Franklin, TN – For the last week and a half, Johnson Elementary School students joined a select group of international journalists who came to the area to get a sneak peek at the all-electric Nissan LEAF before its public offering. Headquartered in Franklin, Nissan North America is currently hosting upwards of 200 television, print and online media from across the Americas region (Canada, U.S., Latin America, Puerto Rico, Argentina and Brazil).

 

The visiting journalists and broadcasters are participating in a “ride and drive event,” taking the LEAF on a route that represents an average driver’s typical day. Johnson Elementary School is a key stop in this hypothetical day, which provides a pit stop for the media and an opportunity for the kindergarten through fourth-grade students to see the a zero-emissions, all electric car in action.

 

Fourth-grade students have been especially interested in the car’s dynamics and environmental impact. They are currently studying natural resources, renewable and non-renewable resources, ways to conserve energy and recycling. The daily stops at the school provide them a chance to check out these new cars and ask questions of the drivers and the Nissan representatives. Nissan will wrap up its press tour this week.

 

Picture: Johnson Elementary second graders William Carroll and Jaden Johnson learn how the Nissan LEAF is charged from Linda Water Nelson, a visiting journalist.

 

Picture: Johnson Elementary second graders (left to right) Jaden Belcher, Jaden Johnson, Emma Jackson, McKenna Weathers, Hope Rees, Jack Butler, William Carroll, and David Ortiz check out the interior of the new Nissan LEAF during a media pit stop at the school.

 

 

From Nissan:

The 2011 Nissan LEAF is the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car, and ushers in a new era of mobility – the “no gas, no tailpipe” zero-emission era. The Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that seats five adults comfortably and has a range of 100 miles. Unlike internal-combustion engine-equipped vehicles, LEAF’s powertrain has no tailpipe and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven.  The Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes when equipped with a quick charge port and using a DC fast charger.  Charging at home through a 220V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours.

 

The 2011 Nissan LEAF is scheduled to commence sales in December 2010 in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Tennessee.  It is priced at $32,780 but goes down to $25,280 after a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit.  Many states are also including incentives to bring that price down further - Tennessee for example offers a $2,500 cash rebate.

For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need.  For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet –  the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example.

(ARA) -  In the wake of increased layoffs and cutbacks, the unemployed and employed alike are worrying about their careers. This makes 2010 a prime time to evaluate your own employability and take steps to strengthen your career options.

In December 2009, a poll by CBS News and The New York Times revealed a growing number of people are considering making a change in their career choice, with 44 percent pursuing job retraining or other educational opportunities. In the same poll, 40 percent of the respondents said they had moved to another city or considered moving in their search for employment.

A positive attitude goes a long way.
"Nearly everyone, employed or not, is searching for career security," says Robert Gray, director of career services at Brown Mackie College - Northern Kentucky. "If you find yourself out of work, try to maintain optimism. A person with a positive outlook tends to get quicker results and better results. A negative attitude is reflected in your persona. It can communicate a bad vibe and make it seem like you are simply looking for the next thing to complain about."

With optimism in mind, the tight job market can present opportunities that tend to be overlooked when employment options are more abundant. You can take steps to brighten seemingly lackluster employment prospects by taking stock of your skills, level of education and even your hobbies, advises Gray.

Self reflection often reveals new opportunities.
When a job ends, allow yourself time to reflect on what makes you happy. "Assess your life in general," Gray says. "Are you happy with your house or could you maybe get along living in a smaller one? What about your car?" Downsizing your monthly expenses can alleviate financial pressures, making it easier to maintain a positive attitude.

Gray suggests making a list of your three greatest strengths. "Strengths are always easy to think up," Gray says. "Weaknesses aren't quite as forthcoming, but they are good to know." He suggests asking family, friends and co-workers about your weaknesses. Armed with this knowledge, you can update your resume to include a comprehensive explanation of your qualifications. "It doesn't hurt to ask others for advice on what to do. A fresh set of eyes on your life, interests and skills can open up new options that haven't yet been seriously considered," Gray continues.

Reflection time also provides the opportunity to explore educational paths and new careers. If the option of changing careers doesn't appeal to you, check out certification programs that can bolster your qualifications in your current field. You can find information at www.brownmackie.edu.

Fill any gaps in employment with productive activities.
"It is generally easier to find a job when you have one. Simply having a job implies marketable skills and the ability to complete the assigned work. It is important to address any gap in your employment history," Gray says. "While you're unemployed, involve yourself in activities that suggest you are still being productive, still have enthusiasm." He suggests volunteering at a hospital or homeless shelter, or participating in church activities.

Working alongside others allows for the ever-important step of networking. "You never know when or where you may meet somebody who may be in a position to hire you, particularly if they know you personally," says Gray. "Attending school is a perfectly acceptable gap in employment. Still, it can benefit you to find something to do to be productive. Experience is experience, even if there's no pay in it."

Keep your career in perspective.
"We should not allow ourselves to be defined by our careers or employment status. Other things make you who you are - not just your career," Gray says. "That's an important point for all of us. If you live for you job and get your fulfillment from it alone, you'll lose your sense of self if you're let go. On the other hand, if you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life."

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(ARA) - "Graduates these days may find freelancing either as meat and potatoes or whipped cream for their professional diet," says career services director Mary Kate Robinson at The Art Institute of Houston. Freelancing either provides the sole compensation (meat and potatoes) by working for multiple employers for different projects, or it adds to existing employment compensation (whipped cream).

Some graduates choose to be self employed by using specific skills to pursue work without a long-term commitment to one employer. Why? Freelancers will have many clients bringing challenges, interesting experiences and even perhaps a touch of the unknown.

Sometimes freelance work may not provide a constant stream of income. In order to maintain continuity of revenue, freelancers must take on many roles such as business developer, implementer of design, consultant, networker and marketer to keep the revenue stream coming. The freelancer does not have a large support staff, so most of the roles that must be portrayed involve effective communication. Successful freelancers must constantly be networking/marketing and selling themselves, always in the process of searching for the next project.

Some of the best freelance job opportunities come from professional associations, alumni, teachers, postings from the career services department and just plain recognition/visibility in the community. In essence, freelancers are sharing their skill set by all forms of communication, ranging from verbal and nonverbal presentations, an interactive Web page exhibiting work with satisfied clients available for referral, handing out business cards at a chamber breakfast/lunch or other event, and - probably most importantly - always sharing the passion of their work with everyone.

After freelancers have attracted the initial attention of the potential client, certain areas need to be discussed and covered - generally in a written contract - stating employer expectations, a timeline for completion, materials to be included and compensation - which may either be an hourly rate or project based. Often the freelancer requests a deposit of up to 50 percent and final payment due upon employer approval and completion. Communication is clear and misunderstanding can be avoided with a thorough contract.

Interestingly enough, some freelance jobs have potential to become full-time job offers.

"I did a small project for a company designing a logo," says Tim Spencer, a recent  Graphic Design graduate of The Art Institute of Houston, "which led to a full-time job offer with that company."

That is why, no matter what the size of the job, the freelancer should give 110 percent attention to time, talent and customer service as their next job may quickly come from a successful conclusion of a recent project.

After a designer or consultant builds a reputation, jobs may come more easily by referral, but in today's marketplace even a veteran freelancer has to be visible; freelancers are only as good as their last project. And generally that is what the employer remembers most.

"Make the most out of every opportunity -- whether it be your meat and potatoes or whipped cream -- it may lead to the next job," says Robinson. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

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(ARA) - The current gloomy economic conditions contain some good news for the small-business sector.

According to a recent survey conducted by Citibank, some small-business owners and managers are finding a silver lining in the current recession, seeing more high-quality candidates available for hire, rising employee retention rates and gains in market share.

As a business owner, how can you take advantage of these small-business opportunities and make them work for your business? Small-business expert Dan Goodgame recently moderated a robust roundtable of small-business owners, who offer these three tips:

1. Take advantage of the talent pool
As a result of the recession, there is larger pool of highly qualified and highly skilled employees available for hire. Many who may not have considered working for a small firm are now more open to the idea. Take time to interview a variety of job candidates on a regular basis, even if you don't have a current opening at the company. This technique can help you fill an opening as soon as it is created with the best possible talent, and avoid some of the costs - typically 50 to 200 percent of the employee's annual salary - normally associated with staff turnover.

2. Retain your best employees
Holding on to your best employees is of course crucial to building your business, and it's going to get harder as the economy starts growing again. First, create a two-way communication system that allows employees, on a regular basis, to give and receive feedback on their performance and the performance of their peers and managers. Second, create an employee recognition and rewards program that extends beyond compensation and bonus. Be creative with the rewards program; provide employees with paid time off to volunteer at their organization of choice. Provide recognition with "surprise" thank you gift certificates to a local cafe or restaurant. The "thank you" does not have to be a big dollar amount - just the recognition can go a long way.

3. Seek feedback from customers as you seek referrals
With marketing budgets pinched, many business owners are taking a fresh look at ways to gain new sales by winning referrals from existing customers. One of the most effective methods is to seek feedback from existing customers on the quality of your products and services, and on your pricing. Tell customers directly that you want to do whatever is necessary so that they will be so pleased that they will recommend your company to their friends and colleagues. Listen to their suggestions on how you can improve. And when you've followed through on their advice, check back with them. If you know of a good prospect, ask your existing customers if they know her, and can introduce you to her and recommend you. One advantage of this approach is that it helps you get the feedback that you need to improve your service, even as it brings in new business.

The small-business sector typically leads the U.S. economy out of recession, and that pattern seems to be holding up in the current downturn. Leveraging tips such as these will be key to surviving the toughest business conditions in more than half a century.

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(ARA) - With millions of jobs lost in 2009, unemployment rates were at their highest in decades. But does the new year bring a brighter future? Economists project a "subpar growth" for 2010.

Findings in the latest CareerBuilder survey show that 20 percent of employers plan to increase full-time hires this year. That is a 14 percent increase from 2009. However, unemployment rates are expected to hover around 10 percent this year.

Rather than stay in shrinking industries, many unemployed workers are turning to higher education in industries with more plentiful career opportunities. The survey identifies information technology, health care, education and financial services careers to be hiring the most in 2010.

"They are always good, strong programs, but in a weak economy, people evaluate what they are going to go into based on what is in demand and stable," says Andy Hanson, dean of student services at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. "Those 'helping' professions tend to be popular, even more so than normal." Universities and online schools see stable and strong enrollment in "helping" degree programs such as teacher education, health care and social work, noted Hanson.

Sherry Fitzgerald of Detroit is a part of this transition. When she lost her job at a Detroit auto plant six months ago, she began investigating other careers. "I had always thought of becoming a nurse," Fitzgerald says. "I knew the pay and the job security were good."

Now more than halfway through her program, Fitzgerald has left the troubled American auto industry for a secure, lucrative career in health care, and she's not alone. Statistics show that enrollment at universities and colleges has jumped in the last six months, and most of those enrolling are victims of layoffs.

"They realize they can't stay where they were," says university career adviser Robert Green from ClassesAndCareers.com. "They've got to adapt, and education is the best way to do it."

Rick Murphree, president of Brown Mackie College campus in Boise, says enrollment was over 600 in September 2009, a year after the campus opened. High unemployment, and a large percentage of people seeking to change careers after losing longtime jobs with established companies, helped drive better-than-expected growth, Murphree says.

College enrollment trends follow economic trends and a poor economy pushes more people to seek further education and training. Students can participate in online colleges which are ideal for people who want to come back to school while holding down jobs, and secure themselves for advancement.

This new peak in college enrollment has come in the midst of a recession and has had an especially harsh impact on young adults. Only 46 percent of 16- to 24-year-olds were employed in September 2009 - the lowest in recorded history, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Jeff Turgeon, executive director of the Central Massachusetts Regional Employment Board, says it's not unusual to see college graduates go back to school to get specialized training. Many people see the recession as a chance to finish what they started years ago.

"Even as the economy shows some signs of improvement, employment is a lagging indicator, and it may take some time before there are jobs for those who need them," he says. Even if unemployment does get better in 2010, the jobs are likely to require very specific skills, requiring workers to get special training.

"I don't see the enrollment slacking anytime soon," Turgeon says.

Many workers are taking advantage of the economic situation to further their education. You too can go back to school and earn a degree in a more secure, high-paying field by completing the helpful online form at ClassesOnline247.com. An education adviser will help you find the right degree program to set you on a new career path. Or, call to speak with a career counselor at (888) 240-9711.

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(ARA) - From digitizing and analyzing America's health records to developing the next big video game or hardware program, careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to gain prominence in the work force. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts a growing demand for technological advances will result in a job growth of 22 percent for STEM occupations between 2004 and 2014.

As employment opportunities within these new and emerging industries continue to expand, educational institutions are taking a look at refining curriculums to provide career-focused higher education, and better prepare students for careers in specific fields.

To do this, universities are working directly with high-caliber employers to ensure their future employee needs will be met. DeVry University, for example, works directly with companies including IBM and Cisco to create these student programs. DeVry University graduates from the last five years have worked at 96 of the Fortune 100 companies.

"Students are looking to obtain the education and knowledge needed to succeed in the high-growth industries that continue to thrive," says Donna Loraine, vice president, academic affairs for DeVry Inc., and dean, DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. "Our academic structure is one that allows for swift implementation of new programs and curriculum once we notice a specific need, allowing us to better prepare students for these in-demand 21st century careers."

According to the Center for Education Policy Analysis, technology is pervasive in almost every aspect of daily life, and as the workplace changes, STEM knowledge, skills and the ways in which problems are approached and solved in these subjects are important for a variety of workers.

DeVry worked closely with Cisco using the Cisco Networking Academy program to deliver curriculums that teach students how to design, build, troubleshoot and secure computer networks.

"Working with DeVry University to equip students with technical knowledge and hands-on experiences will help meet growing demand for skilled workers in a variety of industries ranging from broadband and wireless to healthcare and green technologies," says Amy Christen, vice president of corporate affairs at Cisco and general manager of the Cisco Networking Academy. "Individuals that are trained in the latest technology careers today will be well-prepared for a variety of exciting career opportunities tomorrow."

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is anticipating an approximate 45 percent growth in the computer software engineer and application occupations. Anticipating this demand, these student/employer partnerships aim to prepare soon-to-be graduates for these technology careers, while helping to fill a growing need for professionals in the emerging industries around the world.

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(ARA) -  In a competitive job market, earning a degree can be the biggest single step one can take to enhance career value and earning potential. As many bask in the glow of making plans to increase their career potential, the prospect of paying for college is a sobering reality.

Few of us have funds set aside for this endeavor. In addition, the College Board's annual "Trends in College Pricing" reports a rise in tuition costs at public and private institutions for the 2009-2010 school year. According to the report, annual tuition and fees at private four-year colleges rose 4.4 percent to $26,273, and public university costs rose 6.5 percent to $7,020.

Prospective students often don't know where to start. But take heart; Darlene Violet, director of Financial Aid at Brown Mackie College - Akron, Ohio,  offers advice on funding your education. "The U.S. Department of Education distributes $96 billion a year in grants, work-study assistance, and low-interest loans," Violet says. "Every student begins the process of seeking financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, known as the 'FAFSA.'" Information submitted on the FAFSA form determines the amount a student may receive through a federal Pell Grant, which is based on financial need. The recent economic stimulus program increased Pell Grant funds by $500 per student. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Beyond completing the FAFSA, many turn next to student loans. "An education is always a good investment," says Violet, "but many people don't realize the loans must be paid back starting six months after leaving school. I advise students to seek out and apply for scholarships." Wide varieties of organizations offer scholarships, from fraternities and sororities to community groups, foundations, and corporations. Winning candidates receive funds based on a vast spectrum of criteria, including ethnicity and cultural heritage. "Students just don't take the time to find them," Violet continued. "It can be a lot of work."

The Scholarship Committee at Brown Mackie College - Akron hired a group of honor students to help others navigate through the many scholarships available, complete the application forms, and provide feedback on essays written for submission. "This allows students the security to delve deeper into the scholarship world. It's well worth it," Violet says.

Scholarship awards can be as important to the educational institution as they are to the student. Federal guidelines, known as the 90-10 rule, mandate that no more than 90 percent of the funds received by a college can come from Federal loans and grants. A minimum of 10 percent must come from outside sources, including scholarships, private loans, and the students' own financial contributions.

Violet recommends checking additional resources as well. "Many employers will pay or reimburse tuition expenses, sometimes even for immediate family members. And the Veteran's Administration offers benefits to those who have served our country," she says. The Workforce Investment Act offers grants to those who qualify, and many churches offer scholarship opportunities. In addition, the Orphan Foundation of America offers scholarships to students who are wards of the state.

Further savings can come in the form of a temporary tax credit. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, included in the economic stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama, can be worth as much as $2,500. People who earn $80,000 or less a year (or $160,000 or less for joint filers) can claim this credit on money paid for tuition, certain fees and course materials for higher education in 2009 and 2010. For complete details, visit www.irs.gov.

Once a student enters college, Violet advises making other financial considerations:

Ride public transportation. In addition to saving on fuel and parking fees, public transportation provides time for students to get a head start on assigned reading and homework.

Avoid credit card offers. However tempting the offer seems, credit cards charge interest on purchases and impose fees for late payments.

Work while attending classes. Many students work full- or part-time while earning their degrees. The federal work-study program helps eligible students find employment on campus.

"Taking the time to apply for scholarship funds is a step that can help now while they're in school, and in the future when no bill comes due," Violet says.

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(ARA) - When US Airways Flight 1549 went into the Hudson River in January, Sherri Shamblin had every excuse to quit her pursuit of her advanced degree.

After all, she was responsible for the training, policy and procedures for 8,000 flight attendants with the airline and she was just burdened with reassuring this corps of professionals, as well as the 1549 flight crew, in the aftermath of the near-disaster. However, Shamblin was able to immediately incorporate lessons learned from her executive MBA classes into her current situation.

"I had to lead by serving them, and surprisingly enough, that's what many executives tend to forget. Rather than being a self-serving leader, you need to be a serving leader," Shamblin says.

Shamblin was one of a class of 12 in the Ken Blanchard Executive MBA (EMBA) program at Grand Canyon University, a 12-month program that is unique with its emphasis on servant leadership - or the idea of leading by serving your key constituents.

In today's economy, an EMBA degree can be a major advantage for job seekers and professionals looking to advance within their organizations, and often employers will provide a stipend for continuing education.

According to the nonprofit Executive MBA Council's most recent study of EMBA graduates, 23 percent reported salary increases, and 43 percent received promotions while enrolled in their programs. Nearly 75 percent said they greatly increased their value to their organizations as a result of their EMBA education.

Shamblin was drawn to the GCU program because of involvement of one of her long-term idols, business guru and "One Minute Manager" author Ken Blanchard.

"If you have any experience with managing in the workplace, Ken Blanchard is an icon," she says.

Grand Canyon University's EMBA graduates rate the quality of faculty, fellow students, curriculum and program management higher than graduates from full-time or part-time MBA programs, according to the 2009 GMAC Global Graduate Survey. Shamblin's academic experience, which included three in-person residencies with Blanchard and his advisory board members including Harvey Mackay, former Southwest Airlines President Colleen Barrett and other nationally known business leaders, reinforces this research.

"It's important for students to interact with people who have held high-powered jobs, and classmates that have different but complementary experiences to yours," Shamblin says.

While she was enrolled in the program, Shamblin started introducing new concepts and best practices in areas that fell under her authority. The results were almost immediate. "I talked with people about things I had learned that we might implement, applying situational leadership, and people loved it. It absolutely made a difference."

After taking early retirement, Shamblin is no longer with the airline, but she's confident that the practices that she learned through her degree program and the experiences that she has had with the airline has prepared her for her next professional challenge.

"It seems simple but it's easy to lose sight of it - be a serving leader," she says. For more information on Grand Canyon University's EMBA programs visit www.GCU.edu.

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(ARA) - Job hunting has gone from searching the classifieds to roaming online job boards and career search engines. But before you sit down in front of your computer, ask yourself some important questions and then be prepared to go social.

Marc Scoleri, director of Career Services at The Art Institute of New York City, recommends doing a self-directed job search in conjunction with other search techniques.

A self-directed job search requires the job-seeker to take into account personal preferences and businesses of interest. Realizing personal preferences and having a sense of self-awareness as it relates to a career is important when clarifying which companies to research. In working with students attending Art Institute schools, he has compiled the following inventory questions:
 
* What industry is most interesting to you for a career? Why?
* What geographic location is most appealing?
* What duties do you enjoy doing most and least as they relate to your industry?
* What is the minimum pay you can survive on?
* What topics within your industry do you want to learn most about?
* What position do you want three to five years from now?
* What personal goals can you achieve by obtaining a position in your chosen industry?
* What is your ideal work schedule?
* What employer-offered benefits are important to you?
* What are some of the job titles that interest you?
* Whom can you contact within your industry of choice?

Afterwards, target companies based on the answers. Then, contact managers within the department of interest, even if they are not currently hiring.

"Personally, I'd prefer to interview someone who went out of his or her way to call me directly over someone who found a posting on some stale job board," Scoleri says. This is where socializing begins and networks are developed.

LinkedIn.com has become one of the most respected online networking tools for professionals. Complete a profile on LinkedIn.com and get one step closer to creating a powerful online network. It takes, on average, 65 contacts to create a network large enough to result in substantial and meaningful findings on LinkedIn.com, says Victoria Snabon-Heath, Career Services director at The Art Institute of Tampa. Snabon-Heath urges job-seekers to set themselves apart from the load of resumes that inundate companies on a daily basis. "Go social. Begin utilizing virtual, social marketing techniques in addition to your online job search," she says.

Snabon-Heath says it's important that students, recent graduates and the unemployed extend themselves by joining and volunteering with professional organizations in their field of focus. Attend a monthly professional organization meeting such as the local American Advertising Federation meeting, if advertising is your profession. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

"Students have participated in monthly social mixers in order to meet the hiring managers and directors who may be too busy during the workweek to respond to e-mails and phone calls from eager prospective hires," Snabon-Heath says. "Put yourself out there. It's who you know that can help get you in the door and what you know that keeps you there."

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(ARA) - When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, many of her most important questions can't be answered by a doctor. What if my insurance won't cover a new treatment? Do I risk losing my benefits if I am not working full time? Will my boss let me take time off for treatment?

To help women answer these questions, the American Bar Association, and state and local bar associations across the country sponsor breast cancer legal advocacy workshops. This landmark project features panels of local legal experts who train other attorneys on how to represent breast cancer patients facing legal challenges related to their illness.

One Indianapolis expert on the Family and Medical Leave Act explains that when it comes to breast cancer, the No. 1 legal issue is not the denial of insurance coverage, but in fact, continuation of employment.

Many breast cancer patients face employment discrimination due to misconceptions about the disease and a lack of empathy and understanding of cancer. However, both federal and state laws protect against unlawful employment actions.

Legal professionals can help patients understand the complex health care provisions of insurance coverage that are often difficult to understand and can fight for patients' employment rights. Women with breast cancer should work with legal advocates and know that lawyers stand ready to be partners in the fight against breast cancer.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, underscoring the need for more legal advocacy workshops and more partnerships between doctors, lawyers and patients.

The American Bar Association's Breast Cancer Legal Advocacy Workshop Toolkit offers advice and aid for lawyers wishing to help patients navigate their situation and provides a blueprint for attorneys to use for developing training programs to educate other advocates.  Here is a sample of the advice the toolkit offers anyone facing breast cancer:

Ten steps to protecting the legal rights of breast cancer patients:

1. Read your health insurance policy carefully.
2. Determine if the treatment prescribed by your physician is covered by your policy.
3. Find out about the appeals process under your insurance policy.
4. Consult with an expert who is knowledgeable about health insurance law.
5. Plead your case in person to your insurance carrier.
6. Personalize your written case with your insurance company.
7. Obtain copies of your medical records.
8. Document everything.
9. Ask your physician to advocate for your treatment.
10. Be prepared to fight.

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