Individual plan health care services

Individual plan health care services

What is an individual health insurance plan? If speaking technically, it is an agreement between the insurer and the customer regulating that the insurer will pay for listed customer's medical services in case of an emergency against a certain fine. But the main question that many people are asking is about the elements to be considered before going with such an individual health insurance option.
There's no doubt that the quality of medical and preventive services has made a huge leap forward compared to say 50 years ago. sciences have made rapid advancements in today's world. Still, going off without health insurance is quite a risky decision even taking all the progress into account. Today, insurance companies are competing for customers, trying to offer the most advanced health insurance plans that would include just any thing imaginable for a reasonable price. So if you aren't employed with a big company or your employer doesn't provide group health insurance options, getting an individual health insurance plan is the right thing to consider.
It is recommended that you consult with your insurance agent or broker in case your individual policy makes part of an integrated group health insurance policy. Sometimes such options are more costly than simple individual plans but in contrast provide more opportunities and larger coverage. In case you're married be sure to check with your partner's employer if they can include you in their group health insurance plan. And if there are no other options left, individual health insurance policy is just what you need. Even if the rates would be higher than with group health insurance or your coverage will be limited, still it's a far better option than simply going off without any medical coverage in case of an illness or exceptional situation. It's better to find a health insurance expert who will help you find cheap health insurance solutions for individuals with respect to your financial abilities and actual needs.
And there are plenty of options to choose between when going with an individual health insurance plan - Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), High Deductible Health Insurance (HDHP) or Health Savings Accounts Qualified High Deductible (HAS).
When thinking of an individual insurance plan experts recommend considering health savings account plans that cater certain benefits for the customer. This way you will be able to save some additional amounts of money on a monthly basis by decreasing your premiums. And this type of plans also offers tax favored savings accounts so you should think well about going with that option if you want cheap health insurance with certain benefits like the money accumulated each year with your savings.
Even if your employer provides group health insurance solutions you still may want to get an additional health insurance plan to cover things not included in your group policy. In such case you will have to get an individual health insurance policy and tailor it to your exact needs. That is also a very good option if you have family members not included in your employer's plan.

The Health Benefits of Red Wine

Can wine really improve our health and increase longevity? Scientists are beginning to say "Yes!" Supposing that the theory is true -- which wines give us the most bang for the buck?

Researchers have found that red wines rich in flavonoids are best for our health. Flavonoids are best known for their antioxidant qualities and help the body resist such maladies as allergens, viruses and carcinogens.

Red wines also contain anxioxidants, which help the body resist cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir contain the highest concentrations of antioxidants and flavonoids.

Other red wines such as Merlots and red zinfandels contain fewer flavonoids, but more than most white wines. So, the best bet for drinking wine for our health is to stick to the dryer red wines.  Just because wine contains components that are central to good health doesn't give us a free rein to get plastered every night. Don't overdo it -- but adding a glass of wine to your daily diet can definitely make a difference to our health.

Paracelsus, the noted 16th-century Swiss physician wrote, "Wine is a food, a medicine and a poison - it's just a question of dose." As with almost any food or drink, wine consumed in large doses can be a detriment to our health.

Most health officials agree that one or two four-ounce glasses of wine per day can be beneficial to men, while women should limit their consumption to one four ounce serving per day.

Cardiovascular expert, Professor Roger Corder, has spent years studying the evidence of health benefits from red wine. In his new book, "The Wine Diet," he says he is convinced that most of us should include red wine in our every day lifestyle.

Corder discovered what he eventually labeled the "French Paradox." Specifically, he wondered why the French have a lower rate of heart disease despite the fact that their diet was extremely rich in fats. He concentrated his research on the southwest portion of France, where life expectancy seemed to be highest.

Professor Corder discovered that the region produces very tannic local wines, which contain the highest procyanidin (antioxidant) content of any wines, worldwide. This led him to further research on the amazing medical benefits of red wine.

While wine may not be man's ultimate elixir or fountain of youth, it certainly behooves us to consider adding a glass of wine or two to our daily diet - and raise a "toast" to our continued good health.

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Heartburn and Acid Reflux Relief During Pregnancy!

Heartburn is a common condition for many, unfortunately, is even more common for women during pregnancy. The acidity is caused by stomach acid to escape and move into the esophagus. It can create pain, pressure and burn the women during pregnancy and naturally women would like a natural and effective solution that will not affect your growing baby.

There are two reasons why the heartburn becomes a particular issue for pregnant women;

First, the growing baby restricts a woman's organs. The stomach, in particular, is pushed up and restricted. This physical pressure can force stomach acid into the esophagus causing pain and can damage the esophagus.

Secondly, during pregnancy, progesterone levels rise.Progesterone serves many beneficial functions to protect the growing fetus and the strengthening of the placenta. The disadvantage is the high level can also cause swelling and relax the esophageal sphincter allowing acid to escape the stomach. Progesterone also may slow the digestion process.

Resources are available over the counter, but pregnant women should really take the advice of your doctor before taking any of these remedies. A better approach might be to adopt some simple lifestyle changes.

The following steps should be helpful...

Try to eat smaller meals and eat 5-6 meals a day instead of the traditional three large meals. To distribute food in this way you are allowing your stomach to digest food more efficiently and are avoiding creating more pressure than necessary.

Try eating more slowly. Chewing food thoroughly is also compatible with your digestive system. One way to curb your power is to put your fork down between mouthfuls.

Avoid spicy foods and foods high in acidity.. Also note any food that seems to be a trigger for heartburn.

Foods high in fat, particularly animal fats, can be difficult to digest. Eat in moderation

Drink plenty of water, as it will help your digestive system. A glass of water will also provide very fast, unfortunately temporary, acid wash solution into the stomach.

Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict the stomach.

Never go to bed with a full stomach. . Staying vertical will allow gravity to help keep the acid in the stomach.

You can use pillows to support the upper body to help you sleep.

Finally, if you have not stopped smoking to protect your growing baby , then here's another good reason to quit smoking as well make heartburn less common.

The good news is that the symptoms of acid reflux is likely to ease after the birth of your baby...

Using the methods I have described will also help control symptoms during pregnancy.
by: Obadiea Jones

Head Sweating And Your Social Life

Three percent of people in the world suffer from head sweating. This is a staggering statistic. If one suffers from this medical condition one need not feel alone. The entire surface of the body is covered in millions of sweat glands that control the body temperature and allows the skin to perspire to cool down when hot. When this intricate system gets out of sink excessive head sweating of a primary or secondary form takes place.

Primary hyperhidrosis (head sweating), affects ninety-five percent of suffers and can be controlled to a certain degree by natural herbal homeopathic remedies. These medications have been known to help in the reducing and sometimes in certain cases completely stopping the sweating. These natural substances may also be able to treat the underlying causes of excessive sweating. With the wide variety of herbal solutions now available on the market one should always consult a reputable herbal consultant for optimum results, when seeking a remedy for this problem.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is endured by five percent of afflicted people. This small group may have excessive head sweating problems as a result of an underlying medical condition and it is advisable to consult a doctor.

It is an embarrassing dilemma that can often create severe psychological problems in a person's life. Wet hair and an itchy scalp, clammy face ruining makeup, forever feeling untidy and self-conscious about one's appearance all leave one insecure. Together with all these problems one still has the underlying fear of unpleasant odors resulting from the perspiration.

There are a number of helpful tips that can go a long way to helping lessen the chances of a head sweat. Loose clothing made from natural fibers, avoiding nylons and other synthetic materials will help one feel cooler. Keeping one's feet cool also allows the whole body to be cooler.

Hot, peppery foods and stimulants should be avoided at all costs. One should endeavor to use natural shampoos and not to wash one's hair too often. A well balanced nourishing diet is also recommended to prevent unnecessary sweating.

Emotional stress, anxiety levels and fits of rage can also bring one severe sweating. One is encouraged to find ways to bring these feelings under control and to work towards lessening these fits of emotion that increase the possibility of undue facial perspiration.

To cope with head sweating one needs to determine into which of the two categories, primary or secondary, one falls in to and then decide on how to deal with this unattractive disorder. Little is known of the exact cause except that the problem is focused around an overactive sympathetic nervous system that in some cases my benefit from natural homeopathic remedies.
Primary hyperhidrosis (head sweating), affects ninety-five percent of suffers and can be controlled to a certain degree by natural herbal homeopathic remedies. These medications have been known to help in the reducing and sometimes in certain cases completely stopping the sweating. These natural substances may also be able to treat the underlying causes of excessive sweating. With the wide variety of herbal solutions now available on the market one should always consult a reputable herbal consultant for optimum results, when seeking a remedy for this problem.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is endured by five percent of afflicted people. This small group may have excessive head sweating problems as a result of an underlying medical condition and it is advisable to consult a doctor.

It is an embarrassing dilemma that can often create severe psychological problems in a person's life. Wet hair and an itchy scalp, clammy face ruining makeup, forever feeling untidy and self-conscious about one's appearance all leave one insecure. Together with all these problems one still has the underlying fear of unpleasant odors resulting from the perspiration.

There are a number of helpful tips that can go a long way to helping lessen the chances of a head sweat. Loose clothing made from natural fibers, avoiding nylons and other synthetic materials will help one feel cooler. Keeping one's feet cool also allows the whole body to be cooler.

Hot, peppery foods and stimulants should be avoided at all costs. One should endeavor to use natural shampoos and not to wash one's hair too often. A well balanced nourishing diet is also recommended to prevent unnecessary sweating.

Emotional stress, anxiety levels and fits of rage can also bring one severe sweating. One is encouraged to find ways to bring these feelings under control and to work towards lessening these fits of emotion that increase the possibility of undue facial perspiration.

To cope with head sweating one needs to determine into which of the two categories, primary or secondary, one falls in to and then decide on how to deal with this unattractive disorder. Little is known of the exact cause except that the problem is focused around an overactive sympathetic nervous system that in some cases my benefit from natural homeopathic remedies.

Exercise for Stomach Fat

With all the fast food we eat, only the fortunate few avoid a flabby gut without doing some sort of exercise for stomach fat. Two of the simplest types are planks and crunches. Before you start on either, bear in mind that pregnant women shouldn’t do these exercises. Also, if you have back problems, doing crunches on a hard surface can aggravate those problems, so don’t do that. As always, warm up before and stretch afterward. Never stretch cold muscles.

Planks

For the ab plank, lie on the floor face down with your weight on your forearms and toes. Straighten your body, as rigid and straight as possible, from neck to ankles for a 30-second holds (use the old “one-Mississippi, two-Mississippi” method for counting the seconds). Do three sets of 20 (or however many you can do to begin with and work up to three sets). Thirty-second holds are a starting point. Gradually increase your hold time as you grow more accustomed to the exercise. If this becomes too easy, do the exercise with a stability ball under your feet. The more you do the more stomach fat you will burn.

Another intense exercise for stomach fat is the side plank, start in the basic plank position (weight on toes and elbows), and roll to one side, placing all your weight on one forearm and placing your upper foot on your lower foot (the weight is now on the side of your foot), and extend your free arm straight upward. Hold that for 30 seconds, and then reverse, holding that for 30 seconds. This exercise can also be done with straight arms, weight resting on the palm of the hand. That’s a little more challenging balance-wise, but like anything else, it gets easier with practice. Again, the goal is three sets of twenty.

Crunches

For a more old-school exercise for stomach fat, do some crunches. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Position your feet as wide as your hips, hands behind your head, and tuck hands behind your ears. Use your stomach (not your hands) to lift your head, neck and shoulder blades off the floor. Don’t pull your head forward with your hands. Keep your chin off your chest. Hold that position until it starts to burn, and then count to five before lowering. Do three sets of however many you can do, and keep going until failure (i.e., until you can’t do anymore).

An oblique crunch adds rotating slightly with your shoulders, moving one of your elbows toward the opposite knee, while doing the crunches. To increase the intensity of your stomach fat exercise, add a stability ball to the mix.

Stomach fat exercise should be part of your daily routine. It not only makes you look better, but it also remedies back pain caused by extra weight imposing on weak muscles in your stomach and back. You don’t get as tired because you aren’t hauling around extra stomach fat. Working your abs helps your posture and eliminates stress. All in all, you couldn’t do yourself a bigger favor.
by: James Taylor

Dr. Silverstein and Dr. Poses in WSJ: "The Literature Is Hardly Pristine"

I have considered Dr. Roy Poses' Dec. 14, 2010 post "The Lancet Emphasizes the Threats to the Academic Medical Mission" (with its hyperlinks to source posts and articles) an excellent summary of many of the pathologies we address at Healthcare Renewal, especially with regard to the academic mission and the disruption of the integrity of the medical literature by commercial interests. His post is consistent with what might be considered our mission statement:

Addressing threats to health care's core values, especially those stemming from concentration and abuse of power. Advocating for accountability, integrity, transparency, honesty and ethics in leadership and governance of health care.

The Wall Street Journal published the following letter to the editor authored by me today in which I cited and summarized Dr. Poses' accounting of the medical literature's ills.

Unfortunately, the print version cannot contain the hyperlinks as above, but I have included them in the reproduced letter below in [brackets]. They are worth reviewing, along with additional links at the aforementioned source post "The Lancet Emphasizes the Threats to the Academic Medical Mission":

April 8, 2011
Wall Street Journal
Letters to the Editor

The Literature Is Hardly Pristine

I find it unfortunate having to inform reader James Reichmann, (Letters, April 1) who prefers his physician to recommend only treatments proven in the "synthesized medical literature," that the very literature on which he wishes his life to depend may be tainted.

As Dr. Roy Poses points out on the Healthcare Renewal Blog, numerous factors common in today's culture can and do corrupt the literature.

The factors include but are not limited to: rampant commercialization of medicine [here, here, here and here], research universities with lax conflict of interest policies [here], faculty as de facto employees of industry through grants [here], academics paid to be "key opinion leaders" to stealth-market drugs and devices [here], control of clinical research given to commercial sponsors [here], conflicts of interest allowing manipulation and suppression of clinical research [here and here], academics taking credit for articles written by commercially paid industry "ghost writers," [here and here], whistleblowing discouraged [here and here], leadership of academic medical centers by business people [here] and medical school leaders becoming stewards (as members of boards of directors) of for-profit health-care corporations [here, here, here and here].

As for me, until the medical literature can be freed of these contaminants, I'd rather trust a well-trained personal physician's good judgment in my own medical care.

Scot Silverstein, M.D.

Drexel University

Philadelphia

I believe it's also worth reviewing my own views on the subject, that the degree of contamination of medical literature is unknown and may be unrecoverable, due to spread of the contaminant vectors to the "experts" who then propagate the disease.

See my Aug. 2009 post "Has Ghostwriting Infected The Experts With Tainted Knowledge, Creating Vectors for Further Spread and Mutation of the Scientific Knowledge Base?" where I raise these questions.

At that post I suggest that while the damage might not be easily recoverable, the practices that lead to contaminated literature must be stopped going forward if true evidence-based medicine is ever to be a reality.

-- SS

Dr. Silverstein and Dr. Poses in WSJ: "The Literature Is Hardly Pristine"

I have considered Dr. Roy Poses' Dec. 14, 2010 post "The Lancet Emphasizes the Threats to the Academic Medical Mission" (with its hyperlinks to source posts and articles) an excellent summary of many of the pathologies we address at Healthcare Renewal, especially with regard to the academic mission and the disruption of the integrity of the medical literature by commercial interests. His post is consistent with what might be considered our mission statement:

Addressing threats to health care's core values, especially those stemming from concentration and abuse of power. Advocating for accountability, integrity, transparency, honesty and ethics in leadership and governance of health care.

The Wall Street Journal published the following letter to the editor authored by me today in which I cited and summarized Dr. Poses' accounting of the medical literature's ills.

Unfortunately, the print version cannot contain the hyperlinks as above, but I have included them in the reproduced letter below in [brackets]. They are worth reviewing, along with additional links at the aforementioned source post "The Lancet Emphasizes the Threats to the Academic Medical Mission":

April 8, 2011
Wall Street Journal
Letters to the Editor

The Literature Is Hardly Pristine

I find it unfortunate having to inform reader James Reichmann, (Letters, April 1) who prefers his physician to recommend only treatments proven in the "synthesized medical literature," that the very literature on which he wishes his life to depend may be tainted.

As Dr. Roy Poses points out on the Healthcare Renewal Blog, numerous factors common in today's culture can and do corrupt the literature.

The factors include but are not limited to: rampant commercialization of medicine [here, here, here and here], research universities with lax conflict of interest policies [here], faculty as de facto employees of industry through grants [here], academics paid to be "key opinion leaders" to stealth-market drugs and devices [here], control of clinical research given to commercial sponsors [here], conflicts of interest allowing manipulation and suppression of clinical research [here and here], academics taking credit for articles written by commercially paid industry "ghost writers," [here and here], whistleblowing discouraged [here and here], leadership of academic medical centers by business people [here] and medical school leaders becoming stewards (as members of boards of directors) of for-profit health-care corporations [here, here, here and here].

As for me, until the medical literature can be freed of these contaminants, I'd rather trust a well-trained personal physician's good judgment in my own medical care.

Scot Silverstein, M.D.

Drexel University

Philadelphia

I believe it's also worth reviewing my own views on the subject, that the degree of contamination of medical literature is unknown and may be unrecoverable, due to spread of the contaminant vectors to the "experts" who then propagate the disease.

See my Aug. 2009 post "Has Ghostwriting Infected The Experts With Tainted Knowledge, Creating Vectors for Further Spread and Mutation of the Scientific Knowledge Base?" where I raise these questions.

At that post I suggest that while the damage might not be easily recoverable, the practices that lead to contaminated literature must be stopped going forward if true evidence-based medicine is ever to be a reality.

-- SS

Breast Cancer Complexity in Personalized Medicine

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have conducted the single largest cancer genomics investigation to date by sequencing the entire genomes of tumor from 50 breast cancer patients.  They compared the cancer DNA to healthy cells in the same patient and found mutations that only occurred in the cancer cells.  They uncovered incredible complexity in the cancer