In July, Kiplinger published a great article on online sites that will help you find affordable health coverage, cheaper prescription drugs (and sometimes free!), dental care plans, assistance in receiving reimbursement from their health care providers, and more.
HealthCare.gov, for example, is a website run by the Federal government. It's full of helpful information, including help choosing an insurance plan, comparing health care providers, and health care laws. The site also allows you to search for private insurance plans, public programs, and community services in your area.
If your current health care plan doesn't include dental, you'll be interested in DentalPlans.com. Their easy-to-read chart helps you compare plans and expenses for various procedures, like check-ups, x-rays, and fillings.
Can't afford your prescription drugs? The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps those struggling financially to get free, or almost free, prescription drugs.
Check out Kiplinger's article, and visit these sites and more.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Eat Healthier and Wealthier at Work
Eating out every day during your lunch hour is not only expensive, it's hard on your body. Use these tips to eat healthier and wealthier at work.
1. Prepare your lunch the night before. Better yet, use Sunday afternoon to prepare lunch food for the entire week. Make a batch of burritos that can be frozen until use, or grill chicken, slice it, and use it in a daily salad.
2. If you don't buy junk food, you can't pack it for lunch. Make a habit of skipping the cookie and chip aisle at the grocery store, and instead stock up on fruit and veggies. If your schedule is seriously demanding, buy prepackaged fruit cups and veggie trays.
3. Pack only what you know you'll eat. If you don't like it, you're going to a. be hungry because you're not going to eat or b. toss your packed lunch and walk around the corner to Burger King.
4. Nibble on healthy snacks throughout the day. A mid-morning fruit and yogurt break, and an mid-afternoon snack such as nuts, will help sustain your energy level, not to mention the feeling of a full belly. Nibbling can help you avoid a gut-buster at lunch.
5. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. And skip the expensive bottled stuff.
1. Prepare your lunch the night before. Better yet, use Sunday afternoon to prepare lunch food for the entire week. Make a batch of burritos that can be frozen until use, or grill chicken, slice it, and use it in a daily salad.
2. If you don't buy junk food, you can't pack it for lunch. Make a habit of skipping the cookie and chip aisle at the grocery store, and instead stock up on fruit and veggies. If your schedule is seriously demanding, buy prepackaged fruit cups and veggie trays.
3. Pack only what you know you'll eat. If you don't like it, you're going to a. be hungry because you're not going to eat or b. toss your packed lunch and walk around the corner to Burger King.
4. Nibble on healthy snacks throughout the day. A mid-morning fruit and yogurt break, and an mid-afternoon snack such as nuts, will help sustain your energy level, not to mention the feeling of a full belly. Nibbling can help you avoid a gut-buster at lunch.
5. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. And skip the expensive bottled stuff.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Top Sources of Vitamin C
Citrus fruits, especially oranges, are most often associated as being high in Vitamin C. However, there are many foods that contain a much higher percentages of this vital nutrient.What can Vitamin C do for you? Not only is Vitamin C an anti-oxidant--which helps prevent cell damage from free radicals, thus protecting your body from diseases such as cancer-- it is also a natural antihistamine, helps in the absorption of iron, and regenerates the body's supply of Vitamin E.
Excellent sources of vitamin C include:
• Rose Hips (2000 mg)
• Parsley (130 mg)
• Red Peppers (190 mg)
• Broccoli (90 mg)
• Kiwifruit (90 mg)
• Green Chili Peppers (244 mg)
• Papaya (60 mg)
• Strawberry (60 mg)
Compare that to oranges which only contain 50 mg.
Other fruits and vegetables with good amounts of Vitamin C include kale, lemons, mustard greens, and Brussels sprouts. Who knew?
Friday, September 16, 2011
Comfrey Eases Back Pain Naturally
In a clinical study involving 120 people between the ages of 18 and 60, researchers found that ointment infused with comfrey root extract quickly and dramatically reduced back pain. The ointment was given three times a day for five days. Those participants who received the comfrey infused ointment vs. a placebo reported an average of 95% less pain. Those who received the placebo reported 39% less pain. The comfrey root infused ointment relieved pain within one hour, and has shown to be more effective than over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Quick Tips for Sharpening Your Memory
Do you have a hard time remembering names? Do you often forget where you put your car keys? To boost your memory, by trying the following five ideas:
1. Go Gingko. Gingko biloba staves off memory loss and can help increase concentration.
2. Opt for Omega 3s. This fatty acid is essential to the brain and its function, especially memory. Good sources of omega 3 fatty acids include: cold water fish, flaxseed, hempseed, nuts and nut oils.
3. Lose the Belly Fat. Studies have shown a link between excess weight and memory loss.
4. Play Games. Memory boosting brain games have great benefits. Try Smiley, for example.
5. Catch Some ZZZZs. Being well rested is essential to your health, and memory.
1. Go Gingko. Gingko biloba staves off memory loss and can help increase concentration.
2. Opt for Omega 3s. This fatty acid is essential to the brain and its function, especially memory. Good sources of omega 3 fatty acids include: cold water fish, flaxseed, hempseed, nuts and nut oils.
3. Lose the Belly Fat. Studies have shown a link between excess weight and memory loss.
4. Play Games. Memory boosting brain games have great benefits. Try Smiley, for example.
5. Catch Some ZZZZs. Being well rested is essential to your health, and memory.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Calorie FAQs
First of all, what is a calorie? Technically speaking, a calorie is the amount of energy needed to increase the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius. In terms of food, calories are energy obtained from food that your body uses for cellular respiration. To put it simply, you must eat calories to live.
How many calories do you need to eat per day? The amount of calories a person needs per day depends upon the person's weight, height, age, sex, and level of activity. Check out the Mayo Clinic's calorie calculator, and find out what you should be eating.
How do you burn calories? You are burning calories constantly. You burn calories when you breathe, eat, and even sleep. However, the best way to burn calories is through exercise. Different exercises burn different amount of calories. Try Discovery Health's Activity Calorie Burn Rate Calculator for specific examples.
Not all calories are created equal. Nutritionists either agree or disagree with this statement. After all, a calorie is a calorie. However, most nutritionists would agree that eating 100 calories of raw vegetables is healthier than eating 100 calories of candy.
How many calories do you need to eat per day? The amount of calories a person needs per day depends upon the person's weight, height, age, sex, and level of activity. Check out the Mayo Clinic's calorie calculator, and find out what you should be eating.
How do you burn calories? You are burning calories constantly. You burn calories when you breathe, eat, and even sleep. However, the best way to burn calories is through exercise. Different exercises burn different amount of calories. Try Discovery Health's Activity Calorie Burn Rate Calculator for specific examples.
Not all calories are created equal. Nutritionists either agree or disagree with this statement. After all, a calorie is a calorie. However, most nutritionists would agree that eating 100 calories of raw vegetables is healthier than eating 100 calories of candy.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Why Choose a Chemical Free Deodorant?
Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants contain many toxic chemicals, including but not limited to:
aluminum
parabens
triethanolamine and diethanolamine (TEA & DEA)
triclosan
talc
propylene glycol
synthetic dyes and coloring
For best results, choose a deodorant without these ingredients, or as few of them as possible.
The function of aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants is to block sweat glands so that sweat does not reach the surface of your skin. Aluminum is also a common irritant, and has been linked to Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer. Researchers have mounting evidence that aluminum can mimic estrogen in the body, which increases the risk of breast cancer.
Parabens are a class of artificial preservatives. They also mimic estrogen, and may contribute to an increase risk in breast cancer.
TEA & DEA are chemicals that alter PH. They can cause liver and kidney damage. These chemicals have already been banned in Europe due to their carcinogenic properties.
Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical used to kill bacteria on the skin's surface. Recent studies suggest that triclosan may interfere with the thyroid and other hormones.
Talc, otherwise known as hydrous magnesium silicate, is mainly used as an absorbent. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies talc as a carcinogen if it contains asbestiform fibers. Unfortunately, there is no way for the consumer to know if the talc used in the product contains such fibers.
Propylene glycol was originally used as an anti-freeze, and is meant to keep products from drying out. Though often considered food grade, it can cause kidney, liver, and nervous system damage.
Synthetic dyes and colors are often listed as the color followed by a number. For example: Blue #2. They often cause skin reactions, and many are considered carcinogens.
aluminum
parabens
triethanolamine and diethanolamine (TEA & DEA)
triclosan
talc
propylene glycol
synthetic dyes and coloring
For best results, choose a deodorant without these ingredients, or as few of them as possible.
The function of aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants is to block sweat glands so that sweat does not reach the surface of your skin. Aluminum is also a common irritant, and has been linked to Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer. Researchers have mounting evidence that aluminum can mimic estrogen in the body, which increases the risk of breast cancer.
Parabens are a class of artificial preservatives. They also mimic estrogen, and may contribute to an increase risk in breast cancer.
TEA & DEA are chemicals that alter PH. They can cause liver and kidney damage. These chemicals have already been banned in Europe due to their carcinogenic properties.
Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical used to kill bacteria on the skin's surface. Recent studies suggest that triclosan may interfere with the thyroid and other hormones.
Talc, otherwise known as hydrous magnesium silicate, is mainly used as an absorbent. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies talc as a carcinogen if it contains asbestiform fibers. Unfortunately, there is no way for the consumer to know if the talc used in the product contains such fibers.
Propylene glycol was originally used as an anti-freeze, and is meant to keep products from drying out. Though often considered food grade, it can cause kidney, liver, and nervous system damage.
Synthetic dyes and colors are often listed as the color followed by a number. For example: Blue #2. They often cause skin reactions, and many are considered carcinogens.
Monday, April 18, 2011
7 Grab and Go Healthier Snacks
Chips, cookies, candy bars, soda--they are all quick and easy snacks when you're on the go, but if you're hoping to grab something healthier, try the following snacks.
• Nuts. Readily available in grocery and convenience stores, nuts are a great source of protein and energy.
• Dried Fruit. For your sweet tooth, dried fruit is an excellent option
• Protein Bars: Kashi Go Lean or ClifBars are options.
• Dark Chocolate. Yep, that's right. Chocolate bars that contain around 70% cocoa are a great source of antioxidants.
• Veggie chips. Food Should Taste Good's Sweet Potatoe Chips, for example.
• Baby carrots. Full of Vitamin A and fiber, carrots are a great snack that even many convenience stores are carrying.
• Smoothies. Reach for a Naked or Odwalla drink, especially if it contains both fruits and vegetables.
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Many Benefits of Fish Oil
Fish oil is used to treat and combat heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. It can also help improve brain function, eyesight, memory, and more. How does fish oil do all of this?
Fish oil contains Omega 3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA. These fatty acids increase the amount of good cholesterol in the blood, which helps improve brain function and ward off cognitive decline, while lowering certain types of bad cholesterol.
Omega 3 fatty acids also reduce inflammation in the body, which helps ward off serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. These anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial for arthritis sufferers. In studies, joint pain and tenderness has lessened with regular intake of fish oil.
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in oily, cold-water fish such as sardines, mackerel, and salmon. For vegetarian sources, try walnuts, kiwi, flaxseed, hempseed, and many nut oils. Daily supplements of fish oil are available in capsule form and in more concentrated liquid forms that are flavored for pleasant consumption. For vegans and vegetarians, plant-based DHA supplements and liquids are available as well.
Fish oil contains Omega 3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA. These fatty acids increase the amount of good cholesterol in the blood, which helps improve brain function and ward off cognitive decline, while lowering certain types of bad cholesterol.
Omega 3 fatty acids also reduce inflammation in the body, which helps ward off serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. These anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial for arthritis sufferers. In studies, joint pain and tenderness has lessened with regular intake of fish oil.
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in oily, cold-water fish such as sardines, mackerel, and salmon. For vegetarian sources, try walnuts, kiwi, flaxseed, hempseed, and many nut oils. Daily supplements of fish oil are available in capsule form and in more concentrated liquid forms that are flavored for pleasant consumption. For vegans and vegetarians, plant-based DHA supplements and liquids are available as well.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Health Food That Isn't Always Healthy
Many so called "healthy" foods are actually high in calories, saturated fat, salt, and sugar. If you're eating any of the following as a healthy snack, you may want to rethink your diet.
Granola
Check the label, but many granolas contain large amounts of fats. Sugar and total calories can also be an issue with granola.
Bran Muffins
Not only are bran muffins high in calories, they generally contain a lot of salt. Just because they contain brain doesn't make them healthy!
Smoothies
Sure, fruit is good for you. But what else does your smoothie contain? Sugar, frozen yogurt, milk, maybe even ice cream? And check your serving size--you may be consuming too many calories. For best results, ask for an all-fruit smoothie in a less than 16 oz. size.
Salad
When considering salad as a health food, you must consider what you're dressing it with. Salad dressings can be extremely high in fat. If the dressing is made with a healthy fat, such as olive oil, you will be better off than if the dressing is mayonnaise based. Still, dress your salad lightly!
Granola
Check the label, but many granolas contain large amounts of fats. Sugar and total calories can also be an issue with granola.
Bran Muffins
Not only are bran muffins high in calories, they generally contain a lot of salt. Just because they contain brain doesn't make them healthy!
Smoothies
Sure, fruit is good for you. But what else does your smoothie contain? Sugar, frozen yogurt, milk, maybe even ice cream? And check your serving size--you may be consuming too many calories. For best results, ask for an all-fruit smoothie in a less than 16 oz. size.
Salad
When considering salad as a health food, you must consider what you're dressing it with. Salad dressings can be extremely high in fat. If the dressing is made with a healthy fat, such as olive oil, you will be better off than if the dressing is mayonnaise based. Still, dress your salad lightly!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Pain Fighting Foods
According to MSN Health, certain foods can help alleviate specific types of pain.Bloating and Belly-Ache: Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna and salmon. Omega-3 acids contain hormones that help regulate metabolism and aid digestion.
Headaches and Migraines: Healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocado. These foods reduce inflammation.
Sunburn: Dark chocolate. The favonols in dark chocolate help smooth the skin and provide UV resistance.
In an article for Care2, entitled "13 Foods that Fight Pain," James Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy, points to foods such as:
Celery and Celery Seeds: which contain 20+ anti-inflammatory compounds.
Muraleedharan Nair, PhD, and professor at Michigan State University calls upon:
Cherries: the extract of which is 10x more effective than aspirin at relieving inflammation.
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