Edited Persuasive Speech: Why X-Rays Are Not Dangerous

Monroe's Motivated Sequence: The Benefits Of X-rays Specific purpose: My specific purpose is to inform you of the benefits of x-rays. Audience outcome: I want my audience to feel less anxious about getting x-rays Attention getter: Is everything hazardous to your health? Psychological orientation: It can certainly seem that way if you watch the local news or read scary stories on the Internet. X-rays are yet another one of the benefits of science that many people fear because of the radiation X-ways can release.

Logical orientation: But you should be far more afraid of the risks of not getting X-rays when you need to have them as a result of a medical condition or to receive potentially beneficial screening. The ability of X-rays to pass through human tissue can be of great positive benefit whether you have a problem with a tooth, a broken bone, or any number of health-related needs. The risks of X-rays have been considerably overstated by those who fear the technology.

So long as they are not used in excess and proper precautions are taken, there is nothing to fear (Attwood 1999). Body Transition: One antidote to this fear is knowledge: it is helpful and necessary to understand precisely what X-rays are. Need step: Now I will address the need to understand x-rays a. According to Mettler (2005) because X-rays have a long wavelength as compared to light, they are able to painlessly pass through human tissue. b. Once the X-rays pass through the patient they are then collected on a computer-imaging sensor.

c. X-ways exhibit what is called a 'shadow gram' in which less dense soft tissue is contrasted with bone. X-rays can pass through soft tissues more easily than hard tissues (Mettler 2005). d. This creates the classic black-and-white photographic appearance. e. X-ray machines consist of X-ray ray tubes, lead shielding, and photographic plates to minimize risk.

The X-ray tube is like a giant bulb that uses high voltage electricity; lead shielding is designed to direct the X- rays to the specific sections of the body being examined and prevent exposure to other areas. f. The photographic plate captures images by the X-rays and the machine is as a whole is connected to a computer to allow a digital image to be produced. Sometimes the patient may be required to undergo more than one X-ray from a different angle. g.

X-rays can be used to detect breast cancer (through a procedure known as mammography); lung infections; bone fractures; infections; blocked vessels; enlarged hearts; bone cancer; fractures; dental decay; arthritis; osteoporosis; even foreign bodies and digestive issues. The information provided by X-rays can be potentially life-saving. Transition: Now you understand how X-rays are done so they seem less frightening. Satisfaction step: Now I will satisfy your curiosity about the alleged risks of x-rays a.

Although radiation is released by X-rays, according to Goldstone (2008), when used as a part of modern diagnostic procedures, the effects are very minimal. b. The radiation released in an X-ray of the abdomen, skull, arms, pelvic region, knees or shoulder is equivalent to less than a year's worth of radiation exposure to natural sources (Goldstone 2008). c.

The Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry found that the amount of radiation that will reach the reproductive organs during a full examination of a dental X-ray is no more than .00009 of one roentgen. It would take 2,000 dental x-rays of successive to produce damage to the reproductive organs, yet a full X-ray survey is made up of only 14-18 exposures. Thus the carcinogenic potential is minimal and must be weighed against the very real risks of not getting the procedure. d.

True, for some patient populations, such as pregnant women, an abundance of caution may be needed. But the fact that some physicians exercise additional precautions in certain instances has caused some people to needlessly assume that there is a very high risk. e. Also, in some instances, the injection of a contrast medium can cause side effects like nausea; a feeling of warmth or flushing; lightheadedness; a metallic taste in the mouth; hives; or itchy skin. But once again, this does not mean that the procedure is dangerous. f.

The radiographers must undergo special training specifically designed to minimize risk when using X-ray machines, ultrasound scanners, and computerized tomography (CT) scanner. Transition: Hopefully, this has demonstrated how the benefits of X-rays often outweigh the risks. Visualization step: I hope.