Trusted Benefit Advisors, Inc.

01/07/2022

https://www.benefitspro.com/2022/01/06/high-deductible-health-plans-are-causing-medical-debt-its-time-to-fix-them/?kw=High-deductible%20health%20plans%20are%20causing%20medical%20debt.%20It%27s%20time%20to%20fix%20them.&utm_source=email&utm_medium=enl&utm_campaign=bprodaily&utm_content=20220107&utm_term=bpro

The #1 reason for personal bankruptcy is medical debt. Sadly, 75% of these people have health insurance. Unfortunately, they have such High Deductible Health Plans, the average American cannot afford a $5,000+ deductible. The only way to pay less for healthcare is to pay LESS for healthcare! When a health insurance plan is properly designed, members can shop for the Highest Quality, Lowest cost providers and often times have lower or no deductible or out of pocket. Incentivizing providers to perform more efficient, better outcomes care for patients can save an employer and an employee a ton of money, and enable the member to receive the proper care he/she needs.

HDHPs should give people better options to shop and make educated and informed decisions about their care.

06/06/2014

Healthy Indoor Activities:

The weather will not be on our side this weekend, which (depending on where you live) may mean rain, which will limit outdoor activity options. A perfect excuse for adults and kids to limit their exercise to reaching for the TV remote, clicking on the mouse, or maneuvering the joystick, right? Wrong! Don't let the miserable weather derail your family's physical fitness plan — there are plenty of options both inside and outside the house to keep everyone active during the winter months.

Staying fit is important for children, both physically and mentally. Many studies have shown a link between physical activity and academic achievement. An inactive lifestyle can also lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and joint problems.

Create an active zone

If you have a "no running in the house" rule, you may have to amend that.. Try setting aside an area free of breakable and dangerous objects where kids can move around easily. If this is a change in house policy, explain that while the old rules still apply in most of the house, for the sake of everyone's physical health, you are designating one area where they are free to run, jump, and roll around.

Organize indoor activities

Once an area is cleared of sharp corners, keep your kids active and busy by organizing a range of indoor activities. Turn the music up for a game of musical chairs or make up different dance routines. There are plenty of individual games and activities that will keep their heart rate up, such as playing freeze tag or twirling hula hoops. If you have forgotten the rules, or want some new ideas, check out Games Kids Play.

Make room in front of the television and stick in an exercise video from the library or video store, such as a dance or yoga video. Read parent reviews of popular kids' videos at Video Fitness.

Take advantage of classes

Sign up for parent and child fitness classes that the whole family can enjoy. Martial arts classes, such as karate or aikido, can help build self-discipline and self-confidence. Yoga can enhance flexibility and concentration. Many postures are named and modeled after animals, which keeps the poses playful and fun for children.

Outings to indoor facilities

Leave the house and venture to an indoor facility. Find an indoor pool in your area to swim laps, or play a pool game such as Marco Polo (see the rules at Marco Polo) or water tag. Make sure to check the pool's schedule to find out when the pool is open for swimming laps and when it is open for free swim. Go to an indoor ice-skating rink or roller rink.

06/04/2014

Each June, the National Safety Council encourages organizations to get involved and participate in National Safety Month. NSM is an annual observance to educate and influence behaviors around the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths. Each week carries a theme that brings attention to critical safety issues.

2014 Weekly Themes

Week 1: Employee wellness
Small changes can make a big difference to your health and wellness. If people made the choices to eat better, engage in more physical activity and quit smoking, at least 80% of all heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes – and up to 40% of cancer – could be prevented, according to the World Health Organization.

Week 2: Ergonomics
Ergonomics involves designing the job environment to fit the person and is important to take into consideration at work, but also while working on projects at home. It’s about learning how to work smarter and preventing conditions such as overexertion.

Week 3: Fall Prevention
Most falls are preventable. Many people attribute falls to being clumsy or not paying attention, but many risk factors exist. Risk factors include physical hazards in the environment, age-related issues and health conditions. Reduce your risk and find fall hazards in your workplace and home to prevent injuries and keep others safe round the clock.

Week 4: Driving Safety
Driving is one of the most dangerous activities you will do each day. As traffic on the roads increases during the summer months, keep in mind tips on issues such cell phone distracted driving, safety belt use, impaired driving and aggressive driving to stay safe when driving for work or pleasure.

Help others stay safe

06/02/2014

Fireworks Safety Month

Using consumer fireworks on New Years is a tradition. And it can be safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Ralph Apel, the spokesperson for the National Council on Fireworks Safety. Consumer fireworks go through vigorous third party testing in China before being shipped to the United States. But he notes, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), there were an estimated 9,600 fireworks related injuries during the Fourth of July season in 2011. Most of these injuries would not have occurred if the fireworks had been used under close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season:

Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label; never alter products.
Observe local laws and use good COMMON SENSE.
Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
A responsible ADULT should supervise all firework activities.
Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; AWAY from buildings and vehicles.
NEVER carry fireworks in your POCKET.
Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.
Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to follow common sense safety rules in their holiday celebrations.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks. For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.

Welcome to the National Council on Fireworks Safety site. Our mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks so as to eliminate injuries. We encourage you to review our site for safety information and help us to get the safety message out!

05/23/2014

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health conditions exact a heavy human and economic toll in the United States. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 1 in 4 American adults—61.5 million—have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. According to the NIMH, serious mental illnesses cost the United States more than $317 billion annually in lost wages, health care expenditures and disability benefits.

Biopharmaceutical research companies are currently developing 119 medicines to help people who have some type of mental disorder, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or substance use disorders. Those medicines are either in clinical trials or awaiting review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with more than 75 percent of the medicines in the earliest phases of research and development—a time when potential treatments often face difficult hurdles and setbacks.

Since 1949, May has been observed as National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when advocates and activists across the country draw attention to the mental health issues that affect as many as one in four Americans. Today, more people die from su***de in the United States than from traffic accidents or homicides, and we lose 22 veterans to su***de daily.

Unfortunately, because of the stigma associated with mental illness, many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the help they need for themselves or their loved ones. Compassion is needed for those who struggle with mental health issues.

If you have a loved one or close friend suffering with a mental illness, please draw their attention to the proven methods that can help change their lives for the better at stampoutstigma.com

05/21/2014

May Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Your skin helps control your body's temperature, and it stores fat and water. It is made up of 2 main layers:

The epidermis is the top layer of your skin. It is mostly made up of flat cells called squamous cells. Deeper in the epidermis are round cells called basal cells. Among the basal cells are melanocytes. These are cells that give skin its color (pigment)
The dermis is the layer of skin under the epidermis. It is made up of many different types of cells, as well as oil glands, sweat glands, and hair follicles.

Each type of skin cancer is named after the cells or layer of skin where the cancer started. The 3 common types of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Basics

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in the United States, especially in people with fair skin
Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly
It usually appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, scalp, neck, arms, and legs
Most basal cell carcinomas are treatable, especially if they are found early
In rare cases, basal cell carcinoma can become more serious. There are 2 kinds of advanced basal cell carcinoma:
Locally advanced basal cell carcinoma that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes
Metastatic basal cell carcinoma that has spread to other organs of the body and becomes deadly
Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma

A bump or growth that can be:
Pearly or waxy
White or pink
Flesh-colored or brown
Flat or just slightly raised
A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
A sore with a sunken area in the middle
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Basics

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer in the United States and the most common type of skin cancer in people with dark skin
Squamous cell carcinoma often grows on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, ears, neck, hands, and arms
If found early and treated, squamous cell carcinoma is highly likely to be cured
Squamous cell cancer may grow slowly but can spread to other parts of the body, including internal organs
Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A bump or lump on the skin that can feel rough
A sore or scar that does not heal
A flat, reddish, scaly patch that grows slowly

Doing a self-check of your skin once a month at home can help you find changes in the way your skin looks or feels. Use a mirror to check for anything new on your skin, such as a new mole or changes to a mole you already have. Also, keep track of any sores that are not healing or any raised patches. Check every part of your body from head to toe. If you find anything unusual, talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about it.

In addition to doing self-checks, you should also have your skin checked regularly by your doctor or healthcare provider.

Only a doctor can diagnose skin cancer. To tell if a change in your skin is from skin cancer, your doctor may do a biopsy. He or she removes a small piece of skin, and it is checked under a microscope for skin cancer cells.

Talk with your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more about how to do an at-home skin check and about any other tests you may need.

05/12/2014

National High Blood Pressure Education Month, recognized annually in May, is an important observance time for sponsors to raise awareness, educate, and engage patients across the United States.

Health Risks Of High Blood Pressure:

Also know as hypertension, high blood pressure increases the risk of serious diseases and conditions such as heart disease and stroke. In the US, heart disease is the most common form of death whilst stroke is the third leading cause. Other risk factors of high blood pressure include congestive heart failure & kidney disease.

High blood pressure can have a huge impact on a persons life. During 2007, over 46 million people in the US visited a health care provider about this condition.

Overall, the incidence of high blood pressure is about the same in men and women. However, there are gender differences between age groups. In people under the age of 45, the incidence of high blood pressure is higher in men whilst in the over 65 year age category it is higher in women. There are also race differences; it is more common among African Americans than Caucasians and less likely to occur in Mexican-Americans.

In the US, approximately 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure, however most people are not aware they have this condition due to a lack of signs or symptoms.

Reducing High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure Education Month encourages people to look at various lifestyle factors which may be contributing to high blood pressure. It is well documented that high levels of sodium (salt) is linked to high blood pressure. In the US, the majority of people consume more than twice the level of recommended sodium intake. Guidelines recommend up to 2,300 mg of sodium per day for an adult.

Those at higher risk should consume even less (up to 1,500 mg of sodium a day). Higher risk groups include those who have diabetes, kidney disease, existing high blood pressure and African American people. It is also recommended that people eat potassium rich foods which help lower blood pressure. Potassium rich foods include fish, green leafy vegetables, bananas, citrus fruits and potatoes.

Lifestyle changes which can help reduce blood pressure, include maintaining a healthy body weight (check with our BMI Calculator), regular exercise, quitting smoking and following a healthy low sodium diet rich in fruit and vegetables. There are many affordable blood pressure monitors available for the consumer making it convenient to monitor your blood pressure at home.

05/08/2014

Mother’s Day is your opportunity to recognize Mom for all the nice things she’s done for you over the years, and what better gift to show her your love and appreciation than to cook something delicious for Mother’s Day?

Velvet Shrimp

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Cook: 25 min. MAKES: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 package (16 ounces) linguine
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons butter
4 teaspoons seafood seasoning
1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Muenster cheese

Directions:
Cook linguine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook onions and garlic in butter for 1 minute. Stir in seafood seasoning; cook 1 minute longer. Add shrimp; cook for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Remove and keep warm.

Add cream to the pan, stirring to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until cream is reduced to about 1-1/4 cups.
Stir in cheese just until melted. Return shrimp to the pan and heat through. Drain linguine; top with shrimp mixture. Yield: 6 servings.

Nutritional Facts:
1-1/2 cups equals 656 calories, 36 g fat (21 g saturated fat), 227 mg cholesterol, 776 mg sodium, 58 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 28 g protein.

05/07/2014

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month!

Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) declares May to be "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month." It's a peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and a perfect time to educate your patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases.　

Allergies are diseases of the immune system that cause an overreaction to substances called "allergens." Allergies are grouped by the kind of trigger, time of year or where symptoms appear on the body: indoor and outdoor allergies (also called "hay fever," "seasonal," "perennial" or "nasal" allergies), food allergies, latex allergies, insect allergies, skin allergies and eye allergies. People who have allergies can live healthy and active lives.

It’s easy for you to celebrate with us! AAFA invites you to use AAFA resources and tools to bring healthy messages to work, school and home.

04/28/2014

April is National Occupational Therapy Month

In 1917, the occupational therapy profession began with the founding of the Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy. This organization is now known as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and it is this organization that certifies and accredits all practicing Occupational Therapists in the United States. The foundations of occupational therapy are rooted in the belief that human occupation - perhaps better known clinically as activities of daily living or ADLs - has curative properties. In other words, being able to engage in the hobbies or activities that you love to do is cathartic. Whether you are a resident in a long-term care facility or an active-duty police officer, being able to effectively meet the daily demands of your occupation is beneficial to your health.

It is with this understanding that Occupational Therapists seek to maximize their patients’ abilities to engage in the activities that they want - or need - to perform on a daily basis. For an Occupational Therapist working in the school setting, this can mean helping a child with autism balance their play and schoolwork effectively. For an Occupational Therapist working in a long-term care setting, they will find themselves working with patients who need help with ways to effectively cook, clean, or use the restroom. The profession of occupational therapy is indeed diverse, and the role an OT plays in the care of patients can vary quite a lot depending on the setting that they practice in.