doctor's career. However, sometimes there are aspects of this training that can be forgotten if there isn't much repetition in using those skills.

There are also benefits when it comes to learning and understanding new developments in the field. Although other aspects of the medical field have been somewhat mastered and easier to understand, the human brain is still a mystery to even the most seasoned professionals. Therefore, there are advancements and new discoveries almost everyday, and it can be difficult to cover much of this new information by simply reading medical journals and discussing them with colleagues. Responsible mental health professionals will typically take courses covering this new information along with the typical refresher courses.

Professionals within the field understand that the field they work in is complicated and ever-changing. While an advanced degree within this field is necessary to have certification and licensing to practice, courses to continue education are also vital. Patients with needs within this field will need a professional who is knowledgeable and aware of any and every development that can help them. In the field of mental health continuing education helps build a strong community of professionals who can provide these services to their patients.