Child Health

The cost of health care is sky high in the United States and ensuring that your health is taken care of in the event that you become sick can be quite costly. This especially holds true for children and in such an expensive climate it can become desperate, especially if the child does not have health insurance. With over 47 million uninsured Americans, the number of children should be staggering. This article will set out to address children who do not have health insurance and why it is extremely important for them to have it.

Health insurance for children is very important as it is during the formulative years that the child is most open to sickness that could affect their lives. Health insurance provides the basic aspects of medical care that every child should need. These are doctor visits, immunizations, hospitalizations and emergency room visits. These are very important to children as it helps with their development and they are able to find any problems that could be easily treated. Uninsured children do not have the same benefits. They do not get the proper care that is needed and often end up being sick for something that could be prevented.

A lot of children who are uninsured often miss school or perform poorly. With no insurance, a child may fall victim to a lot of treatable illnesses. Preventable illnesses like asthma are something that could be easily treated if a child had insurance. Often time children with asthma and no insurance end up in the hospital for severe asthma attacks; ones that could be helped if they had the preventative care that goes along with full health insurance. These same children who have these treatable illnesses also underperform at school. This is because they often spend so much time in the hospital that they miss out. This could also be that many have vision problems and because it isn’t treated, many can’t see or read the board properly and fall behind.

Despite many children not having health insurance, this does not mean they are denied health services. The only issue with this, it is very costly and inefficient. If the child has a serious condition and has to go to a public hospital, then the cost of treatment would be left on the parents. Health insurance circumvents this as the child would be covered. Many parents can’t afford the cost and that means it is passed along to taxpayers.

In the end what is pointed out is that it is very important for children to have health insurance. They are at a disadvantage if they become sick and have no form of protection. With health insurance they get basic health services, which should enable them to develop properly. When they are insured, it is proven that they will perform better than those who are uninsured for many reasons. Public health care is not up to par with care that could be provided if they had health insurance. It is also very expensive and not only leaves the child, but society at a disadvantage.

Technology is continuously growing and evolving. A symbol of progress, it offers many benefits and influences almost all aspects of our lives. On the other hand, an increased dependence on technology may have a negative impact on personal interactions and physical activity. Lifestyles are becoming increasingly sedentary; we have to make a conscious effort to stay active and healthy. Take charge of your health and explore all the handy and inexpensive tools that technology has to offer. There are vendors that offer free calorie counting apps which are supported with online diet recommendations and free fitness tips. Mobile apps give you the ability to stay on track with your health and fitness goals even when you don’t have access to a computer. Whether you are on a weight loss program or watching your protein intake for building muscle mass, reliable calorie counting mobile apps help you keep track of calories, carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake. Apps that track food and drink consumption can also be used to manage diabetes; blood sugar levels can be controlled with an appropriate carbohydrate intake that matches insulin schedule and dosage.

A balanced diet and regular physical activity are the winning combination for good health. Fitness tracking apps allow you to track daily physical activity and the calories burned. Weight loss occurs when calories burned exceeds calories consumed. Knowing the number of daily calories consumed and burned helps you achieve weight management goals. Comprehensive fitness databases include all types of physical activity such as cardiovascular exercises, resistance training, hobbies, sports, household chores and occupational activity. Reliable websites by qualified professionals offer the best exercise videos that include detailed instructions and the best fitness tips from certified fitness instructors or physical therapists. Free fitness videos that suit diverse interests or fitness levels like yoga and weight training are easily accessible on the internet.

Specialized websites and mobile apps offer advanced support for ethnic diets; examples include Indian cuisine nutrition information, Indian diet tips, personalized meal plans, and recommendations from a dietitian. Furthermore, users can enter recipes using a mobile app or website and have its nutrition values calculated. Some mobile apps also offer the convenience of shopping lists; users can create grocery lists based on recipe ingredients. Tracking of body measurements like weight and body mass index may also be supported. Health and fitness apps are commonly available for Apple and Android mobile phones and tablets.

Green tea, especially from Darjeeling, is a very popular beverage and a powerful antioxidant too. The world of today has embraced this healthy beverage for its stimulating health benefits. In India, there are green blends from Darjeeling and Assam, each having their own variations due to difference in climatic conditions. Green blends from the Himalayan region of Darjeeling have a unique flavor and aroma and instantly boost one’s energy level.

To add to its goodness, this hilly plantations use organic methods of cultivating this beverage. Organic Darjeeling green tea is unique of its kind and contributes significantly to wellness of human health.

What are different ways to consume green brews?

Does the question seem strange? Well, people commonly know green blends in the form of beverage – a cup of golden liquor. When consumed in this typical form, the drinker has to brew or steep it to enjoy its liquid extract to the fullest. However, there are other ways of consuming the green leaves. It is available as dietary supplements in the form of capsules or in some form of decaffeinated supplements.

How does it contribute to human health?

A cup of green brew can help an individual stay healthy in a number of ways.

Boost up immune system

Green blends are rich in polyphenols and hence, act as powerful antioxidants. As a result, it boosts up the immunity system and block damages to DNA. There is also an antigen in this blend which supports the immune system and therefore, keeps individuals safe from diseases.

Diabetics prevention

Studies have proved that people consuming green tea in a moderate amount can prevent themselves from Type 2 Diabetics. Organic Darjeeling green brews also improve cardiac health and vision. Thus, they can help avoid diabetics in a number of ways.

Enhance metabolism system

Caffeine content in tea is relatively low. So, it helps in improving blood circulation in brain without increasing heart functioning at a rapid rate. Faster metabolism will help in burning excess fat, remove lethargy and improve functioning of different organs.

Improves health of digestive tract

For people suffering from gastric and intestinal problems, tea is highly beneficial. It assists in maintaining a healthy intestine. Regular consumption of green blends leads to faster metabolism which in turn removes constipation problem.

So, from now on, switch to biodynamic Darjeeling green tea to maintain good health and at the same time, retain the habit of drinking quality beverage. Get into the habit of drinking green blends.

It’s no secret that health care becomes a bigger concern for most of us as we grow older. More ailments are likely to develop, which means more money spent to visit health professionals and buy medication. Even if you remain healthy through your later years, the costs of preventative care and preparing for potential unexpected health situations are rising.

Health-related expenses will likely be one of the biggest components of your retirement budget. You need to be prepared to pay for comprehensive insurance coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs for care. Here are three strategies to help you manage this critical expense in retirement.

Understand how Medicare works

The good news for Americans age 65 and older is that you qualify for Medicare. That makes increased dependence on health care services more affordable. At age 65, most people automatically qualify for Medicare Part A at no cost, which primarily provides coverage for hospital stays and skilled nursing care. Medicare Part B must be purchased (approximately $109 per month in 2017 for most retirees). Part B covers the costs of visiting a physician, but with some deductibles. Many people purchase additional coverage to use for out-of-pocket expenses, such as a Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Supplement policy.

With Medicare, timing is important. Signing up when you first qualify for coverage will keep costs at the lowest level. If you maintain insurance through your employer after turning 65, you can delay Medicare enrollment without risking late penalties.

If you retire prior to age 65, you will need to purchase insurance on the open market to cover health-related expenses until you become eligible for Medicare. Individual coverage tends to get more expensive as you grow older, so work the cost into your retirement budget. Some employers offer retiree health insurance as a benefit. Check with your human resources department to see if this option is available to you.

Allocate sufficient funds for health care costs

As you develop your retirement income strategy, make sure you have money set aside for health expenses that will be your responsibility. By one estimate, the average 66-year-old couple will need to tap more than half of their lifetime pre-tax Social Security benefits to pay for health care expenses throughout retirement. Most people will likely have to rely, in part, on their own savings to help offset some medical expenses.

Along with other retirement savings, you may want to establish a health savings account (HSA) during your working years. HSAs are designed to help build tax-advantaged savings to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses you incur during your working years. However, any leftover funds can be applied to health expenses later in life, including premiums for Medicare and long-term care insurance. Keep in mind that you must be enrolled in a high deductible health plan to open an HSA.

Focus on your own health

One way to potentially keep health care costs under control in retirement is to create or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Small changes you make today, such as eating right or prioritizing sleep, could reduce the likelihood that medical issues will impact you later in life. Being physically active may also benefit your finances in retirement – according to the American Heart Association, it could potentially help you save $500 a year today on health-related expenses.

Having a plan doesn’t guarantee that you will avoid heath issues, but you may find comfort in knowing how you can tackle health care costs in retirement.

Scott D. Serfass, CFP®, CRPC®, CDFA™, CLU®, ChFC® is a financial advisor and senior partner of Serfass, Phillips & Associates, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. His team specializes in helping people retire confidently and develop a plan to effectively share wealth across multiple generations. Throughout his career, he has witnessed many families continue to grow despite global and economic turmoil. This experience and research paved the way for his book, Family Success.

The value of getting an adequate amount of minerals to our body to maintain our overall health cannot be stressed enough. Having enough mineral levels in our body provides a wide variety of health benefits while having mineral deficiencies results to a wide variety of conditions including death in severe cases. Minerals take part in nerve transmission, muscle contraction, cell permeability, tissue structure, blood formation, acid-base balance, fluid regulation, blood pressure control, protein metabolism and energy production. With the decrease of mineral levels on the food we eat and increase on pollutions and vices now more than ever we need supplements.

Minerals are key components of our body it is a major factor on maintaining good health and preventing various health problems. What most people don’t understand is that minerals have an effect on almost every capability in our body we need them for all chemical process that goes on inside us. Minerals offer a great number of health benefits to our body which it needs to ensure optimal health.

Minerals are inorganic nutrients, which mean that the body cannot make them. Instead, they can only be supplied to the body through selection of foods such as:

Meat, cereals
Fish
Milk and dairy foods
Vegetables
Fruit (especially dried fruit)
Nuts
As well as through mineral supplements.

Health Supplements that our body needs

Mineral Deficiency occurs when there is lack or low levels of minerals which are important for our bodies growth and health and fitness. The most significant minerals that our body needs are calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc without the proper amount of these minerals our body will have difficulty performing its daily functions.

Examples on how mineral supplements will be able to help you with.

The human body needs Calcium more than any other mineral this is because of the many important functions performed by Calcium in the human body. Calcium supplements will help work the hormones and glands better, prevent you from being overweight and keep your blood pressure in check.

Potassium is the major positive ion (cation) found inside of cells. Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia) is commonly caused by inadequate potassium intake and heavy fluid losses that “flush” potassium out of the body. Feeling fatigued, rhythm disturbances and palpitations of the heart and problems in digesting are just one of the most common symptoms. Potassium Mineral Supplements will help your body regain or raise the potassium level in your body.

Magnesium is a mineral substance in our body that contributes in absorption of calcium and building healthy bones and teeth. People suffering from osteoporosis are instructed by health experts to increase the magnesium levels in their body by eating foods with magnesium content and by taking mineral supplements to increase it.

Men needs to increase their zinc levels more than women, due to the very high concentration of zinc in sperm their zinc levels are depleted every time they have sex.

With busy work life and tempting fast foods it’s hard to keep up with what our body needs this is why more and more people are taking supplements to meet the daily required amounts of minerals in their body. Again I would urge you to consult with a doctor and/or a dietitian before proceeding to taking mineral supplements over dosage can create a lot more health problems for you and this is more common than you think, so know your proper dosage and find out what mineral supplements your body needs.