health insurance

'Tis the season for fresh, locally-grown leafy greens. As one of the first seeds to hit the dirt in the early spring, these hearty plants are now hitting the shelves in abundance. High in antioxidants, the benefits of adding more greens to your diet seem endless, with studies touting a number of health benefits, including cancer prevention, stronger bones, brain health, better vision, and healthier skin, among many others.
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It's an invisible facet of the aging process, but more critically linked to maintaining health, functionality, and autonomy than perhaps all else: brain health. From infancy to adulthood, the brain is in a constant state of growth, forming more than a million new neural connections every second in the earliest years of life and achieving 90 percent of its adult volume by age 6.
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Amidst all the excitement (and worries, reservations, and, yes, sometimes tears) of an emptying nest, parents often fail to consider their kids' health insurance in the ensuing chaos. While most colleges and universities mandate student health insurance, those young adults choosing a different path may fall through the coverage cracks. And, navigating health insurance options and necessities can be overwhelming for even the savviest of parents.
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The pandemic changed many things for many Americans, from how we work to how we socialize. One potentially positive shift is that it accelerated the already growing field of telehealth. Suddenly it became easier and made more sense to see your doctor online for basic ailments and routine check-ins. But is telehealth all it's cracked up to be? Here are some common questions you may have about telehealth:
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Most Americans don't worry about how much water they use. But life depends on having enough clean, fresh water and this precious resource is becoming more scarce every single year.
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Starting a family is a momentous and joyful occasion. But it can also be quite daunting for some, especially when it comes to the financial aspects involved. Frequent questions include: How much is this all going to cost? What type of insurance will I need?
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Taking care of elderly parents? Here's how to keep them safe and stay sane. Having the opportunity to spend time with and give back to your elderly parents can be an unexpected gift. But as rewarding as it is, it can also be exhausting, frustrating, and dispiriting at times. Here are some ways to stay sane and enjoy time with your loved ones while you still have them.
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Getting married this summer? Read on for ways that marriage affects insurance and other financial considerations to handle before tying the knot...
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The holidays are a time for potlucks, office parties, and food-related gifts. But how can you be sure that mystery casserole, fruitcake gift basket, or shrimp cocktail are safe to eat? Here are some tips to keep in mind when you're cooking for a crowd, attending a holiday party, or deciding what to bring to an office potluck.
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February is American Heart Month, and even if you don't have heart disease, it's time to learn whether you're at risk, and what you can do about it. High blood pressure is a leading cause of death in Americans and one of the most important things to address for a healthy heart. Yet only about half of those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure have it under control.
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Cold and flu season in North Carolina is officially here. Perhaps, as recommended by health departments nationwide, you got a flu shot, and maybe you'll get lucky and avoid getting sick. But if you do catch what's going around, here are six ways to minimize your pain and suffering, and maybe even shorten your illness.
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How much do you know about your skin or skin overall, for that matter? November is National Healthy Skin Month, and a good time to set aside all the latest skincare fads and get some real information about your skin, what it does, and what truly is the best way to take care of it.
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After a long summer, most parents and (some) kids alike are ready to go back to school. But going back to school also means sending your kids into a sea of germs, and increasing their likelihood of getting sick. In fact, most school-aged children will get 6-10 colds every single year. But there are several things you can do to help your child and the rest of your family stay healthy, and decrease their chances of catching an illness at school.
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What does it mean to age in a healthful way? Although it's different for each person, healthy aging is about maintaining a high quality of life at every stage, and cultivating habits that allow you to continue to enjoy your life and do the things you love to do. And while aging is inevitable, aging well is a choice.
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We all know we're supposed to wear sunscreen, but with hundreds of options on the shelves every summer, many of us end up choosing the wrong one. Here's what you need to know about how to choose the right sunscreen, and why.
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We have all heard about the sharp increase in e-cigarette use, aka "vaping," among young people. If you are a parent or educator of teens, you're probably more familiar than most. So why are e-cigarettes suddenly so common on middle and high school campuses? Here's what you need to know about vaping, and how to protect your teen.
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We all want to feed ourselves and our families fresh, healthy food, and summertime is when produce is the freshest. Summer farmer's markets are starting soon, and the produce on the shelves calls out for lighter summer meals. But when it comes to fruits and vegetables, not all choices are created equal. Many types of produce are grown with pesticides that can be harmful to humans, and some are more resistant. Here's how to make sure you're eating the healthiest produce around, no matter what your budget.
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A great doctor can make all the difference in your quality of life, and can even have serious consequences for your health. If you're between doctors or in the process of finding someone new (maybe you moved to a new town, or your previous doctor retired) it can be tough. Here's how to begin your search for a top-notch medical professional that you can trust.
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We all know the benefits of participating in youth sports: they provide exercise, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging, while teaching valuable lessons about teamwork, disappointment and persistence, among other things. Nowadays, however, it's hard to ignore the research on concussions in youth sports, and the fact that participating can have potentially serious, long-term consequences. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.
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Stress is the body's natural response to a wide variety of pressures and demands. These can include normal, everyday stressors like workplace drama, relationship or money issues as well as major life events, like a death in the family, the loss of a job, or the diagnosis of a major illness. Sometimes, stress can be healthy and positive it helps us rise to an important challenge; other times, too much stress can wear us down, and cause physical and mental health problems, like poor sleep, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or weight loss/gain.
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2017 was the year of bulletproof coffee, health tracking apps and devices, probiotics, mindfulness, golden lattes, Korean beauty products, and fancy sauerkraut. So what wild, innovative, strange, and fun things will we be doing, buying and consuming to stay fit, strong, and healthy in 2018? Here are just a few health, food, and fitness trends to watch for in the new year:
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Did you know that your home could be harboring toxic levels of radiation in the form of Radon gas? To raise awareness of this silent killer, January has been designated National Radon Awareness Month. It's a time to get your home tested and to encourage those around you to do the same, in an effort to reduce the thousands of preventable deaths caused by Radon each year.
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A brand new year is on its way and, with it, a chance to make a fresh start. Let your smartphone be your guide as you tackle everything from weight loss to meditation to straight up happiness. Here are the top 10 apps that just may help coax you towards your best year ever.
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Sleep is one of the most important aspects of healthy living. The New York Times recently proclaimed that "sleep is the new status symbol," and recent studies have blamed a lack of sleep for everything from poor academic performance to weight gain to relationship problems. So how much sleep do you really need? Probably more than you're getting. The CDC recommends a minimum of 7 hours, even for adults. Children and teens need even more, so if you're a parent, be sure to help your child get to bed at a reasonable hour each night.
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According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide. Falling disproportionately impacts adults age 65 and older, and can lead to serious injury, further health problems, decreased quality of life, and a loss of independence.
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Extreme heat can be fatal. Already this year, 29 children have died from being left in hot cars, and hundreds of adults die each year from heat stroke or other conditions that are made worse by the high temperatures. As unusually high temperatures become more common, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness, and how to prevent them from happening.
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The abuse of prescription and non-prescription opioids is a national epidemic, affecting individuals and families of all races, ages, and classes. According to the Center for Disease Control, overdose deaths related to prescription painkillers have quadrupled since 1999. Every single day, approximately 90 Americans die of overdose, making opioid abuse the number one cause of death by injury in the US. Opioids include prescription painkillers, like Vicodin and Hydrocodone, synthetic opioids, like Oxycodone, and the street drug heroin. Some of these drugs may initially be prescribed by a doctor for legitimate pain. But even under the care of a medical professional, opioid use can lead to dependence and addiction, causing the user to seek more drugs by any means necessary, despite negative consequences.
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It's that time of year when high school and college students are out of school, and many are looking for summer work. It's also the time when some seasonal businesses pick up, and many depend on solid summer help. Hiring seasonal workers?
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Written about frequently in medical journals, Alzheimer's disease is one that's been widely studied, but is still an anomaly to many scientists. Since, June is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, it's a good time to look at what we do know, along with things one can do to prevent it.

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Happy spring! It's that time of year in North Carolina when flowers, plants, and trees are blooming, the grass is green, requiring maintenance, and the air is fragrant with new life. It's also that time of year when millions of Americans are battling seasonal allergies. For some, spring is hopeful; for others, it's miserable.
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Let's face it, many of us get motivated to exercise because we want to regulate or lose weight. It's looked at like a chore, rather than a pleasure in many cases. However, know that there are many other benefits to regular exercise may up the motivation levels.
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The season of love is always a reminder to think about heart health. Here are some of the latest advances in cardiac care and prevention, plus some interesting heart facts.
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In early February, the U.S. celebrates the truly American sport of football. Recently we've heard some pretty tragic stories about the effects of head injuries on professional football players but did you know that regular people who play contact sports or participate in activities like skateboarding or snowboarding are also at risk? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about sports-related head injuries and how to reduce your risk:
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Most of the modern world is plugged in these days to smartphones, ipads and laptops, among other things. And many of us complete the loop by coaxing earbuds into our ears, turning up the sound to shut the world out, even just for a minute. But this practice, along with the increased amount of dangerous noise present in the modern world, is causing epidemic levels of early hearing loss in children, adults and teens. Read on to find out what you can do:
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The holidays can be a tough time for those who are prone to depression, and for some, the shift of seasons means a shift in moods. This specific kind of depression that fluctuates with the seasons is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. People who have seasonal depression actually meet all of the same criteria as those with more streamlined depression, the only difference is that their depression is linked to seasonal changes and follows a predictable pattern.
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What do mashed potatoes, gravy, apple pie, homemade eggnog, and green bean casserole all have in common? They'll all be doing their best to tempt you this holiday season. Around the parties and the large family dinners, the holidays are the most common time to pack on the pounds.
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You're expecting, and there's so much to consider: pink, blue or gender neutral colors for the baby's room? Which parent will stay home, or will daycare be an option? Midwife, birthing center or hospital? Another thing you may want to think about before your new bundle of joy comes into the world is how it will affect your insurance. You'll be surprised at all the different ways having a child can impact all different types of insurance. Here are a few:
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Your teeth reflect your overall health, so paying attention to them is important everybody knows that. And yet, many of us still skip brushing our teeth on some busy days or avoid regular checkups. In light of National Dental Hygiene Month, here's how to stay on top of dental hygiene along with dental insurance guidelines:
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Millions of Americans need ongoing treatment for chronic pain. Despite recent headlines shouting about the over-prescription of opioids, many studies show that chronic pain is often underdiagnosed and under-treated. September is Chronic Pain Awareness Month, which means that organizations and individuals are working together to raise awareness about the realities of living with chronic pain and to advocate for more effective diagnosis and treatment.
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When the last of the children head off to college or out on their own, some parents, although sad, breathe a sigh of relief. For many, getting the kids out of the house will immediately relieve some serious financial stress. But it's important to be smart with how you handle that extra income so that you're setting yourself and your children up for a secure future. Here's what to do when your dependents become independent:
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If you're heading for retirement or even if it's a ways off, you might already be writing that bucket list of things to do and places to see as soon as you don't have to show up to work every day. But before that happy day arrives, there's a different list of things you should cross off to ensure that your golden years are truly carefree.
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Headlines announcing the spread of Zika virus have probably been showing up on your news feed for months. But what is Zika? And should you be worried about it?
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In the U.S., melanoma diagnoses and deaths are on the rise, especially among women under the age of 30. With increased education and treatment, it's possible to reverse this trend. Read on to find out how you can decrease your risk of melanoma and help to educate others in honor of Skin Cancer Detection Month.
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Everybody seems to have a Fitbit these days; and while it might be annoying to listen to your co-workers brag about the number of steps they've counted, you might also be curious about these wearable tracking devices. So why all the excitement? Do wearable tracking devices actually work? And who needs to know how many steps they took, anyway? Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.
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Whether or not you're not looking forward to Valentine's Day, there's another good reason to listen to your heart this season: February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women in the United States. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to lower your risk.
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It's officially a new year, and along with its arrival, millions of Americans have made heartfelt plans to lose that weight, put away the smartphone at dinner, or quit smoking once and for all. But come February, most of us will have mostly abandoned those well-intended goals, and by March, we will have all but forgotten we made them. But it doesn't have to be that way.
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Approximately 10 percent of Americans are affected by diabetes, and millions more are at risk for developing the disease. November is American Diabetes Month, and a great time to find out whether you are at risk, and if so, what you can do about it.
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Gathering school supplies, updating vaccines, and returning to a regular sleep schedule are part of a long list of things that need to be done before sending kids back to school. If your child also has a food allergy, preparing to go back to school takes extra effort and due diligence. Here are some things you can do to make sure your child's medical needs are met throughout the school year.
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Many diseases that were once common and deadly have been nearly eradicated by modern day immunizations. However, in recent years, there has been a controversy surrounding vaccination safety and mandatory immunization laws, even though major health organizations, such as the Center for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics, still strongly support the use of vaccinations. They even go as far as emphasizing the importance of adhering to vaccination recommendations and schedules for children, teens and adults.
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Seeking treatment for mental illness can be an especially challenging task. Fortunately, recent policy changes mean that Americans are that much closer to gaining equal access to mental health services.
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Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in America; but according to the National Stroke Association, up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. Here's all you need to know about stroke, from symptoms to solutions.
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Spring in North Carolina is here, and for many people that means it's time to suffer through seasonal allergies. Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is the fifth most common chronic illness in the U.S. It is estimated that about 20 percent of people in North America have hay fever, and its prevalence is on the rise. Although most people develop hay fever in childhood or early adulthood, it is possible to begin having symptoms later on in life.
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What do bath salts, houseplants, energy drinks, mouthwash and over-the-counter medicines have in common? All of these items can be poisonous when used inappropriately and it only takes a second for a child or beloved pet to ingest a household chemical or medicine that could cause permanent damage.
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Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States? Yet few people take the time to understand their own personal risk factors and take the steps necessary to reduce them. In honor of Valentine's Day, let's talk heart!
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States." Over 42 million Americans smoke, and nearly 80 percent of those have a daily habit.
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Despite being told for years how important it is to get a good night's sleep, most of us in North Carolina still consider it a suggestion we can afford to ignore. Let's face it: most of us would still choose finishing that critical report or watching another episode over getting enough quality rest. But mounting evidence of how significant sufficient sleep is to mood, productivity, and physical health might inspire you to start finally making it a real priority. Due to the depth and breadth of its impacts, the Centers for Disease Control went so far as to call sleep deprivation "an epidemic" earlier this year. Read on to learn more about the serious consequences of poor sleep.
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Approximately one out of four adults experiences mental health problems each year, but over half of those never receive treatment. The impact of untreated mental illness stretches far and wide, affecting everything from lifespan and quality of life to employee productivity and economic security. Mental Health Awareness Week, Oct. 5-11, is a time to recognize those who suffer from mental illness, and to increase public awareness and education about this critical issue.
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A study published just last month explains that it isn't merely a lack of physical exercise that leads to poor cardiovascular health. It turns out that the very act of sitting is also hard on the heart, even in a person who exercises.
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When we left Jack and Sara last month, college sweethearts Jack and Sara got engaged on their way to New Orleans and made sure to add the new ring as a rider onto their existing renter's insurance policy. And while staying with family friends, Jack accidentally backed his car into their garage. Thank goodness for their homeowner's insurance provides coverage for damage to their property caused by visitors. Here's what happened next...
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When we left Jack and Sara last month, college sweethearts Jack and Sara were en route to New Orleans during the first leg of their summer-long road trip. Conscientious travelers, they had obtained short-term insurance for their car, travel health insurance to ensure they'll have medical coverage should they venture into Mexico. With so much preparation and protection, what could possibly go wrong?
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Few people, even the most committed, die-hard healthy eaters, want to completely forego the pleasures of dining out. After all, eating at restaurants has been a regular part of life for centuries the first known dining establishments opened in Europe in the 17th century. A restaurant meal is a ritual of sorts, often used to signify special occasions ranging from birthdays and weddings to first dates and business deals. Many of our most cherished memories are tied in some way to restaurants.
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Many of us have been touched in some way by a stroke. Whether it's a family member, friend, colleague, or neighbor, chances are someone we know has suffered from this seemingly sudden and sometimes devastating health calamity.
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No one seems to doubt the fact that exercise is really good for us, but there's yet another reason to consider starting a workout regimen if you have yet to do so. New research shows that people who exercise regularly feel they have a better balance between their work and home lives. According to Russell Clayton, assistant professor of management at Saint Leo University and lead author on the paper that publicized the research, "Individuals who exercised regularly were more confident they could handle the interaction of their work and home life and were less likely to be stressed at work."
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Business owners can reap significant financial rewards by fostering a culture of health among employees at their workplaces. A recent study of PPG Industries, a large, Pennsylvania-based company founded in 1883, was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The study showed that employee health costs were reduced after the company implemented a program designed to inspire employees to become actively involved improving their health. The company adopted new policies and created an environment that was tailored to encouraging employees' positive health behaviors. Particular emphasis was placed on prevention and modification of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Even if your business is a fraction of the size of PPG Industries, you might consider echoing their effort to create a culture of health among your employees. Who knows, you could save more than money; you may even save (or at least enhance) a few lives!
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Did you know this April 26^th through May 3^rd is National Immunization Week? It's a great time to boost awareness about immunizations and, of course, ensure that you and your loved ones are up to date on vaccinations.
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The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) promotes alcohol awareness every April. Fittingly, during a spring month of renewal and rebirth, we're prompted to reassess our relationship to alcohol, as well as its role in our lives and communities.
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It has been 50 years since the U.S. Surgeon General released his report on smoking and its negative effects on health. During the ensuing half century, there's been a massive shift in public attitude toward smoking, as well as a significant change in the number of smokers. People still smoke, of course, and psychology is central to understanding the impulse as well as kicking the habit. Dr. Sherry McKee, a researcher focusing on gender differences and smoking, shared the following discoveries in January:
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For a long time, most devoted exercisers have adhered to the rule that a sustained stretch of aerobic exercise-one that kept your heart pounding for at least 10 minutes-was what garnered the desired results: a healthy weight and a fit body, not to mention less money shelled out on health insurance co-payments!
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For most of the children in the North Carolina, the end of August means those lazy dog days of summer are coming to a close, and those books and desks are what will be opening up next. For parents, the back-to-school season is a great time of year to look over insurance policies, and make sure they are up to date. Here are some insurance situations to consider as the kiddos hit the books.
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It's summer. The weather's warm, the watermelon's on the picnic table, and the water in the swimming pool is just right. You want to be carefree, lighthearted, and let your guard down. But there's one area in which having your guard up can potentially save your life: sun protection.
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