When a person becomes ill and needs medication, in most cases they can easily obtain a prescription drug that will treat their ailment. However, even with the best health insurance available, some conditions can't be treated because they are resistant to frequently used medications.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority recently announced they are awarding funds worth between $27 and $464 million in contracts to help support research of antibiotics used to fight bioterrorism and antibiotic resistant infections.

"This new antibiotic is part of our push against antibiotic resistance for certain bacterial infections, and at the same time could provide a new treatment for plague and tularemia biothreats," said BARDA Director Dr. Robin Robinson. "It's the first time BARDA research and development funds have been used in a multi-use approach like this."

The National Network for Immunization Information says antibiotic resistance is growing in common illnesses such as meningitis and pneumonia. They cite the frequent use of antibiotics, sometimes when not necessary, for the growing level of resistance.

Consumers looking for health insurance quotes may find that getting a little help won't hurt the process, especially given new rules implemented by the government.

Recently, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners sponsored a resolution that highlights the role that insurance agents play in helping consumers get health insurance plans that fit their needs. Furthermore, the organization's action was meant to stress that these professionals play an important part in implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

"The continuing role of producers in the health insurance transaction is an essential part of protecting consumers during this transition," said Jane Cline, NAIC president and insurance commissioner for West Virginia.

Agents are required to take part in ongoing education, the NAIC said. As a result, these providers keep themselves in the loop, which can help consumers looking for health insurance quotes.

Some parts of the Affordable Care Act are already in effect, including a national program to provide coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Other initiatives from the law will take effect through 2014 and beyond.

Having a traumatic injury can be devastating, especially if it's a brain injury. A recent study commissioned by the CORE Health Foundation reveals emergency room visits and hospitalization costs can be exorbitant, highlighting the need for people to have a good health insurance plan. CORE advocates for those with disabilities.

In Texas alone, traumatic brain injury caused $6.8 billion in expenses. CORE says more money is needed to help offset the high costs associated with treating TBI.

CORE co-founder and chairman of the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists Jim Misko says even though people are surviving TBI, more work needs to be done.

"As we close out the first decade of the 21st century, Texas has seen significant medical advances that can increase the rate of survival for a TBI," said Misko. "Unfortunately, the number of cases continues to increase, which puts added strain on the financial systems supporting these injuries."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1.7 million people are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury each year. Many cases of TBI are mild, in the form of a concussion, but can be more severe or even fatal.

The clock is ticking for many in the health care industry. With health care reform, numerous changes have to be made across the industry to be in compliance with new laws and regulations.

Many people are familiar with the requirement for most Americans to obtain health insurance. Some people may opt for group health insurance coverage through their employer while others may end up going with an individual health insurance plan. How a person goes about getting health insurance will ultimately depend on their own personal situation.

Another change coming to the health care industry is the full switch to electronic health records by 2014. For some, making the switch to EHRs may be difficult.

Protus vice president of marketing Steve Adams suggests organizations switch over to internet faxing to help ease the transition. Adams notes that with traditional fax machines, "the paper documents they produce require extra steps in order to be entered into an EHR system. Switching from a fax machine or fax server to an internet fax service is quick and easy, and will save healthcare organizations a lot of work in both the short- and long-term."

It's a well-known fact - many Americans have a weight problem. The battle with one's waistline starts early in a lot of cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention performed a study which found that in 2007-2008, roughly 10 percent of children under the age of 2 were already in the 95th percentile for weight.

There have been a number of initiatives undertaken to help combat obesity. The Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it! program is a 10-week after-school course that teaches children between 7 and 13 years of age and their families how to live healthy lives.

Data showed that children who attended the program shows increased cardiovascular fitness and spent less time in front of the television.

"MEND is one of very few community-based healthy lifestyle programs with positive outcomes from a randomized controlled trial, and their comprehensive, family-based approach to addressing childhood obesity is a promising model that should be funded, implemented and evaluated," said board member Dr. Eduardo Sanchez.

Those with weight problems are at an increased risk of developing many conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Such conditions make it crucial to have good individual health insurance.