10 EASY WAYS TO STRETCH Y OUR HEALTH CARE DOLLARS

You’ve no doubt noticed that each year, your health care costs go up. This continuing trend can significantly impact your budget. While it’s difficult to control all the factors that contribute to rising health care costs, stretching your health care dollars is easier than you think with these 10 easy ways to get the most bang for your buck.

Full article

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR HEALTH CARE DOLLARS: COMPARISON SHOPPING

Every day consumers make important decisions that affect their family’s health and health-related financial security. Making these choices can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if a family member is ill or considerable medical expenses are involved.

Often, it may seem like you don’t have a choice when faced with the cost of medical procedures, but that is not always the case. Many consumers today are taking more responsibility for their health care, which includes seeking more information about the cost of health services and making informed decisions regarding their care.

This movement is called consumer-driven health care. You may already participate in a consumer-driven plan, if your employer offers a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) coupled with a health savings account (HSA).

Full article

HOLIDAY STRESS: TRAVELING

The holiday season is the busiest time of the year for long-distance travel. Planes are overbooked and highways are overcrowded, which can add stress to the season.

Full article

SELF-CARE: RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Pain and stress can end up causing physical, mental or emotional issues. Often this physical or emotional pain significantly impacts our health, happiness and overall quality of life. Learning how to relax can lessen the impact that this pain has on your life.

Full article

TEST YOUR STRESS

Like most working professionals, you may experience job stress, relationship and family distress, and financial worries while trying to balance your home life with your work life. Since carrying around these burdens for too long can become too much to bear, it is important to identify stressors in your life and then work to mitigate them. Ignoring stressors can lead to more serious health-related problems, including heart disease, fatigue and weight gain.

To learn what is giving you anxiety and making your blood pressure rise, take this stress test. Once you identify what is causing your stress, you can reduce or eliminate those triggers from your life and live more peacefully.

Full article

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Between 90 and 95 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes in the United States have Type 2 diabetes. Formerly called adult onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, the condition is increasing at an alarming rate due to the current obesity levels in the United States. Full article

EVERYDAY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Eat Healthy
Your body needs the right vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to stay in good shape. A healthy diet means you are eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk products, fish, poultry, lean meats, eggs, beans and nuts. Stay away from cholesterol-laden items, excessive sodium and added sugars. It is also important to avoid trans and saturated fats.

Full article

TESTICULAR CANCER

Many of the drastic measures taken to cure testicular cancer in its later stages can be avoided if a tumor is caught early enough. Full article

STAYING HEALTHY AT ANY AGE

Establishing and maintaining good health is an ongoing process that you need to take charge of. It is important that you are proactive in managing your health to avoid preventable illnesses and catch other medical conditions early. Full article

PREVENTATIVE SCREENING PART I

Preventive care, including regular doctor visits, is important for everyone. The following screenings are recommended for men to maintain good health and catch health problems early.  Full article.

PREVENTATIVE SCREENING PART II

Proper preventive screenings can keep you healthy.  Full article

WOMEN’S HEALTH: BREAST CANCER

Research estimates that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lives. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the breast. There are three main types:
• Ductal carcinoma – The most common; begins in the cells of the ducts.
• Lobular carcinoma – Begins in the lobes and is more often found in both breasts than are other types of breast cancer.
• Inflammatory breast cancer – Uncommon type in which the breast is warm, red and swollen.

Full article

WOMEN’S HEALTH: STAY HEALTHY AT ANY AGE

Establishing and maintaining good health is an ongoing process that you need to take charge of. It is important that you are proactive in managing your health to avoid preventable illnesses and catch other medical conditions early.

Full article