Health Insurance Quote - General Healthcare

Consumers want to use their phone to monitor health

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

People use their cell phones for a variety of purposes, ranging from taking pictures to playing games. Recent research reveals a number of consumers would also be interested in using their cell phones to monitor their health.

A PricewaterhouseCoopers survey of 2,000 people found that more than 30 percent of consumers would use a cell phone application that would allow them to track and monitor their healthcare. Additionally, 40 percent said they would pay a fee for a service that would allow them to refill medications and access medical records.

PricewaterhouseCoopers leader of health information technology Daniel Garrett says there is a big market for electronic health access.

"There are significant opportunities for physicians, hospitals, health insurers, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers to market and differentiate themselves using mobile health," says Garrett. "Yet many healthcare organizations are largely ignoring the opportunity to integrate mobile health into other IT efforts such as the implementation of electronic health records."

Consumers can also use their cell phones to find health insurance quotes through their web browser, look for doctors and find other health-related services.

Retail pharmacy to give free flu vaccinations

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Under the Affordable Care Act, most Americans will be required to have health insurance by 2014. People can already begin researching health insurance quotes online if they are considering purchasing individual health insurance.

In the meantime, many people in the country don't have health insurance. Being uninsured could mean having to suffer with health conditions that could be avoided. To help out this flu season, CVS Caremark and Direct Relief USA are teaming up to offer free flu shots to community clinic and health center patients who are uninsured.

"With every CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic location providing flu vaccinations this year, we want to make sure that as many people as possible have access to a flu shot, including patients for whom cost may be a barrier," said CVS Caremark president and COO Larry Merlo.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says everyone over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated against the flu. The best way to prevent the spread of the flu is with a vaccination, according to the CDC. Ear infections and dehydration are just a couple of complications that can arise from the flu.

Study: Preventative care could lead to billions in savings

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Preventative care can do more than stop people from coming down with certain conditions, it can save the healthcare system a substantial amount of money.

A paper produced by the National Commission on Prevention Priorities estimates that $3.7 billion could have been saved in 2006 if appropriate measures were taken. The research team analyzed costs of 20 proven preventative measures against the potential savings to derive the figure.

Partnership for Prevention president and CEO Dr. Robert Gould says the research highlights the importance of receiving preventative care.

"By quantifying the many lives saved and high cost-effectiveness of clinical preventive services, our study shows that prevention has really gone the extra mile, meeting a standard rarely met by health treatments," says Gould. "The new health care law appropriately makes these services available for most Americans at lower or no cost, but cost reductions alone won't get us there."

Under healthcare reform, health insurance companies will be required to pay for preventative care services for new health plans on or after September 23 of this year. Individuals considering new plans can start off by geting health insurance quotes online.

New website verifies healthcare credentials before disaster strikes

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

In many cases, people think of health insurance quotes, doctors and overall care when they have time to weigh different options. In the event of a natural disaster, such time is a luxury.

After a natural disaster, health professionals have to be screened in advance before they can donate their time. To make the volunteering procedure more streamlined, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response created a database where healthcare professionals can have their credentials approved in advance.

"ESAR-VHP saves time so we can make the most of volunteers' specialized medical skills when hours, even minutes, really matter," says Health and Human Services assistant secretary for preparedness and response Dr. Nicole Lurie. "Volunteering to help those in need during a disaster is an incredible act of compassion, and ESAR-VHP helps us get volunteers in place when they can make the biggest impact."

In the event of a natural disaster, the number of healthcare professionals needed is unknown. Having a database full of volunteers easily accessible can help increase speed and care to those in need.

Pittsburgh hospital closure brings complaints

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

A lack of health insurance coverage isn't the only barrier people face to getting care. Some people cannot access health services because of transportation.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center closed its Braddock branch earlier this year for economic reasons. A slew of complaints came in, saying the closure violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

A large number of those who rely in the hospital for care are African-American and rely on public transportation. Without the UPMC Braddock location being open, residents would be faced with long commutes to neighboring hospitals.

"We recognize that health care institutions are confronted with difficult economic decisions," said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services office of civil rights Director Georgina Verdugo. "However, those decisions must consider the impact on communities and steps must be taken consistent with their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to ameliorate that impact."

Having adequate access to health services is crucial to one's well-being as well as the healthcare system. Those who go without care may ultimately end up with a costly condition that could have been prevented if proper measures were taken early on.

Organization voices concern over mental health cuts

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Many states are struggling to manage their budgets, especially with increased expenses from the Affordable Care Act and being required to offer health insurance coverage to a growing number of people. Recently, the National Alliance on Mental Illness raised concerns over mental health care cuts.

According to a study released by the Urban Institute, more than 50 percent of babies born into poverty have a mother suffering from depression. Of those, more than 70 percent fail to get appropriate treatment.

"During a time of national economic distress and severe budget cuts in mental health services, the Urban Institute study raises concern about the urgency of the needs of women and children," said NAMI executive director Michael Fitzpatrick.

Obtaining mental health services is crucial not just so a mother feels better, but for her children's benefit as well. A report from the Connecticut Commission on Children cites results from the CalWORKS Project as finding children under the age of six are at an increased risk of being homeless and ending up in foster care if their parents were poor and had depression.

Traumatic brain injuries cost billions a year in heath-related expenses

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

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.

Eye care is important for infants too

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Having a newborn is an exciting time in any parent's life. For new parents, taking care of a little one can be a challenge, especially if they don't already have a lot of experience taking care of a newborn.

Most new parents are well aware of the importance of taking their infant to the doctor on the regular basis. Many, however, don't know realize that seeing the optometrist is important for overall health, too.

A survey by the American Optometric Association found that less than 25 percent of infants have an eye exam. Unfortunately, the lack of exams may be a contributing factor to one in 10 infants having an undetected vision problem.

"It is crucial that parents understand the importance of comprehensive eye exams for infants and how they are administered," said optometrist Dr. Glen Steele. "The good news about a trip to the optometrist is that most babies seem to enjoy the 'games' we use to determine whether their visual development is progressing normally and their eyes are healthy."

Receiving an eye exam is important at any age. Many health conditions can be caught by an optometrist. Detecting a condition early may ultimately lead to lower expenses and health insurance costs.

Poll: Drug companies too influential

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Proper care is important to everyone's health. When a patient sees their doctor, they are going to someone they trust to take care of them. However, a poll shows that many consumers think prescription drug companies play a part in determining which medications they are prescribed.

A poll by Consumer Reports reveals that nearly 70 percent of Americans taking prescription drugs feel that pharmaceutical companies play too large of a role in which medication their doctor gives. Patients are also hungry for information regarding side effects.

Director of Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center John Santa says it's good that many are concerned about medication safety.

"Patients should speak up. Discussing the risks of adverse effects with your doctor will help you prepare for those effects while increasing the chances you'll stay on the drug you need," said Santa.

The poll also found drug advertising towards consumers works. Consumer Reports says that 20 percent of patients taking a medication asked their doctor for one they saw advertised.

Some lawmakers have aimed to stop drug companies from advertising to consumers. USA Today wrote in an article last year that prescription drug advertising was a $4.3 billion segment.

Retail health clinic offering flu shot

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

With flu season right around the corner, it's time for people to begin thinking about protecting themselves against the virus.

Some people may shy away from getting the shot because they don't have the time to stop at their doctor's office. People can get the shot at the MinuteClinic located inside most CVS stores.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people get the flu shot in September or as soon as possible. The CDC notes that flu outbreaks can start as early as October.

Many health insurance companies will cover the vaccination. While it's wise for everyone to get vaccinated against the flu, the CDC recommends that pregnant women and those over the age of 50 in particular get the shot.

"The best protection against the flu is a flu shot. Even if you received the H1N1 vaccine earlier this year, you should still receive this year's 'all-in-one' seasonal flu shot," said MinuteClinic chief nurse practitioner Paulette Thabault. "Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, so getting a flu shot is an effective way to protect both yourself and those around you."

Special care needed when prescribing medication to elderly

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Medical errors can lead to harmful effects on anyone. The effects can be magnified when a person is elderly or ill. Needless errors can result in more medical visits and health insurance payments.

Research from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston says that negative reactions to certain drugs occur in approximately 40 percent of all hospital patients.

A special computer program that warns doctors of a patient's potential allergy or other complications has been shown to significantly reduce the number of harmful prescription combinations.

"We have long known that certain commonly prescribed drugs can be harmful to older patients," says BIDMC associate director and gerontologist Dr. Melissa Mattison. "But because the majority of doctors have not been trained in geriatric medicine, they may not be aware of these risks. Our study found that when doctors were alerted that the drugs they were ordering could pose a danger to older hospital patients, the orders dropped almost immediately."

Getting a grasp on the special needs of older people is particularly important as the number of elderly citizens continues to rise. Data from the U.S. Census shows there was nearly 36 million people over the age of 65 in 2003.

Teen vaccination rates increase

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Preventing the spread of many diseases can be done through simple vaccinations. While most are not fans of needles, getting the recommended shots can protect someone from becoming ill.

A survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that, fortunately, more teens are getting the recommendation vaccinations.

The survey of more than 20,000 teens between the ages of 13 and 17 revealed a 15 percent increase in vaccinations for pre-teens. The number of vaccinations for meningococcal conjugate increased to 54 percent and the number of girls receiving at least the first dose of the human papillomavirus vaccine increased to approximately 44 percent.

CDC National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases director Dr. Anne Schuchat says that while the increase in immunization is encouraging, more work needs to be done.

"We can see that more parents of adolescents are electing to protect their children from serious diseases such as pertussis, meningitis, and cervical cancer, but there is clear room for improvement in our system's ability to reach this age group," said Schuchat.

Patients should discuss with their doctor what their health insurance plan with cover in addition to any potential side effects when considering getting a vaccine. Potential side effects for the meningococcal vaccine tend to be mild and include fever and headache.

Group: no more cuts to mental health

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

With the state readjusting its budget, Pennsylvania's Mental Health/Mental Retardation Coalition is voicing its concern over being forced to operate with less funding.

The group wrote a letter to state Governor Edward Rendell stating the importance of the services it offers. The MH/MR Coalition said it has been underfunded and shouldn't have to face a budget cut.

"We are very concerned that decreased funds from the federal government will result in another round of cuts to programs for people in Pennsylvania who live with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders," said Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania executive director Sue Walther. "This should not happen when there are other line items in the state budget that increased during the initial budgeting phase."

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 26.2 percent of Americans over the age of 18 have a mental disorder in any given year. Cutting funding and services to the mentally ill may ultimately end up costing more in the long run if their conditions get worse.

Owning up to medical errors reduces costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Many people have heard the common advice of owning up to one's mistakes before getting caught. Now, research reveals that when medical errors are proactively sought and compensation offered when at fault, the number of legal claims decreased. The study debunks the notion that health care and health insurance costs will rise if such information is openly brought forth.

University of Michigan chief risk officer and study co-author Richard Boothman says that the study shows that expenses won't necessarily rise if medical errors are fully disclosed.

"This shows that over time, hospitals can afford to do the right thing," says Boothman. "It demonstrates what we have believed to be true for some time: the sky won't fall in by pursuing a pro-active and honest approach to medical mistakes."

Medical errors can have major adverse effects on patient safety. Research by the Institute of Medicine found that thousands of people die each year due to medical errors. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests that patients try to be proactive in their care by keeping track of all their medications and getting results of all medical tests taken.

Emergency room visits on the rise

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Emergency rooms are increasingly full of patients with severe illnesses. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that emergency room visits are increasing at a rate double that of the growth in population.

There were over 119 million emergency room visits in 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thirteen percent of those visits resulted in the patient being admitted.

American College of Emergency Physicians president Dr. Angela Gardner believes that Medicaid patients in particular find themselves frequently going to the emergency room for care. She says that the poor compensation levels doctors receive for Medicaid patients forces them to limit the number of patients they care for.

Gardner asserts that the large number of emergency room closings is only making it more difficult for patients to seek care.

"This limits everyone's access to lifesaving emergency care. ERs are a critical, life or death part of our health care system that need help now. The crisis in emergency care is everyone's problem, because we are all only one step away from a medical emergency."

Medical errors drive up costs, study finds

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Every year, medical mistakes cost the U.S. a staggering amount of money. Medical errors accounted for more than $19.5 billion in 2008, according to a study commissioned by the Society of Actuaries.

The report reveals that there were 1.5 million medical errors made that wasted a significant amount of time and money and resulted in not providing optimal care for patients.

"Of the $19.5 billion in total costs, approximately $17 billion was the result of providing inpatient, outpatient and prescription drug services to individuals who were affected by medical errors," said MBA Actuaries managing director Jim Toole. "While this cost is staggering, it also highlights the need to reduce errors and improve quality and efficiency in American healthcare."

Fortunately, there are things people can do to help prevent medical errors from taking place. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that patient involvement has been shown to yield more positive care. Furthermore, they recommend that people select to have procedures performed at hospitals that specialize in the treatment they need whenever the option is available from their health insurance company.

Education for those with pre-diabetes may reduce costs in the long run

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

In general, the best way to treat a condition is to prevent it from happening in the first place. To that end, the American Association of Diabetes Educators wants private health insurance companies and Medicare to include education as a benefit for those with pre-diabetes.

The group cites research that shows the cost savings such programs can have to support their position. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that there are $174 billion in costs associated with the condition.

"We really view this as common sense. It is clear that diabetes education not only improves the health of people at risk, but generates a net savings to the health care system, to Medicare and to private insurance," said AADE President Deborah Fillman.

The AADE cites a study of over 3,200 overweight people with pre-diabetes that found intervention reduced the incidence of diabetes by over 70 percent in older adults.

The CDC estimates that 57 million Americans had pre-diabetes in 2007. The condition has been tied to an increase risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Obesity prevalence goal of 15 percent unmet

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Obesity continues to plague the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the goal of reducing adult obesity levels to 15 percent has gone unmet.

Instead, obesity rates have actually increased. The CDC says that obesity levels between 2007 and 2009 have risen 1.1 percent in adults over the age of 18.

The research findings based on a report from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System also shows that obesity levels are higher in southern regions and within certain ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic black women, for example, have a 41.9 percent obesity rate.

"Obesity is a complex problem that requires both personal and community action," said CDC division of nutrition director Dr. William Dietz. "People in all communities should be able to make healthy choices, but in order to make those choices there must be healthy choices to make. We need to change our communities into places where healthy eating and active living are the easiest path."

The financial implications obesity has to the health care system are staggering. America's Health Rankings estimates that $75 billion of public health money in 2003 went towards obesity-related conditions.

States not doing enough to prevent and treat cancer, group says

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Cancer in all of its forms can be a devastating disease to be diagnosed with. The American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network estimates that nearly 570,000 people die from cancer each year in the United States.

Despite this, many states do not have enough policies in place to help their residents prevent and battle cancer, says ACS CAN. There are currently six benchmarks highlighting care for certain types of cancer, smoking laws and tobacco taxes.

Twenty-three states have met none or only one of the established benchmarks says, ACS CAN.

"As advocates, we have the responsibility to educate the public on how to prevent and treat cancer effectively, but we cannot do it unless state and local policymakers take action," says cancer survivor and volunteer chair of the ACS CAN board of directors Robert Youle. "The most effective solutions will save countless lives and potentially millions of dollars in health care costs, and in many cases, it costs a state little or nothing to do the right thing."

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced new regulations that will require new health insurance plans to completely cover preventative care screenings.

Weight loss sustained longer with monthly record keeping

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The only thing some people may find harder than losing weight is keeping it off. Research shows that those who are held accountable by logging their weight are more likely to keep it off.

A study by Kaiser Permanente found that study participants who recorded their weight, diet and exercise regimen at least once a month maintained their weight loss over a two-year time period.

"Consistency and accountability are essential in any weight maintenance program. The unique part of this intervention was that it was available on the internet, whenever and wherever people wanted to use it," says study author and researcher at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research Kristine Funk.

Health website WebMD notes that there are a variety of factors that lead to a person becoming overweight or obese, including genetics and environment. Even losing as little as 5 pounds can result in a person's blood pressure dropping.

People who maintain a healthy weight will likely face lower health insurance costs due to decreased risk of developing many weight-related conditions.

Hospitals and teachers use education to combat obesity

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

It's no secret that America has a weight problem. Combating the country's ever-expanding waistlines may start with helping children learn about healthy lifestyles.

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and HealthTeacher have created a curriculum designed to help teachers instruct health practices to students.

"We are proud to be able to offer this health curriculum to schools in Minnesota to help educate children and families," said Dr. Alan Goldbloom, president and CEO of Children's of Minnesota. "If we can help teach kids about healthy lifestyles, the decisions they make can have a positive influence on not only their lives, but on their friends and family members as well."

A survey covering the years 1999 to 2002 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that 16 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight. Children who are overweight are more likely to keep the weight on as they get older. People who have a weight problem are more prone to developing conditions that are expensive to treat, leading some to pay more for health insurance and care services.

Emergency room wait times increase slightly, study finds

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Patient satisfaction did not change despite longer wait times in American hospital emergency rooms, according to healthcare improvement company Press Ganey.

Their research indicates that nationwide, wait times increased 31 minutes between 2002 to 2009. Last year, a typical emergency room trip required waiting four hours and seven minutes.

It's believed that maintaining patient satisfaction is important to a person's overall health. Health insurance companies may ultimately end up saving too, if patients don't put off care and allow their condition to worsen.

"Improving patient satisfaction is not just about making patients happy, it is about improving the patient experience for the overall good of healthcare," says Press Ganey CEO Rick Siegrist. "Satisfied patients are more likely to disclose information and follow treatment plans. They also are more likely to seek care when they need it, avoiding larger health issues in the future.

A report from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that there were over 119 million emergency room visits made in 2006. Just under 40 percent of those visits were paid for by private health insurance plans. Medicaid and Medicare were also commonly used to pay for treatment. NCHS data shows that less than 18 percent of patients used emergency room services without some form of health insurance.

Skin cancer rates vary for Floridian minorities

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Skin cancer rates for minorities residing in Florida buck national trends, according to a report released in the Archives of Dermatology.

The study found that rates of melanoma are lower for Hispanic women, but higher for Hispanic men and non-Hispanic black women in the state.

Researchers believe that the differences may be attributed to portions of the Caucasian population spending their early years in areas with lower UV levels and immigrants from areas like Latin America being exposed to higher UV levels at an early age.

"Although causation of melanoma among non-whites cannot be inferred from descriptive data, we believe that the observed trends in Florida are, in part, attributable to UV radiation exposure," the authors wrote. "The high UV index of Florida may potentially explain the higher incidence pattern in non-white Floridians compared with their non-white counterparts in the SEER catchment areas."

The Skin Cancer Foundation says that melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer, but can be cured if detected early. Those looking to get low health insurance rates should try to maintain good health. Avoiding excessive sun exposure may help reduce one's chances of getting skin cancer.

Community centers help provide food to struggling families

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Eating a healthy diet is crucial at any age, but especially so for children whose bodies are still growing and developing.

The economic downturn has many families scrambling to make ends meet. Some may even find themselves turning to less-expensive food, even if it's less nutritious, to help cut costs.

Ashley Archibald wrote in The Hill's Congress Blog, that a lack of nearby affordable food makes people turn to unhealthy options. Archibald notes that she has seen people in her own community turn to fast food restaurants and convenience stores.

St. Mary's Center for Maternal and Child Care, along with food service provider ARAMARK, are trying to help struggling families. In a joint release, they mentioned that more families are looking for help and are in need of lunches from schools and food stamps.

"This tough economy has had a major impact on us at Mary's Center and community centers across the city are suffering from a decline in funding," says Mary's Center president CEO Maria Gomez. "People are looking for everything from emergency financial assistance and food to childcare while they go job hunting."

A nutritious diet will help people live better lives and help keep health care and health insurance costs low.

Vision care important to overall health

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Some eye care professionals are calling for vision plans to be included in the health care exchanges the government will be implementing in the future.

Regular visits to the optometrist can help maintain good vision and detect the onset of other health conditions, but not everyone makes the trip annually.

People whose vision coverage is combined with their major medical plan are less likely to visit the optometrist on the yearly basis, a study conducted by the National Association of Vision Care Plans found.

Those who have a separate vision insurance plan are twice as likely to seek an eye exam, says the NAVCP.

Seeing the eye doctor regularly can is important to overall health.

"Eye health is incredibly vital to overall health," says NAVCP president Richard Sanchez. "Doctors understand that comprehensive eye examinations can lead to the early detection of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and even reveal high cholesterol."

Diabetes is one condition that optometrists can detect with an eye exam. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse suggests that people get a yearly eye exam even if they don't have vision problems in order to help find conditions early.

Some cleaning products may up breast cancer risk, study says

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Cleaning products may increase a woman's risk of getting breast cancer, according to a study published in Environmental Health.

The researchers found that more cases of breast cancer were reported for those who said they had been exposed to air fresheners and mold control products.

The results were derived from a questionnaire that asked women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer which cleaning supplies they used.

However, the American Cleaning Institute says that the study is full of errors.

"Simply put, this research is rife with innuendo and speculation about the safety of cleaning products and their ingredients," says ACI senior vice president of technical and international affairs Richard Sedlak.

The study's authors admit that the results have to be taken with a grain of salt. It's possible that those who believe chemicals in cleaning products cause breast cancer may have been more likely to report using them, they said.

The Breast Cancer Organization says that there are some risk factors that can and can't be controlled. People who want to decrease their risk of breast cancer should get exercise, eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Sunglasses provide important protection from the sun

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Wearing sunblock, a protective hat, and a shirt while outside has become common place for many looking to reduce their exposure to the sun. People also need to remember to protect their eyes by wearing sunglasses, reports the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

People who don't wear protective sunglasses may be putting themselves at increased risk of getting a cataract or other eye damage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that billions of dollars annually are spent on medical care to treat eye conditions, such as cataracts.

"It's best to wear sunglasses any time you're outside and need sun protection," says Dr. Amir Khan of May Clinic Women's HealthSource.

To help lessen the effects of the sun, people should wear sunglasses that offer 99 to 100 percent UV protection.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource also reminds people looking to purchase sunglasses not to confuse price with protection level. Pairs of glasses are usually more expensive because of their style, not because of the protection they provide, they say.

People who take proper preventive measures to stay in good health will find that they end up paying less on health insurance and related care fees.

Cancer rates higher for those conceived through IVF

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

New data reveals that children conceived through in vitro fertilization are 42 percent more likely to develop cancer, according to researchers.

While cancer in any form at any stage in life is frightening, researchers say that these findings shouldn't deter prospective parents from trying IVF.

"We found a roughly 50 percent increased risk for cancer in the IVF children, which means that if the risk without IVF is two per 1,000, it increases to three per 1,000 after IVF," explained study author and Institute at the University of Lund in Sweden professor Dr. Bengt Kallen.

According to the study, there are other factors that contribute to a person getting cancer, not just IVF. A mother's age, weight and the number of miscarriages can also have an effect.

The researchers continued on to say that if cancer was caused by something in the process of performing IVF, rates would be much higher.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that over 10,000 new cases of childhood cancer were diagnosed in 2009. Within the past 30 years, incidences of childhood cancer have increased slightly, says NCI, but the survival rate has vastly improved.

Waterborne illnesses costly to healthcare system

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Every year, illnesses costs the country a substantial amount for care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that waterborne diseases could be burdening the country with nearly $540 million in treatment costs annually.

The figure was derived from reviewing insurance claims from patients who were hospitalized for common waterborne diseases.

Illnesses such as legionnaires' disease, cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis can have symptoms that range from mild to severe. In more extreme cases, the Mayo Clinic says that life-threatening complications can arise from waterborne diseases. Legionnaires' disease, for example, they say lead to kidney or respiratory failure.

The research shows that even sickness from diseases that are thought to have minor symptoms can turn into costly situations.

"These cost data highlight that water-related diseases pose not only a physical burden to the thousands of people sickened by them each year, but also a substantial burden in health care costs, including direct government payments through Medicare and Medicaid," says study author Michael Beach.

People who think they are sick should not avoid medical care due to fear of costs. Sometimes a sickness that seems negligible can spiral into something more severe if not taken care of promptly.

Employees making healthier decisions, survey finds

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

People are making wiser health choices during their work day, a survey from Careerbuilder.com reveals.

Almost half of the survey respondents reported that they've been trying to eat healthier by bringing in their own lunch to work in recent months. The survey also found that over 40 percent of smokers reported that they are likely to kick the habit.

"Economic stress over the last year has caused some workers to reflect on their habits, and many of them have turned to healthier routines," says CareerBuilder human resources vice president Rosemary Haefner. "In addition to helping cut personal costs, employees who limit their smoking and lunching out habits are taking better care of their overall health."

Overscheduled workers are finding themselves using their breaks to squeeze in more than just a meal. Thirteen percent of respondents reported using their lunch hour to take a walk or engage in other physical activity.

Whether decisions to cut back on smoking and eat a more balanced diet are motivated by economic or personal reasons, the lifestyle change may help people lower health insurance costs by requiring less medical attention. The Mayo Clinic says that walking can help people lower their "bad" cholesterol levels, improve mood and manage their weight.

Apathy and depression foreshadow onset of dementia, study finds

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found factors that can help predict if a person with mild cognitive impairment will ultimately get Alzheimer's disease or Lewy body dementia.

Patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment along with depression were 66 percent more likely to develop dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Patients who exhibited apathy along with having mild cognitive impairment were 99 percent more likely to have dementia in the future.

Using these findings to help delay the onset of dementia may help reduce health costs and health insurance expenses.

"This delay could have a huge impact on the quality of life for individual patients and their families, not to mention the broad public health implications of delaying the societal and economic burden of dementia," says Mayo Clinic neuropsychiatrist Dr. Yonas Geda. "In fact, a previous biostatistics study from our colleagues at Johns Hopkins indicated that delaying dementia by a mere one year could reduce the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease by nearly 800,000 million fewer cases in 2050."

Alzheimer's disease translates into $172 billion in expenses each year, according to the Alzheimer's Association. While researchers don't know why brain cells begin to fail in some people, they do know that age and genetics play a role.

Schools step in to help fight childhood obesity

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Childhood obesity is a major problem in the U.S. The ramifications for children who are overweight can be vast.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that the number of obese adolescents increased more than 13 percent between 1980 and 2008.

To help combat childhood obesity, schools are stepping in to help promote balanced diets and regular exercise.

Namaste Charter school in Chicago has created a curriculum that includes a daily 60-minute gym class and morning yoga sessions.

The school has also made it a goal to not just teach nutrition, but practice it by serving salad and fresh fruit at lunch.

Recent renovations to the school building have helped make Namaste Charter a model program.

"We are happy to be even better equipped to serve these kids here in Chicago, and we're extremely excited about the recognition we've received throughout the country as a national model for healthier schools," says founding principal Allison Slade.

The school's efforts are evident when reviewing the students' Body Mass Index. Typically, BMI levels rise as children get older, but students at Namaste Charter have declined or stayed the same.

People who are at a healthy weight are less likely to develop some conditions that are associated with obesity, which can drive up health insurance costs.

Cancer screenings on the rise

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

More people are getting life-saving screening for colon cancer, but many still need to be examined, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The number of patients being screened for colon cancer increased to 63 percent in 2008, up from 52 percent in 2002, says the CDC. However, 22 million people should be examined for the disease, but haven't been yet.

Cancer is an expensive disease and those who lack adequate health insurance coverage may experience difficulty paying for care.

The CDC found that 66 percent of adults with health coverage were screened for the disease, compared to only 36 percent who are uninsured.

While the increase in cancer screening rates shows progress, some doctors say more work needs to be done.

"It's encouraging to see more adults getting recommended cancer screenings," said CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden. "But we have more to do, especially when it comes to getting more people screened for colorectal cancer, which kills more American non-smokers than any other cancer."

Almost 50,000 people died from colon colorectal cancer last year, according to the American Cancer Society. Some deaths may have been prevented with earlier treatment.

Parents with children more likely to be overweight

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Parents with children under the age of 18 are less likely to squeeze exercise into their schedules, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.

Given the reported lack of exercise, it is not surprising that parents with children under 18 are more likely to be overweight or obese, the research found.

The overall lack of exercise is a disturbing find.

"While the exercise habits and weight issues of parents themselves are a significant problem on their own for those individuals and for the United States in terms of quality of life and health care costs, the potential effects on the children of these parents represent an even bigger crisis," says Gallup.

Research has shown that parents who struggle with their weight raise children who have the same problem, according to Gallup.

To help reverse the trend of more Americans becoming overweight or obese, First Lady Michelle Obama launched an initiative, "Let's Move," aimed at getting doctors, parents and teachers to join forces and put an end to obesity.

Expenses associated with medical coverage for obesity and obesity-related ailments can be exorbitant and reduced through patients eating a proper diet and getting enough exercise.

Whooping cough an epidemic, governor says

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The number of whooping cough cases in the state of California has surged and is on track to reach the highest level in 50 years, according to California Department of Public Health director Dr. Mark Horton.

Five infants less than three months old have already been killed by the disease, with 910 cases being confirmed this year. The health department is looking into 600 more potential cases at this time.

To help mitigate the disease, the government is encouraging people to get the immunization if they haven't already.

"Whooping cough is now an epidemic in California," says Horton. "Children should be vaccinated against the disease and parents, family members and caregivers of infants need a booster shot."

The Los Angeles Times reports that the state's low immunization levels could be driving the spread of the disease. California is one of the few states that does not require middle school students to meet the Centers for Disease Control's recommendation of getting a booster shot for the whooping cough.

Health care expenses may be a reason why the shot is not a requirement, reports the paper. The state's health insurance program for the poor would have to cover "hundreds of thousands of dollars for vaccinations" if the vaccination became required.

Weight-loss program ineffective before surgery, study shows

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

There is no relationship between completing a weight loss program before bariatric surgery and how well the patient does, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

The study found that completing a weight loss program did not equate to a significant difference in weight reduction after surgery. Patients who completed the program lost 63 percent of their excess fat, compared to 64 percent of those who didn't, according to the report.

The study's lead investigator and surgeon Dr. Timothy Kuwada hopes that the research results will make insurance companies eliminate the weight loss program requirement and help patients have the surgery performed when they are ready.

"We hope insurance companies revisit their policies on mandated medical weight loss programs so patients can have bariatric surgery when they are ready physically and mentally, not at an arbitrary time point like six months," says Dr. Kuwada.

Bariatric surgery is an expensive procedure and patients need to consider cost before hand. Recently, several health insurance companies have begun to cover some weight-loss procedures. Patients should check with their health insurance provider to determine what fees will be covered.

Cancer patients struggle financially from treatment

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Health care costs can drain a person's finances. Almost half of cancer patients under the age of 65 said that they struggle to pay their medical bills and daily living expenses, according to a poll conducted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

The financial strain incurred from medical expenses forced one in five patients to wipe out their savings. One in three respondents said that they went without health insurance at some point during their sickness.

Patients with private insurance are more likely to beat cancer than those who lack insurance, according to the ACS.

"The Affordable Care Act has the potential to effect meaningful reform for cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones by transforming the system to one that focuses on prevention and provides access to the full spectrum of coverage including prevention, evidence-based treatment and patient-centered care," CEO of the American Cancer Society John Seffrin.

Cancer patients stand to benefit from the Affordable Care Act, which will prohibit health insurance companies from denying them coverage because of their pre-existing condition and bar them from implementing lifetime limits on benefits.

U.S. has worst medical care compared to other industrial nations

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The U.S. health care system ranked last compared to seven other industrialized countries, a report by the Commonwealth Fund reveals.

When compared to Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and the Netherlands, the U.S. ranked poorly on measurements for efficiency, quality, access and healthy lives.

High administrative expenses contributed to the country ranking last on measures of efficiency, according to the report. Just under 20 percent of adults with chronic illnesses sought care in the emergency room because they didn't have access to a regular physician. Only 6 percent of patients in Germany and the Netherlands said they had the same experience.

The last place ranking is disturbing considering how much the country spends on medical care. In 2007, the U.S. spent $7,290 per capita on health care, nearly twice what the Netherlands spent that year, according to the report.

"It is disappointing, but not surprising that, despite our significant investment in health care, the U.S. continues to lag behind other countries," said Commonwealth Fund president Karen Davis.

Many Americans are optimistic that health care reform will help rein in expenses and enhance care in the country, making coverage more comparable to what is offered in other nations.

Employees are healthier when dependent care is available

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Employees who work for a company that offers dependent and child care services reported feeling less stressed and having better overall health, a study by the consulting practice at Bright Horizons found.

When employees didn't have to worry about their children or dependents, they were more likely to be engaged in their work and be more productive, according to the study.

The reduced levels of stress and ailments that arise from the condition can save employers money by having employees miss fewer days and require less medical attention.

"These new findings that highlight the impact these supports have on health and well-being are very compelling, particularly in light of rising health care costs and the continued focus on supporting employee health and wellness," says Bright Horizons CEO Dave Lissy. "Clearly, employers who offer these supports have healthier employees and in turn a healthier business."

Healthy employees can save a business significant amounts of money. Health insurance expenses have risen substantially over recent years. Employer health care costs are expected to increase 9 percent next year, a smaller increase from last year, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Quality care tied to patients' relationship with doctor

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Patients who see the same doctor on the regular basis may get better care, according to joint study by the Aetna Foundation and the Commonwealth Fund.

The patient-doctor relationship was found to be a more important factor in determining quality care than whether the visit took place at a community health center or doctor's office.

"Our analyses show lack of having a regular doctor, which is more common among community health center patients, has a greater impact on poor quality in community health center settings than all of the patient sociodemographic characteristics known to be associated with poor health outcomes," said study authors Anne Beal and Susan Hernandez.

The study's findings highlight the need for more medical students to train to become primary care physicians instead of specializing in a specific field, according to the authors. It's unclear what will happen if a patient's time with their doctor is reduced.

Under health care reform, all Americans will be required to have health insurance, which may make it even more difficult for patients to see their doctor and forge a relationship with them due to time constraints.

National campaign supports STD testing week

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Getting tested is the first step in getting the treatment required for sexually-transmitted diseases.

With this in mind, the GYT: Get Yourself Tested campaign has made it easier for consumers around the country to check in on their sexual health by sponsoring Be Greater Than AIDS: Get Yourself Tested Week from June 19-27. Free testing will be available on select dates in Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York and Washington, D.C.

Kelly Rowland, Ciara, New Boyz and other celebrities will also lend their voice to the cause, according to a release by the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation. Resources available online at http://www.GYTNOW.org include testing locations and facts about HIV and other common STDs that often show no symptoms.

"Getting tested should be part of every American's routine healthcare, from adolescence through senior years, and no one should be stopped from getting tested by fear or shame," Frank Oldham, president and CEO of the National Association of People with AIDS, said.

Health insurance quotes have historically been higher for individuals with HIV/AIDS or other pre-existing medical conditions. Recent healthcare reform will soon prohibit insurers from this practice.

Few patients utilize technology to communicate with doctor, poll finds

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Access to personal electronic medical records is supposed to make things easier for Americans, but few even know if their doctor offers them, reveals a Harris poll.

Less than 10 percent of patients surveyed said that they used email to communicate with their doctor. While the number is still low, it does show an increase from the 4 percent reported in 2006.

Even fewer people reported using technology for other medical-related tasks. The poll also found that just 8 percent of patients know they can schedule doctors' appointments online, an increase from the 3 percent reported four years ago.

Privacy concerns about electronic records may be holding people back from embracing the technology, some experts believe.

"Ideally, the government only allows 'covered entities' access to your entire health history, called your 'personal health information,'" said digital health-care consultant at Redwood Medical Consulting in California Erin Stevenson. "But the law is vague and full of loopholes."

There are government laws designed to keep patients' information private. Under HIPPA rules, billing information, conversations with doctors, and information in a health insurer's computer are all supposed to be kept confidential.

Short people may have higher heart disease risk, report says

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

No matter how healthy their daily habits, some people may be at a heightened risk for heart disease, according to a recent report by Businessweek.

The report referred to research from the Finnish University of Tampere showing a correlation between height and cardiovascular disease risk. Department of Forensic Medicine researcher Tuula Paajanen analyzed data about more than 3 million people and found that, among both genders, short people were 1.5 times more likely to die from heart disease or live with its effects.

Short women - those under 5-feet-tall - were significantly more likely than women above 5-foot-8 to suffer heart disease, according to the report. Men under 5-foot-5 were 37 percent more likely than those over 5-foot-9 to die or experience side effects from heart disease.

"But height is only one factor that may contribute to heart disease risk," Paajanen told Businessweek, "and whereas people have no control over their height or genetics, they can control their weight, lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking and exercise, and all of these together affect their heart disease risk."

Heart disease is one of the various medical conditions that may currently make it difficult for consumers to receive affordable health
insurance quotes.

Research may contribute to doctor shortage

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The current shortage of primary care physicians could worsen when
recent reform puts affordable health insurance quotes within reach for more Americans.

This problem could be compounded as students at some of the top medical schools go into research rather than patient services, according to a recent report by the Baltimore Sun. The report referred to a study from George Washington University ranking the nation's schools in terms of the doctors they turn out.

Black schools, schools in smaller cities and public schools ranked higher on the list, while the well-acclaimed Johns Hopkins University landed near the bottom. The director of the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Residency Program explained, however, that his program aims to produce four primary care physicians annually.

"Some schools focus elsewhere, and that is appropriate in some cases such as with research," Brian Smedley, of the Joint Center for Political Studies Health Policy Institute, told the Sun. "But they need to think of the overall needs of the population, and the study clearly shows that our educational institutions are not doing as good a job as they should in preparing for the health care needs of the country."

Recent healthcare reform will soon mandate that all Americans have health insurance.

B-vitamins may reduce individuals' cancer risk

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Developing lung cancer can significantly increase the health insurance quotes a consumer is eligible for.

Quitting smoking is one way to reduce an individual's risk for this cancer. There may also be some benefits in ingesting B-vitamins, according to a recent report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. These vitamins are responsible for making and maintaining DNA, and interact closely with methionine and homocysteine.

Researchers compared the levels of B-vitamins in blood samples among people who did and did not develop cancer, and found that those with high levels of B6 and methionine had less than half the risk of others for developing cancer. High levels of B9 also lowered an individual's cancer risk.

"The size of this study, and the strong association observed, provide
confidence that the association is real," Paul Brennan, head of the
Section of Genetics at IARC, said. "Whether they are causing the lower
risk, or whether they are a marker of the real causal factor, will require further studies."

B-vitamins are found in fish, meat, whole grains, fruits and green leafy vegetables.

Americans can support cancer research through cooking this summer

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Cooks around the country will have a chance this summer to raise money for a cancer cure.

KitchenAid and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure are celebrating their partnership by hosting a weekend-long 1,000 Cooks for the Cure event. Interested participants can register at CookfortheCure.com to obtain a unique host identification number. They will then be given recipes and information about donating.

Participating events must take place between July 16-18 and can range from a cookout with friends or a potluck dinner to a Friday office party. Hosts will be required to raise a minimum of $50. A Pass the Plate platter mailed out after the event enables them to continue collecting donations.

"Summer is a season when family and friends gather and spend time together," Katrina McGhee, senior vice president of global business development and partnerships for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, said. "Partnering with KitchenAid allows us to reach those cooks at gatherings and hopefully remind them about breast health and incorporate our messages into these events."

By supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure research, participants may ensure breast cancer victims get the best care for their health insurance quotes.

World Blood Donor Day is recognized by Health Department

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The Department of Health and Human Services marked this World Blood Donor Day by recognizing the importance of blood donation throughout the world.

Eight million Americans donate their blood each year. These donations come from less than 5 percent of country's population, and will eventually be needed by about 95 percent of consumers, according to the department. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius urged Americans to contact their local blood bank by calling 1-888-USBLOOD or visiting www.americasblood.org or www.redcrossblood.org.

In order to donate, individuals need to be at least 16 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more. Local blood banks can provide more information about qualification requirements in a specific area.

"If you are not eligible to donate, you can still support the cause by recruiting others to donate," Sebelius said. "Hosting regular blood drives and actively participating in other planned activities is a great way to get involved."

Donating blood can save lives and reduce the amount of time other Americans spend in a hospital bed. This may, in turn, reduce their particular health insurance quotes and the premiums faced by all consumers.

Clinics provide health care for uninsured

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Uninsured Americans in Washington, D.C. will be able to participate in a free clinic put on by the National Association of Free Clinics at the beginning of August.

The organization operates a series of clinics to help provide medical care for those who otherwise wouldn't have access to it. Nearly 8 million patients participated in one of the free clinics last year.

Despite the recent gains in health care reform, NAFC executive director Nicole Lamoureux says that there is still a need for the clinics.

"Although this has been a historic year with the passage of federal health care reform legislation, uninsured people throughout the country still need free medical resources now," said Lamoureux. "This free clinic is not just for the sick, but also for anyone who is uninsured and has not seen a doctor recently."

The government is aware that many Americans struggle to obtain adequate health care and have been creating reforms to help spread access to everyone. The Affordable Care Act is intended to provide access to health insurance for Americans through a variety of sources, including Medicare.

Nurse practitioners save money without compromising care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Visits to nurse practitioners may become more common in the future as health care costs continue to rise, according to Marketwatch.

Nurse practitioners can perform most of the same basic tasks as a doctor and research shows that the quality of care is not compromised, reports Marketwatch. With the millions of Americans that will have health insurance in the upcoming years, nurse practitioners may help make up for the anticipated lack of primary-care physicians.

In addition to helping ease the burden of increased patients on doctors, nurse practitioners will save the health care system money because they do not always receive same compensation for their services.

"Nurse practitioners cost less not because patients pay less to see them, but because private insurers pay the same rate regardless of which professional performs the office visit," says Marketwatch. "Only Medicare, the federal program for older and disabled Americans, reimburses at a lower rate if a nurse practitioner, rather than a doctor, provides a service."

With health care reform in place, the government estimates that coverage will be expanded so that 95 percent of Americans will have health insurance.

Petition voices concern over cancer care cuts

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Health care reform was designed to help people gain access to medical care, but some are saying that the new legislation fails to touch upon a very important thing - cuts to Medicare reimbursement for physicians.

According to the Community Oncology Alliance, payments to doctors for cancer care have been cut more than 25 percent by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services since 2004. Such reductions affect doctors' ability to provide critical drugs and care to cancer patients.

Over 50,000 people have signed a petition in support of stopping these cuts from taking place, according to the COA.

"We're encouraging all Americans whose lives have been affected by cancer to sign the petition before it is delivered this month," said Community Oncology Alliance executive director Ted Okon. "These cuts are an enormous concern, not only to cancer patients, but also to many Americans who recognize that cancer can affect any family at any moment."

Without proper payment, hospitals will not be able to provide optimal service. Clinics will be forced to cut back on staff and care, according to Okon.

The costs associated with cancer can be staggering. According to the National Cancer Institute, over $72 billion was spent on cancer treatment in 2004.

Access to mainstream stores essential for healthy food options

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Having a nutrient-deficient diet can lead to a poor quality of life, plagued by obesity and related diseases that can drive up health insurance rates.

Families living in so-called "food deserts," without access to mainstream supermarkets, can struggle to find healthy food, according to Mari Gallagher Research and Consulting Group.

The lack of healthy food options can have many devastating consequences, including premature death, according to Gallagher.

"Access to mainstream grocery stores is critical for community health," she says.

Gallagher found that people tend to shop where it is most convenient for them, so it's essential to have healthy food choices easily available to consumers in a variety of locations.

To help mitigate the negative impact of "food deserts," Gallagher created a fact sheet designed to help communities deal with the issue and take steps to improve their situation.

The health costs associated with living an unhealthy lifestyle are staggering.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a study of national costs found that ailments resulting from being overweight or obese costs $92.6 billion in 2002 dollars, resulting in most of the fees being covered by Medicaid and Medicare.

Popularity of walk-in clinics grows as costs fall

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The number of walk-in medical centers located in drugstores is expected to increase, according to industry experts.

The reduced costs associated with the clinics is one factor that is driving this trend upward.

The Annals of Internal Medicine conducted a study that revealed expenses at walk-in medical centers are significantly lower than visiting a doctor's office or emergency room. Their research found that the quality of care for non-urgent ailments was on par with that visiting a physician's office.

Currently there are roughly 1,000 walk-in retail clinics in the country, according to Consumer Health Services.

"These facilities make sense on so many levels," according to president and CEO of Empire BlueCross BlueShield Mark Wagar. "They offer New Yorkers convenient, affordable access to our network of physicians, and they help lower costs for everyone by reducing pressure on New York's hospitals and emergency rooms."

Health care costs continue to be a major concern for the country and walk-in clinics may help alleviate some expenses. According to the government, the U.S. spends nearly 16 percent of the economy on health care fees and at the current rate, that number will balloon to 20 percent by 2017.

Consumer-driven health plans on the rise

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The number of employees enrolled in consumer-driven health plans continues to increase, according to a study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

The average account balance in 2009 was $1,419, the study found. The stereotypical program enrollee is young, unmarried and educated.

According to the research, consumer-driven plans totaled $7.1 billion in 2009, up considerably from the $835.4 million in 2006.

The idea behind consumer-driven plans is that individuals will act more responsibly if they are held accountable for money spent on their health care, but the study found marginal evidence that this actually happens.

"Individuals who developed a budget to manage their health care expenses had a higher account balance than those who did not develop such a budget," the study found. "Otherwise, there were no statistically significant differences in average account balances between individuals who exhibited various aspects of cost-conscious decision-making behaviors and those who did not exhibit such behavior."

Savings to employees from consumer-driven health care plans can be great. The money added to such plans can be done on the pre-tax basis and employers may make contributions to the plan.

Number of HAIs drop, report shows

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 28 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Central line-associated bloodstream infections have decreased 18 percent last year, according to a report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Nearly 100,000 Americans lost their lives from healthcare-associated infections last year, according to HHS. In 2009, HAIs contributed to nearly $30 billion in healthcare fees.

"In the months to come, we will continue to strengthen our collaborative efforts to achieve the goals set forth in the HHS Action Plan to reduce HAIs," said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "We will also continue to expand access to healthcare data for policy-makers, providers, and consumers so they can all make the most-informed health decisions possible."

The report will serve as a benchmark for future goals, says Sebelius. Other HAI prevention programs will be measured against it.

Patients can contract HAIs while in a nursing home or medical care setting receiving treatment such as surgery says HHS. Surgical site infections and pneumonia are examples of HAIs.

Reducing incidents of HAIs will help lower medical costs, which have steadily increased year after year.

Chiropractic care to be offered at all VA medical centers

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Chiropractic care may soon be available to veterans at all major VA medical centers.

A bill passed by the House of Representatives will require there to be a chiropractor on staff at the medical centers. By next year, a chiropractor must be on site at least 75 major VA medical facilities and at all major centers before 2014. Only 32 treatment locations have a chiropractor on site at this time.

The American Chiropractic Association says they believe that making chiropractic care accessible at VA medical centers will help veterans to recover more quickly.

"For too long, veterans have been denied access to the chiropractic care that they want, need and deserve through the VA," said ACA President Rick McMichael.

According to a VA report, musculoskeletal problems are one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions.

Over the past 10 years, Congress has stepped in to help make chiropractic care available to veterans. According to the ACA, previously the only way a veteran could seek chiropractic care was through a referral, something that was rarely done.

VA medical centers currently offer a variety of services including physical therapy, mental health and surgery.

Costs cause some to avoid health care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Those lacking health insurance and troubled by financial woes are most likely to put off seeking emergency medical care, even for a heart attack, a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found.

Of those with financial concerns and no health insurance, 82.8 percent indicated that they refrain from seeking medical care, 55.6 percent avoid taking medications and 12.8 percent said that they experienced trouble receiving health care because of expenses, according to the JAMA.

The study also found that 36.6 percent of insured patients without financial worries made a trip to the hospital within two hours of feeling heart attack symptoms. In contrast, 48.6 percent of patients without health insurance waited six hours after heart attack symptoms started before seeking medical attention.

It is likely that those struggling with their finances will be hesitant to get appropriate medical assistance for more common conditions, according to the study's author, Kim Smolderen.

"Interventions that broaden and ensure the affordability of health insurance coverage in the United States may reduce times to presentation for all emergent medical conditions," she said.

Sweeping health care reform recently signed into law is designed to make coverage more affordable for Americans.

Health care business model must change in order to survive

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 19 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Health care reform will have an impact not just on the quality of care patients receive, but the entire industry's business model, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers' Health Research Institute.

In the next 10 years, the health care industry is required to make 60 regulatory changes. Within that time frame the industry will have to overhaul its practices in order to survive.

For example, there is expected to be more than a 40 percent increase in the number of patients on Medicaid in the next decade, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. Such an increase will require hospitals to reduce costs, as Medicaid does not typically cover all fees. A combination of public and private insurance coverage will have to help fill the gap.

PricewaterhouseCoopers also indicates that health insurers will have to shift focus from group to individual health insurance plans in order to prosper.

"If health organizations make no other changes and sectors continue to operate in silos, the direct financial impact of health care reform could be devastating," says U.S. health industries leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers Kelly Barnes. "To prosper, it is incumbent on health executives to reassess their businesses, find new market opportunities and sit on the same side of the table with unlikely new allies who now share common goals."

President Obama signed the health care bill in March of this year.

Mobile device application may inspire increases in physical activity

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 18 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Increasing their exercise levels may help consumers avoid some of the medical conditions associated with obesity and elevated health insurance quotes.

However, finding the motivation to do something about this is not always easy. The doctors at Mayo Clinic are extending a helping hand in the form of a mobile device application, according to a recent report by Gizmag. The Walk n' Play app tracks physical activity using the accelerometer sensors included in the iPhone and iPod Touch.

App users input their weight and height into the device, then monitor how their physical activity stacks up against the computer. This challenge aims to make users more competitive, according to the report, without adding any actual pressure to their daily routine.

"You have to put an element of fun into the whole thing to encourage people to be more active," Chinmay Manohar, a member of the Mayo Clinic's department of endocrinology, nutrition and diabetes, said. "We put people into a gaming mind-set and people unknowingly do exercise and have fun doing it."

Some of the health consequences of being obese or overweight include stroke, hypertension, coronary heart disease and sleep apnea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New act designed to prevent health care fraud

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Scamming the health care system just became more difficult with the new Affordable Care Act in place.

The combined monitoring forces of the Justice Department, Health and Human Services Department and police are designed to save taxpayer dollars by making it harder for providers to submit false claims.

Providers may be subject to background checks and site visits prior to charging Medicare or Medicaid. The new act gives law enforcement the power to punish criminals with longer prison sentences and an additional $300 million in resources to bolster enforcement.

"We know that as long as health care fraud pays and goes unpunished, our health care system will remain under siege. These crimes harm all of us - government agencies and programs, insurers and health care providers, and individual patients," said Attorney General Eric Holder. "We are fighting back, and will use the expanded capabilities that the Affordable Care Act provides to stop health care fraud in its tracks."

The Affordable Health Care Act will be focusing primarily in areas with high fraud, such as Los Angeles, Houston, Detroit and Baton Rouge, according to the Justice Department and HHS.

Last year, anti-fraud initiatives resulted in over $2.5 billion being returned to the Medicare Trust Fund, a 29 percent increase from 2008.

Many people struggle to organize medical information

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 13 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Finding affordable health insurance quotes may be only half the battle when it comes to receiving the necessary medical care.

Keeping track of medical information is also problematic for many consumers, according to a recent survey by the Mayo Clinic. Nearly 90 percent of respondents said they had left their doctor's office without revealing a piece of medical information or asking an important question.

About one-third said they spend more time organizing information on their medical conditions than finding ways to treat them. Twenty-eight percent of respondents reported difficulty in remembering their family's health history, while another 25 percent struggled to recall names or doses of medications. These habits may make it difficult for physicians as well as consumers to administer care efficiently.

"This survey underscores the need for consumers to become engaged partners in their health management," Sidna Tulledge-Scheitel, a primary care physician and director of Mayo Clinic Global Products and Services, said.

Mayo Clinic teamed up with Microsoft to create the Mayo Clinic Health Manager application to ease organization. In addition to storing medical information about its users and their families, the secure online application also offers guidance and recommendations.

Study finds correlation between financial incentives, healthcare

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 12 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Financial incentives can increase the quality of care received regardless of an individual's health insurance quotes, according to a recent study by the British Journal of Medicine.

Researchers joined a Northern California health insurance company to determine the correlation between financial incentives and screenings for cervical cancer and diabetic retinopathy. About 2.5 million adults participated in the study, which took place at 35 medical facilities from 1999 to 2007.

Financial incentives were in place for diabetic retinopathy during first four years of the study. Screening rates increased from 84.9 to 88.1 percent during that time. Financial incentives were connected to cervical cancer screenings for two years of the study, bringing rates from 77.4 to 78 percent. Both figures dropped when incentives were removed, according to the study.

"Policy makers and clinicians should be aware that removing facility directed financial incentives from clinical indicators may mean that performance levels decline," the report said.

More than $2 billion is spent yearly on treating cervical cancer in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Such treatment is effective when the cancer is found early. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among American adults and can be treated following early diagnosis.

Healthcare provision is clarified

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 11 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The Obama administration has recently stepped up its efforts to clarify a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act aimed at helping young adults obtain health insurance, according to a report by the Washington Post.

Starting this fall, the law will allow individuals to remain on their parents' coverage until they reach age 26. Confusion has surrounded the details of these young adults, who must be identifiable as dependents of their parents.

Married and unmarried children may receive coverage through the provision, although their spouses will not be eligible. These individuals do not need to be named as dependents on their parents' tax forms, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, nor do they have to live with parents.

Still, not all types of insurance will be required to follow this provision.

"The new policy applies only to health insurance plans that offer dependent coverage in the first place: while most insurers and employer-sponsored plans offer dependent coverage, there is no requirement to do so," the HHS said.

Currently, many young adults do not purchase policies because they are healthy or don't have the money to meet health insurance quotes.

Health secretary calls on lawmakers to review insurance premiums

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Double digit rate hikes may make it extremely difficult for some consumers to afford their health insurance.

The Department of Health and Human Services has asked insurance commissioners and governors throughout the nation to review premiums currently imposed by one major health insurance company, according to a release. This furthers the efforts Secretary Kathleen Sebelius took against the company this winter.

"For too long in this country, Americans have been at the mercy of insurance companies, and have ended up paying a steep price," Sebelius said. "Using faulty assumptions and loopholes, insurers have tried to game the system and consumers have ended up with one bad deal after another."

Sebelius urged that state and local leaders also strengthen their rate review authority to ensure that companies do not impose unreasonable premium increases on their customers. She cited the efforts taken by California leaders earlier this year in order to reduce rates. Recent healthcare reform may help keep prices competitive, she said.

Consumers may take efforts to keep their health insurance quotes low by maintaining a health lifestyle or increasing their deductibles.

BBB warns against health insurance fraud

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Poor economic conditions may present opportunity for insurance fraud.

Companies pretending to be from the federal government or reputable organization may entice customers by offering affordable health insurance quotes. The Better Business Bureau recently issued a warning against these schemes and offered consumers advice on avoiding them.

The BBB's reliability report as well as the state insurance commissioner may be reached to determine whether a company is legitimate. It is also important to read contracts carefully before signing up for insurance, according to the warning, and to check that pharmacies and doctors accept the plan. Some plans seem to offer insurance when they are actually medical discount cards.

"Navigating the healthcare system can be a tricky maze and coordinating your physicians, prescriptions and insurance coverage isn't always easy," Alison Southwick, BBB spokesperson, said. "One of the first steps to finding healthcare services that are a good personal fit, is to start with a provider you can trust."

Health insurance fraud increased by 57 percent in 2009, according to data from the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, indicating that criminals were taking advantage of recessionary conditions.

Cherries may reduce pain associated with arthritis

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 03 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Eating well is not only helpful in maintaining an individual's health - it can also reduce symptoms from the conditions they have.

In honor of National Arthritis Month, dietitian David Grotto pointed to some of the foods that can help relieve the inflammation associated with the health condition. Avocados, ginger, soy and tart cherries are among these foods and can be integrated into one's diet in a variety of ways. Grotto said he uses cherries in cereal, smoothies and as a juice, according to a recent release from the Cherry Marketing Institute.

"Millions suffering from arthritis rely heavily on over-the-counter medications, when relief may be found in your local grocery store," Grotto said. "What I love about tart cherries is that they're backed by an impressive body of science and so easy to add to your diet."

The food's anti-inflammatory qualities may also be helpful for runners to relieve pain after a race.

Nearly 19 million American adults suffer from arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The annual cost of treating arthritis is more than 1 percent of gross domestic product within most states, making health insurance quotes more expensive for those with the health condition.

Nearly half of Americans may be at risk for heart disease, report says

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Heart disease and many of the medical conditions leading up to it may currently make it more difficult for some individuals to obtain affordable health insurance quotes.

Hypertension, high blood pressure and diabetes are among the chronic health issues that can put an individual at risk of developing heart disease. About 45 percent of Americans currently suffer from at least one of these conditions, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while 13 percent had two. Non-Hispanic black persons were more likely than non-Hispanic whites or Mexican-Americans to have these health concerns.

"These findings indicate that a high percentage of the population have a condition associated with heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States," the report said.

Fifteen percent of the individuals suffering from hypertension, high blood pressure or diabetes had not been diagnosed with the condition, according to the report. The percentages of those that had undiagnosed medical issues was similar across racial and ethnic groups in the study.

Eating well and exercising regularly are both habits that may reduce an individual's likelihood of suffering from heart disease, according to the CDC.

High chocolate consumption may indicate depression, report says

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

What many people look toward as a comfort food may actually be linked to higher levels of depression, according to a recent report by the Los Angeles Times.

The report referred to studies conducted at UC San Diego and UC Davis which indicated that individuals who consume large quantities of chocolate also scored higher on tests for regular and major depression. The sweet's role as a comfort food - despite lacking the ability to improve mood for a sustained period of time - may explain this correlation.

Still, it remains unlikely that the pulp from cocoa beans have a cause-and-effect relationship with depression, according to the report.

"Most people believe the beneficial effects of chocolate are on mood and that they are learned," Marcia Levin Pelchat, a psychologist at Monell Chemical Senses Center, told the Times. "You eat chocolate; it makes you feel good, and sometime when you're feeling badly it occurs to you, 'Gee, if I eat some chocolate I might feel better.'"

Recent healthcare reform requires that mental health benefits included in employer-sponsored insurance coverage are equal to other medical benefits, meaning that those who suffer from depression won't be forced to face higher health insurance quotes.

Parents should consider costs before adding children to their health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The post-recessionary job market may make it difficult for some recent graduates to secure jobs with employer-sponsored insurance.

Recent healthcare reform will allow these young adults to remain on their parents' coverage until they reach age 26. Still, there are some factors parents should consider before extending coverage to their children, according to a report in USA Today.

Some of these young adults would be better off securing an individual health insurance policy. High deductible plans are often available to healthy consumers, and may be less expensive than adding them to a group policy.

The provision allowing this coverage will not be effective until September 23, meaning that many of this spring's graduates will face a coverage gap. Four major health insurers have announced their intentions to protect during this gap, according to the report. Those not covered through these plans may purchase COBRA health insurance.

"However, COBRA is expensive: You'll pay 100 percent of the child's premium, plus administrative costs," the report said.

A recent rule from the Internal Revenue Service may make employer-sponsored insurance more affordable by allowing parents to make pre-tax contributions to their policies.

College graduates may face coverage gap

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Graduating from college often means losing healthcare coverage for many young Americans.

A new provision in the healthcare reform bill addresses this problem by allowing individuals to remain on their parents' policies until they reach age 26. The rule will take effect this September, which is not soon enough for many families, according to a recent report by Kaiser Health News.

Those who graduate this May and are not able to purchase insurance of their own will be forced to face a four-month coverage gap.

"I thought, this is a big problem, both for us and for all those people who think their kids are going to be eligible when they graduate in May," Allison McMaster Young was quoted as saying. Her son, Alex, is currently on his father's policy.

Young adults with health problems are often rejected by companies offering individual health insurance. Some parents are choosing to cover their children through the COBRA program, which charges them the entire premium as well as an administrative fee, according to the report.

Statistics from the Commonwealth Fund showed that young adults are more likely than any other age group to go uninsured. Forty-five percent of Americans between age 19 and 29 currently do not have coverage.

Ways to seek cheaper healthcare now

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Healthcare costs for some individuals may decline during the next decade due to the Patient Protections and Affordable Care Act.

There are several options for those seeking affordable health insurance quotes now, according to a recent article by ABC News. The Foundation for Health Coverage Education offers information about individuals' coverage eligibility based on their income, pre-existing health conditions, demographic and personal information.

Some low income individuals may even be able to receive prescription medication for free through the Partnerships for Prescription Assistance. Those who are not eligible for this program can cut costs by switching from name-brand to generic medication or even adjusting to a cheaper drug within the same medication group. Free or reduced-cost healthcare is available at Hill-Burton facilities in 46 states.

It may also be useful to research the reimbursements given to medical institutions through Medicare, according to the report, as this may provide leverage for future price negotiation.

"Another way to negotiate with doctors and hospitals is to ask them to honor the rate they charge insurance companies - even if you are uninsured," the report said.

Starting in 2014, insurers will no longer be able to charge increased insurance quotes for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Reform could benefit, hurt certain industries

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Americans remain divided over the effects recent reform will have on health insurance quotes - and the workers that determine them.

A recent report by the San Francisco Chronicle pointed to the various industries whose payrolls may - or may not - benefit from the legislation. The health insurance industry is likely to receive an influx of customers, according to the report. Still, a medical loss ratio included in the bill will limit the amount of money spent on administrative costs and commissions versus customer payout.

Doctors are also likely to benefit from a Medicare provision in the legislation, according to the report, thanks to an incentive payment for family medicine, internal medicine, geriatric and pediatric physicians. A leveling of the playing field may also benefit self-employed people who purchase individual health insurance. Still, it is unclear exactly how the bill will impact these people or the overall economy.

"The net effect on many jobs will depend on how fine details of the new law are put into action," the report said. "Things will change, but if you are in the right industry you could get more that just health benefits."

Student loan reform included in the bill has already cost the nation's largest lender, Sallie Mae, to eliminate some 2,500 workers from its payroll, according to a recent release from the company.

Subsidy helps recently unemployed pay for health insurance premiums

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

A federal subsidy extended by Congress may put affordable health insurance quotes within reach for the recently unemployed, according to a release from the Internal Revenue Service.

Those who are involuntarily terminated from their jobs between September 2008 and Mary 31, 2010 will receive a 65 percent subsidy on their COBRA health insurance premiums. This relief originally expired on March 31, but was lengthened through the Continuing Extension Act of 2010. This law, which also included jobless and National Flood Insurance Program provisions, passed in Congress on April 15.

In addition to the recently unemployed, those who had their hours or wages involuntarily reduced may also be eligible for the subsidy. Those who receive this kind of aid will be required to pay 35 percent of their COBRA health insurance premiums, according to the IRS.

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act established this subsidy to help workers who lost their jobs as a result of the recession maintain their employer sponsored health insurance," the IRS said.

The health coverage tax credit available through the IRS may add to the subsidy savings, paying for 80 percent of the insurance premiums faced by qualified individuals.

Studies show omega-3 fatty acids benefit health

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Eating omega-3 fatty acids may enable consumers to obtain affordable health insurance quotes by reducing their risks for numerous negative health conditions.

A recent report by the Los Angeles Times outlined some of the benefits of these nutrients, which may be found in fish, soybean oil, fish oil pills, fortified foods and more. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to combat cholesterol, blood pressure, blood fat and triglyceride - which may lead to heart disease.

Other studies indicate that pregnant mothers who eat these acids have kids with higher IQs. Omega-3 fatty acids have even been shown to benefit individuals with autism, Alzheimer's disease, ADHD, bipolar disorder and more, according to the report.

"There's very strong, medical-nutrition, literature-based evidence in humans suggesting that the average American would probably have a healthier life, a lower risk of dying from heart disease and improved brain function by consuming more fish, more supplements or more functional foods with DHA and EPA," Bruce Holip, a nutritional scientist at the University of Gulpeh in Ontario, told the Times.

There are five forms of such acids that humans consume, the best being alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, according to the report.

Remaining healthy during long-term unemployment

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Long-term unemployment may have a myriad of negative emotional and physical effects, ranging from increased stress to missed medical care.

A recent report by MarketWatch offered advice on minimizing these effects which may translate into increased health insurance quotes. Remaining socially active, establishing an exercise regimen and pursuing hobbies are all ways that long-term unemployed may remain both physically and emotionally well.

In addition to remaining active, it is important to develop a structured work day during which they look for a job, according to the report. This includes getting up early, setting up shop at a quiet place and focusing on the goal of finding employment. Taking advantage of free time to learn new skills may also increase a job-seeker's chances.

"You need to continue the job search, but you do need to spend some time for yourself as a way of better understanding and handling your own stress," Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, told MarketWatch.

Looking at unemployment as a larger phenomenon rather than a personal failure may also protect some job seekers from depression. Those that suffer feelings of hopelessness may benefit from professional help or calling 1-800-273-TALK.

March data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that there were about 6.5 million long-term unemployed people.

FDA proposes phase-down of sodium

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

High sodium consumption may increase consumers' likelihood of developing heart disease, hypertension and other medical conditions that lead to increased health insurance quotes.

With that in mind, the Food and Drug Administration is stepping in to limit the amount of salt contained in various products, according to a recent report by the Washington Post. A 10-year program would lead to a phase-down of the ingredient, which is used as a preservative and to give some foods their texture.

Salt producers have criticized the FDA's proposal, according to the report.

"If you consume a lot of salt, you also get rid of a lot of salt - it doesn't mean it's an excess. I want to make sure they're basing this on everything that is in the scientific literature, so we don't end up being guinea pigs because someone thinks they're doing something good," Morton Satin, director for technical and regulatory affairs for the Salt Institute, told the Post.

One city has already launched a campaign to limit the sodium used by chain restaurants and food manufacturers during the upcoming five years, according to the report. New York City's efforts to reduce usage by 25 percent has received support from Boston, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Chicago and more.

Patients turn to doctors, hot lines for answers regarding reform

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Confusion over the recent healthcare reform has caused some doctors to work longer hours, according to a recent report by the New York Times, with many patients turning to them for answers.

Hot lines may also serve as a resource for people confused about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Medicare Rights Center president Joseph Baker is among the individuals fielding these questions. Many of his callers have expressed concern over whether their healthcare provider would continue seeing them, and confusion over the Medicare prescription medication coverage gap, according to the report.

"People call us confused, panicked, anxious. And in most instances, we say there are some benefits in the short term, like closing the doughnut hole, and that the things that might have a negative impact, like lower reimbursement to providers, will happen over a number of years," he told the Times.

Few patients ask about the changes to soon take place under the bill, like the provision allowing individuals to remain on their parents' coverage until age 26. This will be effective in September and may reduce the number of uninsured young adults.

The reform was passed March 23 and aims to put affordable health insurance quotes within reach for all Americans.

Health insurers may be misleading regulators over spending

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Recent reform may ensure that Americans get the medical care they deserve for the premiums they will be required to pay.

A medical-loss-ratio included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act mandates that insurers meet minimum levels on customer costs relative to administrative payments. Some companies, however, may be employing deceptive accounting practices to make it appear they are spending more on claims, according to a recent report by Reuters.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation recently spoke out against these reclassification efforts.

"This new data makes clear that too many health insurance companies are still putting profits before people, and they have a lot of work to do to meet the consumer protection requirements of the health care reform law by the end of this year," John Rockefeller, chairman of the committee, was quoted as saying.

Prior to the reform's March 23 approval, Rockefeller said in a bipartisan meeting on healthcare reform that large insurers were closer to meeting the proposed medical loss ratio than small businesses and the those within the individual insurance market. Tracking their spending, he said, is an important part of the provision's success.

Health, life insurers invested in fast food, report shows

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Consumers who maintain a healthy diet are often less likely to develop medical conditions that result in increased health insurance quotes.

Therefore, it may follow that insurers would be invested in their customers' health. A recent report by Harvard Medical School showed that many health and life insurance companies are in fact invested - in the fast food industry. Eleven major life and health insurers had combined $1.88 of holdings in five of the largest fast-food companies.

Northwestern Mutual had the largest investment, according to the report, with a total of $422.2 million in stocks. The majority of this was in McDonald's holdings, with the remainder spent on Jack in the Box and Yo! Brand stocks. ING and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company had the second and third largest investments in fast food.

"If insurers are to play a greater part in the health care delivery system they ought to be held to a higher standard of corporate responsibility," the report said. "This responsibility includes alligning all of their resources - including financial investments - in ways that improve health or, at the very least, do not harm it."

Following a diet high in fast food may increase individual's likelihood of becoming obese, which can lead to other health risks likes heart disease.

Financial advisers are missing opportunity to discuss long-term care costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Long-term care is one of the various expenses consumers may have to consider while approaching retirement, with annual nursing home costs now nearing $75,000.

A recent report by BestWeek indicated the importance of this planning, which many financial advisers are hesitant to initiate. Ninety-one percent of respondents in a survey commissioned by Genworth Finanical Inc. said their adviser had not mentioned the topic of covering such costs.

"Discussions about long-term care represent a major tipping point for advisers," Colleen Goldhammer, senior vice president of sales and distribution at Genworth, said. "Yet many are missing a tremendous opportunity to talk to their existing clients, and strengthen relationships, by facilitating these difficult family conversations."

Consumers who are unable to obtain affordable health insurance quotes because of a pre-existing medical condition may seek relief through the Community Living Assistance Services and Support Act. The provision was included in the recent healthcare reform and offers customers no less than $50 a day to pay for long-term care services.

In addition to nursing home costs, couples leaving the workforce this year may face some $250,000 in medical expenses during retirement, according to a separate report by Fidelity Investments.

Vermont legislature seeks healthcare reform

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Recent reform passed by the Vermont legislature may help make affordable health insurance quotes more accessible for the state's residents, according to a recent report by the Burlington Free Press.

The bill called for the creation of three sets of plans to implement universal healthcare in the state beginning in July 2010. The Health Care Reform Commission would be responsible for this planning, which would include at least one government-sponsored, publicly-funded program, according to the report.

Three of Vermont's gubernatorial candidates debated which commission would be responsible for such planning. The current proposal represents a compromise.

"Another change proved more controversial - although not among the gubernatorial candidates," the report said. "It would cap growth in the collective rate increase for the state’s 14 hospitals at 4 percent for each of the next two years."

Critics of this provision said such limitations would create financial problems for insurers, according to the report. Others said legislators should have enforced a zero percent rate increase cap. The bill received preliminary approval in the Vermont Senate.

These reforms stem from legislation in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act recently approve by the federal government.

Stress hormone linked to dieting, study says

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Dieting may help consumers obtain affordable health insurance quotes by eliminating medical risks associated with obesity - sometimes at the expense of other health conditions.

A recent report by Psychosomatic Medicine showed that women who cut their calories for three weeks had a higher level of stress hormone cortisol than those who did not diet. Their cortisol levels were also higher than those recorded at the beginning of the three weeks.

The study split its 121 participants into four dietary regimens. In addition to those who cut and tracked calories, participant reduced by did not count their calories. Non-dieters were also split between those who tracked and did not track caloric intake.

Dieters lost an average of 2 lb. while non-dieters gained weight.

"Dieting may be deleterious to psychological well-being and biological functioning, and changes in clinical recommendations may be in order," the study said.

Excessive levels of stress can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties anxiety and more. Those who turn to drugs or alcohol to temporarily relieve these issues may face negative side effects down the road. Exercise may be a less stressful alternative to dieting for consumers trying to lose weight.

Consumers should take advantage of healthcare now

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Taking care of your well-being now can lead to lower health insurance quotes down the road.

Therefore, it is important for individuals to take advantage of the healthcare opportunities available to them, according to a recent release by the Polyclinic. Physicians at the Seattle-based organization recommend that consumers familiarize themselves with benefits available through their health insurance policy and purchase the plan most suitable to them.

Receiving necessary treatment now can reduce health complications in the future, the release said. It may also be less expensive, as many companies cut costs by scaling back on their employer-sponsored insurance coverage. Switching from brand name to generic medication may provide debt relief for some consumers.

"Do what you can to stay healthy and minimize costly future illnesses or hospital stays," the release said. "Get your physical and well checks done now - especially if you fear you may lose your insurance later. Keep in mind that many insurance plans cover routine screenings."

At $2.5 trillion, national health expenditure accounted for 17.3 percent of gross domestic product in 2009, according to a recent report by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The report also projcted that such spending would reach $4.5 trillion or 19.3 percent of GDP in 2019.

CLASS Act helps with long-term care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Increasing health insurance quotes have made it difficult for many individuals to receive the medical attention they need - particularly those that require long-term care.

One often-overlooked provision in the recent healthcare reform bill may make this easier, according to a recent report by NPR. The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act will provide no less than $50 a day to help participants pay for some help with daily tasks. The sum is not enough to afford nursing home treatment, but may still be useful.

"We find that the vast majority of people need long-term care assistance as they get older, but they don't save for it," Nora Super, director of federal government relations for AARP, said. "So this will help people start saving for it in a very simple way, and help supplement their saving needs for the future."

The program is slated to launch next year, according to the report. Participation is voluntary and funding will come from paycheck deductions.

A recent report by Fidelity Investments showed that couples leaving the workforce this year will need to have $250,000 in savings to cover healthcare costs during their retirement. This does not include nursing home or long-term care.

Study shows health benefits from chocolate

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The latest in suggested health foods may leave a slightly bitter taste in one's mouth: dark chocolate.

A recent report by the European Heart Journal showed that eating six grams of chocolate a day could reduce an individual's chance of suffering from a heart attack or stroke by 85 percent. Dark varieties were more powerful than milk chocolate, while white chocolate demonstrated no health benefits.

Chocolate has often been associated with lower blood levels. The more recent study, which was conducted by nutritional epidemiologist Brian Buijsse, indicated that flavanols in the food could make blood vessels more elastic and less prone to clotting.

Still, excessive chocolate consumption could increase health risks associated with obesity.

"If you want to eat chocolate, keep it at low amounts and leave out something else in the diet, preferably something also rich in calories," Buijsse was quoted as saying. "If you chose chocolate rather than a bag of potato chips, that’s probably better, because the chips don’t have any nutritional benefit other than the calories."

Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that consumers eat a diverse selection of food from various food groups, while avoiding those that are high in sugars, fats and calories. Doing this can help them obtain more affordable health insurance quotes by avoiding health complications.

H1N1 vaccination rates highest in New England

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Vaccinating against illnesses is one way consumers may be able to obtain affordable health insurance quotes.

A recent report by the Associated Press showed that New England residents may be taking this to heart, as the region reported the highest H1N1 vaccination rates in the nation. The South had the lowest rates, according to the report, which referred to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rhode Island reported the highest vaccination rate, followed by Massachusetts, Maine, South Dakota and Hawaii. The state's 39 percent rate was about three times higher than those reported in Mississippi.

"Experts have said it's difficult to compare state vaccination rates because situations vary from place to place," the report said. "For example, the Southeast was hit earlier in the large wave of illness last summer and fall - before vaccines were available."

More recently, a possible third wave of H1N1 cases may be emerging in the Southeast, according to a recent report by the Los Angeles Times.

Federal officials continue to urge individuals to seek out the vaccine. Only one-third of consumers in priority populations - children, pregnant women, healthcare workers and those with medical conditions - have been vaccinated, according to the CDC.

Poll: Floridians approve of healthcare lawsuit

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Attorneys general in many states responded to recent healthcare reform by threatening or filing lawsuits.

Florida's Bill McCollum was among these individuals. The Republican attorney general who is now running for governor may have benefited from suing the federal government last week, according to a recent poll by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc.

Fifty-one percent of respondents said they approved of McCollum's lawsuit, compared to the 39 percent who were opposed. His popularity as an attorney general has also improved, according to the poll. Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported viewing him in a positive light now, compared with the 29 percent who did so last June.

"The lawsuit probably gave McCollum a little lift and has put him in a strong position, but there's more going on here," Brad Coker, a Mason-Dixon pollster, was quoted as saying.

The poll's results also show that McCollum has more bipartisan appeal than his gubernatorial opponent, Florida's chief financial officer Alex Sink.

Immediately following passage of the healthcare reform bill, McCollum field a lawsuit claiming that provisions mandating universal insurance violated Article 1 of the Constitution. He also wrote that such legislation would greatly increase financial burdens for states hoping to cover rising health insurance quotes.

Insurer: Healthcare bill is 'fundamentally flawed'

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Recent healthcare reform has raised budgetary and legal concerns among many lawmakers, insurance companies and physicians.

A new mandate for universal health insurance violates interstate commerce rights protected under the Constitution, some have said, and puts an unfair burden on taxpayers. Attorneys general in at least 14 states threatened to file lawsuits against the legislation.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama last week, also prohibits companies from charging higher health insurance quotes for individuals with poor health or rejecting children with pre-existing conditions.

Robert Rusbuldt, president and chief executive officer of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America told BestWeek about his industry's concerns toward the bill.

"It's going to be a wild ride for the next year or so," he was quoted as saying. “At the end of the day, we think this bill is fundamentally flawed and that it will not work as intended in the marketplace."

A recent survey by athenahealth and Sermo showed that many physicians are also worried that reform could contribute to lower healthcare quality. Fifty-nine percent of respondents expected the quality of care to decline in the next five years.

Survey: Physicians think healthcare quality will decline

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Federal reform may be among the factors that causes healthcare quality to decrease in the next five years, according to a recent survey by athenahealth and Sermo.

Fifty-nine percent of respondents in the Physician Sentiment Index felt that the quality of healthcare would decline during that time, while more than half said the current healthcare climate is detrimental to their work. In addition to federal reform, the physicians pointed to the business of medicine and reimbursement protocols among the variables that would weaken the system.

"Physicians want to focus on being the best doctors they can be, but there are all these things getting in the way," said Jonathan Bush, CEO and Chairman of athenahealth. "They're caught between caring for their patients and remaining viable businesses."

Ninety-two percent of respondents said that getting paid by insurers has become increasingly complex, according to the report, with many of them also finding Medicare and Medicaid payments burdensome. More than two-thirds felt time spent with payors and other third parties took away from their work with patients.

In addition to mandating universal healthcare, the reform bill recently passed in Congres would prohibit companies from charging higher health insurance quotes for individuals with poor health or denying coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.

Report: Women disappointed in healthcare abortion rights

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Many opponents of the healthcare bill have cited issue with language allowing federal funding to be used to subsidize abortions.

President Barack Obama may have eased some of this anger by signing a bill reaffirming that such funds would not be used for abortion. Under the current law, women would need to make two premium payments in order to receive coverage through their health insurance. It also protects healthcare workers from performing abortions if such procedures would violate their beliefs.

Women's advocates groups have responded with disappointment in Obama, who signed the bill out of sight of cameras, according to a recent report by the Washington Post. The previous day, he signed healthcare reform legislation at an elaborate ceremony.

"It really pains me to conclude that on balance this law is not good for women," Terry O'Neill, president of the National Organization for Women, told the newspaper. "It's health reform that has been achieved on the backs of women and at the expense of women."

The Hyde Amendment currently prevents certain federal funds from being used toward abortion. Passed in 1976, the law bars coverage from the government-sponsored program Medicaid, except in cases of rape or incest and when the woman's life is in danger.

Study: Women should exercise 60 minutes a day to maintain weight

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Avoiding obesity may be one of the first steps in securing affordable health insurance quotes.

Exercise and eating well are often consider components of maintaining a healthy weight. A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that healthy women who do not want to diet must exercise 60 minutes a day, seven days a week in order to maintain their weight.

"You can still do much for your health with a lower level of exercise," I-Min Lee, the author of the study, told the Los Angeles Times. "But if you want to exercise for weight control, it's 60 minutes a day."

The study tracked weight, physical activity and other health factors of 34,000 women over the course of 13 years. Women gained an average of 5.7 pounds throughout the study. Those with a normal body mass index less than 25 were able to maintain their weight through performing 60 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, like jogging, bicycling, yoga, squash, swimming and more.

Still, these exercise levels are significantly higher than those currently recommended by the federal government. Physical activity guidelines released in 2008 by the Department of Health suggest that adults perform about 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week.

Poll: Almost half of Americans support healthcare reform bill

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Healthcare reform has not received universal acceptance among lawmakers, with attorneys general in some states threatening to file suit against the recently signed bill.

Less than half of the nation's adults approve of its passage, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll conducted on Monday, the day after the healthcare reform bill received the majority of votes in the U.S. House of Representatives. Forty-nine percent of respondents said the bill was a good thing, while 40 percent said it was not. The other 11 percent did not express an opinion.

Reactions were even more divided along party lines. Seventy-nine percent of Democrat respondents said the bill was a good thing, while 76 percent of Republicans said it was not. The poll also weighed the emotional response to reform. Half of respondents had a positive reaction, while 42 percent were disappointed or angry.

"Passage of healthcare reform was a clear political victory for President Obama and his allies in Congress," the report said "While it also pleases most of his Democratic base nationwide, it is met with greater ambivalence among independents and with considerable antipathy among Republicans."

President Barack Obama signed the healthcare reform bill yesterday and is now being debated in the Senate.

Report: What healthcare reform means for consumers

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

A flurry of headlines regarding landmark healthcare legislation have left many Americans confused.

Some are wondering how - and when - the reform will affect them, while others questions its constitutionality. A recent report by the Associated Press aimed to clarify some of the confusion.

While many of the bill's provisions are not effective until 2014, the reform could soon lead to significant expansion of coverage for middle-class families with college students and seniors who receive aid through Medicare. The bill will allow children who are not eligible for workplace insurance to remain on their parents' policy through age 26, while providing rebates for seniors who fell into the Medicare gap.

Insurers will not be able to deny children coverage on the basis of a pre-existing medical condition.

"A key element to these reforms is that options that weren't available to people will become available now," DeAnn Friedholm of Consumers Union told the AP.

Starting in 2014, the bill will offer tax credits and prohibit insurers from charging higher health insurance quotes for people with poor health.

Questions about the bill's constitutionality are currently being raised by attorneys general in at least 14 different states. The officials have threatened to file suits against the reform, taking issue with its fees and penalties for those who do not purchase insurance.

Lawsuits await healthcare reform bill

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The long battle for healthcare reform may not be over thanks to efforts by several state officials planning lawsuits to overturn the bill.

Attorneys general from at least 12 states said they will sue on the basis that the bill is unconstitutional, according to a recent report by the Christian Science Monitor. Most take issue with the law's penalties on consumers who do not purchase health insurance coverage as well as increase expenses incurred by states and taxpayers.

"The health care legislation Congress passed last night is an assault against the Constitution of the United States," South Carolina attorney general Henry McMaster said in a conference call. "It contains various provisions and federal mandates that are clearly unconstitutional and must not be allowed to stand."

Lawmakers in Virginia have already passed a bill making mandate health insurance illegal for its residents. The state's attorney general Ken Cuccinelli sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi last week criticizing the proposed "deem and pass" approach.

Other state planning to pass lawsuits include Pennsylvania, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Utah and Florida. The reform bill will reach President Barack Obama's desk for signature this Tuesday.

Reform could create new opportunity for health insurers

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Many within the health insurance sector have opposed reform that would lead to increased regulation and taxes.

But a a boost in its customer-base could be one benefit from such reform, according to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal. Mandated health insurance would likely lead to an influx of young customers, who currently cannot afford or consider themselves too healthy to warrant coverage.

About 13 million Americans between age 20 and 29 did not have health insurance in 2008, according to the recently released National Health Survey. This has caused many people within this age group - often referred to as the "young invincibles" - to forgo medical care until they land in the emergency room.

Federal subsidies could decrease health insurance quotes for many of these individuals. Still, penalties instituted under the proposed reform may not be enough to increase enrollment among young individuals, according to American Health Insurance Plans spokesman Robert Zirkelbach.

"If you are 25 and relatively healthy and have a choice between a $95 penalty and several thousand dollars for health insurance, it's not a hard choice to make," Zirkelbach told the newspaper.

Challenging economic conditions have also made it more difficult for young Americans, as well as the general population, to afford health insurance.

First Lady targets food industry in campaign against obesity

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Earlier this year, First Lady Michelle Obama launched an initiative to eliminate childhood obesity.

Called "Let's Move," the campaign aimed at equipping schools, families and communities with the necessary tools to teach children about exercise and healthy eating. The Task Force on Childhood Obesity was created to review programs related to childhood nutrition and develop a nationwide course of action. The campaign's most recent move targets the food industry.

Obama recently spoke to the Grocery Manufacturers Association about the importance of putting less salt, fat and sugar in foods. She also urged companies to increase marketing for healthy foods and avoid substituting one unhealthy ingredient with another.

"This needs to be a serious industry wide commitment to providing the healthier foods parents are looking for at prices they can afford," she said.

Providing clearer food labels and portion sizes could also help consumers eat better, according to the report. By exercising and eating well as a child, Americans may be able to avoid obesity as adults.

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that about one-third of American adults are obese. Health risks associated with obesity, like heart disease and asthma, may force those who suffer from this disease to face higher health insurance quotes.