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Coping With Pregnancy and Infant Loss

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. 1 in 4 women are affected by pregnancy or infant loss, meaning there is a good chance someone you know has gone through the terrible tragedy of miscarriage, stillbirth, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or other death of an infant. While the loss of a pregnancy and or an infant are topics that some might consider to be taboo, the goal of the creation of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in 1988 was to undo that stigma.

Why Was Pregnancy And Infant Loss Awareness Month Created?

pink and blue ribbon — *October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.*

On October 15, 1988, President Ronald Reagan declared October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. When the proclamation was issued, Reagan said, “National observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month offers us the opportunity to increase our understanding of the great tragedy involved in the deaths of unborn and newborn babies. It also enables us to consider how, as individuals and communities, we can meet the needs of bereaved parents and family members and work to prevent causes of these problems.”

There has long been a stigma or sense of shame associated with the loss of a baby that is undeserved. The term “miscarriage” implies that a mistake was made, which is hurtful, untrue, and unfair. Pain and grief can isolate us but destigmatizing infant loss is crucial to coping and healing.

Advocates then and now want grieving parents and families to know that losses don’t need to be hidden behind closed doors. People who haven’t experienced infant or pregnancy loss may feel uncomfortable talking about it, but this only increases the perceived shame and stigma associated with this type of loss. Observing Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month every October is a way to acknowledge loss, deal with the stigma, and help bereaved parents find ways to cope with the pain and move forward.

How Can You Support a Grieving Parent?

Unfortunately life doesn’t come with a manual. If it did, we would know how to support someone who has experienced pregnancy or infant loss. But fortunately, with the creation of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, information has become more readily available to help navigate relationships where there has been a loss. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are supporting a grieving parent or family:

Acknowledge the loss. Ignoring the subject sends the message that their loss is invisible or didn’t happen at all.
Do NOT use “at least” statements. Using statements like “at least you have another child” or “at least you were able to get pregnant in the first place” belittles the griever’s situation, and can feel hurtful and unsympathetic.
Be there to help with the big things AND the little things. Ask what you can do to help: Maybe the grieving parents need help bringing other children back and forth to school, or perhaps you can pick up groceries or run other small errands. Depending on your relationship with the parents, it may be appropriate to offer help with funeral arrangements or removing items from the baby’s room at home.
Continue to be present and offer support long after the initial loss. There will be days known as “grief hot spots,” which could be obvious, such as the anniversary of the death or a special holiday. There will also be ones that might spark grief that aren’t so obvious, such as the baby’s due date. The grief that surrounds parents will never go away, so it’s important to be there as they navigate their new normal of life after loss.

How Can You Cope As a Survivor of Pregnancy or Infant Loss?

As a survivor of pregnancy or infant loss, you might feel like the pain is insurmountable. You’ve found yourself thrust into a club that nobody wants to belong to, and might feel like you’re in a fog. But know that you are not alone, and that there are resources available to help you cope and heal. The following are some ways to cope with the tragic loss of a pregnancy or infant:

Give yourself time to process the loss. Let your employer know that you will need some time off, and have your doctor fill out any paperwork necessary to have your request approved. As far as your personal life goes, share with friends and family that you will probably need some time to deal with the trauma and grief.
Take it one day at a time. The range of emotions you’ll face will change moment to moment, and might feel overwhelming. Practice self-care and really pay attention to how you talk to yourself and how you physically treat yourself.
Share your feelings with your partner but realize that you most likely will grieve differently. You have a unique bond since you went through the loss together, but you must have a mutual understanding and acceptance that you will both deal with it in your own way. Remind yourself and each other there is no right or wrong way to cope with loss.
Get help from a psychiatrist or support group, especially if you have depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or suicidal thoughts. Your doctor or midwife will be able to point you in the right direction. A lot of health insurance plans cover mental health services, so check to see if you’re covered.

If you need healthcare coverage, contact EZ to find a plan that’s right for you. Our agents are highly trained and can help provide you with free, no obligation, hassle-free quotes. Because we work with so many companies and can offer all of the plans available in your area, we can help find a plan that will save you money. For free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above or call 888-350-1890 to speak to a local agent.

What is Metastatic Breast Cancer? Symptoms & Treatments

“Breast cancer” can be two of the scariest words for a woman to hear. But we now know so much more about this disease and can do so much more to combat it. The first thing all women can and should do is regularly check for lumps in their breasts because if they don’t, they could miss something potentially serious. For example, if breast cancer is not detected early, it can become metastatic stage 4 breast cancer, also referred to as advanced breast cancer. Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is on Oct. 13, so to help bring more awareness to this disease, we will go over the symptoms and treatment options.

What Is Metastatic Breast Cancer?

When cancer cells spread, it is known as metastasis. So metastatic breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast tissue and then spreads to other parts of the body, specifically to nearby lymph nodes. The cancer can also spread to other locations, like the bones, lungs, skin, brain, and other parts of the body.

Doctors can diagnose metastatic breast cancer generally by using an ultrasound exam, an MRI, blood samples, or a breast biopsy of cells or tissues.

Symptoms

The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer can be different from those of early-stage breast cancer, but not necessarily always. And sometimes stage 4 metastatic breast cancer can have no symptoms at all. But, in general, some of the most common signs that breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body are:

Bone pain or bone fractures due to tumor cells spreading to the bones or spinal cord
Headaches or dizziness when cancer has spread to the brain
Shortness of breath or chest pain, caused by lung cancer
Jaundice or stomach swelling

So, if breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body, your symptoms will usually vary depending on what part of the body the cancer has spread to. For example, if cancer has spread to the bones, you may experience pain, fractures, or decreased alertness due to high calcium levels.

Treatment Options

Having stage 4 breast cancer might sound scary, and you might feel hopeless, but it is possible to treat it. When dealing with metastatic breast cancer, the treatment is based on systemic therapies, in which drugs are used rather than surgery or radiation.

With systemic therapies, drugs can be used to try to shrink the tumors and slow their growth. Four different kinds of drug-based treatments can help:

Hormone therapy– This type of treatment will block hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which help some types of breast cancers to grow. Blocking the hormones will slow down the cancer’s progression.
Chemotherapy will help to attack the cancer cells in your body using aggressive drugs.
Chemotherapy– Given through an IV over the course of several weeks, chemotherapy will help to attack the cancer cells in your body using aggressive drugs.
Targeted drugs– In addition to chemotherapy, there are also newer treatments that use targeted therapies to block types of proteins and gene mutations that help breast cancer grow. Targeted drugs are sometimes combined with chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
Immunotherapies– Also known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, these are helpful in stimulating the immune system to destroy cancer cells in certain types of breast cancers.

Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer

It might not be easy to accept a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. All of the emotions and feelings you might be going through if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with it are completely normal. There are support groups that can help, or ask your doctor to refer you to a good therapist.

In terms of your physical health, as you try different treatment options, it is important to try and eat a nutritious diet to feel stronger and tolerate the treatment. You can also try and exercise as much as you are able to, in order to boost your mind and body.

Additional Help

While dealing with all the emotions of a breast cancer diagnosis and all the physical effects of treatments, it’s very important to have comprehensive healthcare coverage. But before purchasing a health insurance plan, make sure you understand what coverage it offers, and make sure it will cover all of the medications and treatment you will need. If you’re not sure what plan is right for you, speak to an EZ agent! EZ agents are highly trained and knowledgeable and will sort through all available plans to make sure that you’re completely covered throughout the lengthy process of treating your cancer.

We offer a wide range of health insurance plans from top-rated insurance companies in every state. And because we work with so many companies, and can offer all of the plans available in your area, we can find you a plan that saves you a lot of money – even hundreds of dollars – even if you don’t qualify for a subsidy. There is no obligation, or hassle, just free quotes on all available plans in your area. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

How the Inflation Reduction Act Will Help All Americans Save on Healthcare

The weekend of August 6, Senate Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This legislation will help keep some of President Biden’s campaign promises, some of which are related to healthcare, like lowering the costs of prescription drugs. The revised bill is now set to be sent to the House, and if it passes as expected, it will be a massive win for Biden and the Democrats. Find out how the Inflation Reduction Act will affect you and your healthcare.

Passing the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act, which was negotiated as a result of Democratic Senator Joe Manchin’s opposition to the proposed Build Back Better Act, has finally been agreed to by all 50 Democratic senators. All 50 Republican senators opposed the bill, but Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote, allowing the bill to pass in the Senate.

The bill will now be returned to the House, where the Democratic majority there is expected to approve it. It will then move on to President Biden for his signature. Biden himself lauded the compromise bill.

“Senate Democrats sided with American families over special interests, voting to lower the cost of prescription drugs, health insurance, and everyday energy costs and reduce the deficit while making the wealthiest corporations finally pay their fair share,” Biden said in a statement Sunday. “I ran for President promising to make government work for working families again, and that is what this bill does — period.”

Funding for the bill will come from raising taxes on some corporations that make over 1 billion dollars annually. There will be a 1% excise tax on the value of corporate stock buybacks, which Democrats are hoping will curtail some of these buybacks, since they produce capital gains but no immediate taxes. There has also been talk of giving more funding to the IRS to go after tax cheats.

What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Medicare

In addition to fighting inflation, investing in domestic energy production, and fighting climate change, the bill also has provisions for helping make healthcare more affordable for Americans, especially seniors.

Medicare beneficiaries have been battling the cost of prescriptions for a long time, but this bill will allow Medicare to finally negotiate prices on prescription drugs. Once this bill passes, Medicare will be able to directly negotiate with drug companies, which will help lower the cost of medications and cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors.

For example:

Beginning next year, insulin copayments for Medicare recipients will be capped at $35 a month
Starting in 2024, those with costs high enough to qualify for the program’s “catastrophic coverage” benefit will no longer have to pick up 5% of the cost of every prescription
Starting in 2025, out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines will be capped at $2,000 annually.

“This a huge policy change and one that has been a long time coming,” said Stacie Dusetzina, an associate professor of health policy at Vanderbilt University. “For people needing high-cost drugs, this will provide significant financial relief.”

What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Healthcare

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act, which expanded healthcare coverage and lowered healthcare costs by boosting subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. It allowed those who earn over 400% of the federal poverty level to receive subsidies to purchase health insurance through the ACA Marketplace. It also required that Americans pay no more than 8.5% of their income on health insurance premiums, and provided a larger tax credit to people who already receive financial assistance.

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All of this was set to expire after 2 years, however, meaning by 2023 we would no longer be able to get the expanded subsidies and tax credits. But the Inflation Reduction Act will allow all Americans to continue to get subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums!

Looking For A Plan?

Whether you are a Medicare beneficiary looking to save money, or an individual looking for affordable health insurance, EZ can help. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, which makes comparing plans easy, quick, and free – our services come at no cost to you because we just want to help you save money so you can focus on your health. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207 for Medicare help, and 888-350-1890 for health insurance help.

Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is the most common type of serious heart arrhythmia. While some people might never experience any symptoms accompanying AFib, others might end up with serious health complications, including stroke. In fact, according to the CDC, more than 450,400 hospitalizations with AFib as the primary diagnosis are reported each year in the US. But there are multiple treatment options available for AFib; it’s important to know what they are, so you can find out which will suit your specific needs best.

Atrial Fibrillation & What It Does To Your Body

Atrial fibrillation typically develops in the upper chambers of your heart. If you are in AFib, it means that your heart’s electrical system isn’t working as it should, because your electrical impulses have become chaotic. Your SA node, which generates an electrical signal that causes the upper heart chambers to contract, isn’t directing your heart’s electrical rhythm. Instead, many different impulses are rapidly firing at the same time, causing a chaotic rhythm.

There are three main types of atrial fibrillation:

Paroxysmal AFib lasts less than one week and usually clears up on its own without treatment.
Persistent AFib lasts more than one week and requires treatment.
Long-standing persistent AFib lasts more than a year and is sometimes difficult to treat.

You have a higher risk of developing AFib if you have any of the following conditions:

Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
Heart failure
Coronary artery disease
Congenital heart disease
Lung diseases
Sleep apnea
Hyperthyroidism
High blood pressure

Treatment Options

There are multiple treatment options available for AFib, including:

Medications

There are various types of medications that can help treat AFib, like rate control medications, which prevent the ventricles from beating too fast. There are also rhythm control medications, which help your heart beat in a normal rhythm, and are used to maintain the heart’s rhythm with no arrhythmias. In addition, blood thinners can reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke. Rate control medication is generally the first line of treatment for AFib, since it controls the heart rate without changing its rhythm, helping to bring your heart rate to a normal level.

Surgeries

Surgery is another option that can help regulate your heartbeat. Surgical options include:

Electrical cardioversion electrically “resets” your heart rhythm using low-energy shocks.
Pulmonary vein ablation uses catheters to deliver energy outside and around your pulmonary veins.
A permanent pacemaker might be inserted if you have a slow heart rate, but this is usually only done if you have another arrhythmia in addition to AFib.
Left atrial appendage closure is a procedure that reduces your risk of blood clots and stroke.
The MAZE procedure creates scar tissue that helps your heart’s electrical impulses travel in the right path., and has a high success rate.

Affordable Coverage

So, while AFib can cause serious complications, there are multiple treatment options that can help keep this condition under control. They can be expensive, though, so it’s important to have comprehensive health insurance.

The best way to find a plan that suits your needs is to work with a licensed agent who is familiar with all available plans. EZ can help you in your search for comprehensive coverage, since we offer a wide range of health insurance plans from top-rated insurance companies in every state. And because we work with so many companies, and can offer all of the plans available in your area, we can find you a plan that saves you a lot of money – even hundreds of dollars – even if you don’t qualify for a subsidy. There is no obligation, or hassle, just free quotes on all available plans in your area. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

The 8 Most Common Types of Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancer rates have been slowly rising for the past few decades. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 10,470 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2022. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so we wanted to be sure parents know what types of cancer are most commonly diagnosed in children, and the symptoms to look out for.

1. Leukemia

Leukemia, which is cancer of the bone marrow and blood, is the most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for around 28% of diagnosed cancer cases in children. The most common types of leukemia that occur in children are acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia, which can cause bone and joint pain, fatigue, pale skin, bleeding or bruising, weight loss, fever, and weakness. Acute leukemia can grow very quickly, which is why it is important to know the symptoms, so it can be checked out and treated as soon as possible.

2. Brain and spinal cord tumors

Brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common types of cancer that develop in children, making up around 26% of childhood cancers. Most brain tumors start in the lower parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum or brainstem, and can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble walking, blurred or double vision, as well as other symptoms.

3. Neuroblastoma

This type of tumor accounts for around 6% of childhood cancers. It usually develops in infants and young children, and is rare in children older than 10. These tumors generally begin to grow in the abdomen, causing noticeable swelling, but they can start anywhere.

4. Wilms tumor

Also called nephroblastoma, this type of tumor develops in either one or both kidneys. It is most often found in children who are around 3- or 4-years-old, and will show up as a lump in the abdomen. Other symptoms that might accompany the lump include fever, pain, nausea, and poor appetite.

5. Lymphoma

Lymphoma typically develops in immune system cells, lymph nodes, or other lymph tissues. It can also affect the bone marrow and other organs; symptoms depend on where cancer begins to grow. Symptoms can include weight loss, fever, and lumps under the skin in the neck, armpit, or groin.

6. Rhabdomyosarcoma

This type of cancer normally starts in the cells that develop in soft tissue, specifically skeletal muscles in any part of the body. It causes pain, swelling, or both, and accounts for up to 3% of childhood cancers.

7. Retinoblastoma

This is a cancer of the eye, which accounts for an estimated 2% of childhood cancers. It usually occurs in children around the age of 2, and is rarely found in children older than 6. Retinoblastoma is usually detected when a doctor shines a light on the pupil and notices that it looks unusual: the affected pupil will generally look red because of the blood vessels in the back of the eye.

8. Bone cancer

Bone cancer starts in the bones of older children and teens, but can technically develop at any age. Osteosarcoma is most common in teens, and will most often be seen in areas of the body where the bones are growing quickly, such as near the end of the leg or the arms. Ewing sarcoma is a less common type found in young teens; this will usually begin in a bone or in soft tissues, normally in the pelvic bone, or the middle of the leg bone.

Treatment

Treatment for childhood cancers depends on the type of cancer and the stage it is in. The good news is that, because of major advances in recent decades, 85% of children with cancer now survive 5 years or more. But beating cancer includes extensive treatment, which can be extremely expensive – far too expensive for most families to afford if they don’t have health insurance, or are underinsured.

That means it’s very important to have comprehensive healthcare coverage. But before purchasing a health insurance plan, make sure you understand what coverage it offers, and make sure it will cover all of the medications and treatment your child will need. If you’re not sure what plan is right for you, speak to an EZ agent! EZ agents are highly trained and knowledgeable and will sort through all available plans to make sure that you’re completely covered throughout the lengthy process of treating your child’s illness.

Know The Early Signs of Sepsis Before It’s Too Late

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection, and can be life-threatening. In fact, of the over 1.5 million people in the US who are diagnosed with sepsis every year, around 30% of them do not survive. This extremely serious condition is a leading cause of death in hospitals, and is the main reason why people are readmitted to the hospital. September is Sepsis Awareness Month, so we want to help you to recognize the early signs of this condition before it’s too late.

What Causes Sepsis?

When your body has an infection that it cannot fight off, sepsis can develop. Inflammation and blood clotting that occurs when the body is in sepsis then causes reduced blood flow to limbs and vital organs, which can lead to organ failure and even death.

Most sepsis is caused by a bacterial infection, but it can also be caused by viral infections, such as Covid-19, fungal infections; in addition, it can also develop after a traumatic injury. Common causes of sepsis include:

Infection of the appendix
Bowel problems
Infection of the abdominal cavity
Gallbladder or liver infections
Infections of the brain or the spinal cord
Bacteria that enters the skin through wounds or skin inflammation, or the openings made with IV catheters
Urinary tract infections

Who Is At Risk?

Sepsis can affect anyone, but the following people are at a greater risk of developing it:

Adults older than 65
Very young children
Pregnant women
People with pre-existing infections or medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
People with weakened immune systems
Patients who are in the hospital
People with severe injuries, such as extensive burns or wounds
Patients with catheters

Signs & Symptoms

It is very important to recognize the following signs and symptoms of sepsis, so you can get immediate treatment from a doctor or hospital. These signs and symptoms include:

Fast heart rate
Shaking or chills
Confusion or disorientation
Clammy or sweaty skin
Shortness of breath
Fever
Rash

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with sepsis, you will need to be treated at the hospital in an intensive care unit, so that doctors can control the infection and protect your organs. To do this, they will use antibiotics and fluids. And if you are in extremely critical condition, you might need a breathing tube, kidney dialysis, or surgery to remove the infection.

Most people can completely recover from sepsis, although some people might have permanent organ damage. Some evidence from the study of patients with severe sepsis has shown that sepsis disrupts a person’s immune system, leading to future infection risks.

Health Insurance

It is important to have health insurance in case you need to be unexpectedly admitted to the hospital for sepsis. If you don’t have a healthcare plan, you could face thousands of dollars in bills and end up in debt. If you’re not sure what plan is right for you, speak to an EZ agent! EZ agents are highly trained and knowledgeable and will sort through all available plans to make sure that you’re completely covered no matter what.