Health

As you start weighing in and see the drastic increase, you might feel frustrated. The sad part is that as you age, losing weight becomes a challenge. With hard work and determination, it is possible to lose those extra pounds and stay in shape. Remember these tips to help prevent weight gain.

Increase your muscles

You can hit the gym and start lifting weights. You need to increase your metabolism and adding muscle mass could make it happen. Doing strength training a few times a week can help in muscle building. Being physically active each day is also essential. The best part is that if you are exercising, you can even start adding more calories to your diet without worrying about weight gain.

Eliminate bad habits

You might be doing some things that are detrimental to your body. It includes the lack of any physical activity. You also keep eating after dinner time as you start watching TV shows. You drink too much alcohol and sweetened drinks. You might even think that finishing the food your kids did not finish is a good thing to prevent waste, but you are not doing your body a favourin doing so. If you want to lose weight, you need to start changing these habits. Again, as you get old, it is difficult to lose weight, and even more difficult to change your bad habits.

Start with small changes

You do not need a radical diet plan to lose weight. You also do not need to try extreme muscle training. You can start by making small changes in your daily activities, and gradually move up to more difficult tasks. For instance, if you love cookies, you can reduce your intake to just two cookies a day up until you limit it to just once a week. If you like sandwiches, you can take a bite without finishing the whole thing. If you are not too physically active, you can start by checking the number of steps you take each day. You can reach a small target first until you start moving up. Look for practical methods to help you lose weight instead of making changes that are not sustainable at all.

Focus on the social aspect of eating

When you eat, you are not only doing it because you want to fill your empty stomach. You also want to spend time with the people you love. You want to talk about your day and the issues that society faces. Instead of focusing solely on what you put in your mouth, you can start enjoying the company of other people. Bring up topics for conversations. Do not use your phone when eating so that you can have quality discussions.

If all these techniques do not work and you still keep putting on weight, you might have to try something drastic. You can undergo Aqualyx fat removal. It is non-invasive, and it does not cause pain. You can go back to your routine after the treatment. Many people find it effective and you can try it too.

There’s a good reason why more than two-thirds of Americans support the legalization of marijuana.

In the lengthy debate of the pros and cons of marijuana use, science has revealed an overwhelming number of pros that outweigh any cons.

If you want to know how marijuana has transformed healthcare, here are 10 benefits of cannabis healing.

1. Cannabis Has Positive Effects on HIV and Cancer Cells

The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids are seemingly innumerable. What’s most impressive is how cannabis interacts with HIV and cancer cells.

In one study, scientists administered THC, a compound of marijuana, to monkeys infected with HIV. The monkeys who received the drug had healthier cells. The monkeys responded so well to the treatment that the HIV infection had slowed or stopped spreading drastically.

Scientists have been researching the effects of cannabis on cancer cells for many years and the results are positive. One example of these studies found that marijuana can slow down the growth of cancer cells and prevent it from spreading.

2. Cannabis Healing for Conditions that Cause Chronic Pain

Humans can endure many conditions that cause chronic pain. Arthritis is an example of a common ailment that affects roughly 1 in 3 Americans.

If you suffer from arthritis, you can have problems doing small tasks that the average person takes for granted. Getting dressed, feeding yourself, and typing are all activities that can feel impossible for people with arthritis.

Marijuana is a proven natural painkiller. The reason why it’s so effective is because it contains anti-inflammatory properties. This treatment could restore the quality of a lot of people’s lives.

3. Does Marijuana Help Diabetes? Here’s What You Need to Know

Did you know that marijuana use has been associated with lower BMIs? If you’ve ever heard of the munchies, it’s hard to see how this is possible.

As it turns out, this study showed that marijuana users had much better insulin levels and resistance. Weed may give you the munchies, but luckily CBD oil is available for people who want to reap the medicinal benefits of marijuana without getting high.

Even though marijuana is still somewhat taboo, a lot of the myths surrounding the health risks are getting debunked. Click here to learn more about how marijuana is healthy.

4. Cannabis Could Change the Way We Treat Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a disease that is devastating for everyone. Although there is no cure yet, cannabis could give people more precious time together.

Researchers have been studying medical marijuana and Alzheimer’s for many years. Their work has established that cannabis can slow the progression of this disease, preserve memory, and keep patients soothed.

How is this possible? When a person develops Alzheimer’s, their brain produces what’s called amyloid plaques. This is what attacks healthy brain cells.

THC, a compound found in marijuana, has the ability to block the parts of the brain that produce amyloid plaques. Although it won’t reverse the damage, it can be a gift to loved ones who want more time with the afflicted.

5. It Offers Relief to Those Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s

Both of these conditions involve painful, uncontrollable muscle contractions. If you live with one of these ailments, you may feel like it controls or defines you.

The good news is that numerous studies have reported that marijuana has the ability to calm these contractions. Any pain associated with these muscle movements also subsides.

In this incredible video, you can watch a man with severe Parkinson’s take CBD oil and transform into a new person.

6. Can Marijuana Help Depression? The Benefits of Treating Mental Illnesses with Cannabis

Mental health is a silent killer. Lots of people suffer, but we’re too afraid to discuss it as a society. There are a few ways to treat these illnesses, but the harsh side effects make people weary of seeking treatment.

The good news is that if you suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, or even ADHD, you could get relief from medical marijuana. Although more research is needed, what we do know is promising.

It is worth noting that anyone suffering from mental health issues should speak to a doctor before medicating with marijuana.

7. Untreatable Seizure Disorders Now Have a Treatment

There are two serious seizure disorders that are difficult to treat: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Infants can suffer from these conditions and have dozens of seizures each week.

One girl named Charlotte Figi made headlines because her parents treated her Dravet syndrome with CBD oil. This is controversial because she was only five years old.

Charlotte endured as many as 300 seizures each week. Once she started taking CBD oil, her seizures decreased to only a handful each month. Although this treatment is still controversial for children, hundreds of other parents across America have followed the Figi family’s footsteps and reported similar success.

8. Cannabis Can Save Your Eyesight from Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common age-related eye condition that causes painful pressure. If it progresses enough, it can cause blindness.

Using marijuana to treat glaucoma has been studied for many decades. Scientists have proven that cannabis alleviates the pressure buildup in the eyes. Not only can it prevent blindness, but it also offers immense pain relief.

9. It’s True: Marijuana Does Increase Creativity

There’s a reason why all kinds of artists carry the stereotype of being stoners. Marijuana does have the ability to boost your creativity.

When marijuana interacts with your brain, dopamine gets released. Dopamine is referred to as the happy chemical. Not only will you feel great, but you’ll be able to look at things from a new perspective.

Although this is not a direct health benefit, people who take up hobbies and have a way to express themselves have a greater satisfaction with life.

10. Cannabis Can Protect the Brain from Neurological Damage

If you’re someone who plays a lot of contact sports, marijuana could save you from brain damage if you sustain a concussion. Marijuana is also effective at treating stroke victims, too.

Although research is only in the beginning phases, scientists have called cannabis a “neuroprotective” drug.

Want More Health Tips?

Now that you know more about the powers of cannabis healing, you can think about incorporating more natural remedies into your self-care regimen.

If you want to stay up to date on the latest news, tips, and stories, We Are Augustines is your best resource. For more helpful information about health, check out our blog.

Breast augmentation is one of the most requested cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States. Over 300,000 procedures were performed in 2018 alone.

Small breasts or changes in your breasts after breastfeeding or losing weight can seriously harm your self-esteem. If you aren’t satisfied with your breast size or shape, you’re not alone.

Making an informed decision on whether or not to get a boob job is the first step towards the procedure. It’s not an easy decision and it might take some soul searching, but knowing the facts about breast augmentation can help you manage the stress and make your final decision.

Here are some of the insider tips that you should know before getting a boob job.

1. It Will Cost Around $3,700

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average total cost of a bob job is about $3,700. This includes the surgeon’s fee only–not the additional cost of anesthesia and materials. The price will also range widely depending on the doctor, the region, and the type of augmentation you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for a breast reduction procedure, the price can vary widely. The procedure takes three or four times longer than an augmentation can cost more.

2. You Can Still Breastfeed

Getting breast implants won’t interfere with your ability to breastfeed a child. The implants can be placed underneath the breast muscles–keeping the milk ducts intact.

However, getting breast implants might lead to problems with breastfeeding. You’ll be more vulnerable to mastitis and other breast infections.

Furthermore, if your surgery involves a nipple incision, it may affect your nipple sensitivity. This might lead to a difficulty getting milk to flow when a baby latches on.

If you’re concerned about any of these issues, have an open conversation with your plastic surgeon so they can adjust the procedure to allow you to breastfeed in the future.

3. Augmented Breasts Will Feel Different

While silicone breasts will appear and feel similar to breasts, they still won’t feel exactly like natural breast tissue.

This depends on the size of your implants. Smaller implants or those placed further below the muscle will be harder to detect.

You might notice a difference–but they still feel natural and you won’t feel any pain or discomfort in your breasts.

4. Good Looking Breasts Take Time

Directly after your surgery, it might not look like you have the results you wanted. Don’t be disappointed just yet–wait the full recovery period for the full results of your implants.

In the days after your procedure, your breasts will be swollen and they may not look as perky as you’d expected.

The tissue needs some time to recover and adjust to your body after the procedure. Give yourself the full time to heal and you’ll see the shape of your breasts improve.
Your breasts will improve day by day–but you’ll be able to see the final result in a few months.

5. You Might Lose Feeling In Your Nipples

When you have any kind of surgery done to your breasts, there’s a chance that you’ll lose sensation in your nipples.

This is especially likely when your procedure involves a nipple incision. It can also involve other factors, including breast shape, size of the augmentation, and surgery type.

But even if you lose some or all feeling in your nipples, they’ll still respond to stimulation.

6. You’ll Still Need a Bra

Many women dream of being able to go without a bra. While your breasts will be larger and tighter after the procedure, you’ll still need a bra.

Not only will this help you with personal comfort, but it’s also crucial for maintaining your new breast shape. Wearing the right bra prevents skin from stretching. Now that there’s additional weight, your breasts could sag over time if you don’t give them the support they need.

Although you’ll need new bras after surgery, give it a month or two before you go shopping. Your implants need time to settle into their final appearance–and you don’t want to buy the wrong size.

Many surgeons recommend that you wear a sports bra for the first few weeks. This will provide you with the support and comfort that you need.

7. You Can’t Go From Small to Large All At Once

Although a boob job can increase your breast size, don’t expect to go from small to large breasts in one go.

Your body and skin need time to adjust to the drastic changes. If you really want to up your breast size, most surgeons will recommend only going up a few sizes at a time. Over time, you can gradually increase the size until you reach what you’re looking for.

Furthermore, the larger implants you have in your breasts, the more noticeable it will be. The less breast tissue you have compared to the implant, the less real your breasts will feel to the touch.

8. There Are Different Types of Implants

Although most implants are made from silicone, you may have more options to choose from when it comes to breast augmentation. Many surgeons offer two options: silicone and saline.

Silicone implants are widely associated with breast implants because they offer a natural appearance. With these implants, surgeons will place a silicone “pocket” inside your breasts, which will then be filled with silicone gel.

With saline implants, these pockets are filled with a saline (salt water) solution. For these procedures, the incisions will be smaller. In the case of a leak, the saltwater liquid used is similar to body fluids and won’t damage your body.

Interested in getting a boob job? Discover more about the types of breast implants available.

9. You’ll Need Longer Cancer Screenings

Regular mammograms are necessary to scan for early signs of breast cancer. If you’re planning breast augmentation surgery, keep in mind that your check-ups might take longer than usual.

The implants could interfere with screening and conceal lumps or other abnormalities in your breast tissue. Both implants also prevent X-rays from passing through your breasts.

While you can still be examined for cancer or other diseases, it might take a deeper examination. You’ll have to do four additional mammography scans in addition to the standard procedure.

In rare cases, a regular mammogram could also cause implants to rupture. Be sure to tell your doctor that you have implants before you begin.

10. It Might Affect Your Posture

Depending on the size of your implants, you might notice a change in your posture. If you pick implants that are proportional to your frame, there won’t be much of a difference. But if you opt for something bigger than your frame, you might notice the effects of the additional weight.

You can talk with your plastic surgeon before the procedure to make sure that the weight of your implants will be proportional to your body.

If you do opt for a larger size, just be prepared to adjust your posture afterward. You can train your body to better carry the weight without slouching or causing back pain.

11. It’s Usually Not Covered by Health Insurance

In the U.S., most breast augmentation surgeries can cost $3,700 or more. If you’re planning on getting a boob job, you’ll likely have to pay it out of your own pockets.

Most health insurance companies won’t cover breast enlargement surgery. It will, however, cover breast implants for women who have suffered from breast cancer.
If you need surgery to your breasts later on, your health insurance also may not cover that.

Here are a few questions you should ask your health insurance company before getting implants:

• If I get breast augmentation surgery, will any of the costs be covered?
• Will these implants affect my rates?
• If I have health complications related to my implants, will the surgery or treatment be covered?
• Will additional diagnostic tests post-surgery, like MRIs or extra mammograms, be covered?

Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Boob Job

Are you considering getting a boob job?

Breast augmentation surgery can help you improve the shape of your breasts and boost your self-confidence about how you look. No matter the type or size of the implants, breast augmentation can help you feel good about the appearance of your breasts.

Knowing the benefits, risks, and complications involved in the procedure can help you make the decision that’s right for you.

Looking for more tips, tricks, and advice to boost your health and your confidence? Check out our health section for more articles.

As many as 20% of the American population comes down with the flu every year. The majority of those cases occur when the weather transitions between the seasons of summer and winter.

So, basically, the flu has timed itself to get massive amounts of the population sick right around the holidays.

Thanks, flu.

If you’re suffering from headaches, mucus, coughing and all of those other flu symptoms, you don’t have to let them get the best of you. As it turns out, decades of medical science have supplied us with flu relief tips that can help you get your symptoms under control.

Our team has assessed multiple medical opinions to bring you the tips we think are most helpful.

1. Don’t Spread the Flu

Our first flu relief tip is targeted at you relieving other people from the flu. The best way to keep the rest of the world from having to deal with the same pain you’re managing is to not spread your sickness.

So stay home. Seriously. Don’t go out.

The flu is highly contagious, even with the help of a flu shot.

Believe us when we say that your classmates and/or co-workers will thank you for your consideration.

2. Get Lots of Rest

When your body is sick, it’s allocating a lot of resources towards battling the unwanted invaders causing your illness. That’s why it’s important to rest.

If you start exerting yourself, your body needs to pull resources away from getting you better and move them towards helping you accomplish whatever it is you’re trying to do.

To make sure that you’re not left suffering from the flu for longer than you need to be, laying down and napping is your best bet!

3. Fluids Are Your Best Friend

If you’re like most flu sufferers, you’re dealing with a lot of mucus trouble. You’re also at risk of becoming dehydrated due to the increased pressure your body is under.

Fluids can help you deal with both of those issues.

Drinking lots of water can bring flu relief to your mucus related symptoms by thinning it out so you can cough it up.

If you’re not big on water, have no fear! Other fluids like sports drinks, fruit juices, and soups can also be helpful.

4. Crush Fevers With Medication and Baths

A portion of flu sufferers will need to contend with a fever over the course of their illness. To help you reduce some of the symptoms associated with fevers, consider picking up appropriate medications.

Things like Advil or Tylenol can both be helpful.

Many people also find that taking a bath can help bring their body’s temperature down. If you’re feeling up for getting out of bed, give hopping in the shower a whirl!

5. Steam Your Respiratory System

Beyond consuming fluids, another great way to help you flush out your repository system is by breathing in steam.

Steam can help you loosen your mucus which will make spitting it up and blowing it out a lot easier. It can also bring some relief to your throat which may feel dry and damaged from coughing.

You can purchase a steamer online or you can run a hot shower and sit in the bathroom as it steams up.

We prefer purchasing steamer since it’s a lot more of a water conscious solution.

6. Gargle With Salt Water

Painful throat got you down? Salt can help.

When you cough a lot, micro-abrasions can form in your throat which causes discomfort. This discomfort is then exacerbated when substances like mucus seep into abrasions.

To help your throat heal faster, gargle salt water.

Doing so may be uncomfortable to start but shortly thereafter you’ll find that your throat is a lot more numb to irritation.

7. Enjoy Raw Honey

Honey is one of the lesser known flu relief go-to’s and that’s a shame because it works really well. Not only does honey contain anti-viral properties that can help keep your sickness at bay, it also can provide relief for your sore throat.

Some people opt to eat raw honey off of a spoon while others choose to mix it into their favorite tea.

Either option works!

If you’re not a fan of honey but want to enjoy it’s healing properties, you can try consuming elderberry syrup instead.

8. See a Doctor

Most times you can manage your flu symptoms on your own. Sometimes, you need an assist.

If you’re coughing so much that you need prescription grade cough suppressant or if your fever gets too high, pop into a place like MedNow Urgent Care.

Your primary care physician or local urgent care building will be able to properly assess your condition and give you the medical-grade medication you need to get your symptoms under control.

Seeing a doctor is also a good idea if you haven’t gotten the flu yet and are due for a vaccination!

Wrapping Up Flu Relief Tips to Get You Through the Holidays

From eating honey to getting rest, there is no shortage of flu relief tips you can leverage to get yourself feeling better, fast.

If the flu has you down in a big way this year and you opted to not get vaccinated, let what you’re feeling now propel you towards making vaccination a priority next year.

Get well soon!

For more of the best lifestyle, music, home and fashion content you can find online, check out more of our articles on We Are Augustines today!

Over one million Americans suffer a trip, slip, or fall in the workplace each year. Thirty percent of those employees suffer moderate to severe injuries.

Workplace safety doesn’t only apply to construction sites and warehouses.

Offices and retail environments can also have health and safety hazards. Every workplace is vulnerable to injuries, accidents, and even death. As an employer, how are you going to make your workplace a safe place?

The Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a crucial tool in every workplace. It can effectively reduce the amount of work-related injuries. Keep reading to learn how to perform a JHA.

1. Meet with Employees

The JHA isn’t only the employer’s job. It takes the entire staff to contribute and join in. Hold a meeting with all your employees.

In this meeting, state what a JHA is. Explain that you will be observing different job duties and tasks. By observing, you can notice potential workplace hazards.

Ask for their health and safety concerns. Do they feel safe doing all the tasks of their job? Are they scared of getting injured at work?

This needs to be an honest and open conversation. Allow your employees to communicate freely. Consider creating a box for anonymous contributions to the conversation.

2. Review Workplace Incident Reports

Before you start observing, pull out all the incident reports from the past five years. You should be storing past records for review and analysis.

Study these reports to see which accidents happen most. What equipment or tools get mentioned most in these reports?

For workplace’s with big machinery or tools, it’s even more important to analyze the reports. An accident with a forklift could be the difference between life and death.

Also, review any personal injury lawsuits filed by employees or past employees. These are serious situations that affect your business. Take the extra steps to learn more about each case.

3. Start Ranking

Rank the tasks that have the most frequent accidents or most severe. This is where your employees’ input comes in handy.

How many of them have experienced “close-calls” with some of the equipment? There might not be incident reports from a certain task yet, but it could be a matter of time. If there’s a job your employees are nervous about, that needs to be a high priority.

If new equipment entered your workplace, there might be some apprehension around it. Employees will feel safer once you establish precautions.

4. Observe the Tasks

From the list of top priorities, pick your first task. Observe an employee performing this task and watch every moment.

Make a list on your clipboard of each broken-down action. Consider filming the task for further review, with the employee’s permission.

The employee reached for the lever and pulled. They had to use two hands to pull. Then they locked the machine in place.

Every action the employee took could be a potential hazard. Make these detailed lists on all the top priority workplace tasks. By the end, you should have a chart breaking down each job into specific actions.

5. Identify the Hazards

What hazard does pulling down the lever with two hands cause? It could cause back strain or a pulled muscle if the proper posture isn’t used. Or, the employee’s fingers could get stuck under the lever.

Delve into the hazards of each action. Before you know it, you’ll see how dangerous the workplace is.

Of course, the likelihood of some of these hazards occurring could be slim. That’s where the incident reports and employee concerns come in.

Your chart should include the task, actions, and potential risks. Review your findings with the employees who do each job. Ask for their input on the risks to ensure you didn’t miss anything.

6. Remove the Hazards

Now’s the most important part. How are you going to prevent accidents and remove the hazards? Some workplaces are more dangerous than others.

Warning your employees to “be careful” isn’t enough.

Consider changes to the equipment. Some machinery might need replacing or fixing. Don’t put it off any longer; show your employees that you care about their safety.

How can you change the process of doing certain tasks? Perhaps add an extra step of caution between actions. Before pulling out the forklift, pause and check all blind spots.

Add personal protective gear to certain roles. If there’s a risk of burning or vibration injury in a task, add the necessary gear.

7. Train Employees on New Procedures

Every employee needs new training on the updated procedures. It must be more than a company-wide email. You need to confirm that each employee understands the protocols.

One way to do this is by creating a health and safety training program. There are many companies that offer this service. Make sure the program gets customized to your unique workplace.

Start doing monthly quizzes on health and safety. Annual training is normal, but a monthly quiz motivates employees to remember information.

8. Review the JHA

The JHA is not a one and done project. It needs editing and revision on a regular basis.

Anytime a new piece of equipment gets installed or a new procedure, conduct a JHA. If accidents keep happening and incident reports keep getting filed, conduct a JHA.

Be open to suggestions from employees on ways to improve the workplace. They do the tasks more than the employer in most cases. Trust when they bring up a risk or hazard.

Consider making one employee a Health and Safety Officer for the department. It could be their job to stay on top of hazards and report any changes to you.

Ready to Perform Your First Job Hazard Analysis?

The JHA is a crucial tool to keep your employees safe at work. Accidents happen; some of them result in death. You must do everything you can to ensure that doesn’t happen in your workplace.

Follow the steps above to conduct a job hazard analysis. Communicate with your employees and trust their input.

Making your workplace safer isn’t the only way to improve your business. Stay up to date on the latest business tips and guides. Employees are the key to your business’s success, keep them safe.

Trying to decide how much health insurance you need? Click here to learn how you can pick the right type of health insurance plan for your needs.

Currently, there are 44 million uninsured Americans and 38 million who are underinsured or have inadequate health coverage. With the price of medical procedures costing hundreds or thousands of dollars this lack of insurance is a recipe for disaster.

But one major problem is that health insurance can seem extremely complex with plans and prices that are difficult to understand. Many Americans don’t even fully understand what type of health insurance plan they have or what their insurance covers.

This lead to our current crisis where medical bills are responsible for 60% of bankruptcies in the United States. And of these bankruptcies 75% of these people have insurance.

If you want to avoid this fate than read on. We have a list of tips to help you pick the right health insurance plan for you and your family.

Understand What Health Insurance is

If you are new to the concept of insurance you may be asking yourself what is health insurance? And why do I need it?

Health insurance is a type of insurance that covers medical injury and illness. Coverage can range be broad plans covering everything from eye care and dental care to mental health care.

Plans are broken down into deductibles, premiums, and copays. Each of these elements determines how much you’ll pay for health coverage overall.

Deductibles represent the amount that the policyholder will pay out of pocket before the insurance company will pay any expenses. The premium is the amount that you pay usually every month. And copays are the amount that you pay for services or treatments usually this is lee than you’d pay without insurance.

As a general rule if your plan has a higher deductible you’ll have a lower monthly premium and vice versa.

Know how the Affordable Care Act Impacts Your Healthcare

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows people to shop for healthcare on the open market and receive tax credits to reduce the monthly cost. You can look up health insurance information and find out which plan is best for you.

Many plans include affordable prescription and generic drugs and low-cost doctors visits.

Though the decision was at the time controversial for many it has vastly reduced the price of their health insurance.

To buy health insurance on the market you have to create an account on Healthcare.gov and enter relevant information about your income and age to determine how much you’ll pay.

You May Qualify for Medicaid or Medicare

Medicare and Medicaid are both single payer medical national health insurance program.

Medicaid is based on income and family size. It offers coverage in all 50 states for people who are poor, pregnant woman and those with disabilities. The program is funded on both the federal and state level.

If you’re over 65 years old you automatically are entitled to Medicare benefits. This covers the vast majority of elder care needed but some things aren’t covered like personal home care assistance and nursing homes. Luckily Medicaid covers these things.

Consider Your Health History

Though the ACA has banned denying coverage for preexisting conditions your overall health and how often you plan to see a doctor will impact how much you pay and what kind of plan you should choose.

Many insurance plans also offer incentives to get and stay healthy. Like deductions for quitting smoking and low-cost gym membership.

Your Age is Important

No matter how old you are health insurance is essential for survival in the United States. But your age will dictate what kind of plan your eligible for and how much you need to pay for insurance.

If you’re older you should be sure that your plan has options for long-term elderly care.

Your Income Will Determine the Type of Health Insurance Plan You Can Afford

Most people get insurance through their employer. This means that for many the kind of job you have will determine how much pay for insurance.

As stated earlier if you make too little money you can apply for government assistance.

Health insurances usually offer limited low-cost plans that provide insurance coverage to people who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. You can even visit most insurer’s websites to get a quote to see if a plan is right for you.

How Big is Your Network?

Networks are often considered the most frustrating part of health insurance. For most people, the hospitals and doctors you have access to will come down to who what type of health insurance plan you have.

When it comes to health insurance your network represents the healthcare providers, physicians, and hospitals that will work with your insurance company to provide low-cost care. If the place is not in your network the fees may be more expensive and at times unaffordable.

The easiest way to see who’s in your network is to check your insurer’s website or call the provider to see if they take your insurance.

If you want to avoid large fees make sure you know which doctors are available. Also, choose a healthcare insurance provider with a large network that includes local hospitals.

How Inclusive is Your Healthcare Plan?

What does your healthcare plan cover?

Does your plan include dental does dental cover mundane things like yearly cleanings? Or more serious procedures like dental implants?

Knowing the answer to this question can save you thousands of dollars per year in doctors bills.

When you’re picking your insurance plan keep in mind things like vision and dental as well as mental health and specialist cost.

We Can Help You Live a Healthier Life

The type of health insurance plan you have can impact how healthy you’ll be in the future. But there’s more to health than just having the right insurance.

If you want tips and tricks about how to live a better life contact us today!

 

Prescription drugs can be expensive, and sometimes the cheapest way is to buy them through a foreign pharmacy online. Keep reading below to learn more.

Prescription drug expenditure in the U.S. could reach as high as $338 billion in 2018.

The already-high costs of prescription drugs are rising. As a result, many Americans have started buying their prescriptions from a foreign pharmacy.

But how do you know you’re buying your prescriptions from a legitimate source? And are online foreign pharmacies safe?

If you’re looking to purchase your prescriptions online, you need to understand the risks. You should also know what to look for in a reputable company.

We’ll tell you all that and more. Read on before putting in your online order.

Why Buy Prescriptions Drugs from a Foreign Pharmacy?

There are a number of reasons why you might consider purchasing your prescriptions from an online pharmacy.

The biggest driver is usually cost. Approximately 8% of U.S. citizens don’t take their medications because they’re unable to afford them. Foreign pharmacies offer a substantially more affordable alternative for buying brand-name drugs.

Another reason for buying prescription drugs from online foreign pharmacies is availability. Foreign pharmacies may have access to drugs that aren’t currently or readily available in the U.S.

People may purchase prescription drugs online to protect their privacy. Purchasing drugs from an online foreign pharmacy that doesn’t require a prescription means not having to have awkward conversations with your doctor.

Whatever the reason for purchasing from an overseas pharmacy, there’s a lot to know when you’re buying prescriptions and medications online.

Understand the Law

It’s illegal to purchase controlled substances without a prescription. In order to legally buy prescriptions, you’re required to hold a prescription for the medication that’s written by a licensed physician. This physician has to evaluate your need for the prescription whether it’s for narcotic painkillers, stimulants, sedatives, and/or anabolic steroids.

It’s also illegal to purchase drugs from a foreign country for “personal importation” or “reimportation.” The definition of these laws are as follows:

1. Personal importation: The FDA defines this as bringing prescription drugs purchased in a foreign country into the U.S. for personal consumption.
2. Reimportation: This is when you purchase a drug that was manufactured in the U.S. in a foreign country and bring it back to the U.S. for consumption. Whether the drug is FDA approved or not is irrelevant. This practice is against the law for purchases both in person and via mail.

These laws apply to all foreign countries. Even making a prescription purchase in Canada or Mexico can result in legal trouble.

However, the FDA laws regarding personal importation and reimportation are more strictly enforced on commercial distributors and resellers than on individuals. The FDA is more lenient when it comes to individuals purchasing drugs from a foreign pharmacy and bringing them home for personal use.

To avoid legal complications, the FDA has created guidelines for filling prescriptions through an overseas pharmacy:

• The drug is declared at Customs and is accompanied by a prescription or medical documentation.
• The amount being brought into the U.S. is less than or equal to a three-month supply.
• When an individual has a serious condition and could benefit from a drug that’s not approved in the U.S.

If you meet these criteria, you’re legally allowed to bring foreign-bought prescriptions into the country.

Choose Your Pharmacy

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) found that only 3% of online pharmacies were compliant with laws and practice standards. That’s how fake drugs and medications without active ingredients get sold to consumers. Some of the drugs sold online can even contain ingredients that are harmful to your health.

This is why choosing the right pharmacy is so important. An attractive website isn’t enough to prove a provider is legitimate.

Don’t trust a site that attempts to sell you any kind of controlled substance via advertisements. It’s against the law for pharmacies to ship or sell narcotics, controlled, or targeted substances.

It’s not too tough to find legitimate Canadian online pharmacies. You can also seek a fully-licensed online foreign pharmacy from Australia, Western Europe, or New Zealand.

You can find the licensing number on the website. If you don’t see it, you can ask the pharmacy and verify it with the licensing organization in that country. You can also trust pharmacies with a blue and red Verified Internet Pharmacy Practices seal from the NABP.

Keep in mind that the prescription is key. This important link between doctor-patient-pharmacy will be required by a legitimate online pharmacy. If the pharmacy doesn’t ask for a prescription or a medical/prescription history, that’s a red flag.

Another thing to look out for is the domain of the online foreign pharmacy. Sites that end in .pharmacy have to get special approval from the NAPB. Though, many .com pharmacies don’t use the designation and are still safe to use.

Things to Keep in Mind

Below are a few quick tips to keep in mind when you’re shopping for your prescriptions online:

• Avoid sites that sell drugs without the need for a prescription
• Avoid sites that offer to provide you with a prescription
• Check the currency-conversion before buying — you might not be saving as much as you think
• Check the label of your prescription when it arrives
• Don’t buy products without a list of ingredients that are in a language you can read and verify

With just a few simple tips, you can save yourself on prescription costs while protecting your health.

Alternatives to Buying Online

If you’re purchasing prescriptions online for convenience sake, you might also consider a preferred mail-order pharmacy. Perfect for seniors who take daily or regular medication, your insurer may cover the cost of working with a pharmacy that sends prescriptions directly to your home — without any of the risks of online pharmacies.

More Health Advice

If you’re unable to afford your prescriptions, an online foreign pharmacy might be an alternative solution for you. But before you make a purchase, understand the risks and know how to choose the right pharmacy. Buying from a foreign pharmacy with a prescription isn’t illegal if you follow the right guidelines and processes.

And for more health advice and information, be sure to read our blog.

Is your kitchen a danger zone? Discover the common risks and the answer to what is the best way to prevent poor food safety.

Every year, 1 in 10 people become ill from eating contaminated food. In addition, about 420,000 people die every year as a result of food contamination.

Considering how simple it is to practice proper food safety procedures, these numbers are staggering.

The problem is, however, that many people simply do not know how to prevent poor food safety. By educating yourself and your employees, you can help bring the number of food safety-related deaths and illnesses down.

So, what is the best way to prevent poor food safety?

Read on to find out!

1. Handwashing

We’re putting handwashing as number one for a reason: it’s the number one way to prevent foodborne illnesses.

The problem is, while many people do wash their hands, most don’t take the time to wash their hands properly.

When you wash your hands, use a good amount of soap, and wash them under warm water. Warm water helps to kill bacteria, so this is very important.

And, make sure you are washing your hands for the right length of time. Washing your hands for just a few seconds is basically like not washing them at all.

To properly clean and disinfect your hands, you need to wash them for at least 20 seconds. A good rule of thumb is to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice while washing.

Also, you need to make sure you are washing your hands at the right times. Washing your hands after using the bathroom is obviously a must.

But, you should also wash your hands if they’ve been in contact with someone else’s bare skin, or really, any dirty surface.

And, most importantly, always wash your hands after handling raw meats.

2. Stay Out of the Danger Zone

In the food safety injury, there is something known as the ‘danger zone’.

The danger zone refers to foods that fall within a certain temperature, and are therefore not safe to eat.

The temperature range for the danger zone is 41 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods that fall at temperatures between these numbers are at a higher risk for growing bacteria that could make someone sick.

The longer a food sits in the danger zone, the greater chance there is for bacteria growth.

In order to keep foods out of the danger zones, you should be monitoring them with thermometers regularly.

This is especially important for those who have catering businesses or who run buffet lines, as these foods can be especially susceptible to neglect, and therefore, danger zone temperatures.

Keeping track of all these temperatures can feel like a lot. Luckily, there are food safety templates out there that can help you stay on top of everything.

3. Store Food Properly

Food storage is one aspect of food safety that is often overlooked.

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, you should always store them immediately after cutting them. As soon as a fruit or vegetable is cut open, it becomes more susceptible to environmental contaminants.

Placing fruits and veggies immediately in the fridge will help eliminate this concern.

Also, make sure you are storing food in the proper order.

Veggies and fruits should be on top, while meats and poultries should be on the bottom. This will prevent raw meats and poultries from dripping onto the fruits and veggies and contaminating them.

4. Cook to the Right Temps

Many people think that a food’s texture and color are enough to determine if it’s safe to eat.

However, this is not the case.

The only way to determine if a food is properly cooked is by testing it with a thermometer, making sure it is out of the danger zone.

When cooking eggs, you should always ensure that both the white and the yolk are firm. When cooking food in a microwave oven, make sure it is properly covered, and that you rotate and stir it for even cooking.

If you are reheating sauces, soups, or gravies, always bring them to a boil before reserving.

5. Chilling at the Right Temps

Just as you need to make sure you are cooking foods at the right temps, so too do you need to make sure you are chilling them at the right temps.

First things first, periodically check to make sure your chilled foods are always at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

For meats, poultries, eggs, and seafood: refrigerate them within 2 hours of purchasing or cooking.

Also, many people thaw foods on the countertop, at room temperature. However, this is completely unsafe. You have three options for thawing foods:

1. In the microwave

2. In the fridge

3. In a pot of cold water

In order to ensure warm foods cool off quickly enough when storing, separate them into smaller portions and place them in shallow containers.

6. Rinsing Utensils

Rinsing your utensils is another important aspect of food safety that is often overlooked.

Cutting boards should be always be washed and sanitized after handling foods that are prone to bacteria, such as meats and poultries.

Also, if you can, opt for plastic cutting boards over wood ones. It’s much easier to wash bacteria out of a plastic cutting board than a wood one.

Knives also need to be washed periodically. Just like cutting boards, you should wash your knives after handling bacteria-friendly foods, like meats and poultries, and seafood.

7. Properly Address Food Allergies

Did you know that roughly 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies?

If you own a restaurant, there’s a high chance that you encounter someone with a food allergy on a weekly basis.

This means you need to be very diligent with training your staff in the right way to handle food allergies.

For example, if someone alerts you of an allergy as you’re about to serve them food, you cannot simply remove the food from the plate to fix the issue.

Foods can cause allergic reactions through anything they touch. This includes not only other foods, but also utensils, plates, and serving pans.

If someone has a food allergy, everything needs to be cooked and served using freshly washed supplies. This is the only way you can guarantee the allergen won’t come in contact with anything.

What is the Best Way to Prevent Food Safety?: Now You Know!

Now that you can answer the question, “What is the best way to prevent food safety?”, it’s time to put these tips to use.

As we discussed at the beginning of the article, food safety is a serious issue. Therefore, these tips aren’t really optional.

If you have questions about this article, be sure to drop us a comment below. Otherwise, be sure to check out our health section for more guidance on helping yourself and others lead a healthy life.

 

 

Dental Procedures

There are a number of reasons for people choosing to have dental implants and the attachment of dental prosthesis once their implants are secure enough for the second stage of the procedure, tooth decay or due to an injury being two of the main ones. The biologic process of osseointegration is the foundation for dental implants in the modern times. Osseointegration means the joining or bonding of materials like titanium to bone of the patient.

Once we have been given the green light by our dentist to move on to the next stage involving the addition of a dental prosthesis, we should start to think about dental implant after care. In fact, lots of people that have had this type of dental surgery will look on the internet for articles providing useful insight on how to take care of their new tooth or teeth when at home. Of course, by being prepared to find out more about the various aspects of dental implants and the attaching of a dental prosthesis, people with concerns about such surgery should be able to have a lot more peace of mind.

Long Lasting

Just like people hoping to keep their teeth for as long as possible will floss and clean them on a regular basis in order to achieve this common goal, those who have had dental prosthesis work should also do their best to take care of their new teeth. However, it must be said that the implants’ success or failure before we can even get to the dental prosthesis stage depends on the patient’s health, the drugs affecting the chances of osseointegration, and the health of the mouth tissues.

Brisbane-based people who get in touch with a Dentist Everton Park in order to enquire about the possibility of having much needed dental implant surgery carried out will talk to an empathic and highly-dedicated dental consultant before it is decided whether they are suitable for the surgery. Of course, once we have been accepted with our request for one or more dental implants, it would be smart to start asking about the sorts of things we need to do if we hope to have long lasting dental prosthesis.

Indeed, some of the more important aspects of dental implant after care can be seen below:

1. Rinse with salt water on a regular basis
2. Avoid irritating the implant
3. Do not take part in potentially risky activities
4. Keep an eye on bleeding and swelling
5. Be gentle when cleaning

Healing Time

Probably the most important thing to take into account after having dental implant surgery is giving the implant time to heal properly. Before the dental prosthetic – a tooth, denture or bridge – is fastened to the implant or an abutment is put in order to hold the prosthetic, there is an adjustable amount of healing time required for osseointegration.

Of course, in order to get back to smiling with confidence after having dental implant surgery and subsequent dental prosthetic work, we will need to make sure we take good care of our new teeth. The prosthetic can either be removable or fixed. If fixed, the person will not be able to remove the teeth or the denture from the mouth. If removable, the person can take the prosthetic off.