Solutions for Health Insurance CoverageWritten by Jill R. Hyland
When it comes to health care, there is no "one size fits all."Ideally, working for an employer who offers non-contributory health insurance is what most of us would aspire to. However, that is not a realistic scenario. Finding affordable, adequate health care coverage is a huge problem in our country right now. If you are in a situation where you require certain medications and have no access to reduced rates on prescriptions you can almost bet farm that you will be paying top dollar for medications you need. When considering a change in employment, scrutinizing potential employers health care plan is a given. Sadly, many people look at everything about a new job except health care plan. Contracting a debilitating illness or becoming an unwilling participant in an accident is not something that anyone can foresee. Life situations change and a health care plan that was adequate for a single person may not apply should he/she marry and even have children while employed. If their policy has no provisions for addition of dependents in future you can find your health care woefully inadequate. Take time to project what your future situation might be and plan accordingly. One of most overlooked segments of our society are self-employed. Depending on age and dependent requirements, cost for individual coverage can be astronomical. If you are self-employed or a very small business owner, consider joining a local association like a chamber of commerce, better business bureau or some other type of business organization. Many of these organizations offer access to health care that might otherwise be prohibitive on an individual basis. Unless you are in a category considered as "low income" that would afford you access to social health care, you can plan on paying hefty premiums. If you have a pre-existing condition, your chances of obtaining affordable rates are statistically very low. But, there are some things you can do. Some tips to bear in mind are: - Make certain you are looking at insurance that is appropriate and adequate for your needs. - Read fine print so you understand what is included and what is excluded. - Never buy a policy that covers a single disease. - Are there deductibles and if so, how much? - Does coverage include major medical? - What is maximum out of pocket expense you can expect to incur? - When does coverage begin? - Does coverage include prescriptions? - Are lab fees and x-rays included? - Can you choose your own physician or select from a list of providers? - What is most important to you? - Does coverage include dental, vision, maternity, well-baby care, etc.
| | Take Back Your Life 5Written by Stephen Ayers
In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled "Take Back Your Life", we discussed what could be considered four wheels of human wellness vehicle. We discussed importance of proper cell function, necessity of having and maintaining a balanced endocrine system, and role of vitamins and minerals, including certain trace minerals as they relate to wellness, and value of antioxidants. When considering how many wheels we want on our car for next road trip, we agree that it would be counterproductive to have less than four. The same is true, figuratively speaking, with regard to human body. We need four wheels or elements to continually move toward our destination of wellness. We would, most likely, also agree that family car would do well to have a spare wheel and tire in back to be properly prepared for our next sojourn. Our bodies likewise need a fifth wheel or fifth element to help out on our journey to optimal health. That element is water. Water is essential for life. Plant and animal cells are dependent on water to conduct their life processes. Water, next to air, is most important thing we put into our bodies. Water is a natural solvent that carries to and removes waste products from cells of our bodies. The quality of water we consume therefore is a very important aspect of our journey toward wellness. Water that is properly filtered and enhanced can reduce lactic acid levels, increase blood’s ability to absorb oxygen, and contribute to longer life spans and a higher quality of life. Most people overlook or underemphasize this single most important element of their health program. There are only 3 things that our bodies use and need that contribute to our state of good health. Those things are air we breathe, food and food supplements we eat, and water we drink. The cleaner, purer, and higher quality of each of these that we get on a daily basis, better for our health and well being. No matter what specific health or fitness goal, we cannot achieve maximum benefit for any health program without drinking right kind of water in proper amount. All experts agree, that next to air we breathe, water is most important thing we will ever put into our bodies. Medical researchers report that there is virtually no function or reaction in body that can take place without presence of water. Approximately 75% of our body weight is water and water makes up over 80% of our brain and 90% of our blood. Water is truly oil of human machine. Since water is an integral part of every thing body does, there is enough evidence to indicate that insufficient hydration of body can , in itself, lead to or exacerbate specific health conditions and illnesses. It is a mistake to assume that just because we expect it, that all water coming out of a potable tap is good for you or is as good as it can get. All drinkable water is not same quality nor has all tap water been purged of dangerous contaminants. Almost same things are true of bottled water. Just because it looks crystal clear doesn't mean that it is good water nor does it mean that it is good for you. Every thing from its container to source and handling of bottled water must be considered suspect with regard to its quality. Tap water may contain trace to dangerous levels of nitrates, pesticides, heavy metals, radioactive compounds, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and parasites coming from its local municipal water supply. Bottled water may contain contaminants leached from its container or other toxins not removed during production process. The toxins and free radicals in these waters are made significantly more toxic to us by addition of chlorine. Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant used in virtually all public water supplies in this country. It is believed that individuals who drink and bath in chlorinated waters have a greater likelihood of getting cancer in their lifetimes. Contaminants in our drinking water, such as heavy metals, organics, nitrates, radioactive nuclides, trihalomethanes, etc., and free radicals like chlorine and chloramine, accelerate aging process and can contribute to various diseases. The current thinking is that once contaminants have been removed, all water provides body with same benefits. Nothing could be further from truth. There are many benefits to be gained from drinking healthful water. Drinking adequate good water helps to body absorb and assimilate nutrients in blood stream and internal organs. Proper hydration helps body resist formation of kidney stones, urinary infections, and constipation. Water also accelerates excretion of toxins and wastes from body. Sufficient clean water helps reduce risk of developing certain cancers like colon, breast, bladder and kidney. Drinking water before meals helps with weight loss and weight control since it aids digestion and reduces cravings. Water lubricates joints and muscles, reduces inflammation, aids in recovery of injuries and decreases risk of certain types of physical injuries such as sprains and pulls. Water boosts mental performance. As little as 2% dehydration can lead to significant short term memory loss.
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