Author: Staff (Page 52 of 157)

Rebates To Millions From A Disgruntled Health Insurance Industry

March 19, 2012 / Staff

Rebates are coming to millions of Americans as the result of new requirement in the federal health care overhaul.

Although the payout will amount to only $160 per person it is a way to establish oversight within the insurance industry.

Here’s how the new system works: Starting in 2011, insurers were supposed to abide by the new rules. They require insurers in the individual and small group market to keep administrative costs to 20 percent, and to just 15 percent in the large group market. If they don’t, they’re supposed to send out a round of rebates by Aug. 1 of this year. That rebate could take the form of a check or credit card payment, or a reduction in premiums — the rebates will either be distributed to individuals or employers depending on the plan.
Some companies will inevitably comply with the rule, and in turn not be required to pay out rebates. Those that don’t are supposed to report to the federal government by June with their rebate plans.

Health Care Policy, Health Insurance, Quality Control

Federal Regulation of Insurance Companies insurance costs Insurance rebates to millions

Private Payer Insurance Is Not Cost Effective And Highly Inefficient

March 19, 2012 / Staff

A review of private payer insurance shows an inefficient system.

Compare that to the U.S., where an estimated 137,000 people died over seven years because they were uninsured. Of course, the Brits do pay for their health care in another way – with taxes. their sales tax is a whopping 20% and income taxes are as high as 50%.
All of that money feeds a health care behemoth. The NHS is Europe’s largest employer, with well over 1 million people on the payroll. So you’d think it would be inefficient.

Health Care Policy, Health Insurance, Quality Control, Research, Wellness

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Daydreaming Is Actually A Good Thing For Your Brain

March 18, 2012 / Staff

When your mind drifts it is not necessarily a bad thing.

Daydreaming is often associated with creativity, flightiness or a lack of focus.

In fact, your mind wandering is a sign that your brain is capable of meaningful activity and memory while planning for the future.

The findings add to past research suggesting these mind drifts can be positive moments. For instance, daydreaming has often been associated with creativity — researchers think that our most creative and inventive moments come when daydreaming. It’s likely that the most intelligent among us also have high levels of working memory.

Research, Resources

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Sun Alone Doesn’t Give You All The Vitamin D Your Body Needs

March 18, 2012 / Staff

It takes more than a little sunshine to correct a vitamin D deficiency.

“Clearly solar exposure is an influence — there is no doubt about that — but you cannot predictably say that a certain amount of exposure will normalize vitamin D deficiency,” said Dr. Gallo, chief of dermatology and professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego, in an interview with Medscape Medical News.

Food sources such as sardines with the skin and bones, eggs with yolks, and beef liver among a few others.

A supplement may be necessary if you can’t consume a diet rich in vitamin D.

Screening for deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D is easily done in your doctor’s office.

Your physician can recommend the best supplement for you.

Nutrition, Research, Wellness

medical tests vitamin D Vitamin D deficiency

Get The Scoop On Lactose Intolerance

March 17, 2012 / Staff

Lactose intolerance can be confused with lactose allergies.

Whatever your ailment you can still enjoy dairy products. There are many brands of lactose-free dairy products and lactose digestive aids.

Many people who are lactose intolerant (or malabsorptive) can eat yogurt and have no gastrointestinal issues because of the active live cultures, like lactobacillus bulgaricus.

Hard cheeses like parmesan, Swiss, cheddar and colby have smaller amounts of milk sugar and great quantities of milk solids which make them easier on the digestive system.

Lactose intolerance has several causes. In rare cases, it is caused by a rare-autosomal recessive trait, in which the body cannot create the enzyme lactose at all. Primary lactase deficiency tends to occur in adults, in which they lack the lactose persistence gene. Just as it sounds, the body loses its ability to produce the enzyme lactase over time.
However, as humans “domesticated” dairy animals and continued to consume dairy products, the gene for lactose persistence has prevailed for survival. In many cultures, dairy products from various mammals, such as cows, sheep and goats, can feed more individuals than the meat of the animal alone.

Nutrition, Quality Control, Research, Wellness

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