The mammogram involves having your breast gradually compressed.  A woman’s breasts become tender before and during her menstrual period.  If you are premenopausal, still menstruating, it is best to have the study in the week after your menstrual period ends. You will take these films with you to the appointment.  It is your responsibility to make sure the copies are at the facility on the day of your appointment.  The X-ray images of your breast will be analyzed by a certified radiologist.  This type of doctor is trained to evaluate X-rays like mammograms and to suggest a diagnosis based upon what he sees on the films.  She compares your current films to your old films, looking for any new abnormalities or if a previous abnormality has changed in size or appearance.  This comparison is an essential part of determining if anything seen on your mammogram is suggestive of breast cancer.  Give your old facility enough time to make copies of the X-ray films.  Mammograms can be X-ray films or digital images sent directly to a computer workstation.  It is possible for digital images to be sent electronically, but you will need to ask. If your previous mammograms were performed at the same facility, just let the radiology technologist know on the day of the appointment.  She will inform the radiologist. Caffeine can cause breast tenderness.  Consider abstaining for several days up to 2 weeks before your appointment. Compression of your breasts during the mammogram is necessary, but it can be painful.  Take steps to minimize the discomfort you experience.  Fear of pain or anxiety about the procedure should not be a reason to not have a mammogram performed. If your anxiety is great, your doctor may administer an anti-anxiety medication prior to the exam. You can take a medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or aspirin to try to ease any discomfort.  Do not take any medications without first consulting your doctor. You can take a pain reliever after the study as well.  If you take medication before the study, make sure the suggested time has elapsed before repeating the next dosing. Compression of the breast tissue is not harmful.  There are advantages to having the tissue spread out evenly.  It allows better visualization of any abnormalities.  The superior tissue penetration allows for less radiation use.  Blurring of the images is decreased because the tissue is being held in place. Products, such as deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams, or perfumes can interfere with the quality of the X-ray images. Grooming products can have metallic particles or contain calcium, resulting in shadows on the X-ray.  This could be mistaken for or hide abnormal breast tissue.  Avoid undergoing additional testing or possibly losing the opportunity to have a breast cancer detected early. You will need to undress from the waist up and put on a gown that opens in the front.  Changing your clothing will be easier if you only have to remove your shirt. Anything around the neck will interfere with obtaining clear X-ray images of your breasts.    Do not risk having neck jewelry lost or stolen because you have to remove it. You must check in before the mammogram is performed.  The process involves confirming your identity and your insurance information.  You will sign some papers, as well. Ask at what time and where in the facility you are expected. Plan your travel time so that you arrive early. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends sharing your personal or family history of breast cancer and any breast signs and symptoms, like lumps or breast discharge.  Consider previous mammograms to be a part of this history. The technologist can focus on any suspicious areas and communicate that to the radiologist if you tell him about specific breast signs and symptoms.  The technologist also will pass on any information about your personal or family history of breast cancer. The mammogram will take about 30 minutes.  You will need to stand and change positions during this time.  The technologist will work around any physical limitations. You will stand in front of the X- ray machine.  The technologist will place the breast on a platform which is raised or lowered to match your height.  Proper positioning of your arms, torso, and head is key to obtaining high-quality X-ray images.  Finally, a clear plastic plate will gradually compress the breast.  Once the breast is properly compressed, you will need to stand still and hold your breath.  This process will be repeated on the other breast.
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One-sentence summary -- Schedule your mammogram around your menstrual period. Obtain copies of any previous mammograms. Avoid caffeine-containing foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever one hour before the procedure. Do not apply any grooming products under the arms or on the breasts. Wear a shirt with pants, shorts, or a skirt. Leave any neck jewelry at home. Bring your ID and insurance information. Tell the radiology technologist about your breast-related medical history. Tell the radiology technologist about any physical limitations.


A petrol-driven generator with a rated power of about 3500W will serve for lighting, TV, fans and a fridge or freezer. The rated power is usually written on the body of the generator and it is that power the generator can deliver continuously for  an average of 12 hours on a single tank of fuel. A typical microwave, for instance, uses 1500 watts, while a whole circuit of lights with CFC bulbs may only require 150 watts. Refrigerators use about 1200 - 1500 watts, but have a starting capacitor which increases the wattage momentarily when the compressor starts. Televisions use less the 1000 watts, depending on the type and size, a small room fan may use about 500 watts, and so on. There are several different wiring systems that can be used to connect a generator to a home. The main two are discussed here. Contact your local Department of Labor and Industries, Planning Department, or Power Company to find out what is legal in your area. Do not consult the internet to find out which system is legal in your area. There are many people that are unqualified to offer advice doing just that, and the law can vary significantly between countries, states, and even cities.  Consider an interlock kit. These are fairly simple to install yourself and they are the cheapest option. However, they are illegal in many areas and can be very unsafe. They must be installed absolutely correctly. Safe installation also requires that you have several extra spaces in your existing breaker box or that you install a new one, which must be done professionally. It is also a strict requirement that you get a kit that is approved for your specific breaker box (should be made by the same company). Consider a manual transfer switch. This is a slightly more expensive piece of equipment which will require a professional install. However, it is the only guaranteed legal option and it is accordingly the safest. This will help keep you from accidentally electrocuting someone else or even yourself. This hookup will go on the outside of your house and will have a recessed male connector (prongs that stick out, rather than holes you plug in to). It will connect to whichever panel system you installed inside your house. The installation should be performed by a professional, both to keep you safe and to make sure your system remains up to code. If you do not have this done by a professional, your insurance may be unable to cover your home, the city you live in could enforce a heavy fine, and you are very likely to hurt either yourself or someone else (in a hospital-if-you're-lucky kind of way). You will find a lot of advice and instructions offered on the internet that are unsafe and put you at risk for injury, electrocution, or serious house fire. Be sure to always check with your city specialists before doing anything that will put you or your family at risk. Some common Do Nots include:  Do not connect your generator directly to your breaker box without an approved transfer switch. Do not connect your generator to a washing machine or dryer outlet. This is especially important if you do not have experience with electrical work. You want to be sure that your family stays safe and, in the event of a fire, that your insurance company cannot dispute your claim because of "faulty wiring".
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One-sentence summary --
Determine the essential appliances in the home you cannot do without. List the appliances and electrical devices you plan to use, then look at their wattage or power requirement. Choose a wiring system. Install an inlet box hook up. Keep your family safe! Get your setup inspected.