Massage Therapy Basics

What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is a manipulation of muscles, ligaments, tendons, skin, fascia, and joints in the body. It is a practice that has been around since the beginning of peopledom. In fact, ancient techniques are still employed in today’s modern world.

The benefits of massage are extensive. Not only can it help alleviate pain and aid in physical maladies and day-to-day functioning, but it impacts mental and emotional wellbeing. Relaxation, awareness, anxiety, and depression can all be aided and eased with massage therapy.

Massage boosts the immune system, relaxes and reduces anxiety, alleviates pain, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, stimulates lesser used muscles, increases endorphins, aids physical rehabilitation, and improves circulation (blood and lymph).

There are many different techniques and therapies in the field of massage. Some of these may be familiar to you already, even if you do not know specifically what they entail.

Swedish: Probably the most well known technique, and for good reason; it’s quite popular.

Acupressure is like acupuncture without the needles. Specific points are targeted and pressure applied to create a therapeutic effect.

Aroma Therapy is often used in tandem with other techniques. It consists of using fragrant oils for healing benefits. These oils can be applied to the skin or simply allowed to perfume the air thus allowing those nearby to receive benefits nasally.

Canadian Deep Tissue Massage: A technique that focuses on a muscle group working with the fibers of the muscle tissue to rejuvenate each level of muscle including deep tissue.

Deep Tissue Massage works to invigorate and stimulate the muscle issue on a deep level. It involves more intense manipulation and can provide tremendous benefits on many levels. Not only does it help release toxins from the body, it helps

Hot Stone Massage: Warm stones are used on the body with gentle pressure to provide a soothing, therapeutic sensation.

Infant Massage: Becoming more popular everyday, infant massage has been proven to help infants gain weight and speed development. It is taught to mothers as a way to bond with their new children.

Other techniques include Chi Nei Tsang, Reflexology, Shiatsu,Thai Massage, Amma Therapy, Alexander Technique, Aston Patterning, Bioenergetics, Bowen Technique, and Craniosacral Therapy.

Massage therapists are required to pass standardized tests in order to receive a license and become a registered massage therapist. Training is often completed at a trade, vocational, or career college and is usually completed in 2 years or less depending on the school and the program.

Massage therapy is considered a health field and massage therapy is often covered under many health plans because of its proven healing and beneficial results.

Massage is private and safe. Depending on the type of massage you receive, partial body, full body, 30 minute or longer, you may have to undress completely or not at all. The room should be warm and comfortable and there may be light music playing. If the environment makes you uneasy, do not hesitate to inform your therapist; a massage should be a relaxing and pleasant experience. This is true if you feel pain during any part of your massage experience. Some techniques are more intensive and may be a bit uncomfortable at times, but if you feel anything that makes you uneasy, do not hesitate to speak up.

Whether you are considering a career in massage therapy or if you are just interested in finding out more information about what it is and how it can benefit you cannot deny the value of a good massage.

Happy New Year!

A very happy 2006 to you all!

Crash Course: Aviation Careers and Training

Interested in airplanes and flight? Mechanics and electronics? Aviation and aeronautical careers are increasing in demand as the population rises, the economy strengthens and people become more comfortable resuming air travel. Find out about the types of careers available and the training and experience required to pursue them.

Careers in the aviation and aeronautical field include pilots, flight engineers, aircraft mechanics, and avionics technicians. The following is a quick description of what each of these jobs entails.

• Aircraft mechanics (airframe mechanics, power plant mechanics, and avionics technicians) Airframe mechanics work on everything except instruments, power plants, and propellers. Powerplant mechanics do some work on propellers as well as work on engines. Workers can become certified in both airframe and powerplant mechanics (A&P) and work on all parts of plane excluding instruments.

• Avionics technicians maintain radio, navigation, and radar instruments and components. They may be required to acquire additional licensing by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

• Flight engineers often are the third member of the cockpit crew. They monitor instruments, make repairs, and assist the first officer and captain in flight. Flight engineers are required to have pilot’s licenses, flying experience, and must pass an exam given by the FAA. They may even become pilots with the right training, experience and desire.

• The First officer is also known as the co-pilot. The first officer monitors instruments during take-off and landing while the captain focuses on the runway and controls. During the flight the first officer and the captain alternate flying the plane.

• The Captain is the pilot in charge of the aircraft. He or she is assisted by the first officer and flight engineer. They are responsible for filing flight plans and making adjustments as necessary. It is possible to begin as a flight engineer and progress to the position of captain after serving a certain number of years and hours in each subordinate position.

Career advancement is possible at all levels; many technicians and mechanics can advance to supervisory, executive and FAA inspector positions. Aircraft inspector’s authorization provides the best opportunities.

In order to qualify for such positions as commercial and airline pilots, you must have a specific number of flight hours in many different conditions as well as an instrument rating issued by the FAA after the fulfillment of requirements including flight time and a written exam. Military training is often valuable and common for those who become commercial and airline pilots. (I can remember being told I’d know where my pilot trained by the smoothness of the landing. A bumpy landing signified one branch of the armed forces, while a virtually bump free landing was indicative of another branch.)

Although some aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians get on the job training, most attend a technical school certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Military experience can be quite an asset; however formal school training is still required, though you may receive credit for what you’ve learned in the service. Employers highly desire those with military work experience and training.

Keen math skills and physical agility are necessary for many aeronautical careers. Aviation careers also demand you not be afraid of heights. Workers are often on aircraft wings and in fact on top of the airplane’s fuselage for maintenance, inspection and repair--and of course pilots and flight engineers are in the sky much of the time. Mechanics and technicians often lift heavy equipment and parts, stand on ladders and must deal with the noise and vibration of engines.

So if your head is in the clouds why not keep it there? Make your dreams real with training to become an aircraft mechanic, aviation technician, flight engineer or pilot.

Quick Guide to Accounting Training

Are you considering an accounting education but confused by all the jargon? This is a quick guide to understanding the different specialties associated with accounting careers and the training you will need to be successful.

Business cannot function without people who monitor, evaluate, and synthesize productivity, financial, and resource data. Accounting, or accountancy, is the practice of collecting and measuring data in order to allocate resources. Most often accounting is specific to a business’s finances. Auditing is a related field whereby records are reviewed and a conclusion reached; resulting in a recommendation for action; geared to ensure efficiency and to improve performance and ensure adherence to standards and principles. A simple example of the workplace relationship follows: An accountant would enter and keep track of payroll and company expenses. An auditor would review the records kept by the accountant to determine if money and time are being well spent.

When people think of auditors, the first thought is probably one of an IRS man in a suit with a stern expression coming to make sure you paid your taxes. While this type of auditor exists (not to be feared if you have been a good record keeper) auditors are usually individuals who are hired to evaluate the accuracy of accounts kept by a company. Their analyses help management determine effectiveness and efficiency.

Accounting professionals often deal with time to money ratios. In order to keep track of all these numbers, professionals must be well able to use computers; specifically spreadsheet applications (such as Microsoft Excel).

Accountants often specialize in one field. Jobs include bookkeeping, tax accounting, cost accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, time keeping and payroll.

• Accounts receivable refers to incoming payments.

• Accounts payable refers to debits and outgoing payments.

• Bookkeeping refers to recording transactions and calculations.

• Tax accounting in its simplest form refers to the specialty of preparing tax returns.

• Cost accounting refers to the specialty of accounting that deals with analyzing, tracking, and recording business costs. Cost may be measured not only in money, but in time.

• Time keeping and payroll clerks do just what it sounds like; they keep track of workers’ time sheets and payroll.

Training for accounting careers varies. For many jobs a bachelor’s degree in accounting is not necessary, though some education or experience is generally required. Accounting training programs often involve computer classes to familiarize students with the applications used in the workplace. Those in the accounting field must be comfortable using spreadsheets and other financial and accounting software (QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel) as well as word processing software such as Microsoft Word. Close attention to detail is essential, as is an aptitude for numbers and order. A high level of trustworthiness and discretion is also essential as much of the information processed is confidential. Office experience and communication skills are also essential in the workplace. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) must undergo a four-part, two-day exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and are required to complete a minimum of 150 college credit hours (this is 30 hours more than the usual needed to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.) The exam is considered to be quite difficult, and many do not pass all four sections at one time. Partial credit is usually awarded as long as the candidate passes at least two sections.

As with any career, an interest in the subject matter is helpful. Someone who hates math should probably not consider an accounting career just as someone who hates English should steer clear of copywriting.

Remember, it never hurts to do a little research and ask questions about programs. School representatives are always happy to help prospective students find out more about their offerings. Accounting careers are diverse and abundant; why not change your future with an accounting education?

Quick Guide to Computer Training

Computers and the Internet have come a long way since their inception. Living in the computer age means adapting to new technologies as they evolve. The ease and speed of communication that computer technology provides allows us to be more productive in every facet of our lives. That technology requires skilled computer professionals to design, maintain, and implement it.

What is it?

Computer training is divided into specialties including:

• Computer hardware
• Computer software
• Computer networking
• Web Development

Computer hardware refers to the actual physical components that comprise computers (processors, modems, keyboards, motherboards etc). Computer hardware engineers design, develop and maintain computer hardware. They may oversee the installation and manufacture of hardware. Due to the constant flux of the industry, continued education is required to keep up with trends and technology.

Computer software refers to the content that makes a computer work. Software is divided into three categories: Platform (such as operating systems i.e. Windows, Linux, and Macintosh OSX), Applications (Microsoft Office, games), and User-Written (templates, plug-ins, extensions). Computer software engineers, like their hardware counterparts, are required to continually learn new skills in conjunction with developing technology.

Computer networking refers to communication between a group or groups of computers. This includes LAN-local area network, MAN-metropolitan area network and WAN-wide area network. Computer network engineers work with software and hardware integration across a system of computers and servers. They deal with computer-to-computer interface and connect users to each other via private as well as public networks.

Web development refers to the building and implementation of websites (design, programming, server configuration) – Web page design is a subset that deals with user interface design, graphics, html and CSS (cascading style sheets). Web page designers are behooved to have good art skills as they will most likely be dealing with graphics, layout and Flash applications.

Why do it?

Other than the obvious passion for computers and technology, salary and job growth potential are excellent reasons to consider computer careers. Diversity of computer skills adds to marketability in the workforce. Many employers do not have time to train workers on basic skills and expect employees to be more than familiar with computers.

Who should do it?

If you have an aptitude or interest in math, science or art, and have strong problem solving and analytical skills you are a perfect candidate for a computer related career. Computer careers can be solitary work, but often require good communication skills. Systems administrators must know how to relay information to clients and coworkers in order to maintain order and efficiency in the system.

Education is available in many varieties; from certifications, certificate programs, associate’s degree programs, bachelor’s and even master’s degree programs. Many professionals receive degrees in computer science and related fields, but still others are required to have specific certifications (for example MCSE-Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer or MCSA-Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator). Many industries do not require these specific certifications, only knowledge and experience of computer systems. When making a decision about education, research the jobs that interest you and find out just what the employers are looking for in a candidate. Why spend four years working on a bachelor’s degree when a shorter certificate program may be all you need?

Where can I find out more?

For more information on careers, training, and working conditions see the Occupational Outlook handbook at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics site.

What to Consider When Choosing a College Major

So you’ve picked a school (college or technical) but what are you going to study?

I’ve compiled a list of things to consider when choosing an academic major.

Level of interest: Do you enjoy the subject? You are more likely to be successful if you enjoy your major. If it bores you, you will likely be unmotivated and may suffer academically.

Do you have a natural talent/skill? Don’t discount any natural talents or skills, instead, let those skills guide you to success.

Possible careers? What sort of job will your degree prepare you for? Will you need additional schooling to achieve your career goals? Is your major geared toward one particular trade (for example; engineering
or accounting) or can you apply it to many careers (Majors such as English, history, psychology that teach marketable, non-trade specific skills such as reasoning, critical thinking, writing and communication)?

What are the requirements? What courses and how many will you have to take within the major as well as supplementary courses outside your major (i.e. accounting students take courses in marketing, economics, and business as well as specific accounting courses). Does the program require a minimum GPA for admission and retention? Will you need a minor? Will you be required to complete an internship or a co-op program?

Prerequisites. Are there specific courses you must complete prior to engaging in major specific courses? (Prerequisites are often lower level introductory courses that establish a basic set of knowledge that will be referred to and built upon in subsequent classes.) For example if you wanted to major in psychology you would most likely be required to take a course introducing theories, models and major researchers in the field.

Evaluate the instructors. How qualified are the teachers? Where did they go to school, what sort of degrees do they hold, where have they previously worked or taught and what have they published? Find out about reputations from other students as well. Is a certain professor notorious for being rigid or difficult? A good relationship with an instructor can benefit you when you begin applying to graduate schools or jobs and you need recommendations.

Program reputation. Does the program receive national attention? What do graduates think of the program? What sort of jobs do alumni hold?

Are you considering a double major? A double major can be a huge undertaking. This can be fruitful but you will need to be more organized when planning class schedules and picking classes. Some majors will not allow you the time to devote to a second major (often called comprehensive majors.) Be informed and be prepared to work!

Check out survey and introductory courses in a variety of programs. These courses will be more general and give you a better understanding of what to expect from the program as a whole. Remember, you probably are not going to like every single class or topic in your major. I had a friend who loved cost accounting but hated her tax accounting class.

Browse the course catalog. Familiarize yourself with the policies and requirements. Read the school’s handbook regarding the differences in requirements for an Associate’s Degree, a Bachelor’s of Arts, Bachelor’s of Science, Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, etc. These will each require a different set of courses. Also, check your school’s general education requirements. These are often a set core of courses every student must take in order to earn their degree. Check for overlaps and conflicts with your major. Some departments won’t give credit for certain courses in a major that were used for general education requirements.

Use your advisor. These people know the ropes. They are there to help you navigate the system. If all of this is overwhelming (and don’t feel bad if it is) relax! If you have an advisor who just isn’t helping you, see if your school has a set of general advisors set up for undecided students. These counselors will often have access to information about general school topics (deadlines, procedures) as well as tools to help you find information regarding specific degree programs. If you already have a major but are unsatisfied with your advisor, consider asking for a reassignment. Often this can be done in the department office.

Talk to other students. They can often provide insight and experience that will be beneficial. An upperclassman can be your best friend when it comes to figuring out the system. Not only do they know the best places to eat, but they might know the best places to buy and sell books, the best advisors and the best teachers.

Don’t be afraid to change your mind. In the long run it’s better to spend an extra year or two in college than to be miserable or regret your decisions. People change their majors all the time (I changed mine 3 times.) and while it’s a big decision, it is only a piece of the larger puzzle.

Article 3: 4-year Colleges vs. Technical Schools: Your Choice

College is not for everyone, but that does not mean you shouldn’t pursue some sort of higher education or job training. When you think about your future, what do you envision? Are you doing something you love, or are you just working for a paycheck?

If you are one of the many who is trying to make a decision about where to spend your money and invest your future, read on. This article provides a comparison of 4 year colleges and technical schools. Which one is right for you?

How to choose between 4-year colleges and technical schools:

Ask yourself these questions and then consider the benefits and disadvantages of each type of school.

What are your goals? Do you have a specific career goal? What are your educational goals? Do you want to learn as much as you can about a variety of subjects? Do you want to learn as much as you can about one specific topic (become an expert)?

What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Would you benefit from a shorter more targeted program?

Lifestyle. How will school fit into your life? Would you benefit from non-traditional scheduling such as online, evening, or distance learning? 4-year colleges and technical colleges both offer such options, but it varies by school so check with any schools you are interested in attending.

What do you need? Realistically, what sort of degree or training do you need to pursue your dreams? Research your desired field--know what the requirements are and how they compare to the programs you are considering. The US Department of Education website offers resources for career and training research.

Be a consumer. Check equipment; is it new and up-to-date? How does it compare to the equipment you will be using on the job? Trust me, this can be tedious but it is quite important. After graduation I realized I should have taken more time to research the computer programs employers expected me to know for technical writing jobs. Had I been better informed, I could have taken extra courses dealing specifically with those programs.

Investigate the following: campus size, current and former students, faculty and staff;

Find out if the school is accredited and licensed; Do they make extraordinary claims? Will your credits be transferable?

4-year Colleges

Some people like to learn just for the sake of learning, while some are more focused and driven and use school as a steppingstone for job advancement. If you are interested in more scholarly pursuits a traditional 4-year college might be your best option.

Benefits: liberal arts training applies to many fields, diverse topics to explore, prestige, “college life”

Disadvantages: expensive, time consuming, may get degree in area you no longer wish to pursue, high admission standards and prerequisites, job market may be slower upon graduation-may require additional training

Technical Schools

If college was for everyone, technical schools would not exist. Some people may feel a stigma is attached to technical schools. In a society where attending college has become standard, we lose sight of the value of skills training. People feel abnormal and may be angry if they don’t want to go to college but feel pressured to do so anyway.

Benefits: shorter duration, focused programs, easier admission standards, flexible scheduling, certifications not necessarily offered at 4-year colleges, hands on training

Disadvantages: may be viewed as less prestigious, can be expensive, may be less room for exploration of other subjects, accreditation, for-profit institutions

Many of the fastest growing jobs do not require a bachelor’s degree but do require post-secondary education (education beyond high school) These jobs include:

• Medical Assistants
• Social and human service assistants
• Home health aides
• Medical records and health information technicians
• Physical therapist aides
• Physical therapist assistants
• Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors
• Veterinary technologists and technicians
• Hazardous materials removal workers
• Dental hygienists
• Occupational therapist aides
• Dental assistants
• Personal and home care aides
• Self-enrichment education teachers
• Occupational therapist assistants
• Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
• Preschool teachers, except special education
• Respiratory therapists

For more information on job growth statistics see the Bureau of Labor Statistics webpage.

Remember, the best way to determine what is right for you is to simply know yourself and be informed.

Article Two: Choosing a Program Based on Your Goals

When I left for college I had no idea how to evaluate a school or a degree program. I based my decisions on what other people thought I should do and what was easy instead of sitting down and asking myself some simple questions. I'd like to offer some questions I should have asked myself about my goals and the programs I was evaluating.

First, something everyone should answer before going to school: Why are you going to school and what do you hope to achieve? Even if you are undecided about your major or future career plans, you should know why you are going to school. Are you going to school merely for the sake of learning? Are you hoping to improve your skills for a current job? Are you going to school to prepare for the career you desire?

What sort of degree do you need in order to accomplish your goal? Do you need a technical or professional certification? Do you need an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree? If you are unsure, try researching the fields that interest you. The Occupational Outlook Guide on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website not only provides statistical data on job growth and pay rates, but detailed job descriptions and training requirements. Some fields such as automotive technicians and massage therapists may require a technical school education that focuses on hands-on training as opposed to the classic 4-year college education.

What are your interests and aptitudes? Are you good with numbers, working with your hands, words, animals or people? The Myers Briggs and the Keirsey Temperament Sorter are good resources on the web that can help you figure out what sort of careers you might be best suited for based on your personality type. (For example I am an INFJ, so I’m suited to careers dealing with counseling and writing.)

How much time and money are you willing to invest? Are you willing to take out loans or work full time while you are in school? Have you applied for federal aid, grants and scholarships? It's as simple as filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Student loans are among the loans with the lowest interest rates and recent years have seen them the lowest they have ever been. When it comes to time, are you willing to sacrifice leisure time, family time or work time?

Consider technical training as an alternative to the traditional 4-year college. Inventory the benefits and disadvantages of a career college versus the traditional college. Scheduling may be more flexible and programs may be shorter meaning you will be out in the workforce sooner. (watch out for my next article which will cover the differences between the two types of schools)

Choosing a program is just as important if not moreso than choosing a school. Some people choose a school first, allowing time to explore the options of that one school; while others may know exactly what they are looking for and will choose a school based on the programs offered. Hopefully, you will now be better prepared to make that important decision to benefit your mind and your future.

For a complete list of links to websites mentioned in this article (and more) please visit my blog at http://exuberant-creation.blogspot.com/2005/11/useful-links-for-collegebound.html

Useful Links for the Collegebound

I thought I would compile a list of helpful links for college students and those either getting ready to attend, or those who have recently graduated. I have used all of the websites listed and will continue to update the list as needed. Enjoy!


Fafsa Apply for federal student aid; includes loans and grants

Myers Briggs take the test to determine your personality type; helpful for figuring out strengths, weaknesses and possible career options

Type Logic offers descriptions of the Myers Briggs personality types

Keirsey Temperament Sorter; helps figure out career options based on personality type

Occupational Outlook BLS research fields and careers; detailed summaries of qualifications needed, description of work, expected income and job growth

Fastweb helps identify scholarships and grants for you which you are eligible

Salary.com helps you determine expected earnings as well as cost of living expenses; allows you to compare mulitple cities and national averages

Careerbuilder provides detailed list of companies and open positions; submit your resume to apply online and be searchable by company recruiters

Monster useful/helpful articles related to job search, resume writing, interviews

Monstertrak Monster's section for students; find internships, jobs while you are in school, advice and networking