Health Insurance: 2011

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Man's Health Supplements: Vital Role in Preventing & Reversing Many Challenges for Good Health

A man's good health is only achieved through a combination of mans health supplements, a healthy lifestyle, and good nutrition. In an age where a mans' health is judged by physical appearance, it's important to realize that it's 'what's on the inside' and what you're consuming that most men should be more concerned about.

Men's health or lack of health starts on the inside and works its way out. For example, here are some external, physical indicators that let you know all is not well on the inside; these include:

o White, gray or silver hair, varicose veins (which can be indicators of copper deficiency and an early warning signal for cardiovascular disease and stroke).

o Dry skin and cravings for fatty food (which can be sign of an essential fatty acid deficiency).

o Hair loss (can be a sign of a mineral deficiency such as tin).

o Age and liver spots (can indicate a selenium deficiency and mean that your body is under attack from 'free radicals' which damage cells - this can increase your risk of cancer and heart disease).

o Noisy, cracking, grinding joints and high blood pressure (can indicate a calcium and mineral deficiency) and are an early warning signal for arthritis and osteoporosis.

And being young and fit doesn't offer any protection unless you change your lifestyle, eat a healthy diet and use health supplements.

The good news is that the majority of a man's health problems can be prevented and in many cases reversed through simple and inexpensive health supplements like vitamins and minerals, and some changes to our lifestyle and diets.

For example, did you know that a compound called 'Lycopene' found in raw tomatoes can dramatically lower your risk of prostate cancer and a number of other cancers? And did you know that simply eating more omega 3 fatty acids (like those in fish oils and good health supplements) can help unclog your arteries and reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by more than 50%? And that essential fatty acids also make your skin look better and healthier? Did you know there are health supplements out there that can prevent and reverse arthritis and osteoporosis as well as managing your pain whilst rebuilding the bone structure?

In terms of general health, most scientists now agree that a multi-vitamin (and mineral) supplement is useful for the prevention of chronic disease. Recently, even the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published an article linking the inadequate intake of vitamins to chronic diseases.

Your aim should be to maximize your nutrient intake, minimize your loss of nutrients and totally reduce your intake of the things that are bad for you.

Here's a summary of the some of the major men's health challenges and which health supplements offer support:

o Prostate - Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men with over 80% of men over the age of 50 experiencing some form of prostate problem. For general prostate support, look for mans health supplements containing: zinc (also found in pumpkin seeds), essential fatty acids (Omegas 3, 6 & 9), Vitamin A, Vitamin C, amino acids; also unsweetened cranberry juice, selenium and herbs including Saw Palmetto. Recent studies on the nutrient Lycopene, found in tomatoes, show that it may reduce your risk of getting prostate cancer.

o Cancer - use a combination of the all the essential nutrients (minerals, vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids) and antioxidants like selenium and vitamin C and E. Tomatoes are rich in Lycopene and offer protection against many types of cancer - especially prostate cancer.

o High Cholesterol - High cholesterol itself does not cause any known diseases but deficiencies of cholesterol can lead to a number of diseases and health problems. To reduce cholesterol, eliminate bad fats from your diet and consume essential fatty acids (good fats). An EFA supplement, rich in Omega 3 oil, is particularly successful at reducing cholesterol. Antioxidant supplements (selenium and Vitamins A and C) and plant derived colloidal minerals are also useful.

o Fatigue - Man's health supplements should include all the essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids - ensuring that you have no nutritional deficiencies will help with fatigue. Health supplements with chromium and vanadium can help regulate low blood sugar which can make you feel tired.

o High Blood Pressure - Supplement with all the essential nutrients including the plant derived colloidal calcium and other minerals, liquid calcium, Coenzyme Q-10, essential fatty acids and lecithin. Herbs such as European Hawthorn also help men's health.

o Heart Disease - take in all of the essential nutrients, paying particular attention to a good source of essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, and/or fish oil), selenium and Vitamin E.

o Macular degeneration - Supplement with 90 essential nutrients including plant derived colloidal minerals, selenium, Vitamin E. Recent research indicates that the antioxidant Lutein - found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale - also has a role to play in reducing macular degeneration and improving eyesight.

o Weight Loss - Supplements play a key role as your regular dietary habits usually change if you are dieting. You need to take in all 90 essential nutrients to make sure your body is receiving all the nutrition it needs. Supplementing with plant derived colloidal minerals and supplements with extra chromium and vanadium can help control cravings.

Taking digestive enzymes before you eat will help your body absorb more nutrients.

Whey protein in the form of shakes and food nutrition bars with extra vitamins and minerals can be a good way of filling you up without carbohydrates and giving you the nutrition you need.

o Sportsmen - If you train or exercise frequently and you sweat then you need to supplement with a good liquid mineral and multivitamin product to replace everything you're sweating out. If you don't then you're setting yourself up for serious health problems such as heart disease, joint problems, low energy and chronic aches and pains. You have to replace all those vital minerals you are sweating out while exercise. According to the Center for Disease Control, over 100,000 men, women and children die every year (in the US alone) during and immediately after exercise. Almost without doubt because they never replaced all the minerals, trace minerals, electrolytes and vitamins lost through strenuous activity.

o Healthy Bones and Joints - Man's health supplements with calcium and other minerals (plant derived colloidal minerals and liquid calcium are best), vitamins and essential fatty acids (e.g. omega oils) are all important for the prevention and reversal of debilitating arthritis and osteoporosis. In other words, all 90 essential nutrients. Also health supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin and Cetyl Myristoleate, a recently discovered essential fatty acid compound that is scientifically proven to relieve pain & improve mobility - can help relieve your pain, reduce inflammation and assist with rebuild the bone and joint.

o Healthy Hair -Supplementing with zinc, copper and tin from a highly absorbable plant derived colloidal source can help some men with re-growth and return of hair colour.

o Healthy Skin - To maintain your skin in its best condition, use health supplements with vitamin A (as beta carotene), zinc (in colloidal minerals) and essential fatty acids. Taking digestive enzymes before you eat will help you absorb the nutrients your skin and whole body needs.

Lifestyle & Diet

The common sense rules apply - about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise every second day is adequate to keep you healthy and help keep your weight under control. As you grow older, include more weight-bearing exercises and tone down the hard aerobic workouts.

Plenty of fresh vegetables (about 5 servings per day) and fruit (about 2 to 3 servings per day - less than vegetables because of the sugar content of fruit), more protein and less refined carbohydrates (in the form of sugar, cakes, biscuits etc) and avoid fried foods and margarine. At least 8 - 10 glasses of fresh filtered water per day (more if you exercise and live in a hot/humid climate) will keep your liver and kidneys in great condition and help the body eliminate wastes and convert fat into energy.

Paul Newland is a health writer, sports training consultant and martial arts instructor and manages the Global-Longevity.com website. He is the author of numerous health information books and guides, including the Wellness Report, The Ultimate Antioxidant Report, The Selenium Report, The Bird Flu Report, The Ultimate Nutrient Guide and The Essential Fatty Acid Report and The Ultimate Sports Nutrition Guide - available Free (for a limited time) through Global-Longevity.com [http://global-longevity.com/catalog/wellness_report.php]

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Health Insurance A Necessity Of Life

Not everything in life goes smoothly or as we expect it to. That is why it is important that we should always be careful. Insurance of any kind is important to cover up for the uncertainties that may occur in future.

However the insurance that is most important to have is the health insurance as we can afford not to have the other insurances but the absence of health insurance can prove to be fatal not only for us but also for people around us as well.

There are different types of health insurance policies person who wants to get insured can choose the policy suits them the best. The two main types of policies are

1. Free - for - service insurance also known as indemnity insurance this is a traditional type of health insurance that pays the portion of each medical service you get like doctor's visit and hospital stays while you pay the remaining costs. Premiums are higher than the other policies.

2. Managed care plans also known as HMO's (health management organizations) or PPO's (preferred provider organization). In this case the health insurance company has a contract with doctors and hospitals to provide you service. In this type of health insurance you pay monthly premiums and a small amount per visit called co pay. You can use the advice of other doctors as well by paying a higher amount of co pay.

The best way to go in for the health insurance is through a broker. You can choose your broker depending upon your requirements. A broker can get you a good health insurance policy as well as give you information on several key features of the policy in general. Like:

o What is the monthly premium?

o Is the policy guaranteed renewable/non cancelable or just guaranteed renewable?

o Are premium rates based on age of attaining the policy or using the features of policy?

o Does the plan pay for catastrophic medical costs?

You can answers to all the questions and more if you take the help of the brokers in your health insurance policies.

The health insurance organizations offer you different deductibles with larger the deductible the lower the monthly installments. You can choose a deductible of 50% to 80%. It all depends on your conditions.

Individuals with pre existing conditions for example, they have a health problem before going in for health insurance find it difficult to get health insurance coverage. However depending on your state you can choose any of the following policies. They are: open enrollment, health insurance provability and accountability act (HIPAA), high risk pools or temporary coverage.

The borrowers can choose from the myriad of resources that deal in health insurance.

Life is uncertain that's why it is essential that we have insurances with us and every member of our family to live life with a reasonable amount of certainty. Also health insurance has plenty of features which help us in times that we feel a little vulnerable. So it is important that we go for a policy of health insurance.

Roland Gary Jones is associated with Advance Health Quotes.To find Health Insurance,Health Insurance plan,Affordable health insurance visit http://www.advancehealthquotes.com.

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Sound Advice To Lowering Your Health Insurance Premiums

With the high cost of daily living expenses sinking more and more people into a stage of financial distress a smart consumer needs to start looking for ways to save money or at the very least keep their current cash outflow at the lowest possible level. One area many people look at to cut costs is their insurance premiums whether it is auto, life, home or health insurance. A few simple steps can help to lower your total out of pocket costs associated with your current insurance provider. This article will focus on how to keep your health insurance premiums down.

First and foremost you should always make every attempt to stay healthy and in shape. It's inevitable that at some point in time your health insurance provider will institute a rate increase for your health insurance premiums. When this happens, you are under no obligation to keep them as your health insurance provider and are free to switch to another insurance company provided you can pass their requirements to receive health insurance form them. For that reason alone staying healthy is vitally important to your ability to find a cheaper insurance provider with the same or better health coverage amounts then what you currently have being offered.

Sadly, if you happen to be chronically sick or develop a disease you may have no choice but to stay with your current health insurance provider and accept their premium rate hike. In order to truly be able to enjoy reduced or low health insurance rates you must be healthy, in shape and not taking an excessive amount of medications in order to solve any health issues you may currently suffer form.

Fortunately, you have the ability to influence how healthy you want to be in order to retain health insurance at a lowered rate or premium. Many health experts advocate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Approximately 1/3 of your daily food intake should fall into this category and the resulting health benefits include lowering your risk of obtaining high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer and even diabetes. Other medical advice regarding your diet promotes taking vitamins and supplements as well as lowering your consumption of starchy carbohydrates like those found in bread and pasta. Combine this with a good solid exercise program that incorporates weight lifting and a cardiovascular workout and your well on your way to staying healthy and enjoying a lower out of pocket cost for your health insurance.

As we mentioned previously, the key to paying less for your health insurance is to stay as healthy as possible. Here are a few more tips that can help in that endeavor. If you don't smoke cigarettes then don't start and if you do smoke then make every attempt to quit. It's a common fact that cigarette smokers suffer more health problems and actually incur a higher cost for both health and life insurance. If you're diagnosed as being overweight, suffering from high cholesterol or hypertension (high blood pressure) then chances are good that you will have to pay a much higher premium for your health insurance coverage to your provider. In fact, in many cases your insurance premiums could get higher as a result of a family history riddled with chronic disease such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease.

As you can imagine health insurance can be costly if you're suffering from any health related problems. However, if you stay in shape and try to adhere to a healthy lifestyle then chances are good your insurance premiums will reflect your health conscious decisions in the form of a cheaper or lowered insurance premium.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Best-Free-Insurance-Quotes.com. He provides more health insurance advice to include ways to obtain cheaper health insurance rates [http://www.best-free-insurance-quotes.com/health-insurance.html] that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

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Taming the Cost of Health Care - How the Health Insurance Industry Fights High Costs

For many families, finding affordable health insurance is a task akin to the search for the Holy Grail. Depending on where in the country you live, a family health insurance plan can cost as much as $800-$1000 per month. Even when you split that cost between employee and employer, that's a major chunk of nearly anyone's monthly budget. And while it's popular to swear under your breath at the greed of the health insurance industry, a look at the cost of medical care is an eye-opening shock for many people. The expenses associated with a broken arm, for instance, can easily mount into several thousands of dollars.

The Health Industry has a stake in keeping people healthy.

The high cost of health insurance is the direct result of the high cost of medical care. It's a simple matter of economics. The more it costs to take care of each subscriber, the more the insurance companies have to charge all their subscribers. This cost/expense ratio is what has made most insurance companies embrace the idea of providing preventive care to their subscribers. It's a simple matter of business sense - healthy people don't cost the insurance companies a lot of money.

Accidents may be the first type of medical need that springs to mind when people consider buying health insurance, the major insurance companies all agree that accidents aren't the major cost drain on medical resources. That place is reserved for chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure. Because of this, it makes good business sense for major players in the insurance industry to encourage their subscribers to adopt preventive health strategies. That pays off in special benefits for health conscious consumers.

Preventive Health Benefits Help Keep Costs Low

Among the benefits that have become commonplace for major health insurance providers are routine physicals, medical screenings for all subscribers, discounts on health club and gym memberships, payment of dues for weight loss groups and lowered subscription fees for non-smokers.

Some health insurance companies and HMO's go even further in their preventive efforts. Because of the high risk of serious injury or fatality for infants in automobile accidents, Fallon Community Health Plan of Massachusetts has for years teamed with local organizations to provide free infant car seats to families with newborns. In the same spirit of prevention, many HMOs offer free stress management and stress reduction workshops to all subscribers because stress has been identified as a leading risk factor in nearly every major illness.

Seeking a Cure

The quest for affordable health care has also prompted health insurers and HMOs to help fun research and health initiatives all over the country. The industry underwrites millions of dollars of medical research annually in an effort to lower the costs of health care. Their dollars fund grants to enroll low income and other hard to insure populations, and to offer eye, dental and health care to inner city and poor rural populations. They estimate that routine preventive eye and dental care, as well as routine medical screenings and physicals can identify illnesses at early stages and prevent conditions and costs from escalating out of reach.

Get the Most from Your Health Insurance

You pay for it - you should certainly get the most possible benefit from your health plan. Here are some suggestions for ways that you can make your insurance plan work for you:

Join a gym.
Check the benefits that your HMO or health insurer offers. Chances are good that one of them is a discount good on membership at a local gym or health club. Get fit - it saves THEM money... but it saves YOUR life.

Lose weight.
Take advantage of nutritional counseling and memberships in weight loss support groups to get down to your ideal weight. Added bonus? Many insurance plans offer a lower tier cost for subscribers who are at healthy weights.

Quit smoking.
Non-smokers are another group that often enjoy lower insurance premiums. Many HMOs and health providers offer free smoking cessation programs to help you get smoke free and healthy.

Attend medical screenings and health fairs.
Many insurance providers sponsor 'wellness fairs' where you can have your blood pressure tested, get free medical screenings and learn about alternative medical techniques like massage therapy, acupuncture and yoga. Take advantage of special events to learn more and get healthy.
It may be popular to demonize the insurance industry, but today more than ever, these companies have a stake in keeping you healthy. Find out what your inusrance company has to offer you by visiting their web site, or calling customer service.

Deb Powers is a freelance writer and researcher who writes frequently about renewable energy and global warming. She has been an environmental activist since the 1970s, and continues to work toward a greener planet by highlighting advances in alternative energy sources, promoting Fair Trade causes and participating in local environmental activism.

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Colorado Health Insurance

Health insurance has become integral to the welfare measures in the state of Colorado. There are several companies that offer attractive deals on the Colorado health insurance products and these packages offer many benefits to their customers. The law protects citizens in ensuring proper distribution of insurance in Colorado. Health insurance policies must ensure that the customer is well informed about the plan, benefits and cost. In fact, the customers can check offers through a comparative chart, and lodge a complaint if necessary.

Colorado citizens can decide which type of health insurance is best suited for them. Since income levels decide the customer's decision, they can join managed health care plans that offer better protection against some diseases. For coverage of existing health problems, the customers can opt for health maintenance organization (HMO) plans where coverage begins immediately. On the other, the preferred provider organization (PPO) and indemnity plans cover pre-existing health problems after a period of six months. Depending on their requirement citizens can migrate from one plan to another.

Colorado health insurance offers health cover to all of its citizens irrespective of their age. The HMO and PPO plans mainly differ in areas of operations. The customers registered under the HMO must visit a primary doctor and later on referral only will he/she needs to visit a specialist. The PPO plan has no such restrictions and participating doctors can be contacted for treatment. The State of Colorado also offers special programs for those who cannot afford health insurance plans on their own. The state reimburses the healthcare provider under the Colorado Indigent Care Program for some of the care they extend to uninsured and underinsured people.

Colorado Health Insurance provides detailed information about Colorado health insurance, Colorado group health insurance, Colorado health insurance companies, Colorado health insurance plans, and more. Colorado Health Insurance is the sister site of Affordable Insurance Info.

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The Secrets of Good Health

Many behavioral scientists, researchers and doctors strongly believe that if we really want to be healthy, our body should be viewed holistically as an interacting system with mental, emotional and physical components. To obtain optimum health, there should be a perfect balance of structural, chemical and mental factors in the body—that is often regarded as the “Triad of Health”.

First, we need to understand that our body and mind are interrelated and correlated to form a single system. Events that occur within our mind are bound to affect our body and vice versa. So, when we talk about health we must be aware that health is a very complex and relative term. It is much more than just the physical health. According to The World Health Organization’s (WHO) new proposed definition, health is a dynamic state of complete physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity .

Various research findings, clinical studies and personal observations from different health care professionals confirm the complexity and cohesiveness of the human body. Much has already been written on this subject but there is a lot more to be explored, and we are still learning and finding more about how our mental and chemical health affects our physical health.

What Exactly Are “Triad Of Health” and “Balance In The Body”?

When a person falls ill or is not well, there is an imbalance of some or all of these factors. Surprisingly, this imbalance can occur anywhere in the body. Whenever an imbalance occurs it is bound to affect the health of the person, regardless of whether it is a ‘structural imbalance’ involving muscles and bones, ‘chemical imbalance’ involving diet and nutrition or ‘emotional imbalance’ related to stress, emotions or feelings.

In short, we can say that one or more of these factors might cause this imbalance, including poor diet, overwork, stress, hereditary characteristics, or emotional issues.

Therefore, if any physician or health care professional wishes to treat their patients completely, these factors need to be analyzed in detail. There needs to be “Balance In The Body” by focusing on all these three major systems. For more information on the subject, please take a minute and visit: www.balanceinthebody.com [http://www.balanceinthebody.com].

After a combined 50 years of experience treating celebrities, First Ladies and dignitaries, Madison Avenue doctors Todd and Sheldon Sinett have revealed their breakthrough strategies to Health and Wellness.

-From Balance In The Body.com

The Body is a Self-Maintaining and Self-Correcting Organism

No doubt, the body is an amazing self-maintaining and self-correcting organism. This is true as long as we keep it healthy and in balance. Unfortunately, we frequently fail to either recognize this importance or simply lack the necessary information on how to achieve health and balance, naturally. In addition, the Western system of allopathic treatment is based on the germ theory of disease—the idea that disease is caused by something that invades the body and causes it to become sick. This is an “outside in” approach. If this were true then when one member of a family, household or office gets sick then everyone around them would too. Inside this germ theory, Western medicine looks to treat the disease by suppressing the symptoms. Generally, this is achieved through the use of chemicals. These chemicals, while alleviating the symptoms, fail to address what is causing the problem. The Western theory falls well short of reaching anything related to true health. At best it works as a temporary system to suppress symptom and pain. At worst it can contribute to other problems by not addressing the actual source.

Natural strategies that are easy to follow, highly effective and affordable have been successful in restoring, maintaining, and enhancing health. The body has the ability to self heal and self regulate so long as there is no interference and the body is in balance.

Who’s in charge?

The nervous system is the master controller of the body. It’s role is to control and coordinate all body function. Every organ, tissue, muscle and cell is directly under the control of the brain and spinal cord. This system is often overlooked as a possible cause for health problems. In fact this is many times the source of “dis-ease”. Anything that causes stress to the nervous system is bad and anything that relieves that stress is good. The Doctor of Chiropractic is the only health care specialist who focuses their attention on locating and removing nerve interference (also known as “Vertebral Subluxation”). Stress (physical, chemical or emotional) is the primary causes of vertebral subluxation and interference to the nervous system, which ultimately controls the body’s ability to self heal.

Is There Any End To Our Recurring Health Problems?

Believe it or not, there seems to be no end to our health problems until we recognize the importance of “Balance in the Body”. We need to view our body as a temple, where different processes are going on naturally for our betterment—mental, physical as well as chemical well being. We should respect our bodies, and therefore should sustain them and allow it to perform its processes as naturally as we can.

So, “balance” is the keyword here, whether it is a ‘balance in the body’ or ‘balance’ between the Eastern and Western philosophies of treatment. Each treatment style and practice has its own importance and area of operation i.e. when and where to apply them to reap the true benefits. For example, when we become ill, we can look to Western medicine to control and alleviate symptoms with chemicals, but in order to truly heal we need to reclaim that balanced state that is our birthright. Perhaps, no treatment style can work in a complete isolation, so we need to find a middle path.

Therefore, rather than viewing disease as something that attacks the body, the true healing arts see it as a manifestation of imbalances that reduces our resistance against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic organisms that can cause uncomfortable symptoms.

Actually, chiropractic care is based on the scientific fact that our nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system of our body. And, our nervous system consists of our brain, spinal cord, and and extremely complex network of nerves. So, instead of just offering our patients a single option for care we have combined the best of several independent specialties to create a more effective way of treating health problems especially the pain.

Unlike other doctors and health care professionals, we treat the body as a whole, viewed as both a series of organs and nerves, as well as a complex communications center for conditions affecting your body. The result has been that we can offer our patients a greater chance of getting out of any type of pain, fight various mental as well as physical problems to stay healthier and happier, forever.

At Midtown Chiropractic Health and Wellness we offer state of the art therapy to our patients including Applied Kinesiology, Chiropractic manipulations, rehabilitation, nutritional analysis, and physical therapy modalities. And, we can treat the following conditions: back pain, neck pain, fatigue—musculo-sketetal injuries and/or problems, general conditions, head aches and most importantly we can also help if you are not functioning at your peak level. We have taken the best that physical medicine has to offer and combined it with physical therapy, exercise, and chiropractic care. For more details, please visit: www.midtownchiro.com.

After a combined 50 years of experience treating celebrities, first ladies and dignitaries, Madison Avenue doctors Todd and Sheldon Sinett at last reveal their breakthrough strategies to Health and Wellness in their new internet newsletter, [http://www.balanceinthebody.com]

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GIRL POWER! Is Good Mental Health

GIRL POWER! is paving the way for girls to build confidence, competence, and pride in themselves, in other words, enhancing girls' mental wellness. Girl Power! is also providing messages and materials to girls about the risks and consequences associated with substance abuse and with potential mental health concerns. For instance, did you know:

Girls are seven times more likely than boys to be depressed and twice as likely to attempt suicide.*

Girls are three times more likely than boys to have a negative body image (often reflected in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia).*

One in five girls in the U.S. between the ages of 12 and 17 drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes.*

Girls who develop positive interpersonal and social skills decrease their risk of substance abuse.*

Girls who have an interest and ability in areas such as academics, the arts, sports, and community activities are more likely to develop confidence and may be less likely to use drugs.*

On the other hand, this also is a time when girls may make decisions to try risky behaviors, including drinking, smoking, and using drugs.*

The Girl Power! Campaign, under the leadership of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is collaborating with the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) to provide this valuable mental health information.

* Girl Power! Hometown Media Kit, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, 1997.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Results from a study of nearly 6,000 people aged 15 to 24 show that among young people with a history of both a mental disorder and an addictive disorder, the mental disorder is usually reported to have occurred first. The onset of mental health problems may occur about 5 to 10 years before the substance abuse disorders.**

This provides a "window of opportunity" for targeted substance abuse prevention interventions and needed mental health services.

** "National Comorbidity Survey," Ronald C. Kessler, Ph.D., et al., American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, June 1996.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health is how we think, feel, and act in order to face life's situations. It is how we look at ourselves, our lives, and the people we know and care about. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, evaluate our options, and make choices. Everyone has mental health.

A young girl's mental health affects her daily life and future. Schoolwork, relationships, and physical health can be affected by mental health. Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life. Caring for and protecting a child's mental health is a major part of helping that child grow to become the best she can be.

Girls' independence is usually encouraged in childhood, and their strengths nurtured. Most girls become emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy young adults. But sometimes, during the transition from childhood to adolescence, extra care is necessary, so that a girl's self-esteem and coping skills are not diminished. For more information on teen mental health, call 1-800-789-2647 and ask for the brochure: "You and Mental Health: What's the Deal?" (Order # CA-0002)

Nurturing Your Child's Mental Health

Parents and other caregivers are responsible for children's physical safety and emotional well-being. Parenting styles vary; there is no one right way to raise a child. Clear and consistent expectations for each child, by all caregivers, are important. Many good books are available in libraries or at bookstores on child development, constructive problem-solving, discipline styles, and other parenting skills. The following suggestions are not meant to be complete.

Do your best to provide a safe home and community for your child, as well as nutritious meals, regular health check-ups, immunizations, and exercise.

Be aware of stages in child development so you don't expect too much or too little from your child.

Encourage your child to express her feelings; respect those feelings. Let your child know that everyone experiences pain, fear, anger, and anxiety.

Try to learn the source of these feelings. Help your child express anger positively, without resorting to violence.

Promote mutual respect and trust. Keep your voice level down--even when you don't agree. Keep communication channels open.

Listen to your child. Use words and examples your child can understand. Encourage questions.

Provide comfort and assurance. Be honest. Focus on the positives. Express your willingness to talk about any subject.

Look at your own problem-solving and coping skills. Do you turn to alcohol or drugs? Are you setting a good example? Seek help if you are overwhelmed by your child's feelings or behaviors or if you are unable to control your own frustration or anger.

Encourage your child's talents and accept limitations.

Set goals based on the child's abilities and interests--not someone else's expectations. Celebrate accomplishments. Don't compare your child's abilities to those of other children; appreciate the uniqueness of your child. Spend time regularly with your child.

Foster your child's independence and self-worth.

Help your child deal with life's ups and downs. Show confidence in your child's ability to handle problems and tackle new experiences.

Discipline constructively, fairly, and consistently. (Discipline is a form of teaching, not physical punishment.) All children and families are different; learn what is effective for your child. Show approval for positive behaviors. Help your child learn from her mistakes.

Love unconditionally. Teach the value of apologies, cooperation, patience, forgiveness, and consideration for others. Do not expect to be perfect; parenting is a difficult job. Many good books are available in libraries or at bookstores on child development, constructive problem-solving, discipline styles, and other parenting skills.

Mental Health Problems Many children experience mental health problems that are real and painful and can be severe.

Mental health problems affect at least one in every five young people, at any given time. At least 1 in 10 children may have a serious emotional disturbance that severely disrupts his or her ability to function.

Tragically an estimated two-thirds of all young people with mental health problems are not getting the help they need. Mental health problems can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug abuse, family discord, violence, or even suicide.

A variety of signs may point to a possible mental health problem in a child or teenager. If you are concerned about a child or have any questions, seek help immediately. Talk to your doctor, a school counselor, or other mental health professionals who are trained to assess whether your child has a mental health problem. For a list of warning signs, call 1-800-789-2647 and ask for the brochure "Your Child's Mental Health: What Every Family Should Know. (Order # CA-0001)

Available HELP

The National Mental Health Information Center, funded by the Center for Mental Health Services, can provide confidential information; free publications; and referrals to local, State, and national resources.

Call 1-800-789-2647

FAX 240-747-5470

(TDD) 866-889-2647

With Much Love,

Arthur Buchanan

President/CEO

Out of Darkness & Into the Light

43 Oakwood Ave. Suite 1012

Huron Ohio, 44839

567-219-0994 (cell)

http://www.out-of-darkness.com

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Monday, July 18, 2011

When Your Health Insurance Plan Won't Pay

The very nature of managed care health insurance plans increases the likelihood of a legitimate health insurance claim being denied. Bear in mind that managed care (health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, and preferred provider organziations, or PPOs) exist for the purpose of controlling costs for the health insurance company. Many health care procedures, surgeries, durable medical equipment and drugs, particularly the more expensive ones, require prior authorization from the health insurance plan before the plan will pay. Claims are reviewed to determine "medical necessity" of the claim. Health care services or products deemed "not medically necessary" will almost certainly be denied for payment by the health insurance plan.

Health insurance companies do make mistakes, however, and it's certainly possible that a covered expense will be denied. What recourse does the health plan member have when one disagrees with the decision of the health plan? Here are some steps to take in dealing with a denial of payment.

1. Review the explanation of benefits (EOB) sent to you from the health insurance company. The EOB should state what services or goods were billed and briefly why benefits were denied.

2. Review your particular health insurance policy. What benefits does the health insurance policy state for the particular service or product? Should the claim be covered according to the policy?

3. Does the health plan have special criteria to be met in order for an particular expense to qualify as "medically necessary" and be considered a covered expense? For example, many managed care plans will cover drugs on their formulary. Other, nonformularly drugs may not be covered at all, or may be covered only if the formulary drugs have been tried and failed. An expensive MRI procedure may only be covered if certain symptoms are present. Check your policy to determine whether the expense qualifies as "medically necessary" by the health insurance company. Your health care provider must submit sufficent documentation to the health insurance plan to justify the need for the expense.

4. Is the health care provider "in-network" (contracted) with your health insurance plan? If not, does your managed care plan cover "out-of-network" (non-contracted) providers? Most HMO plans do not cover "out-of-network" providers; many PPOs will pay for services by "out-of-network" providers, but usually at at lower rate than paid to "in-network" providers.

If, after reviewing the health insurance policy and the EOB, you feel that the claim should have been a covered benefit by the insurance company, you should first request in writing that the insurance company provide you with the information that they used to base their denial of benefits. The health insurance company is required to provide you with this information on request. Review this information carefully. Many times the health insurance company was not provided with appropriate or sufficient documentation from the provider to justify the claim. If this is the case, contact the provider and request that they submit more medical records that support the claim for benefits. It may also be helpful for the provider to write a letter to support the claim in addition to the medical records. Your claim may be resolved in this manner.

All health insurance companies have a process in place by which plan members can appeal the decisions of the health insurance company. If providing further documentation does not resolve the dispute, then an appeal must be filed with the health insurance plan. Your provider may help you with this, and they may not. Read the member handbook and/or policy and follow the procedure for appealing the denial of the claim. Be prepared to submit more documentation to support your appeal. Keeping a record of all interactions with the insurance company is vital. Record all phone conversations and include the name of the person you spoke with, a brief summary of the conversation, and the date and time. File all correspondence sent and received, and have it readily accessible.

Bottom line is that health insurance plans are "for-profit" entities; in business to make money. They look for reasons not to pay. Indeed, their goal is to not pay, increasing their profits and keeping costs down for the members. It's up to you to ensure that legitimate claims for covered benefits are paid.

Ms. Lowe is a health care professional with 30+ years experience in the health care field. She holds a graduate degree in health care. She is also webmaster for Health-Infosource.com [http://www.health-infosource.com/health_insurance_hmo.html], a website dedicated to disseminating health information to consumers.

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Cutting Health Insurance Costs: Strategies for Today's Families

As the cost of health care increases, so does the strain on household budgets. A majority of today's families are barely getting by, and an increasing number of households are living with no health insurance at all. In fact, more than 46 million Americans now live uninsured--and that number increases by the year.

Health insurance is designed to protect you and your family from expense in case of accidents or illness. Doctor bills; hospitalization; medical tests and treatments; rehabilitation, and maternity/pediatric care...all fall within these bounds.

So what's a family to do if it needs health insurance protection but doesn't have much to spend?

Getting Cheap Health Insurance

The less likely you are to need health care, the less you'll pay for your health insurance coverage. Therefore, finding ways to reduce your claims risk increases your chances of getting the cheap health insurance rates you deserve.

If your family needs cheap health insurance and you're not sure how to get it, use these money-saving strategies to reduce your health insurance premiums:

Take care of your bodies. Get regular exercise; eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, and see your doctor for routine check-ups and health care advice. Don't drink or smoke.

If you do what's necessary to maintain your health, you'll reduce your health care costs in the long run--reducing, in turn, your health insurance costs.

Set your deductibles high. What is a deductible? It's simply the amount you have to pay on your medical bills before your health insurance kicks in and pays the rest.

According to experts, it's not uncommon for families to save up to 25 percent on health insurance premiums with a high deductible plan. The more responsibility you take for the cost of your medical care, the less responsibility your health insurance company has to carry--and the lower your health insurance rates will be.

Find a group policy. Group health insurance is always less expensive. This is because the financial risk to the health insurance company is spread amongst the entire group, instead of resting solely on you.

Look for group health insurance through your employer, or through community or professional organizations to which you belong.

Buy early.The younger you are when you purchase health insurance, the lower your premiums will be. This is because your risk of health-related issues increases as you get older.

Buying health insurance early on means your family saves on monthly premiums, as well as over the life of the policy.

Coordinate your coverages. If you and your spouse both work and have health insurance available, compare plans--and choose the best parts of each. Sharing expenses between more than one insurance plan makes things cheaper for both health insurance companies--and for you.

Your family's health insurance premiums don't have to eat into the household budget--or your bank account. Use these strategies to get cheap health insurance protection, and you'll be prepared for whatever comes your way.

About InsureMe
Penny Hagerman is a copywriter and insurance information expert with InsureMe in Englewood, Colorado. InsureMe links agents nationwide with consumers shopping for insurance. Specializing in auto, home, life, long-term care and health insurance quotes, the InsureMe network provides thousands of agents with insurance leads every year. For more information, visit http://www.InsureMe.com.

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Health and Medical Insurance - Comparing Managed Care Health Plans

Health insurance plans have been forced to take action to contain costs of quality health care delivery as health care costs have skyrocketed. Health insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays have steadily increased, and health insurance companies have implemented certain strategies for reducing health care costs. "Managed care" describes a group of stratgies aimed at reducing the costs of health care for health insurance companies.

There are two basic types of managed care plans; health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, and preferred provider organizations, or PPOs. So which health plan is best? How do you choose what type of health insurance best suits the health care needs of you and your family?

Both HMOs and PPOs contain costs by contracting with health providers for reduced rate on health care services for its' members, often as much as 60%. One important difference between HMOs and PPOs is that PPOs often will cover the costs of care when the provider is out of their network, but usually at a reduced rate. On the other hand, most HMOs offer no coverage for health care services for out-of-network providers.

Both HMO and PPOs also control health care costs by use of a gateway, or primary care provider (PCP). Health insurance plan members are assigned (or select) a primary care practitioner (physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner). usually a family practitioner or internal medicine doctor for adult members or a pediatrician or family care practitioner for childern. The primary care provider is responsible for coordianting health delivery for plan members. Care by specialist physicians require referral from the primary care provider. This cost containment strategy is intended to avoid duplication of services (for example, the cardiologist ordering tests that have already been done by the PCP, or a sprained ankle being referred to an orthopedic) and avoid unnecessary specialist referrals, tests and/or procedures.

HMO and PPO plans also contain costs by requiring prior approval, prior authorization, or pre-certification for many elective hospital admissions, surgeries, costly tests and imaging procedures, durable medical equipment and prescription drugs. When such services are required, the provider must submit a request to the health insurance plan review department, along with medical records that justify the service. The request is reviewed by the health insurance company to determine whether the services are justified as "medically necessary" according to the health plan policy and guidelines. Review is usually performed by licensed nurses, and, if the reviewer agrees that the service is necessary, approval is given and the service will be covered by the health insurance plan.

As health care costs continue to rise, many indemnity health insurance plans, or "fee for service" plans are being forced to adopt some managed care strategies in order to provide quality health care and keep health insurance premiums affordable. And as long as health care costs continue to rise, the distinctions among PPO, HMO, FFS and other health insurance plans will become blurred. Rest assured, however, that managed health care is here to stay.

Kay Lowe holds a Master's degree in health care and has 30+ years experience in the health care field. She is also webmaster for Health-Infosource.com [http://www.health-infosource.com/health_insurance.html], a website dedicated to disseminating health information.

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Heart Attack - Prevention is Better Than Cure and Heart Health Supplements Play a Big Role

Heart disease is the No.1 killer of men and women despite the advances in medicine. In fact some might argue that our advances in medicine have overshadowed common sense and may even be contributing to the mortality rate.

Heart health supplements and some important lifestyle changes offer promise for people in the prevention of heart disease and heart attack, and for the support of the heart and cardiovascular system if you have heart disease or have had a heart attack.

Essential fatty acid supplements along with correct nutrition and some lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease - so says the FDA following a recent petition from a number of health companies.

Heart disease and heart attacks are the result of a number of problems and understanding the causes makes you better equipped to put some prevention strategies in place.

Arteriosclerosis - Hardening of the Arteries

Hardening of the arteries can occur as the result of a mineral deficiency, particularly magnesium - which then causes calcium to build up on the walls of the arteries. This will usually occur in the major arteries - particularly the aorta and other major arteries of the heart.

Excess Vitamin D (more than 400IU - international units) in the diet should be avoided as an adult, as this is another cause of the calcium build up.

Symptoms include angina, headaches, loss of memory, breathlessness and leg cramps in the early stages.

If you have high cholesterol then the cholesterol may be deposited in the arteries and you eventually get a blockage. This will lead to a classic heart attack (myocardial infarction) when the blood supply to the heart is interrupted.

Diet and Lifestyle adjustments

If you have arteriosclerosis you should:

o Avoid fried foods, hydrogenated oils and margarine (the 'bad fats' - also see section on cholesterol).

o Have a high fibre diet low in animal fat.

o Exercise, as this can help improve the 'muscle tone' of your arteries.

o Reduce your stress level - this will help lower blood pressure and your heart rate.

Recommended Heart Health Supplements for Arteriosclerosis:

o Plant derived liquid minerals contain a broad spectrum of over 70 minerals involved in a healthy cardiovascular system.

o Heart health supplements should contain herbs such as Ginkgo, Hawthorn, Garlic and CoenzymeQ-10 - these have been known to help support the arteries, prevent the build up of deposits on the arterial wall and assist with blood flow.

o An essential fatty acid supplement containing omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil is the ideal heart health supplement. It works by making the blood less 'sticky' and help reduce cholesterol by raising HDL (good cholesterol) levels and lowering LDL (bad cholesterol).

o High quality multivitamins - should contain all of the nutrients mentioned above and additional antioxidant vitamins A, C and E

Cardiomyopathy Heart Disease

Cardiomyopathy (also called Keshan disease) is recognized by the World Health Organization as a Selenium deficiency disease. It occurs in a number of cystic fibrosis patients and diagnosis is made from an ECG and an x-ray or CAT scan showing an enlarged heart.

As the disease develops it causes severe fatigue and damage to the heart muscle. A heart transplant is one alternative offered by conventional medicine.

Known as "white muscle disease" in cattle, sheep and horses - this disease has been eliminated by the veterinary industry through simple and effective supplementation of selenium.

Compare that to a $250,000 US heart transplant operation!

Former world champion boxer Evander Holyfield was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy heart disease and banned from boxing for a year. His doctor put him on a supplement program including selenium and he was able to return to the sport...and the rest is history.

Recommended heart heath supplements for Cardiomyopathy Heart Disease:

o Plant derived colloidal minerals containing selenium.

o A good selenium supplement also high in Vitamins A, C & E - consult your health care professional regarding therapeutic dosage.

o Essential fatty acid supplements including omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil are important for blood flow.

o Current research indicates that heart health supplements with Coenzyme Q-10 may be of benefit to patients with Cardiomyopathy heart disease.

Heart Attack - Cardiovascular Disease

Every year over one and a half million people in the U.S. alone suffer a heart attack - and one in three die from them.

The heart picks up oxygenated blood from the lungs via the coronary arteries and then pumps it around the body.

If the blood flow through the coronary arteries is restricted either through a blood clot or a build up of cholesterol, then the blood flow to the heart can be cut off and if it isn't restored within a few minutes then the heart muscle can be damaged (if the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, then you have a stroke).

In this instance, prevention is crucial and heart health supplements and doing things which are good for your heart and cardiovascular system are very important.

Diet and Lifestyle Treatment

o Avoid fried foods and margarine - use butter and extra virgin olive oil on low heat when cooking.

o Have a high fibre diet low in animal fat.

o Exercise regularly as this can help improve the 'muscle tone' of your arteries - a 30-minute walk or a swim each day is enough.

o Reduce stress - research clearly shows that enzymes and hormones associated with stress will cause an increase in your heart rate and increased blood pressure - not good if you're at risk of a heart attack.

o Work closely with your health care professional

Recommended Heart Health Supplements for Cardiovascular Disease

o Supplementation with essential fatty acids containing fish oil is an absolute must. They keep the blood flowing by making it 'less sticky' and because they are "good fats" they assist with reducing cholesterol.

o Antioxidant supplements containing Selenium, Vitamin E and Vitamin C have a protective function for the heart.

o Heart health supplements containing Coenzyme Q-10, (which is produced naturally within the body) have the ability to improve and strengthen cardiac function and should also be considered.

o Digestive enzymes along with Plant Derived Minerals may be beneficial for many people with heart problems - particularly as we get over 40 - as this ensures that you are able to get adequate nutrients to assist you on the road to recovery.

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Cardiac Arrhythmias such as an irregular or very fast heart rate are very common and kill more people each year than heart attacks. In an emergency situation, the heart stops pumping blood and can be returned to normal function by 'shocking' the patient.

Food allergies, such as sensitivity to MSG, and deficiencies of the minerals and nutrients important for the contraction and relaxation of the heart are associated with this disease

Diet and Lifestyle Treatment

o Check to see if you have a food allergy to MSG, sugar etc and avoid the offending foods. Dr Wallach sometimes refers to this as the 'Chinese restaurant syndrome'.

Recommended Heart Health Supplements Cardiac Arrhythmia

o Plant Derived Minerals - supplementation with a good source of highly absorbable minerals including potassium, chromium, selenium and magnesium is important; plant derived minerals are 100% safe, 98% absorbable and contain over 70 different minerals in liquid form.

o Look for heart health supplements with Coenzyme Q-10 and B complex vitamins.

In summary, the terms heart attack and heart disease can encompass a number of different health challenges however there are some common factors involved in support through health supplements:

1. A small and regular amount of exercise and a lot of stress reduction is very important

2. Avoid fried foods, margarine and "bad fats" - check out the website below for free health reports on healthy eating, reducing cholesterol, heart health and more.

3. Heart health supplements which include essential fatty acids, plant derived colloidal minerals and antioxidants - particularly Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral Selenium - may offer promising results.

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It Is Your Right To Receive The Home Health Company Of Your Choice

There seems to be a common misconception in our country regarding the reception of home health services.

First of all, too many people needing home health are under the impression that if they are to receive home health services, they must accept the ongoing or company assigned to them by the discharging hospital or referring physician. This is not only a common myth, but it is also very illegal.

The fact is, if you are needing home health services, all you need is a physician's order for home health services to satisfy Medicare.

Many physicians are affiliated with rehabilitation companies or home health companies and try to lead you to believe you must take what they give you. Patients are many time too timid to ask for something different.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

When you receive an order for home health services, you can request a specific home health company. In fact, you can even request specific therapists, nurses, or any other facet of home health service or therapy that you like. The discharging hospital or referring physicians are obligated to accommodate your wishes, within reason.

Too many medical groups have created the impression that you have to take what they recommend. This is because many of them have some kind of vested interest in you receiving what they prescribe.

Some physicians have even told patients that if they didn't accept the home health company or therapist they specified, they would not write the order.

Again, this is illegal and Medicare would be very interested in finding out this information.

Moreover, Medicare is very interested in hospitals or physicians who are only looking after their own interests. Medicare would like to be contacted whenever a physician insists upon you using a certain home health company, rehabilitation group, or medical supply company.

This is called a conflict of interest and again, is very illegal. The reason for this is because many of the physicians referring these services, receive "kickbacks" in the form of financial amenities, or other bonuses. Many times, a physician doesn't own the company. However, they may own the building the home health company or rehabilitation company works from. When they refer patients for home health services or rehabilitation services, the company receives reimbursement from Medicare. In turn the physician will charge is company outrageous rent fees, and is able to collect by referring patients. This is an indirect form of receiving kickbacks, and again, is illegal.

How To Avoid Being Victimized

You must first be knowledgeable with Medicare laws and regulations. You must also inform your physician that you know the Medicare laws, regulations, and more importantly, your rights as a patient.

Never accept a home health company from your physician if you don't feel completely comfortable with their services. Even if you receive a referral to receive home health services from a specific company and find that you're not happy with this company, you have the right to change companies. Furthermore, if you find that the nurses or therapists are not to your liking, you can change nurses or therapists. Many home health companies display behavior that is not consistent with the best interest of the patient. The nurses or nurse liaison, or therapists, may be rude, money driven, or power-hungry, or all of the above. What you need to do is inform the home health company that you wish to change companies and that you are informing your physician of this information.

Next, contact your physician and request a different home health company, nurse, or therapist. Most of the time, your physician will be cooperative. However if you need to be more insistent, you can inform your physician or the referring nurse, that you are well aware of the Medicare laws and regulations. Let them know that you will indeed file a complaint regarding this matter if your wishes are not respected.

Filing A Complaint With Medicare

It is always a good idea to let the physician know that you are knowledgeable of your rights, along with Medicare rules and regulations. If your physician is stubborn, or resists your wishes, it is your right, and obligation, for other patients, to file a Medicare complaint.

To file a Medicare complaint all you need to do is go to the Medicare government web site and inform them of the complaint. You can also contact Medicare through a contact hotline on the telephone to communicate with them. The Medicare hotline is 1-800-447-8477. You can contact Medicare and get more information regarding home health care and your rights at via their website at http://www.medicare.gov/HHCompare/Home.asp

Remember, you not have to take the home health company that is assigned to you. It is your right to receive the home health company, the nurse, and the home health therapist of your choice. It is your right to change home health care companies if you are not completely satisfied.

William Riopelle, MS PT, is a senior physical therapist with over twelve years experience working with people in the area of Home Health. His popular website provides more information, in downloadable audio format, for family and care providers on Alzheimer's Disease: [http://www.audiomedicalscience.com]

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Sunday, July 17, 2011

Free Health Information: Ask the Medical Student and Receive Professional Information

Obtaining health advice that is worthy is hard to come by. As a medical student, I am surrounded by mountains of resources, professionals and experiences from which you can benefit. I cannot diagnose, treat or prescribe but I can give health information which can help you with your situation. All information that you give in the email is purely confidential and will be deleted upon receipt. No information will be published anywhere.

Why do we do provide a free health information service? Simply put -- because we care. I will have my doctorate in naturopathic medicine two years from now. I already have 3 years of intense medical training under my belt and that is after a B.Sc in Cell and Molecular Biology. I know that most people are completely bewildered with the health industry and are looking for ways to obtain health without spending a fortune and without the standard mechanistic medical protocol. Complementary and Alternative medicine is flourishing and it is due to results patients receive. Holistic medicine heals and restores health to numerous chronic health conditions that traditional medicine cannot touch.

Our medical philosophy: Remove the cause of illness, treat the underlying issue and support the individual's mind and body. This is how medicine should be practiced. Treating the symptoms only encourages the illness to penetrate deeper and cause further harm.

Some example health topics:

* Asthma

* Acne and other Skin Complaints

* Diabetes Type I and II

* Cardiovascular health

* Attention Deficit Disorder

* Losing Weight

* Depression

* Irritable Bowel Syndrome

* Diets

* Alternatives to Gall Bladder Removal

* Cell salts - which one?

* What should I eat?

* Digestive problems

* Chlorine issues

* Food allergies and sensitivities

This list is no way complete. Please write with any health question you have. All questions and responses are held strictly confidential to protect your privacy. I will respond with relevant health information, useful books, thoughts, product options and links. All health information given will contain references. If we do not know the answer, we will either refer you to a website or another useful source. I am not a substitute for a qualified physician.

For a sampling of my writing, you may view a number of my articles published here.

Take charge of your health. Education and being informed is the best way.

Benjamin Lynch has a BS degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Washington. Currently, he is obtaining his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. Visit Ben's natural health product store, HealthE Goods where one can use our free health information service [http://www.healthegoods.com/content/health_tips.htm] where one may ask specific health questions. We provide physician-grade non-prescription natural health products. Wholesale spa products are available to all that qualify. Do visit our Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Blog. We are here to help serve the public with proper health information and effective products.

Our email address is found on the Contact Us page of the HealthE Goods website.

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What Every Employer Should Know When They Can No Longer Offer Health Insurance Coverage

An astounding Seventy Percent (70%) of Small Businesses in America today do not provide health Insurance coverage for their employees. In most cases, it's not that they don't want to but because their business can no longer afford to provide such benefits. It is simply an effort to reduce the cost of the day-to-day business operation.

However, employers must consider if this cost reduction strategy is helping the medium to long term growth of their companies. If one would think about it, what is more costly? The premiums a company has to pay for group health insurance or the cost to lose a good employee to a competitor who offers health care benefits? Indeed there is a higher price on the down time, training costs, and lost sales or manufacturing. Fortunately it no longer has to be a choice of one or the other.

One solution for high cost of health insurance premiums is a non-insurance solution. Discount Health Care Plans. This alternative to health insurance only costs a fraction of what a traditional group insurance policy would. More importantly, it still meets the health care needs of a company's employees on a

discounted basis.

These programs are not insurance but rather medical savings programs. It's more like having a health care advocate by which medical bills of members are reduced before they even start. Employees still have to pay for their healthcare, but the employer gets the credit of giving them substantial savings on medical, dental, vision, hearing, pharmacy and many other types of necessary medical care. These programs can also be used to supplement existing insurance programs with high deductibles or policies that pay a flat fee for hospital stays or certain conditions.

Affordable health care becomes possible through group representation. Discount Health Care Plan providers carry enough clout to get prices reduced down to what insurance companies have enjoyed for years. In other words since they have enough participating members, they have superior buying power in order to negotiate discounts with providers of medical products and services. Some Discount Health Care Plans have been around for 23 years. These programs combine fully insured benefits to health care providers through group blanket policies that cover its members.

These Plans provide affordable health care coverage to its members by giving access to hundreds of thousands of doctors, dentists, specialists, labs, pharmacies and hospitals throughout the U.S. that have agreed to charge significantly reduced pre-negotiated rates for procedures that can be done. Healthy discounts of 30% to 70% off medical, dental, vision, hearing, prescription and chiropractic care. For the uninsured or under insured this often makes a world of difference in their ability to receive needed medical care. Acceptance is guaranteed, anybody young or old, regardless of pre-existing conditions can participate and some even covers maternity.

Several features of discount health care plans come as an advantage. There are no claims forms to fill-out, no limitations, no waiting periods or pre-existing conditions, no age restrictions, and with some you can become a member today and get healthcare treatment the day after. That's why testimonies of members like one below are not uncommon.

"To date, I've had the opportunity to utilize the discount health care services on numerous occasions and have always been pleased with the savings. Last February, I had a hospital bill that was $2900.00 and reduced to just $410.00. I had a pinched nerve in my shoulder and went to the chiropractor. The initial charge was $620.00, but I only paid $203.00. My chiropractic treatments also went from $62.00 to $40.00. At the dentist, my savings have been about 60%. My brother, who is also a member, has prescriptions that were $574.00 and through our mail order program are now $299.80. The best part was that it was easy to use. All I did was call the member's support phone number and they took care of everything." - Richard P., Dallas, TX

Membership fees are significantly lower than traditional health insurance. Membership fees can be anywhere from $8 per month for minimal benefits to $50 per month for the comprehensive packages. Furthermore, companies get up to 20% discount on membership fees when they enroll 25 members or more.

For employers who can no longer provide health insurance for their staff, these discount health care plans could just be the answer. A service that is in many ways similar, and some would argue, better than health insurance at only a fraction of the cost. Companies can still reduce their cost on insurance benefits

while gaining loyalty from their employees.

Abel Quitoriano is the webmaster of EZ-Entry-Medical-Dental-Benefits.com [http://www.ez-entry-medical-dental-benefits.com]. It is a free resoucrce on affordable health care [http://www.ez-entry-medical-dental-benefits.com] alternatives for the millions of people in America who do not have health insurance coverage. Either they cannot afford health insurance or they are not eligible due to pregnancy or pre-existing conditions.

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Which Health Insurance Plan Is Best for Me?

Health insurance has proven itself of great help and financial aid in certain cases when events turn out unexpectedly. In times when you are ill and when your health is in grave jeopardy and when finances seem to be incapable to sustain for your care, health insurance is here to the rescue. A good health insurance plan will definitely make things better for you.

Basically, there are two types of health insurance plans. Your first option is the indemnity plans, which includes the fee-for-services and the second is the managed care plans. The differences between these two include the choice offered by the providers, the amount of bills the policy holder has to pay and the services covered by the policy. As you can always hear there is no ultimate or best plan for anyone.

As you can see, there are some plans which may be way better than the others. Some may be good for you and your family's health and medical care needs. However, amidst the sweet health insurance plan terms presented, there are always certain drawbacks that you may come to consider. The key is, you will have to wisely weigh the benefits. Especially that not among these plans will pay for all the financial damages associated with your care.

The following are a brief description about the health insurance plans that might be fitting for you and your family's case.

Indemnity Plans

Flexible Spending Plans - These are the types of health insurance plans that are sponsored when you are working for a company, or any employer. These are the care plans inclusive in your employee benefit package. Some of the specific types of benefits included in this plan are the multiple options pre-tax conversion plan, medical plans plus flexible spending accounts, tax conversion plan, and employer credit cafeteria plans. You can always ask your employer of the benefits included in your health care/insurance plans.

Indemnity Health Plans - This type of health insurance plan allows you to choose your own health care providers. You are given the freedom to go to any doctor, medical institution, or other health care providers for a set monthly premium. The insurance plan will reimburse you and your health care provider according to the services rendered. Depending on the health insurance plan policy, there are those that offers limit on individual expenses, and when that expense is reached, the health insurance will cover for the remaining expenses in full. Sometimes, indemnity health insurance plans impose restrictions on services covered and may require prior authorization for hospital care and other expensive services.

Basic and Essential Health Plans - It provides a limited health insurance benefit at a considerably low insurance cost. In opting for this kind of health insurance plan, it is necessary that one should read the policy description giving special focus on covered services. There are plans which may not cover on some basic treatments, certain medical services such as chemotherapy, maternity care or certain prescriptions. Also, rates vary considerably since unlike other plans, premiums consider age, gender, health status, occupation, geographic location, and community rated.

Health Savings Accounts - You own and control the money in your HSA. This is the recent alternative to the old fashioned health insurance plans. These are savings product designed to offer policy holders different way to pay for their health care. This type of insurance plan allows the individual to pay for the current health expenses and also save for untoward future qualified medical and retiree health costs on a tax-free basis. With this health care plan, you decide on how your money is spent. You make all the decisions without relying on any third party or a health insurer. You decide on which investment will help your money grow. However, if you sign up for an HSA, High Deductible Health Plans are required in adjunct to this type of insurance plan.

High Deductible Health Plans - Also called Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage. It is an inexpensive health insurance plan which is enabled only after a high deductible is met of at least $1,000 for an individual expense and $2,000 for family-related medical expense.

Managed Care Options

Preferred Provider Organizations - This is charged in a fee-for-service basis. The involved health care providers are paid by the insurer on a negotiated fee and schedule. The cost of services are likely lower if the policy holder chooses an out-of-network provider ad generally required to pay the difference between what the provider charges and what the health insurance plan has to pay.

Point of Service - POS health insurance plans are one of the indemnity type options in which the primary health care providers usually make referrals to other providers within the plan. In the event the doctors make referrals which are out of the plan, that plan pays all or most of the bill. However, if you refer yourself to an outside provider, the service charges may also be covered by the plan but the individual may be required to pay the coinsurance.

Health Maintenance Organizations - It offers access to a network of physicians, health care institutions, health care providers, and a variety of health care facilities. You have the freedom to choose for your personal primary care doctor from a list which may be provided by the HMO and this chosen doctor may coordinate with all the other aspects of your health care. You may speak with your chosen primary doctor for further referrals to a specialist. Generally, you are paying fewer out-of-pocket fees with this type of health insurance plan. However, there are certain instances that you may be often charged of the fees or co-payment for services such as doctor visits or prescriptions.

Government-Sponsored Health Insurance

Indian Health Services - This is part of the Department of Health and Human Services Program offering all American Indians the medical assistance at HIS facilities. Also, HIS helps in paying the cost of the health care services utilized at non-HIS facilities.

Medicaid - This is a federal or s state public assistance program created in the year 1965. These are available for the people who may have insufficient resources to pay for the health care services or for private insurance policies. Medicaid is available in all states. Eligibility levels and coverage benefits may vary though.

Medicare - This is a health care program for people aging 65 and older, with certain disabilities that pays part of the cost associated with hospitalization, surgery, home health care, doctor's bills, and skilled nursing care.

Military Health Care - This type includes the TRICARE or the CHAMPUS (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services) and CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affair). The Department of Veterans Affair (VA) may also provide this service.

State Children's Health Insurance Program - This is available to children whose low-income parents were not able to qualify for the Medicaid.

State-Specific Plans - This type of plan is available for low income uninsured individuals.

There are many different types of insurance plans that you may have the prerogative to know about. By learning which health care insurance fits your situation, you can avail of the many options that will likely be of great assistance to you in times when you will need it most. Insurance costs have typically become one of the common draw backs in choosing for an insurance quote. However, weighing the benefits will really matter. Make sure that you always read the benefits, terms and conditions before landing to whichever type of health insurance you choose.

Read more beneficial health insurance articles to help you find the best health/ medical insurance that is good for you http://www.securitycares.blogspot.com/

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

11 Points For Mental Health Care Reform

Due to greater understanding of how many Americans live with mental illnesses and addiction disorders and how expensive the total healthcare expenditures are for this group, we have reached a critical tipping point when it comes to healthcare reform. We understand the importance of treating the healthcare needs of individuals with serious mental illnesses and responding to the behavioral healthcare needs of all Americans. This is creating a series of exciting opportunities for the behavioral health community and a series of unprecedented challenges mental-health organizations across the U.S. are determined to provide expertise and leadership that supports member organizations, federal agencies, states, health plans, and consumer groups in ensuring that the key issues facing persons with mental-health and substance use disorders are properly addressed and integrated into healthcare reform.

In anticipation of parity and mental healthcare reform legislation, the many national and community mental health organizations have been thinking, meeting and writing for well over a year. Their work continues and their outputs guide those organizations lobbying for government healthcare reform..

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY

1. Mental Health/Substance Use Health Provider Capacity Building: Community mental health and substance use treatment organizations, group practices, and individual clinicians will need to improve their ability to provide measurable, high-performing, prevention, early intervention, recovery and wellness oriented services and supports.

2. Person-Centered Healthcare Homes: There will be much greater demand for integrating mental health and substance use clinicians into primary care practices and primary care providers into mental health and substance use treatment organizations, using emerging and best practice clinical models and robust linkages between primary care and specialty behavioral healthcare.

3. Peer Counselors and Consumer Operated Services: We will see expansion of consumer-operated services and integration of peers into the mental health and substance use workforce and service array, underscoring the critical role these efforts play in supporting the recovery and wellness of persons with mental health and substance use disorders.

4. Mental Health Clinic Guidelines: The pace of development and dissemination of mental health and substance use clinical guidelines and clinical tools will increase with support from the new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and other research and implementation efforts. Of course, part of this initiative includes helping mental illness patients find a mental health clinic nearby.

MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

5. Medicaid Expansion and Health Insurance Exchanges: States will need to undertake major change processes to improve the quality and value of mental health and substance use services at parity as they redesign their Medicaid systems to prepare for expansion and design Health Insurance Exchanges. Provider organizations will need to be able to work with new Medicaid designs and contract with and bill services through the Exchanges.

6. Employer-Sponsored Health Plans and Parity: Employers and benefits managers will need to redefine how to use behavioral health services to address absenteeism and presenteeism and develop a more resilient and productive workforce. Provider organizations will need to tailor their service offerings to meet employer needs and work with their contracting and billing systems.

7. Accountable Care Organizations and Health Plan Redesign: Payers will encourage and in some cases mandate the development of new management structures that support healthcare reform including Accountable Care Organizations and health plan redesign, providing guidance on how mental health and substance use should be included to improve quality and better manage total healthcare expenditures. Provider organizations should take part in and become owners of ACOs that develop in their communities.

MENTAL HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE

8. Quality Improvement for Mental Healthcare: Organizations including the National Quality Forum will accelerate the development of a national quality improvement strategy that contains mental-health and substance use performance measures that will be used to improve delivery of mental-health and substance use services, patient health outcomes, and population health and manage costs. Provider organizations will need to develop the infrastructure to operate within this framework.

9. Health Information Technology: Federal and state HIT initiatives need to reflect the importance of mental-health and substance use services and include mental-health and substance use providers and data requirements in funding, design work, and infrastructure development. Provider organizations will need to be able to implement electronic health records and patient registries and connect these systems to community health information networks and health information exchanges.

10. Healthcare Payment Reform: Payers and health plans will need to design and implement new payment mechanisms including case rates and capitation that contain value-based purchasing and value-based insurance design strategies that are appropriate for persons with mental health and substance use disorders. Providers will need to adapt their practice management and billing systems and work processes in order to work with these new mechanisms.

11. Workforce Development: Major efforts including work of the new Workforce Advisory Committee will be needed to develop a national workforce strategy to meet the needs of persons with mental health and substance use disorder including expansion of peer counselors. Provider organizations will need to participate in these efforts and be ready to ramp up their workforce to meet unfolding demand.

Linda Rosenberg is the president and CEO of the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. TNC specializes in lobbying for research toward the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. Lean more at http://www.thenationalcouncil.org.

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Group Health Insurance Quote Tips

Group Health Insurance is necessary to attract and keep good employees. While employers may not like the cost of group health, they should be aware of the benefits to the company and overall morale. There may be things you as an employer can do to alleviate some of this costly pain. Also, all Group Health companies and insurance agents that offer them are not created equal.

The cost of this health insurance versus the need for solid employees should be weighed. There a perception that many in this country that employees will take a cut in pay if they were to be guaranteed a group health plan. There is a simple explanation for this reasoning. People know they will have to go the doctor. Women need to have mammograms and pap smears, the children need their shots and physicals, and men need their prostrate examined, people realize these services cost money. Employees often would prefer that you take money out their check for group health then for them to write a check each month for it.

Get up to Five Free Group Health Insurance Quotes

It is the job of to keep your group health cost to a minimum. If you already have a group health plan, you can raise the deductible to discourage overuse of coverage by your employees. However a dramatic raising of group health deductible or co-payment may cause some rumbling among your employees. Yet it is t is a good idea to start with a lower deductible, so you can absorb rate increases. (Your group health rates will go up) Also know beforehand what networks are in your area, and what health networks most of your employees' doctors belong to.

It is very important to review and understand your group health quotes that you will receive. Any insurance agent or broker that provides you with initial group health quotes over the phone, without having your employees fill out any applications, is doing you a disservice. Unless the agent is the Great Houdini, no one in our field can give you a firm, group health quote without a thorough underwriting. Group Health Insurance is too complicated to be taken this casual. Remember, look for an agent that gets to know your particular situation, understand your needs, and has the group health benefits that meet your expectations.

Is going with the biggest named group health insurance companies, the best choice? Choosing the "big name" companies over less known, group health insurance companies with reputable ratings, may not be in your employees and yours' best interest. All group health plan are not designed the same. If XYZ, group health companies pays 80% for a mammogram and ABC, group health company pays all, could it make sense to you to check the other benefits of the health plan?

Employers realize that they must offer group health to attract and keep quality employees. There are a few hints that can keep group health costs down. It is important to realize that an initial group health quote, with no underwriting is worthless and probably should never be used. The listings of the benefits of the group health plan would be meaningful. While big companies have good "branding," do not overlook smaller group health companies with good ratings.

Other Group Health Tips

1. Realize that you will be required as an employer to contribute as least 25% of the premiums for the group health insurance. (I never seen an group health carrier ask for less.)

2. Also realize that many group health carriers want at least 60- 70% participation of eligible employees to take the group health insurance or they will not underwrite the group.

3. Before you bind coverage with an agent or broker, find out who will process any claim paperwork and who your employees call about a claim.

4. Decide whether you will want current employees to keep their group health insurance when they retire.

5. Review and ask questions about such terms as group health deductibles, coinsurance, and maximum limits if you are not familiar with them.

Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. He is originally from Pinebluff, NC and attended Middle Tennessee State University. He is considered an expert in the field of online insurance shopping and finding new ways to help consumers save money on their insurance. For more information visit http://www.hometownquotes.com

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