Health Insurance: How Recent Health Care Reform Influences Premiums and Coverage

January 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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With the recent health care enactment, the U.S. government has added a new entitlement program to provide insurance coverage to some 40 million previously uninsured U.S. residents. The recent health reform apparently makes it easier for people with pre-existing conditions to buy insurance. The health insurance industry can longer deny coverage if a patient was already suffering from diabetes, heart problems, or even some form of cancer.

The health care law includes strict provisions and penalties for small, medium, and large business owners who do not contribute towards health care premiums for their employees and all individuals residing in U.S. are required to purchase health insurance or face stiff penalties including denial of federal tax refunds from the IRS.

Among other provisions of health care law is the possibility that individuals as old as 26 can stay on their parent’s insurance policies still they find a job and have their own separate health insurance.

The congressional budget office has estimated that health care reform might be beneficial since a larger percentage of population will enjoy health insurance coverage and it will also save some citizens money since the risk will be spread by mandating that younger healthier citizens to buy health insurance. In addition, by further raising the premiums on higher income citizens and using those revenues to cover people of all age groups, a more equitable health benefit system may be instituted.

It is very important to shop for insurance policies and compare insurance quotes to see which ones suit the most for an individual or a family. If there is anticipation that there will be frequent illnesses and doctor visits, then a low deductible with higher premiums may be desirable. If the doctor visits are to be few and far between, then it is advisable to just purchase a bare bones policy with medium to high deductible and a low monthly premium. Monthly premiums should not exceed 1/10 to 1/8 of monthly salary.

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Your Aching Legs may be a Sign of a Serious Health Problem

January 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Dan was in his mid-50s. When his legs started cramping when he pushed the lawn mower, he thought it was probably age and old sports injuries creeping up on him. But over the next few months the problem got worse. It started affecting his ability to work and do normal activities.

Dan’s wife Sherrie made an appointment for him to see a family doctor. He was given a full evaluation, and blood was taken for testing. The doctor shared the results and the news wasn’t good.

A lifelong smoker, Dan had the typical health problems that came with the habit: high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and low blood oxygen. The leg pain was most likely caused by plaque buildup in the blood vessels of his legs, a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD). This condition is directly related to smoking, having high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol.

Dan was prescribed medication for the high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He was advised to quit smoking. He was referred to a vascular specialist for further evaluation of his legs.

The vascular specialist confirmed that Dan had PAD. That’s what caused the sharp pain during exertion. Dan had been straining to push the lawn mower and not enough blood was getting to the muscles in his calves.

The vascular specialist told Dan they were fighting a tough condition. The first thing they could do was to have Dan completely change his lifestyle and take his medications, and see if the PAD improved.

The next option was to have angioplasty and stenting in the obstructed areas. If Dan didn’t change his lifestyle and take his medicine as directed, the condition would worsen, even with the stent.

The next treatment would be to either use a minimally invasive method or an open surgical approach to cut the plaque out of the leg arteries. A more extreme treatment would be to do an artery bypass in his legs.

 

 

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Hospitalists: A New Kind of Doctor

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Times, they are a changing,’ says Bob Dylan, and how true it is in regards to the hospital industry.

In years past, a family doctor would coordinate care when one of their patients was admitted to the hospital. They would visit the patient, assess their condition, order tests, prescribe medication and treatments and communicate with nurses about the patient’s status. The doctor would consult with specialists as needed, and when the patient was better, they would sign the discharge papers and schedule a follow up visit with their office.

A new type of doctor called a hospitalist now often performs these duties. There are many advantages for everyone with this new arrangement. But first, patients have to understand that their regular doctor won’t be involved in their care during their hospitalization. Patients also have to put their trust into a hospital-based physician or a team of such.

Ideally, hospitalists actually can be more effective than the family doctor who is straddling hospital rounds with their office practice. Here’s why:

• The latest crop of hospitalists actually majored in their field. They are trained how a hospital works in terms of processes, schedules, staffing, control mechanisms and process improvement initiatives. In addition, they are proficient with all the latest technology found at modern healthcare facilities. This enables them to be part of the system rather than an occasional user as in the case of the family doctor.

• Hospitalists work only at the hospital. They report every day to that hospital, attend medical staff and management meetings and know all the players. They are well known within the hospital and are embedded in its culture and political structure. This gives them leverage and influence when they need it.

• A team of hospitalists covers a 24/7 schedule, so one of them is always immediately available night and day when hospitalized patients need them.

• Upon discharge, you go back to seeing your family physician.

 

 

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Hospitalization Initiation

January 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you’ve never had to be hospitalized, you’re very fortunate. But in case you ever end up in a hospital there are some things you should know.

• You’ll lose track of time. Even if there’s a clock on the wall, time will be different. There’s a lot of waiting – for someone to respond to your call light; to find out your test results; for the doctor to visit and tell you what’s going on with your condition; for someone to bring your meal – or not being able to eat until you get test results back.

• You won’t get to rest. Hospitals are noisy, busy places. If you’re wealthy, influential or just plain lucky, you might get a private room. If not, you’ll end up sharing a room. So you’ll hear the person in the next bed coughing, groaning, snoring, visiting with family and friends, talking on the phone or watching TV. Hospital staff will dart in and out constantly to check vital signs, administer medicine, ask questions, and take samples. You’ll hear beeping and buzzing, footsteps and carts being rolled down the hall. This goes on day and night.

• You won’t have any privacy. First of all, you’re in that hospital gown that doesn’t cover your backside. Dozens of hospital workers will find it necessary to be in your room. They’ll empty the trash and clean the bathroom, change your bed sheets, take blood samples. They’ll wheel you away for an X-ray or procedure, then bring you back. They’ll make you get up and sit in a chair or take a walk around the unit.

• Things usually run late. For a number of valid reasons, schedules usually run behind at hospitals. Tests and procedures are delayed, physicians don’t stop by when you’re expecting them to, and your discharge papers won’t be signed quickly. If you’re told you’ll be leaving that morning, don’t expect to get out until that evening.

 

 

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A Healthy Grocery List

December 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentWhen living a healthy lifestyle, it starts at the grocery store. When you purchase healthy foods and skip the junk food, there is no junk food in the house to temp you or your family. A healthy grocery list will include items to create well-rounded, nutritional meals for you and your family.

Fruits & Veggies
Fruits and veggies are the healthiest food you can put into your body because there are chock full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but they do not have tons of calories and fat. Every person should have at least five services of veggies a day, so they should be the majority of your grocery list. Purchase a variety of different fruits and veggies so there is something for everyone.

Meat, Fish, & Poultry
Protein is very important in a healthy diet, helping to keep a person feeling fuller for a longer period of time, thus eliminating the cravings for snacks. Dinner items should mostly consist of fish, chicken, and lean meats. Don’t forget to put eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds on your healthy grocery list. Both fresh and frozen meats and fish are great options.

Breads & Cereals
Choose 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals, and pasta whenever possible as they contain the necessary amounts of fiber and vitamins and minerals. White bread, white flour, and other refined flours are not good for your body and are not nutritious.

Drinks
Water should be the first thing you reach for when looking for a drink. Experts recommend 8 – 10 glasses of water a day. A little bit of juice, low-fat milk, or herbal tea is also fine. Avoid soft drinks, but if you must indulge in one, choose a diet soda.

Condiments
You may be surprised at how much sugar and fat is in some of the most commonly used condiments, such as ketchup and mayonnaise. Instead, use low-fat mayo, olive oil, or canola oil for your cooking and condiment needs.

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Healthy Living Tips for Winter

December 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentSome people love the winter, others despise it. No matter if you are the type to get out in the snow with the kids and have snowball fights, or sit by the fire with a good book, everyone can use some healthy living tips for winter. Here are some tips on how to stay healthy during the colder months.

Cold & Flu
The number one enemy during the winter is illness. When the chilly weather rolls in, colds and flues are not far behind. Did you know that there are more than 100 different cold viruses?

Having good eating and exercising schedules will keep your body healthy and resistant to illnesses. Keep the humidity up, but the heat down in your home to ensure the microscopic viruses can’t penetrate cracked and chapped skin in your nose and throat. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and avoid close contact with others that have a cold or the flu. It is also important to get plenty of rest. Don’t forget to get your yearly flu shot.

Exercise
When bad weather ruins your plans for outdoor activities, take advantage of ways to burn calories inside. If your budget allows, purchase an exercise video that you can follow in your living room. Or, if you have a large amount of money available, think about purchasing some exercise equipment, like a treadmill or elliptical machine. Better yet, turn to cable and watch exercise shows on the fitness channel or choose a workout from the On Demand menu.

Keep Eating Fruits and Veggies
Cool, sweet fruit really hits the spot on a hot summer day and it’s so easy to snack on veggies and dip during the warmer months. Be sure to carry your healthy eating habits into the winter too. Fruit and veggies are just as good when eaten inside your house during the winter, as it is to eat them outside during the summer.

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Keep a Daily Diabetic Journal

December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentIF you have diabetes, it might feel like food and blood glucose levels rule the world. Whether you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, it is important to follow a healthy diet low in sugar and carbohydrates. It is also important to keep track of your glucose levels by testing your blood several times a day. To help you control your diabetes and to easily provide your diet and sugar levels to your doctor, keep a daily diabetic journal.

It is as simple as purchasing a small notebook that can fit into your pocket or purse. Keep a pen clipped onto the pages as a place holder, as well as to ensure you always have a writing implement readily available to add information to your daily diabetic journal.

Write the date at the top of the page. Then write down everything that you eat at each meal. You may want to include nutritional information or points for each food that you eat. This way, you will know how many calories, carbohydrates, and sugars you’ve eaten so far in the day, and how many are remaining for the rest of the day. If you are unsure of the diabetic diet, visit a nutritionist.

You will also want to write down each time that you test your blood sugar, as well as the results of the blood test. This will help you see how what you eat affects your blood glucose levels. It also helps the doctor to analyze your diet and your glucose numbers to make sure your medications are working correctly.

For those that may want a little more style, go ahead and purchase a fancy planner or binder to use as your daily diabetic journal. Those that are creative can create a daily diet template with Microsoft Word or other similar computer program. Make a bunch of copies and place them into your fancy journal planner.

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5 Fun Ways to Increase Your Lifespan

December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Most people want to live as long as they possibly can, as healthy as they can. Why not find some fun ways to increase your lifespan. After all, living healthy doesn’t have to be all about strict diet and long hours of exercise. Here are 5 fun ways to increase your lifespan:

1. Eat Dark Chocolate
Eating chocolate will not only make you feel happier, but dark chocolate contains large amounts of antioxidants, which prevents the body from aging. It is also reported that eating a small bit of dark chocolate a day may lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure, all while providing an energy boost.

2. Play Brain Games
No matter how old you are, exercising your brain is just as important as exercising your body. Playing brain games and puzzles will keep your mind sharp in a fun way. It is also a great way to socialize with others and to be involved in the world.

3. Have More Sex
When we have sex, a variety of beneficial chemicals are released into the body. Some experts say that frequent sex can extend our life by years. Sex and touching is also a great way to bond with others, increase self-worth, and strengthen relationships.

4. Drink Red Wine
Antioxidants work to protect your body against aging and red wine is jam packed with it. There have been a few studies done on the effects of drinking red wine and all studies show that drinking a glass or two of red wine will keep your body young, thus you may live longer.

5. Play
Humans need to exercise to stay healthy, but who said it can’t be fun exercise. Instead of walking on a treadmill or climbing stairs at the gym, take the kids outside for a good old fashioned game of chase or tag. Get the neighborhood together and play baseball or kickball.

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What is Hypothermia?

December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentHypothermia is the condition that describes a reduction in body temperature, which can be fatal if left untreated. There are three stages of hypothermia, from mild to life threatening. Hypothermia can cause organ failure because the body is too cold to run properly.

Stage 1 Hypothermia
When a person’s body temperature drops between one and three degrees from the normal average of 98.6 F (37 C), they are in the first stage of hypothermia. Many people have experienced this condition, with symptoms of mild shivering, goose bumps, and numb hands. A good example is when children are swimming in a cold pool, and they start to shiver and their lips turn blue, but they don’t want to get out! To return the body to it’s normal temperature, get out of the cold and elements and warm up with blankets.

Stage 2 Hypothermia
When a body temperature drops to as low as 91.4 F (35-33 C), this is considered as stage 2 hypothermia and is dangerous. Symptoms include confusion, arm and leg numbness, blue lips, hands, and feet. A person with stage 2 hypothermia may also have trouble moving their muscles properly. Shivering is the body’s way of generating heat, so a person with hypothermia will begin to shiver and shake a lot more than just an average chill.

Stage 3 Hypothermia
This stage of hypothermia is characterized by a body temperature of 90 F (32.22 C) or lower and is fatal if not treated. Shivering may subside, but the hypothermic person will have difficulty moving and will be very confused. The heart beats faster and organs will begin to fail if not treated. The hospital will treat patients with hypothermia by wrapping them in warm blankets and they may use warm intravenous fluid to help improve circulation and warm up the organs.

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How to Notice Kidney Stones, and What to do

November 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Kidney stones are a health problem that effect many people. Kidney stones are solid masses, generally of calcium, that are in the kidneys. Generally, these are signaled by pain in the side, near the back, or in the belly area. This pain has also been known to move to the groin area. If there is blood in the urine or an abnormal urine color, these can be indications of kidney stones, as well. Kidney stones have been around for centuries. In fact, there has been evidence of kidney stones in ancient Egyptian mummies.

The cause of kidney stones is not always known. If you have a family history of kidney stones, you may be more susceptible to them. There are also some foods that can contribute to kidney stones, if you are already prone to them. For example, spinach and beets have been shown to have high levels of oxalate, which can contribute to kidney stones.

Kidney stones are generally almost symptomless. In fact, the first symptom to be noticed is generally an extreme pain in the kidney area. Passing as stone, which means urinating it out of your system, can be excruciatingly painful. At times, the stones may be too large to pass, and therefore surgery may be required. One of the best ways to help prevent kidney stones, as well as help treat them once they are found, is to drink lots of water. This helps flush the system. It used to be said that you should stay away from high calcium foods, since most kidney stones are made of calcium. Recently, though, it has been found that eating items high in calcium can actually help prevent stones in the first place.

If you have a personal or family history of kidney stones, you will want to let your doctor know. Changing a few things in your lifestyle, such as drinking more water, can help keep you healthy, and out of surgery.

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