health Archives - Page 16 of 22

Flu Season Is Here, Should You Get The Shot?

As the colder months approach, viruses and sickness become prevalent and inevitable. One particular virus, influenza, also known as the flu, arises during these months. It is typically known as flu season. The flu is a respiratory infection that can cause complications, especially to young children, and seniors. This virus adapts to the flu vaccines that are produced every year, which is why a new flu shot is created every year. Knowing the pros and cons of the vaccine is important so you can determine if it is right for you and your family.

The flu has cold-like symptoms, but for some there are major complications. — *The flu has cold-like symptoms, but can have major complications.*

The flu shot is said to be effective against the flu illness by 40 to 60 percent of the time during flu season. It will work for some, and for some it will not. If you do receive the shot, and you still catch the flu, then the shot is said to at least reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Who Should Get It

The CDC states that people who should receive these vaccinations annually are those who will benefit from it most. Anyone from the age of 6 months and older are able to get the vaccination. If you are pregnant then the flu vaccine is important to avoid high risks from contracting the flu. Chronic medical conditions can increase your chances of the flu complications. Such chronic conditions include asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity, kidney or liver disease, and COPD.

Who Should Not Get It

If you are allergic to eggs, then it would be wise not to get the flu shot. Most of the vaccines contain a small amount of egg protein in them. Also if you had a bad reaction to the flu vaccine before, then you should not get it again.

Why Do You Have To Get One Every Year?

Doctors encourage people to get the flu shot every year because the virus evolve quickly. Not only that, but if you receive the shot one year, the antibodies your body produces decline over time. So by the next year, those antibodies will not be able to fight the virus, which is why they advise you to get another shot.

*The flu shot can protect you from getting influenza during flu season.*

A lot of people think that once you receive the flu vaccine, that it will give you the flu. This is not true, but you can develop flu-like symptoms because your body’s reaction to it. It takes about 2 weeks for the shot to take effect so in that time frame, you may still catch the flu virus. And although the CDC suggests older people to get the shot, studies have shown different cases. Older people with weaker immune systems will have a lower protective immune response after the vaccine. A weakened immune system will increase the odds of getting the flu.

A record breaking number of kids died in the U.S. from the flu this year, a total of 110. As the season approaches, it is dire to either decide to give the vaccine to your family, or seek other ways to prevent it. Once a person catches the flu, monitor them, and take them to the doctor if symptoms do not improve.

Healthcare Mergers Continue, What This Means For Consumers

Healthcare boundaries have recently begun to blur, starting with CVS and Aetna merging, and continue to blur. Insurance companies, doctors, and hospitals have teamed up in order to cut costs due to the Republicans halting subsidy payments. The halt will cut some federal programs funding. Now, UnitedHealth has plans to buy a large physician group, DaVita. These mergers are an attempt to provide quality care for consumers at affordable lower costs.

Because Republicans halted subsidy payments, companies are beginning to merge. — *Because Republicans halted subsidy payments, companies are beginning to merge in order to save and provide quality care.*

First CVS and Aetna have plans to create “hubs” for customers to come in and receive care, which will result in better care at a lower cost. Now, joining the bandwagon, UnitedHealth’s Optum unit plans to merge with DaVita to do the same.

The Plan

UnitedHealth Optum manages pharmacy benefits and provides health services. The merge will now add more doctors to UnitedHealth’s existing 30,000 doctors, giving people more variety within their network.

DaVita is a for-profit organization that has chains of dialysis centers. They operate nearly 300 clinics that serve 1.7 million patients across six different states. The states are California, Florida, Colorado, Washington, New Mexico, and Nevada. They will add to UnitedHealth’s 250 Med Express urgent care centers and 200 surgical centers.

“I am so proud of the DaVita Medical Group accomplishments, including our excellent clinical outcomes,” said Kent Thiry, DaVita chairman and CEO. “The combination of DaVita Medical Group and Optum should lead to even higher levels of performance.”

In a statement, Larry C. Renfo, Optum’s chief executive said “Combining DaVita Medical Group and Optum advances our shared goal of supporting physicians in delivering exceptional patient care in innovative and efficient ways.”

*The merge between UnitedHealth and DaVita is hopeful for the future of healthcare costs and care.*

When This Will Happen

The $49 billion merge is expected to close next year. The goal is to offer clinics that give a lot of the same care an emergency room at much lower rates. They will offer nearly 50 percent cheaper costs for procedures such as outpatient surgery.

Other industries are taking note of UnitedHealth Optum’s move, making it appealing for them to create a design of their own possible merge. As insurance companies, doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies begin to unite, it seems that not only will they benefit, but consumers as well. Healthcare lines continue to blue with these mergers. If all goes accordingly, then consumers will be offered a large range of doctors, and quality care at almost half the costs.

Insurance Company Offer Discounts to Vegans

Veganism has become a mainstream lifestyle and has been becoming more popular within the last couple of years. There are many health benefits to becoming vegan and now there are financial benefits. An Israel-based health insurance company, Clal Insurance, offers discounts to people who are vegans. The trend has caught on in America with an insurance company offering discounts for life insurance to vegans.

You have to sign a declaration stating you are vegan to receive savings. — *The insurance company requres you to sign a declaration of health to qualify for vegan savings.*

The Israeli insurance company began a Vegan Pay Less, VPL, initiative for life and health insurance plans for vegans. The discount will be available to member sof vegan associations who provide a signed declaration of health to qualify. The company is hoping that more people will choose to make the diet change to become healthier which will reduce health issues and costs.

Benefits of Vegan Diet

Plant based diets have become popular due to how well it ranks in healthiest diets in the world.. Studies have shown that a vegan diet has been shown to aid in the prevention and treatment of major diseases. These studies from the Public Health Nutrition Journal have shown what the benefits vegans receive. Their hypertension reduced by 63%, type 2 diabetes reduced by almost 50%, cardiovascular issues reduced by 20%, and a 15% lower chance from all types of cancer.

A lot of fruits and vegetables can help your body from high risks of cancer, alzheimer’s, and diabetes because of the antioxidants and phytochemicals provided. The National Cancer Institute believes that antioxidants can prevent certain forms of cancer because these antioxidants prevent cell damage.

A person is less likely to become obese or have a high BMI if they are on a vegan diet. A meatless diet will help you to have less body fat. This in turn will keep you from having high blood pressure and cholesterol issues.

A meatless diet has many benefits for your health. — *A meatless diet has many benefits from maintaing your BMI, to lowering your chances of cancers and high blood pressure.*

People who eat fish are exposed to mercury in their diet and high levels of it can damage your kidneys and lungs. A large intake can impact your cognitive skills because it is damaging to the nervous system.

An insurance company in America has joined the bandwagon of giving discounts to Americans who practice a healthier lifestyle by going vegan. Health IQ made the shift in order to help people save money. They base premiums on a person’s lifestyle rather than family history. The likelihood that other insurance companies will join the vegan discounted rates are high because vegans are healthier than non vegans.

Insurers want healthier customers so they do not have to pay a lot to insure them, in other words, the healthier a customer then the more the insurance company saves. Insurance companies do not want to take on sick customers. This will not only benefit the insurance companies, but also the customers. Bottom line is the more greens you eat, the more green you save in your pockets.

Trump’s Plan for Health Insurance to Be Sold Across State Lines is Becoming Reality

While announcing the proposal of association health plans amongst small businesses, the Trump Administration is also aiming to facilitate health insurance policies across state lines. The rule will allow insurance companies to sell plans across state lines. The goal is to be able to provide plans and coverage that cost less.

*Trump plans to allow insurance cpmanies to sell plans across state lines.*

Trump stated “I have private insurance companies coming and will sell private health care plans to people through associations. That’s going to be millions and millions of people. People have no idea how big that is. And by the way, and for that, we’ve ended across state lines. So we have competition.”

The issue that Trump is referring to is the state regulations that each state has. Each state differs in the requirements of what must be covered by insurance companies.

The association health plans would be considered under the federal law that allows large employers the freedom from state regulation. This way, these health plans can be sold across state lines.

Issues that lies with these plans are the fact that they can surpass the ACA’s requirement of providing the 10 essential benefits such as maternity care, mental health care, and emergency services to name a few. This allows the plans to offer fewer benefits, therefore costing much less. But the association plans cannot discriminate or overcharge individuals with pre-existing conditions.

These health plans can be structured across state lines, giving them the opportunity to market anywhere in the country. They may also set up to serve communities, or span several states. However, pricing is uncertain whether people in Manhattan will be priced the same as those in Texas.

“We are concerned that this could create or expand alternative, parallel markets for health coverage, which would lead to higher premiums for consumers, particularly those with pre-existing conditions,” according to a letter last month to state regulators, signed by America’s Health Insurance Plans and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. “Further, these actions destabilize the health insurance markets that guarantee access to comprehensive health coverage regardless of health status.”

Allowing this new rule will hopefully help Americans save money on health inurance. — *Allowing this new rule will hopefully help Americans save money on health inurance, says Trump.*

Pennsylvania’s acting insurance commissioner, Jessica Altman, voiced her opinion on the matter. “Generally speaking, these types of plans are exempt from state law and outside my jurisdiction,” Altman stated. “That means any issues that consumers have, I won’t be able to help them. More and more people would fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government, and I think state regulators would say we really do it better.”

The opportunity for health insurance plans to be sold across state lines will have an impact on the market. People will be able to purchase less comprehensive plans at a cheaper rate. But this can cause customers with extensive health issue or needs a hard time finding affordable plans. Healthier individuals will leave the marketplace for the skimpier non-regulated health plans, which will create a rise in premiums for those who need it- the sick.

Details on the rule must still be worked out by Congress and voted on, but if passed, it will change the health insurance market.

Antibiotics, Do They Really Work?

Should you take antibiotics? Are they harmful? Will a bacteria grow resistance from antibiotics? How should they be taken? There has been a lot of questions and debates about the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are needed to treat infections caused by bacteria. It is important to know when antibiotics are needed, and when they are not. There are safe ways to use your antibiotics so that they do not become harmful.

If you are exposed to antibiotics when not needed, it can help bacteria develop a stronger strain. Bacteria gets used to antibiotics, and become stronger, building resistance against the drugs. This is when a superbug develops, making it harder for your body to fight. But there is a way to make sure this does not happen. How medications are used affects how quickly a bacteria develops resistance and to what extent.

*Antibiotics if prescribed accordingly will work best. Overusage will create bacteria resistance.*

When It Is Not Needed

A lot of common viral infections that do not benefit from antibiotics, such as the cold, flu, bronchitis, stomach flu, and some sinus and ear infections. Taking antibiotics for these kinds of viral infections will no cure the infection or keep others from getting sick. It just promotes the resistance for bacteria against it, and can diminish the good bacteria in your body. Once the good bacteria is killed, then you begin to get tired and ill more often.

When It Should Be Used

Antibiotics should be used for serious infections like pneumonia or sepsis. Doctors should only prescribe antibiotics when necessary, and it should be controlled. The drugs come with some side effects, such as rash, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and yeast infections. Some recently have had the side effect of a hairy tongue! But if you use them appropriately, then you can avoid side effects.

How To Use It

In order to avoid bad bacteria and getting sick, practice good hygiene. — *In order to avoid bad bacteria and getting sick, practice good hygiene such as washing your hands often.*

Try not to pressure your doctor for antibiotics unless they are really necessary or the doctor suggests it. Instead ask your doctor how to treat the illness. When prescribed a course of antibiotics, it is important that when you begin a cycle of the antibiotics, to finish them. A lot of times people will stop taking their antibiotics when they begin to feel better. Not finishing the entire course of the antibiotic, and keeping some in the cabinet for “just in cases” will harm your body. The bacteria will only become immune to the antibiotics, and trying to use the leftovers will not be useful. The leftover antibiotics will not help because it is not a full course, and it may not even be the correct antibiotic for the illness.

Of course it is always best to try to practice good hygiene, and wash your hands often. Remember to cover your coughs, stay home when you are sick, and cook foods to a safe temperature. But when all else fails and you do get sick, try to avoid antibiotics if it is not necessary. In the end, your body will become stronger if it learns to fight the bacteria on its own, and you will save the good bacteria your body needs. If you do need antibiotics, then follow the instructions and take the proper amount needed in a day and finish the course. Antibiotics are not meant to just be given out every time you fall ill, they are meant for serious infections. Remember to seek advice from your doctor on how to treat an infection before asking for an antibiotic.

The Benefits of Using EZ.Insure

Comparing and finding the best health insurance, Medicare Supplement, or Medicare Advantage plans can be a complicated process. Many people jump around different sites thinking that this will help them get the best price, but they are wrong. Shopping around like this can take up a lot of time , and it gives your information to tons of different companies. At EZ.Insure, we make it quick and easy and we make sure you work with one, and only one, agent who is there to make your life easier. Our purpose is to provide the best products and services at a fair price.

*EZ.Insure provides ou something other agencies do not- your own personal agent. No jumping around, and not hassle.*

There are many advantages to using EZ.Insure, one being receiving your very own knowledgeable advisor. You will not be bounced around from one agent to the next, instead, you will be assigned to and receive help from just one. Every one of our licensed advisors is highly trained and knowledgeable about your region’s health insurance options. The agent will be able to explain all the benefit options because we make sure to pair you with someone who works in your specific area! Your advisor will assist you in applying for coverage that meets all of your needs, within your budget. Because of these attributes, we assure you the best experience in customer service.

What EZ.Insure offers:

No Obligation– When using EZ.Insure, you can cancel your plan at any time. You can even cancel during the underwriting process, and up to 10 days after you receive your policy. Insurance companies will not charge you until you are approved. Most importantly, you are not obligated to buy a plan until you are ready. You can utilize your personal advisor as much as necessary, to search and compare plans without any obligation to purchase until you are certain you found the right plan.

Protected Privacy– People should never worry about your information being sold or traded when doing business. While some businesses break that ethical code, EZ.Insure does not. We will never sell, trade, or give away your personal information to anyone, unless related to the processing of your application. We ensure confidentiality at all times with the use of advanced privacy technologies. When you fill out our form along with quotes, you will immediately see the contact information of the agent you are being to assigned to. This ONE agent is the only person that will receive your information so you do not have to worry about dozens of agents calling and competing for your time.

Expanded Choices– EZ.Insure provides a wide selection of plans in your area so you can make the most informed decision for your healthcare needs. We do not benefit from whichever insurance company you choose to use. Our main goal is to provide you with plans from financially secure companies that provide the best service to their members. With all the plans we have to offer, you are sure to find a plan that meets your personal needs.

Our customer's needs are what is important to our team — *Our customer’s needs are what is important to our team. EZ.Insure values providing the best plan at the most affordable price.*

Fast Quotes– You do not have to wait for a long time to receive a quote, because once you answer a few quick questions, you will instantly get a list of plans to choose from. You can enter your zip code in the bar below to start getting quotes, it’s that simple.

Cost Effective– EZ.Insure can help you find plans with great benefits that cost less, even if you already have coverage. With our agency, you are guaranteed to save money.

At EZ.Insure, we are continuously researching the best information and technology to pass onto our customers. We offer more guidance than any other agency out there with our well equipped and informed agents in the industry. You will never have to worry about being bounced around from agent to agent, or receiving subpar information. Be informed of the top plans for your circumstances with the best price. Why do it the hard way, when you can do it the EZ way?

Start saving time and money by simply entering your zip code above to see quotes now or you can give one of our agents a call at 888-350-1890, or emailing us at [email protected].

Tag: health