Are you completely happy with your health insurance? The 2019 open enrollment period has officially begun on November 1st, and will continue until December 15, 2018, lasting six weeks. During this time is when you can sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Last year was the first time the enrollment was shortened to just 6 weeks, and it continues this year as well. With the shortened deadline continuing, it is important to review your health insurance coverage, compare others, and sign up before the December 15. Some states this year have extended the period. Find out which states and how long you have depending where you live.
Some states have extended the open enrollment deadline for 2019 healh insurance.
Extended States
The states that have participated in open enrollment with extensions are:
California, October 15, 2018 – January 15, 2019
Colorado, November 1, 2018 – January 12, 2019
District of Columbia, November 1, 2018 – January 31, 2019
Massachusetts, November 1, 2018 – January 23, 2019
Minnesota, November 1, 2018 – January 13, 2019
New York, November 1, 2018 – January 31, 2019
Rhode Island, November 1, 2018 – December 31, 2018
Three more states have the opportunity to extend their open enrollment period. The states that did so last year last minute, and can do it again are:
Connecticut, November 1, 2017 – December 22, 2017
Maryland, November 1, 2017 – December 22, 2017
Washington, November 1, 2017 – January 15, 2018
Other Changes
Another change to keep in mind during the open enrollment is that if you have missed payments in the past, then you can not sign up. The loophole that used to let people stop paying premiums at the end of the year and still be able to sign up is over. If all of your premiums are not paid for the 2018 year, then you will not beale to sign up for
Make sure to sign up before time runs out.
2019 health insurance.
If you decide to buy health insurance from the ACA, then you should start looking into plans now and purchase it before the end of the enrollment period. Once you buy a plan, coverage will begin January 1, 2019. If you miss the open enrollment period, the only other time you can sign up is during a special enrollment period due to a qualifying life event such as marriage, having a baby, or losing coverage. You will now have to provide the necessary paperwork proving the qualifying life event. Start researching as soon as possible your options so you do not run out of time.
With the world at our fingertips, it has become even easier to fall victim to online scams. Over the years, there have been many scams, and have evolved to trick people into participating. Once people fall victim to these scams, they can lose their identity, and/or up to thousands of dollars. People think that seniors are targeted and fall for these scams, but the reality is that these scammers target all age brackets.
Studies have shown that younger people between the ages of 20-30 reported losing money to fraud up to 40% more often than older people. However, when older people age 70 or higher was scammed, the median loss was higher than younger people.
Internet scammers only target is our money, and there is nothing that will stop them from trying, not even spyware. Make sure to familiarize yourself with common scams in order to avoid falling for them and losing money. Common language that should tip you off is phishing, pharming, and 419s just to name a few. Also focus on how these charities, IRS, fake family or friends are asking you to send money. This includes wiring money, putting money on a gift card or cash reload card.
Phishing Emails
A lot of times, scams will come as an e-mail with an attachment, or from a company asking for information.
This is the most common internet scam. It usually includes an attachment that once it is clicked on, gives access of your computer and finances to scammers. Sometimes these emails will look like it has come from an official source like a bank or company trying to trick you into giving them valuable information.
These emails will tell you there is an urgent matter like your bank account is threatened and you need to access the link and fill out your information. These scammers will then use the information to access your real account and take out money.
Lottery Scam
A lot of times some of us have experienced a pop up stating “Congrats you’ve been chosen to win a prize,” followed by a spin of a wheel of prizes. Other time it will be a message or email stating you’ve won a lot of money. However, in order to retrieve it, you must enter your information, or you must pay a “processing fee” to get your winnings.
Fake IRS Call
Lately, especially around the time to file your taxes, there will be fake phone calls from the “IRS” trying to scare you to paying money due to tax fraud. These scammers impersonating IRS officials have targeted more than 2 million taxpayers, many of them losing up to $2,000. Hang up as soon as you get these calls, and if you have concerns regarding your taxes, call the IRS.
Scammers will call you claiming to be an IRS agent demanding payment, or a distressed call that a relative needs your help.
Romance/Distressed Family Member Scam
A lot of people find dates on the apps or through online dating websites. Some of the time, after building a “relationship” with you, they will begin to state they are going through some issues and need money. Other times, you will get a fake phone call that your grandson is in jail. Or they will say your family member was kidnapped and in order to help them you must send money. Be wary of these scams and call your family member to make sure they are okay, and if you cannot reach them, then call the police.
419 Scam
A popular internet scam is the email from a wealthy Nigerian family. The email says that the family has a lot of money to offer if you help them get it out of the bank. These are also known as the 419 scam because it refers to the section of Nigerian Criminal Code that deals with fraud. Delete the email if you see it to avoid losing money. Once you send some, they will keep asking for more with promises of a lot of money in return.
Make Money Fast Scam
Scammers will try to lure you in by making you believe you can make money fast. These scammer will ask for your information so that they can start you on their “payroll” and you can start making money. Do not fall for these get rich quick schemes or pyramid schemes that promise you a lot of money in a short amount of time.
Familiarize yourself with popular scams to protect yourself and your hard earned money. Scammers will try everything to try and get money from people unaware of everyday scams. If it seems like it is too good to be true, that’s because it is.
Fitbit has created a new health care platform called Fitbit Care that will help coach people with their health and wellness. Now people can use this platform and the new app connected to it, Fitbit Plus, to stay connected with their doctors, employers, and social groups. This platform and app will even connect you to health coaches so you can stay on track.
The new FitBit app will help your doctor stay connected with you, and updat your records.
What It Includes
The Fitbit Care platform will all people to track activity, sleep, heart rate, and more. It will have interventions for weight loss, smoking cessation, and helps manage conditions such as congestive heart disease and depression. It offers the management of other conditions, even chronic and complex ones.
Once you are enrolled in the Fitbit Care platform, whether through employer or health plans, they will have access to the new app, Fitbit Plus. Fitbit Plus will be able to track your blood pressure, and glucose levels. It will work on a lot of different devices, to which you choose to connect it to.
The Goal
Employers are interested in this new Fitbit app because it will help keep employees health on track. In turn this will essentially keep healthcare costs low. People with the app can connect to support groups if they need to. Employers can put motivating messages on it as well. Doctors can stay connected with their patients and can check their
Keep track of your heatlh with the new FitBit app.
metrics. The doctors will be able to tell if a treatment plan they have set is working or if they need to adjust it.
This advancement in technology can help save someone’s life. The alerts can help those who are part of the platform know if a person’s metrics have dropped too low, or if something is wrong. Just like Apple’s new watch which has saved people from having a major heart attack, this app hopes to do the same, and more. The cost of Fitbit Care is not set, and is dependent on the case. For employers it will be based on the business and how many employees they have.
Every parent has a right over what they think is best for their child. Some choose the herbal route when their kids are sick, while others choose the medicinal route. Over the past couple of years, there has been an increase in parents choosing not to give their kids vaccinations. The numbers quadrupled in the last 17 years. The reason for the decline in vaccinations is due to a study that was found to be fraud regarding autism. The study by Wakefield linked vaccines to the increase of autism in children over the years. The lack of vaccination in kids has caused some measle outbreaks all over the world, including in the U.S.
The number of kids getting vaccinated is decreasing every year. This may cause an outbreak of diseases like the measles.
Vaccines & Autism
The study that was linked to autism was found to be untrue. The man who conducted the study, Wakefield, falsified data about the children’s conditions that he observed. Since then, at least seven large studies were conducted and found no association between the MMR vaccine and autism. But because of Wakefield’s falsified study, and the increasing numbers of autism in kids, parents are re-thinking vaccines. Parents are not reassured by the facts that vaccines are not linked to autism and other issues with children. The reason is because they have all met or know someone with an autistic child.
One in 59 kids are on the autism spectrum in the U.S. This is almost a 2% increased rate from the past 2 years. No one truly knows the reason for the increase of autism in kids. However, there are factors associated with higher risk such as mental illness during pregnancy, genetic mutations, birth before 37 weeks gestation, and having parents that are older than 30.
Measles & Vaccines
Due to the decline of kids getting the MMR shot, the number of kids getting the measles has increased. If a baby or toddler gets the measles, the outcome may be deadly for them and their weakened and undeveloped immune systems. The measles virus is a highly contagious one, it affects the respiratory system, immune system, and your skin. In the U.S. there has been a confirmed 137 measle cases among 24 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. The CDC estimates that if there is a 5% drop in the measles vaccination, then the number of children aged 2 to 11 who would catch the measles would triple.
Why So Many Vaccines?
Nearly 1 in 4 people aged 19-35 have not received all the recommended vaccinations. Some parents are concerned about the number of shots that a child has to get, especially since it is so much more than when they were a child. The reason for this is because back in the 1970’s and 80’s, kids were vaccinated against only 8 diseases, Since then, kids are vaccinated against 14 diseases, which is why they receive more shots. Kids these days are protected against almost twice as many diseases. 100 children died from chicken pox the year before the varicella vaccine was introduced to us. Even though a lot of people got the chicken pox and were okay, others were not as fortunate.
Some parents think that herd immunity will help keep their kids safe. But kids and babies are at most risk if vaccination numbers drop too much.
Herd Immunity
Some parents believe that “herd immunity” will protect their kids from getting a disease, which is why they do not give their children immunization. Herd immunity is the idea that if a large number of the community is vaccinated, then the spread of a contagious disease will be low for those who are not vaccinated. The only problem with this theory is that the community must have 80-90% of them vaccinated, and a drop in this number will lead to the community becoming susceptible to the disease. Those who are at greatest risk of getting the disease are babies and kids.
Some children who are allergic to eggs, or have immune-system deficiencies can not receive certain vaccines. This puts that child at a huge risk of contracting a disease that could compromise their life. It is important that people around the kid are vaccinated so that the child is not in danger. But this can only be achieved if we shield our kids and communities from the diseases with vaccines.
When it comes down to the debate, it depends on the parent and what they believe and feel is right. Know the facts by doing a lot of research, and ask your doctor any questions you have before choosing not to vaccinate.
The holidays can bring on a lot of stress, accompanied with anxiety, and depression. This is known as the “holiday blues”. If you feel these blues, just know that you are not alone, because it can affect anyone at any age, and are mainly triggered by a life event. Not to mention the pressure to impress people with gifts, attend parties, and deal with family or toxic people contributes to the blues. The holidays are also a time that people remember those who are not there any longer to celebrate. Some things that one may feel, especially if they have mental health ailments, are fatigue, tension, frustration, loneliness, and sadness. But there are ways to tackle on the blues, and tips you can do to minimize the stress and depression.
In order to reduce stress theis holiday season, try to budget in advance and save money.
Budget
It is okay to opt out of gift exchanges if your budget is tight. or if finances are a stressor for you. Instead of buying presents for everyone, ask them to donate to charity instead, create a homemade gift, or a low budget activity for you all to do. If traveling is too expensive for you, then ask family or friends to help pay for the ticket instead of giving you gifts. If you can not make it, then ask to skype, or FaceTime with the person, or persons so that you can still be a part of the festivities. Plan your budget in advance so you know what you can do.
It Is Okay To Say No
The seasons are a difficult time, especially when you commit to too many functions, or to unrealistic expectations. If you say yes to something when you should say no, it only causes a rush of overwhelming and resenting feelings. Our schedules are hectic enough with work, and limited time off. Do not try to be too many places at once, because then you can not enjoy the time. You will be too busy rushing to get to the next party, or worry about hosting your own. Go at your own pace, learn to say no. You can say no to some of the parties and choose to spend more quality times with the people you do choose to see. Prioritize and stick to your limits.
This also goes for family functions. If you are not comfortable about doing something or being around a toxic relative, then you do not have to. We all have that one or multiple toxic family member that always says something witty, and push the limit. Set boundaries with your family. If a toxic family member talks with you, then just remove
Spend some time focusing on you this holiday season. Listen to some music or so something for yourself.
yourself from the conversation.
Get Some Me Time In
Take a breather from the busy schedule you have set and make time for yourself, Spend some time alone, whether it is to read a book, go for a walk, or listening to some music. Relax and refresh from everything you need to do so you can reduce stress.
Stay Healthy, Don’t Overindulge
Think about all the desserts and foods you will be eating and drinking during the holidays! While some of us can’t wait or stay away from the treats, it is important not to overindulge. Overindulging will cause you to feel bad about yourself and upset that you gained weight and lost self control. Get some exercise, even if it is a short walk. Allow yourself the time to be active, so that you can enjoy all the yummy treats. Try to have a healthy snack or meal before a party, and get a good night’s rest. This way you feel good about yourself and avoid added stress or guilt.
Don’t Isolate Yourself
Loneliness can be a problem for some people during the holidays. But you do not have to be lonely if you do not want to be. You can join a group, volunteer at a soup kitchen, go to community activities, and make new friends. Let your neighbors, friends, or coworkers know you will be alone and would like to get together.
It is okay to grieve those you have lost. Your family can remember them by looking at pictures together.
Dealing With Loss
The loss of a loved one has a major impact on us during the holidays. It is okay to acknowledge the grief that accompanies the holidays. Take the opportunity to keep your loved one’s memory alive by continuing their tradition, looking at old pictures of them, and express your feelings.
Professional Help
If all else fails, and the feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety can not be shaken, then talk about it. Seek professional help from a doctor or mental health professional if you need to. It is not something to be ashamed of, because mental health is just as important as physical health.
Make the holidays an enjoyable time, instead of something dreadful. Use the helpful tips provided to prevent the holiday blues. Focus on you and realize your limitations, but more importantly, have some fun.
Beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, chicken, turkey, you name it! The holidays are filled with buffet-style delicious food, which includes a lot of unhealthy ones such as pies, eggnog, cookies, and pastries. It is very easy to get caught up during the holidays with overeating, especially with large portions, or having a second or third helping of food. We tend to indulge during the holidays, and can easily pack on four or more pounds over the season. There is a way to eat some treats without the guilt or the weight gain. Moderation is key, and there is a way to approach the holidays with a healthy eating plan and strategies.
Eat Breakfast
Stop and take the time in the morning to eat a breakfast. Everyone always says it is the most important meal of the day, because it is. Eating breakfast is food for your brain, as well as your body. It helps start off the day more efficiently, and it especially helps you from overeating later in the day.
Eating a salad before your meal will help with digestion, and make you feel more full.
Eat A Salad
Eating a salad before eating a meal not only helps fill you up, but it also helps your stomach digest food better.
Eat A Meatless Meal
Make at least one of your meals throughout the day a meatless one. Incorporate fruits and vegetables in your meal so that your body can receive all the nutrients and vitamins it needs. At the same time, a meatless meal will help your stomach from overworking breaking down meat.
Keep Healthy Snacks Around
When you are at work or at home, try to opt for the healthier snacks. Try almonds, a piece of fruit, carrots, or a rice cake. Trust me, no one wants flaming hot cheetos more than me, but your body deserves the good stuff more. Resist the temptations by keeping them out of sight.
Portion Control
Portion control? On a holiday meal? It is tough to pass up all the foods that come your way when getting passed around, but you can have it. The key is to have a little of everything. Take a spoonful of whatever you would like to eat and limit how much food is on your plate. Did you know that it takes a couple of minutes for our brain to get the signal it is full? It does, so just when you think you want more, take a 10 minute break, drink some water, and make some conversation. After that, check if you are still hungry.
Avoid Too Much Alcohol
Eggnog, as tasty as it is to some people, it has a lot of calories in it. This goes for any alcoholic beverage, so make sure to not drink on an empty stomach, because alcohol increases your appetite. For every glass of alcohol you have, then have a glass of water after to stay on the healthy side.
Stay Away From The Snack Table!
When we are at parties, well when I am at a party, I tend to never be too far from the delicious looking snack table. It is very tempting to stand next to it. It is also where a lot of people mingle. And when you are in arm’s reach, you don’t think twice of popping some treats in your mouth in the middle of conversation. Try to avoid the snack table, and if you’re talking with someone at the table, start to walk with the person, or as hard as it may be, avoid grabbing a snack.
Take the time to go for a quick run before or after a meal so you can stay healthy.
Exercise
After eating a meal, go for a walk with some friends, play some basketball, or go for a quick run! Try to get the recommended 30 minutes a day exercise in, whether through walking, biking, or going to the gym. Staying fit and physically active is the best thing you can do for your body.
Try to follow these easy healthy eating habits during the holiday season, and the rest of the year. It is okay to give into your favorite guilty treat here and there, as long as you do not make it an all day event. It is easy to get lost in the indulgence, and push off getting back on the healthy track. But if you practice these good habits everyday, then in no time it will become routine. Enjoy the holidays, just try to be more health conscious while doing so.
