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Cerebral Palsy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

While most people have heard of cerebral palsy, not everyone knows exactly what it means to live with this disorder, unless they are dealing with it personally. Cerebral palsy, commonly referred to as CP, is one of the most common disorders in children in the U.S. Around 10,000 babies are born each year with cerebral palsy, with the condition affecting more boys than girls. Cerebral palsy can cause a range of disabilities; almost 764,000 children and adults in the U.S. have at least one symptom of the disorder. March is National Cerebral Palsy Month, so in order to bring more awareness to this condition, we will discuss what it is, the risk factors for it, the early signs of it, and treatment options.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition caused by damage to the brain that affects motor skills and movement. This brain damage can be due to a brain injury or abnormal development of the brain during pregnancy or immediately after birth. Most people who have CP are born with the condition, with symptoms usually appearing in early childhood. It is not life-threatening, but unfortunately there is no known cure.

Different Kinds of Cerebral Palsy

There are 4 different types of cerebral palsy:

Spastic Cerebral Palsy– This type of CP accounts for 75% of all cases. It causes increased muscle tone or tightness which makes them stiff and difficult to move. It causes abnormal movements, the inability to move, spasctic muscles, and difficulties moving from one position to another or controlling muscle movement.
Athetoid Cerebral Palsy- Also known as dyskinetic CP, this is the second most common type of cerebral palsy, accounting for 10-20% of all cases. Symptoms can include repetitive and twisting motions, unpredictable movements, poor posture, and difficulty swallowing or talking.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy- This is the least common type of CP, and causes poor balance, tremors and shaky movements.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy- Some people living with CP experience symptoms of two different types of cerebral palsy.

How CP Is Diagnosed

MRI machine with a tech with blue gloves on pressing a button. — *A MRI can be used in order to help diagnose CP.*

Doctors will usually become concerned if there is a delay in a child’s motor development as they hit certain milestones. About 40% of babies and children with CP will have a limited ability to crawl, walk, and run, so if their doctor observes any of these issues in a child, they will do a number of tests to check for injuries to the brain. They will use imaging including:

MRI
CT
EEG
Cranial Ultrasound

Doctors will also test the child’s hearing, vision, and cognitive function during the visit.

Risks

Babies who are born prematurely are at a higher risk of developing CP due to complications like bleeding in the brain. Other risk factors include:

Abnormal deliveries, such as a breech birth (feet first)
Maternal diabetes or high blood pressure
Genetic abnormalities
Poor maternal health
Medical malpractice
Bacterial and viral infections
Bleeding in the brain
A lack of oxygen to the brain before, during or after birth
Prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol, mercury poisoning from fish and toxoplasmosis from raw/undercooked meat
Head injuries sustained during birth or in the first few years of infancy
Severe jaundice
In order to lower the risk of CP, when pregnant, it is important to eat well, take prenatal vitamins, and get checked regularly.

Unfortunately, there is no real way to prevent cerebral palsy, but there are ways to lower the risk of a child being born with it, including:

Eating well during pregnancy
Controlling any pre-existing medical issues
Taking recommended prenatal vitamins
Having regular prenatal check ups throughout pregnancy
Getting screened for potential complications

Most Common Signs

The symptoms of CP are different for every child, but the most common signs to look for include:

Drooling
Problems swallowing or sucking
Floppy or stiff muscles
Seizures
Difficulty with speech
Involuntary movements
Incontinence
Lack of coordination
Jerky reflexes

Treatment Options

adults hands holding a young girls foot while she is standing on a platform. — *Physical therapy can help with CP symptoms and overall quality of life.*

If a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, then a treatment plan will be provided to help improve their overall quality of life. Managing symptoms is key, which can be done with medication, surgery to improve mobility or manage pain, and different forms of therapy such as:

Speech therapy
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Behavioral therapy
Music therapy

If you are planning to get pregnant or are currently pregnant, seeing your doctor regularly and getting genetic testing can go a long way in protecting your baby – and having the right health insurance plan can help provide the best healthcare without breaking the bank. Some testing will not be covered under certain plans, which could end up costing you hundreds of dollars. And if your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, then having the right plan will give your child the best care they can get to improve their quality of life.

If you are in need of a comprehensive health insurance plan that will provide the care you need and fit in your budget, EZ.Insure can help. We want to take the burden of healthcare costs off your shoulders, so one of our agents will work closely with you to find the best plan that meets all of your needs. We will compare plans for free, and even sign you up for free. To instantly compare free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar bove, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

COVID Special Health Insurance Enrollment Period Now Open Through May

Many Americans have lost their jobs, have had to change jobs, and are simply struggling financially because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some have lost their health insurance or are now underinsured. In an effort to help, President Biden issued an Executive Order on January 28 that will provide a COVID-related Special Enrollment Period (SEP) beginning on February 15.

calendar with May 15 as the date — *The Special Enrollment Period will begin February 15 and end May 15.*

The Special Enrollment Period

The Special Enrollment Period will be open for 90 days, running from February 15 until May 15. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has said that this enrollment period will be open for individuals and families who wish to enroll in or change health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. In an effort to increase awareness of the Special Enrollment Period, CMS plans to spend $50 million on advertising campaigns.

What Applicants Can Do

In order to take advantage of this Special Enrollment Period, and enroll in a new plan or change your current plan, you will have to submit a new application or update existing applications. Once you submit your application, you will have 30 days to choose a plan. Coverage will begin the first of the month following the date of plan enrollment.

Because this is a Special Enrollment Period issued by the government, there will be none of the restrictions that typically come with a Special Enrollment Period; this SEP will more resemble an Open Enrollment Period than a normal Special Enrollment Period. During this SEP, you will be able to switch to any plan offered in your area. In addition, you will not have to choose the same level of coverage as your current plan, and you will not have to provide documentation of a qualifying event (for example, losing your job or getting married).

application form on a tablet with hands holding the tablet. — *During this Special Enrollment Period, you can submit a new application or update an existing one without needing to provide proof of a qualifying event.*

If you miss the May 15 deadline of this Special Enrollment Period, you will no longer be able to get health insurance unless you experience a qualifying life event, and will have to wait until the Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period begins November 1st.

Finding A Plan

This 3 month period will come and go quickly, so don’t wait to look for a plan if you need one! In order to better understand this Special Enrollment Period and your options, contact one of EZ.Insure’s local, licensed insurance agents. EZ has highly trained agents in your area and can compare plans in minutes for free. We will find a plan that provides the right amount of coverage and that fits your budget. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to one of our local agents, call 888-350-1890.

Beware Of These Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

They are frightening statistics, but important ones to know: approximately 21,750 women receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer each year, and of those diagnosed, 13,940 women die from the disease. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, this type of cancer is the fifth deadliest cancer among women. In order to increase your chances of survival, you need to know the warning signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, and seek help immediately if you are experiencing any of them. Because March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to discuss the different types of ovarian tumors, common (and some not so common) symptoms, and the risk factors.

turquoise ribbon — *Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells multiply in the ovaries and can spread.*

Ovarian Cancer Explained

1 in 78 women in the U.S. will be affected by ovarian cancer. Cancer develops when the cells in your body begin to grow abnormally, which can happen anywhere in the body, including in the ovaries. Abnormal cells multiply in one or both ovaries and form a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Tumors can be malignant, which means they are cancerous, or benign, meaning not cancerous. Benign tumors do not spread throughout the body, but stay in one place and grow over time.

There are different types of tumors that can develop in the ovaries, as well as different risk factors that can contribute to a woman developing ovarian cancer.

Different Types Of Ovarian Tumors

Ovaries are made up of 3 different types of cells, any of which can develop a tumor. These 3 different types of ovarian tumors are:

Epithelial tumors form in the layer of tissue on the outside of the ovaries. They are the most common type of ovarian tumor and the most likely to be malignant.
Stromal tumors develop in the structural hormone-producing cells that hold the ovary together. About 7% of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors.
Germ cell tumors develop in the ova (egg-producing cells) and are usually benign. Germ cell tumors are rare, with the malignant variety making up less than 2% of all ovarian cancers.

Early Signs & Symptoms

One of the reasons that ovarian cancer can be life-threatening is

illustration of a woman in bra and underwear holding her back. — *Back pain is one of the early signs of ovarian cancer.*

that some of the early signs are often overlooked. Once the cancer develops, it can spread throughout the abdomen before it causes any concerning symptoms. By the time more serious symptoms are present, the cancer is at a more advanced stage and will be much more difficult to treat. The early signs of ovarian cancer include persistent:

Bloating, pressure, and pain
Abnormal fullness after eating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating
Increase in urination or an increased urge to urinate
Fatigue
Back pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Constipation
Changes in menstrual cycle
Heartburn

It is important to note that ovarian cysts, which are usually a normal part of ovulation, can develop around the ovary and are not cancerous. If a cyst forms when you are not ovulating, you should get checked as soon as possible. If it does not go away, your doctor might recommend surgery to remove it and determine if it is cancerous.

Risk Factors

black and white picture of an egg with a needle going into it, IVF. — *Women who had IVF are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer.*

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not yet known, but there are some risk factors that mean you are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. You are at higher risk if you:

Are older – most ovarian cancers develop after menopause
Are overweight
Smoke
Have a family history of ovarian cancer
Have inherited a gene mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA2)
Are of Eastern European Jewish descent
Have never been pregnant
Have had fertility treatments such as IVF
Had your first full-term pregnancy after the age of 35
Have had endometriosis
Have had breast, uterine or colorectal cancer

Lowering Your Risk

While there are no real proven ways to completely avoid developing ovarian cancer, you can lower your risk by:

Taking oral birth control
Breastfeeding can help lower your risk of ovarian cancer.
Becoming pregnant for the first time before the age of 35
Breastfeeding
Having surgery on your reproductive organs, such as a hysterectomy or tubal ligation

If you are at high risk for developing ovarian cancer, you can be genetically tested to determine whether you have a mutation in your genes. This will help to catch any diagnosis early on. The best way to beat ovarian cancer is to diagnose it early, before it reaches stage 3 or 4.

If ovarian cancer runs in your family, or if you are in a high risk group, then you need to stay on top of your health, and your insurance coverage, so you know you will be able to be tested and treated, if need be. Not having insurance can end up costing you thousands of dollars, if not more. The last thing you need on top of an ovarian cancer scare, or a diagnosis of cancer, is a large medical bill. If you are concerned about getting tested and want to make sure that you can see the proper specialists, EZ.Insure can help make sure you have the right plan that will cover you.

We work with the top-rated insurance companies around the country and will compare all available plans in your area. Our mission is to find the best plan that will save you the most money. Let us take on the responsibility of finding a comprehensive plan that will meet all of your needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Open Enrollment For New Yorkers Extended Until March 31

The coronavirus pandemic has not only created hardship for many Americans, but it has also created a greater need for access to affordable healthcare. The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, is showing that he sympathizes, announcing on January 21 that the Open Enrollment Period for applying for health insurance in the state’s Marketplace has been extended. All New Yorkers will now have the ability to purchase a health insurance plan until March 31.

doctor with a red ape on and a spear going towards a virus with a body — *In order to help battle the coronavirus, the governor of NY is extending the Open Enrollment Period until the end of March.*

“Ensuring all New Yorkers have access to health insurance is essential, not only as we continue to fight the war against COVID, but to foster healthier, more resilient and more equitable communities as we rebuild post-pandemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “By extending this deadline until March, New Yorkers who need health coverage will have additional time to enroll and find the plan that works best for themselves and their families.”

Superintendent of Financial Services Linda A. Lacewell said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York is extending the health enrollment period, providing uninsured New Yorkers another opportunity to sign up for high-quality and affordable health insurance. This opportunity to access New York’s health insurance marketplace is critically important during an ongoing public health emergency and during vaccination efforts. The state encourages uninsured New Yorkers to visit NY State of Health and sign up today.”

When Coverage Begins

the month of March on a calendar sheet — *When you sign up will determine when your coverage starts. Up until March 15th, coverage begins April 1, after the 15th and coverage begins May 1.*

Coverage start dates will vary depending on when you sign up for a plan. If you:

Enroll by February 15, your coverage will begin March 1
Enroll by March 15, your coverage will begin April 1
Enroll by March 31, your coverage will begin May 1

New York State of Health Executive Director, Donna Frescatore, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership, this extension of the Open Enrollment Period will give New Yorkers the extra time they need to enroll in coverage. As vaccine distribution continues throughout the state, having access to quality, affordable health coverage is crucial to staying healthy in 2021.”

Find An Affordable Plan

If you are a New York resident, it is important to take advantage of this extended Open Enrollment Period, and look into all of your options before it is over. The end of March is right around the corner, so speak to an EZ.Insure agent today. We can help make the process easy, and explain all of the added healthcare options that many plans are now offering. Our mission is to help you find an affordable health plan that provides all the coverage you need without breaking the bank, so our services are always free. We will provide you with your own agent who will go over all available plans in your area, answer any questions you have regarding coverage and save you money. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with one of our agents, call 888-350-1890.

Is It Time To Seek A Second Opinion?

Your doctor might be the smartest and most compassionate person you know, but sometimes even they can make a mistake. We trust our doctors when it comes to our health, but when you are facing a new medical issue, such as a new diagnosis, it’s okay to feel confused or unsure. All doctors have their own way of diagnosing and treating conditions, so it’s okay to feel like you want a second opinion. Getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind, and there are times when seeking a second opinion is not only appropriate, but medically necessary.

Why Second Opinions Are Necessary

If you are diagnosed with a major or life-threatening medical condition, then it is normal for you to want a second opinion – and necessary for you to seek one. Sometimes even doctors will reach out to colleagues for opinions or will choose to send you to another doctor for a second opinion. It may surprise you to know that, according to research from 2017, approximately 88% of patients who look for a second opinion leave the office with a new or refined diagnosis. Approximately 22% leave with a different diagnosis, and only around 12% are told that their initial diagnosis is correct.

“Getting a second opinion for conditions that significantly affect your quality of life, such as hip and knee replacement, can ensure you have been diagnosed appropriately,” says Dr. Peter Rasmussen, MD, cerebrovascular surgeon and Chief Clinical Officer of the MyConsult® Second Opinion program. “Plus, it’ll ensure you’re getting the optimal treatment, including further medical treatment instead of surgery, and it could save you time and money.”

Reasons To Get A Second Opinion

Misdiagnoses can happen, especially because some symptoms mimic symptoms of other conditions, and even doctors can make mistakes. Second opinions are important to consider when:

The diagnosis is cancer– The word cancer alone is scary enough, but when dealing with a cancer diagnosis, it is necessary to seek a second opinion to know just how severe the cancer is and to be aware of all your different treatment options.
Surgery is recommended- Some doctors are quick to recommend surgery as a treatment option, while others can see a less invasive course of action to treat an issue. Instead of immediately agreeing to surgery, seek another opinion to make sure it is necessary.
If your doctor tells you everything is fine but your gut says otherwise, then a second opinion is necessary.
You have undergone treatment but symptoms continue– You know your body better than anyone else, and if you have been treated by your doctor, yet symptoms continue, it is time to seek another opinion.
Your doctor dismisses your concerns– This happens all too often. For example, you are experiencing constant stomach issues and your doctor brushes it off as stress and tells you to relax or take some anxiety medications. But you could have a stomach ulcer or worse! If you are not satisfied with your doctor’s opinion, get another one.
Your gut is telling you to get another opinion- This goes hand-in-hand with the above reason. If you feel like there is something wrong, then odds are you are probably right. Get another opinion if you feel like there is something not right (and your doctor does not not seem concerned).
Your diagnosis is unclear and you want a better explanation- As mentioned above, many diseases share the same symptoms. If your diagnosis is unclear because of complicated symptoms, then a second opinion from a specialist is a must.
The condition is rare- Some diseases are so rare that there is little research done on them. If you are one of the approximately 30 million Americans diagnosed with a rare condition, get another opinion from a specialist.

Searching For A Second Opinion

You can get a second opinion by getting a referral from your doctor, or by searching for another doctor or specialist in your network. If you want to seek an opinion from a doctor who is not in your network, you can do so, but you will have to pay a fee for going outside of your network, which can be quite expensive.

Getting a second opinion should not cost you an arm and a leg. If you are having issues finding a specialist or another doctor, EZ.insure can help find you a better plan with a larger network of doctors. Because we work with so many different insurance companies around the country, we can get you quotes for multiple plans in your area in minutes. One of our licensed agents will work with you to assess what kind of coverage you need, and we will find a plan that covers you and fits in your budget. We might even be able to find a plan with more coverage that is less expensive than your current plan, which could save you hundreds of dollars!

To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Work Takes A Toll On Your Eyes: Get Them Checked Regularly!

Many of us spend our days sitting in front of our computers or scrolling on our cell phones for long periods of time. And with more people working from home, many of us are using devices more than ever. There’s no doubt that working on a computer strains your eyes, and can cause them to get very tired, itchy, or dry. What’s worse is that being in front of a screen for multiple hours a day can take a toll on your vision. Staring at a computer or cell phone for more than a few hours a day makes you more susceptible to long-term vision problems. In fact, over 58% of workers who use screens all day reported that their vision has worsened in the past 3 years. This is why it is especially important to have a good health insurance plan that allows you to get your eyes checked regularly.

The Effects Of Screen Time

Did you know that the reason screen time is so hard on your eyes is that it causes you to blink less often? The average person normally blinks 15 times or more per minute, but when you stare at a computer screen or cell phone, you blink 50% less often! If you have to work in front of a screen for your job, over time you might find yourself dealing with eye strains and headaches. In fact, 1 in 4 employees say they suffer from light-related headaches. These headaches can affect your productivity and performance at your job.

Not only can screen time affect your performance at work and cause physical discomfort, but it can also affect your sleep. The blue light from screens interferes with your production of melatonin, a sleep-promoting hormone, so when you sit in front of a computer screen for a long period of time, your sleep cycles can be affected. This is especially true for those who use computers or cell phones right before bed.

Taking Care Of Your Eyes & Health

The best thing you can do to protect your eyes is to take a break from screens whenever you can, as well as try to minimize the effects of staring at screens. Take small breaks throughout the day, adjust the contrast on your screen so it is not too bright, and consider getting blue light blocking glasses. The coating on these lenses helps ease strain from blue light emissions.

It’s just not possible for most people to stay away from screens completely, so in addition to trying to minimize the effects of screen time, it is also important to get regular eye exams. Eye exams are not only necessary for preventing long-term vision issues, but they can also be an important part of looking after your overall health. Many people do not realize that eye doctors can detect some chronic conditions during routine eye exams, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain types of cancer, and more. Eye doctors can learn a lot just by examining the tiny blood vessels that supply your retina, your eye pressure, as well as by assessing any pain, redness, or leaking of the eyes.

Despite the benefits of getting regular eye exams, many people aren’t getting them. The problem is that these exams can cost a lot if you don’t have vision insurance; in fact, studies show that people with vision insurance are twice as likely to have regular eye exams. There are ways, though, to get affordable vision care, including:

Through your employer’s health insurance plan- Some employers offer vision and dental health plans as an added benefit to group health insurance plans.
Other employer-based healthcare benefits– If you do not receive group health insurance through your employer, or they do not offer vision care, talk to your employer about an alternative healthcare plan, like a HRA or HSA. With a HRA, you would be reimbursed for a vision plan, and with a HSA, you could use the money you put into your account to pay for your eye exams.
Individual health insurance– You can also look for a vision plan when you are signing up for your own individual health insurance plan.

Finding A Good Vision Plan

If you do not have a vision plan, or if your plan is too expensive or doesn’t provide enough coverage, you might end up avoiding eye exams. But it is possible to find an affordable health insurance plan that offers great vision benefits – all you have to do is research plans to find the right one in your area. We know that this can be overwhelming and time consuming, which is why EZ.Insure was created.

Our mission is to help people find affordable health insurance plans with great benefits at no cost to you. Our services are free because we want to help you get insured! And, because your eye health is so important, we want to make sure you find a plan that will allow you to get regular eye exams. We do this by comparing all the available plans in your area within minutes and providing you with quotes for each one.

EZ’s agents are highly trained and work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country. We will provide you with one agent who will compare plans, and help you find one that meets your budget and saves you money. There is no obligation and no hassle, just free quotes. To get started, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

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