Career & Education

In a New Land: How to Handle Moving and Setting Up Your New Health Care Plan

December 10, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially if you are relocating to a new city, state, or side of the country. You have boxes to move and unpack, new friends to make, and a new job or responsibilities to which to adjust. One aspect of moving that can often be delayed for longer than it should be is establishing your new health care plan. While the process can seem perhaps unessential compared to the stack of boxes you have yet to unpack, it is important to have these

“Set up new insurance” This can be an intimidating process to begin, but don’t let the paperwork discourage you. If your work does not supply you with insurance, do a little research online. Many states have programs for people with low-income or who have been uninsured for a given period of time. Some states also have organizations or individuals to help walk you through the insurance application process. They can not only save you a lot of time with their expertise, but also a lot of paperwork, time on the phone, and general aggravation.

“Find a new doctor” Once you’re signed up for insurance, check with your insurance to see what doctors in the area they recommend. You can also ask your new coworkers and/or friends what doctors they can vouch for.

Don’t forget the dentist. Now that you’ve found a doctor, look up a dentist as well. Oral health is an integral part of overall health, so don’t put off finding a dentist. Look for an eye doctor while you’re at it as well.

Refill those prescriptions. Find a local pharmacy to refill your prescriptions. You can often find pharmacies in your grocery store or go-to department store like Wal-Mart or Target. Be sure to check that whatever pharmacy you pick accepts your insurance.

Your health is important, so don’t put off establishing your health care plan in your new home. Those boxes can wait.

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With: Health care

Do You Drink Enough Water?

December 2, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

Let’s assume all of us are getting enough air, and many of us, especially North Americans, are getting enough food, but what about water? If you’re not getting enough water, you could get headaches, feel tired, be irritable and depressed, have digestive problems, lose muscle tone, feel sore—and, surprisingly, retain weight. Most adults’ bodies are made up of about 70 percent water, which affects how every organ functions.

How much water should you drink? A widely repeated guideline says we need eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day, but is that true for you? Studies now a more accurate way to calculate your approximate water-intake level is to divide your weight by two. That number equals the number of ounces of water you need to drink per day. Say you weigh 140 pounds. Half that number is 70. So you should drink 70 ounces of water each day, which is the equivalent of 8.75 eight-ounce glasses. A smaller person, say 100 pounds, needs just over six eight-ounce glasses a day. So the “eight eight-ounce glasses a day” rule doesn’t work for everyone—and, in fact, may not be enough water for most adults, especially if they are physically active.

It sounds like a paradox, but not drinking enough water can make you heavier. Insufficient water intake may cause your body to compensate by retaining water. Fluid retention can be alleviated by drinking more water instead of less. And if you’re trying to lose weight but don’t drink enough water, your body can’t properly metabolize fat. Some doctors recommend that overweight people who are trying to slim down should drink an extra daily eight-ounce glass of water for every 25 pounds they are trying to lose.

All humans need three elements for survival: air, water and food. How long can we live without these necessities? Think of the rule of three: we can go three minutes without air, three days without water and three weeks without food. While those limits might vary from person to person, those are approximate survival times that everyone should keep in mind.
Let’s assume all of us are getting enough air, and many of us, especially North Americans, are getting enough food, but what about water? If you’re not getting enough water, you could get headaches, feel tired, be irritable and depressed, have digestive problems, lose muscle tone, feel sore—and, surprisingly, retain weight. Most adults’ bodies are made up of about 70 percent water, which affects how every organ functions.
How much water should you drink? A widely repeated guideline says we need eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day, but is that true for you? Studies now a more accurate way to calculate your approximate water-intake level is to divide your weight by two. That number equals the number of ounces of water you need to drink per day. Say you weigh 140 pounds. Half that number is 70. So you should drink 70 ounces of water each day, which is the equivalent of 8.75 eight-ounce glasses. A smaller person, say 100 pounds, needs just over six eight-ounce glasses a day. So the “eight eight-ounce glasses a day” rule doesn’t work for everyone—and, in fact, may not be enough water for most adults, especially if they are physically active.
It sounds like a paradox, but not drinking enough water can make you heavier. Insufficient water intake may cause your body to compensate by retaining water. Fluid retention can be alleviated by drinking more water instead of less. And if you’re trying to lose weight but don’t drink enough water, your body can’t properly metabolize fat. Some doctors recommend that overweight people who are trying to slim down should drink an extra daily eight-ounce glass of water for every 25 pounds they are trying to lose.

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With: Environment, Food, Glass

Financial Assistance From Hospitals

November 14, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

If you have a medical emergency, the last thing you will probably be thinking about is finances. Hospital visits can be extremely expensive, whether you have insurance or not. A visit that does not result in long procedures, medications, or other issues, can end up with over $600 in bills. If you end up having to have some sort of procedure, extra exams, or more, this price can skyrocket into the thousands, quickly. Unfortunately, many people decide not to go to the hospital when they should, simply because of the financial problems that they may face.

If finances are a concern for you, but you need medical attention, go to the hospital. They will generally work with you on payments for your visit. Most hospitals in the United States also have programs to help low income families defer some of the cost of the visit. If you do have insurance, you will generally only need to worry about the copay, and even that can be taken care of later in most cases. No matter your financial situation, make sure that you are taken care of correctly.

When you get to the hospital and are checking in, you will be asked about your insurance. If you do not have insurance, you may be asked if you feel you will need financial assistance. Do not feel embarrassed if you do; hospital visits are expensive, and those working in hospitals understand this. You may receive paperwork at that time, or later after your visit, to fill out showing that you need the assistance. You will also generally be able to set up payment plans after your visit by calling the hospital’s business office or financial office.

No matter what your financial situation is like, everyone needs medical attention. Do not neglect your own health, or that of a family member, because you are afraid you will not be able to meet the financial obligations associated. Hospitals are here to help!

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With: Hospital, Insurance, United States

Personalized Workspace Makes Employees Happy

October 5, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Surroundings can make all the difference in a work environment. Dull, cookie-cutter workspaces are boring and lifeless. A new study conducted by the United Kingdom’s University of Exeter’s School of Psychology indicates that workers who have a hand in the design and layout of their personal workspaces are happier, healthier, and notably more productive. In fact, employee productivity increased over 30 percent when employees were given free reign over their spaces. Allowing employees to personalize their workspaces can also produce astounding changes in attitude and morale.

The new research flies in the face of what most companies offer employees – a lean, cookie-cutter, standard workspace that reflects the corporation. Dr. Craig Knight completed the research as part of his doctorate degree and currently applies this knowledge in his position as Director or PRISM, a company that assist corporations with space issues in the work environment. He believes that most offices don’t allow any employee control over workspace and that needs to change.

Over 2,000 office employees were analyzed in a series of studies in reference to attitude about and productivity within office space. Two online surveys were included in which subjects could give their honest opinions. The surveys assess the amount of control employees had over their personal workspaces ranging from absolutely none to full control over design. Employees then answered questions regarding their feelings about their workspace and duties. Survey results consistently revealed that when employees had more control over their personal workspace they were happier and more motivated. Employees also indicated that they were more positive about their jobs, could relate to their employer, and were more comfortable at work. Two experiments were also conducted, one at the University and the other in an actual office setting. Workers that labored in areas decorated with plants and pictures were 17 percent more productive than those who had naked, yet functional spaces. Workers who were allowed to design their own spaces were found to be 32 percent more productive than those who worked in less free environments.

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With: Employment, Office, Workspace

The Root of the Problem

September 30, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Most Americans believe that frivolous and medical malpractice suits are a huge part of skyrocketing health care costs, but most don’t realize just how astoundingly large the numbers are. A recent report indicates that over $54 billion is spent each year on medical malpractice systems. While that only accounts for 2.4 percent of annual healthcare spending, it’s still a staggering amount.

It would seem that America’s healthcare system has bifurcated into two separate, but related predicaments. The first, healthcare suffers an alarmingly high rate of medical errors that lead to lawsuits. Second, the malpractice liability structures have continually operated at a less than satisfactory level. In a 1999 study, the Institute of Medicine, approximated that nearly 98,000 patients died yearly from mistakes occurring during inpatient hospital stays. Shamefully, most of the mistakes were completely avoidable. For the last two decades, this problem has been growing. Howard H. Hiatt, a Harvard University Public Health expert, once stated that the unstable atmosphere surrounding medical-malpractice, litigation, and liability insurance within America’s healthcare system will reach crisis level. Well, here it is.

The debate rages on as to which one of the two issues has caused the most problems. Are the costly mistakes that doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other institutions the root of the problem? Or is it that medical personnel are so fearful of being sued that they pass along the cost of high liability premiums to patients?

The media would spout that an overwhelming number of malpractice claims are filed each year, but in reality, when patients suffered harm, lawsuits were filed less than two percent of the time. Malpractice insurance does indeed cost medical professionals quite a chunk of change and health care spending increases because of insurance claims. Some states have passed legislature that protects medical personnel from extraneous lawsuits and limits the amount of money a claimant can sue for. There is indication that insurance premiums rise at a much slower rate in these states than in others without legislation. Still, costs are climbing and Americans are paying for it.

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With: Health care, Medical malpractice, United States

September is now Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September 23, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Earlier this month, September was given the title of Childhood Obesity Month. Millions of America’s children are overweight and are at a much higher risk for health issues like diabetes and heart disease onset at an early age. At Virginia Commonwealth University, or VCU, experts in childhood obesity, pharmaceutical drugs, obesity trends, and psychology are slated to talk about a multitude of topics that relate to children and their well being. Physical activity, healthier lifestyle options, and health diet plans are among conversation topics, as well as, causes for the growing problem of childhood obesity.

Daphne Bryan, M.D., VCU’s Department of Family Medicine’s assistant professor is very capable of discussing the current course of childhood obesity, its causes, and related diseases. As medical director at Hayes E. Willis Health Center, Bryan has the authority to educate patients on healthy diet plans, weight loss, and stress relief, along with attack plans to defeat the epidemic.

Suzanne Mazzeo, Ph.D., will contribute her knowledge of eating disorders and their relation to obesity, weight based mockery among kids, and parenting plans to promote healthier diets at home. Mazzeo heads a research project, NOURISH, or Nourishing Our Understanding of Role Modeling to Improve Support and Health. The project helps parents develop plans and skills to educate their families about healthier lifestyles and offers guidance for parents to become healthy role models for their kids. Mazzeo’s background in behavior changes regarding exercise and diet and ethnic and cultural differences concerning diet and exercise will bring a lot of knowledge to the discussion table. Mazzeo is currently researching parenting among females with eating disorders.

By raising awareness during September, health experts hope to provide families a sound educational basis to develop plans to change their lives for the better by making healthier eating choices, encouraging exercise, and opening communication channels, especially where weight is concerned.

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With: September is now Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Mandatory Flu Vaccines Recommended for Healthcare Personnel

September 15, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

With cold and flu season quickly approaching, the time for annual flu vaccines is near. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all healthcare personnel should have mandatory flu vaccines. Influenza outbreaks that occur in healthcare settings are one of the highest contributors to patient mortality and morbidity. These flu outbreaks place a heavy burden on the health care system every year and are very common nationwide. In its new policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that all healthcare personnel have a flu vaccine every year. This recommendation comes as a result of low participation in voluntary flu shots among health care workers.

Each year influenza strains cause over three million hospitalizations and over 300 million outpatient visits. The amount of years subtracted from American lives stands over a staggering 610,000. With an approximated cost of nearly $90 billion, mandatory flu vaccines are long overdue. Patient safety depends on it. Flu vaccines are deemed safe despite society’s current misconceptions.

Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the flu virus. It’s extremely contagious and is spread through contact. The virus can escape an infected person through coughs and sneezes and can be acquired by minimal contact with an infected person. Adults can spread infection up to 24 hours before symptoms set in and up to a week afterward. The flu spreads among people before any sign of illness can be seen.

The flu can be easily confused for a nasty cold, but influenza shows some symptoms that don’t occur with a cold. Achiness, exhaustion, headaches, high fever, and sweats and chills occur with the flu. Patients may experience gastro-intestinal symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea, as well. Previous recommendations stated that only certain groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, or those with compromised immune systems necessitated flu shots, but have extended recommendation to include health care personnel. Influenza can cause other potentially serious illnesses like pneumonia, ear infections, and dehydration. It’s best to protect yourself and your patients.

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With: American Academy of Pediatrics, Influenza, Influenza vaccine

Protecting Your Health With Automotive Insurance

August 19, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Safety is not the responsibility of any single person or entity. You must be a responsible person so that you can take care of your own safety and that of your family or others who are passengers. One way to ensure well-being of all concerned is by driving safely. If you consider yourself a safe driver, it is of paramount importance that you also have sufficient automotive insurance. Even when you’re not at fault, if someone is injured in an automobile accident, the victim will be given best medical treatment. Other benefits of a sufficient automotive insurance include coverage against damage to the property of others.

Auto insurance is usually divided into three categories. The first covers any individual or property that is harmed during an accident, when the policy holder is found to be at fault. This is usually known as liability insurance. The second insurance is one which covers the policy holder, his property and his family. This policy covers the car against any accidental damage or if the vehicle is stolen. Insurance also covers the car against any damage caused from an act of God. The third category provides medical coverage to family members, passengers and the policy holder if needed.

Considering all these factors, you should be aware that auto insurance can be expensive. One way to save a considerable amount of money is by getting quotes online from different auto insurance companies. Don’t waste time visiting individual companies, instead, connect to the Internet and find brokers who can provide you a quote in the comfort of your own home. Find the insurance that fits your budget and purchase. As an example, when you have a teenager who’s learning to drive, get a plan that covers both medical coverage and collision, just in case.

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With: Automobile, Business, Vehicle insurance

Auto Loan Refinancing for Christmas

August 5, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Christmas is a time when many families choose to show love for friends and family through the exchange of gifts. While you don’t have to spend a lot of money on the gifts, the amount can quickly add up when you have gift exchanges with family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors. If you’ve been struggling to make ends meet, the first thing to consider is creating a budget. However, if you’ve already made all the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle and habits but still need to create a way to lessen costs, you may need to turn your focus to the “big” items in your life.

While refinancing may seem like a tough word, it isn’t. In fact, it’s a helpful word if you’re ready to make another financial move. Most folks take advantage of the ability to refinance. Whether it’s a home or auto loan, you can speak to your banking representative about how to lower your monthly payments. Many agree it’s worth the application process to get a new loan, especially if you’re seeking extra cash during the holiday season. When Christmas season comes, you may begin to feel a slight tightening of the purse strings. This is difficult when the spirit of the giving season takes hold of you, butyou find yourself unable to provide the kinds of gifts that you want to give. Don’t let yourself be fooled into thinking that you’re stuck in an un-changeable situation. With auto loan refinancing, you’ll be able to create a new payment plan with a new budget for you to follow. Don’t miss out on buying great gifts for your loved one if you don’t have to.

Speak to your bank agent today about how you can create a better way to save money, reduce monthly bills, create a new budget, and finally have the extra spending cash you want for the Christmas season.

Filed Under: Career & Education

Types of Health Insurance Plans

August 1, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

When it comes to choosing health insurance, it may seem a bit overwhelming and confusing. There are actually several options when it comes to insurance and choosing the plan that works best for you and your family might be a tough choice. In the United States, there are four primary insurance plans: HMO, POS, PPO, and Fee-based. There are other options out there, but these four are the main types of plans you’ll encounter when you go looking for insurance. Let’s take a look at the different plans.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) is where you pay for coverage in advance in the form of premiums, rather than paying for medical care as you go. HMOs provide a wide range of benefits. Some of those benefits may include preventive care and dental coverage.

Point of Service Plans (POS) are like HMOs, only they allow you a little more control. With POS plans, you don’t have to rely on a referral from your primary care doctor to go to any kind of specialist. You can choose to go to your primary care physician, use another provider in your network, or choose a doctor from an outside network.

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a plan that negotiates rates with doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers. This is a plan where you choose a doctor from one of the networks providers, and then you have a lower rate. However, you still have the option to go outside of the network; it will just cost you a little more money.

And finally, there’s Fee-based plans. This is a plan where you pay for your services as you go and on a case by case basis. The plan will usually require you to pay a deductible before any reimbursement begins, but you have a lot more freedom to go to the doctor you choose with a fee-based plan. Along with above mentioned insurance plans, though looks weird, you can insure your pet’s health; pet insurance typically helps pet owners to cover money spent on veterinary costs. Initiated in 1982 by Veterinary Pet Insurance, today American’s spend almost $24 billions for insuring their pets!

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With: Health care, Health insurance, Insurance