Slashing the Cost of HealthObviously, the best way to cut down on health costs is to get and stay healthy! But before we go into that more, here’s some more insider secrets from the healthcare industry… BE WARNED:
If you must have prescription drugs, get generic.
$4 a month drugs! It’s true. Ask your local Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Publix or any large service chain near you about this. They see it as a way of ‘giving back’ to the community. Financial Assistance for Drugs Go to pparx.org and fill in the details and you’ll soon see if you can get your drugs subsidized. Make Your Health Insurance Company Pay MORE So You Don’t Have to! Try the Patient Advocate Foundation (www.patientadvocate.org) and they’ll go after the insurers on your behalf and take their fee from what they reclaim. Remember, insurance companies will do all they can NOT to pay, but when they’re dealing with a professional who knows all their tricks they soon back down! Fueling Up On Water It's our body's vital fuel, a health drink from mother nature. It's calorie-free, inexpensive and easily obtained. Yet few people follow the old fashioned advice to drink eight glasses of water a day. Most people drink when they are thirsty, but the beverage of choice tends to be some other drink besides water. Americans drink two or three glasses of plain water a day, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture survey conducted in the late 1970. Based on an analysis of all fluid intake by adults, it is said to total about two quarts of water a day, and this includes water from foods and from other beverages. It's not usually necessary to actually swallow two quarts of plain water every day. However, people with special problems such as kidney conditions might be exceptions. Americans drink eight gallons of bottled water a year, roughly two ounces or a quarter-cup a day, according to the International Bottled Water Association. Californians drink three times the national average of bottled water, downing 24 gallons a year, or nearly a cup a day. Climate and seasons of the year play a role in one's thirst also, and just as we tend to perspire more in the summer months, we also tend to drink more water. Boosting intake of plain water makes good sense, many experts concur, because water eases digestion and regulates body temperature. Water also bathes the cells and accounts for about 60 percent of body weight. And it can help us exercise longer and more efficiently. Drinking water can ward off constipation and maybe even crankiness. An since it's a natural appetite suppressant, water can help us lose weight and keep it off. It can help keep skin healthy, although it won't necessarily banish acne. Who should drink water? We all should, but pregnant women, nursing mothers and athletes should be especially careful to drink a sufficient amount. When it is hot or humid, upping water intake is also wise. There are certain workers who seem to have a more difficult time developing the water-drinking habit. Among those who don't normally drink enough water are teachers, airline attendants and nurses. Drinking fluids, particularly, water, during exercise reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance. After a strenuous workout, you have to replace the fluids you have lost. Otherwise, you will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink water before, during and after exercising, and remember that water reduces body temperature thus making the whole exercise process safer. Water can be especially helpful for people with a history of kidney stones because it dissolves calcium in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation. Among physicians, urologists are probably most likely to extol the virtues of water. And it has been documented that drinking water mostly before 6 P.M. can reduce the likelihood of nocturnal bathroom visits. It is interesting to note also that water helps prevent urinary tract infections, both for men and for women. Too busy to count how many glasses a day you drink? There are other ways to calculate if your intake is sufficient. Dark-colored urine often suggests you aren't drinking enough water. Get into the habit by starting with a glass of water with every meal, then work in a cup between meals. Hay Fever, Allergy And Asthma Hay fever is a chronic condition characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, runny and itching nose, palate, ears and eyes. If you recognize any of these symptoms chances are, you or some member of your family has experienced hay fever at one time or another. Doctors call it allergic rhinitis. Most people know it as hay fever and if you've got it - - as 22 million Americans do - - you're likely to be plagued during the spring and fall seasons by such annoying symptoms as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy throat and red, watery eyes. Allergy has different names. Allergy reactions occurring in the nose and sinus are called "sinus" or "hay fever" or "allergic rhinitis." And when allergy reactions occur in the chest we call it "asthma." Allergy reactions in the skin are named "hives" or "angioedema." So you see, allergy has different names depending upon where in your body it occurs. One out of every six Americans suffers from an allergic condition. Allergy is an inherited trait, a genetic susceptibility towards the production of certain allergy anti-bodies. Hay fever is basically an allergic reaction to pollens from trees, weed and grasses. Unlike garden flower pollen, which is carried by insects, the dry lightweight pollens which cause allergic rhinitis are generally spread by wind currents which make them difficult to avoid. In fact, samples of ragweed pollen have been found 400 miles at sea! While most people suffer mild discomfort with hay fever, it is estimated that more than 40 percent of the 5.8 million children who have respiratory allergies miss some school, stay in bed or feel upset by the condition. Additionally, complications from allergic rhinitis can be serious. The same allergens that cause hay fever can reach the lungs causing asthma and other complications. Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus cavities) and nasal polyps (small outgrowths of the mucous membrane of the nose) may develop. Secondary infections of the ear, larynx and bronchial tubes may occur. Also, prolonged year-round nasal stuffiness and mouth breathing may lead to facial bone growth changes in children. Surprisingly, many parents realize that their children have asthma before their physicians do. An accurate diagnosis, however, is most important in helping to determine an appropriate individualized treatment program. Physicians specializing in allergy/immunology have special skills in the area of asthma management. The allergy and asthma specialist will detect and determine those environmental elements (pollens, molds, dust mites, animal dander, workplace chemicals) which may be the cause of a patient's asthmatic condition. A careful medical history, physical examination, selective allergy skill testing and lung function studies are typically performed. Occasionally, blood tests, home and workplace evaluations, and x-rays of the sinuses and lungs are required. Unlike hay fever, asthma is a more complex disease involving a reversible constriction of the muscles lining the human airways. It is more often associated with allergy immune cells and can get progressively worse reaching life-threatening stages if not properly controlled. It can be treated more effectively when it is diagnosed early. The best therapy of all, however, is avoidance of those things which produce asthma symptoms. This includes allergens, such as house dust mites, pets and irritants, such as tobacco smoke and chemical fumes. Conquering The Smoking Habit Most smokers sincerely want to quit. They know cigarettes threaten their health, set a bad example for their children, annoy their acquaintances and cost an inordinate amount of money. Nobody can force a smoker to quit. It's something each person has to decide for himself, and will require a personal commitment by the smoker. What kind of smoker are you? What do you get out of smoking? What does it do for you? It is important to identify what you use smoking for and what kind of satisfaction you feel that you are getting from smoking. Many smokers use the cigarette as a kind of crutch in moments of stress or discomfort, and on occasion it may work; the cigarette is sometimes used as a tranquilizer. But the heavy smoker, the person who tries to handle severe personal problems by smoking heavily all day long, is apt to discover that cigarettes do not help him deal with his problems effectively. When it comes to quitting, this kind of smoker may find it easy to stop when everything is going well, but may be tempted to start again in a time of crisis. Physical exertion, eating, drinking, or social activity in moderation may serve as useful substitutes for cigarettes, even in times of tension. The choice of a substitute depends on what will achieve the same effects without having any appreciable risk. Once a smoker understands his own smoking behavior, he will be able to cope more successfully and select the best quitting approaches for himself and the type of life-style he leads. Because smoking is a form of addiction, 80 percent of smoker who quit usually experience some withdrawal symptoms. These may include headache, light-headedness, nausea, diarrhea, and chest pains. Psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, short-term depression, and inability to concentrate, may also appear. The main psychological symptom is increased irritability. People become so irritable, in fact, that they say they feel "like killing somebody." Yet there is no evidence that quitting smoking leads to physical violence. Some people seem to lose all their energy and drive, wanting only to sleep. Others react in exactly the opposite way, becoming so over energized they can't find enough activity to burn off their excess energy. For instance, one woman said she cleaned out all her closets completely and was ready to go next door to start on her neighbor's. Both these extremes, however, eventually level off. The symptoms may be intense for two or three days, but within 10 to 14 days after quitting, most subside. The truth is that after people quit smoking, they have more energy, they generally will need less sleep, and feel better about themselves. Quitting smoking not only extends the ex-smoker's life, but adds new happiness and meaning to one's current life. Most smokers state that immediately after they quit smoking, they start noticing dramatic differences in their overall health and vitality. Quitting is beneficial at any age, no matter how long a person has been smoking. The mortality ratio of ex-smoker decreases after quitting. If the patient quits before a serious disease has developed, his body may eventually be able to restore itself almost completely. Stress is the exact opposite of health. Understanding And Dealing With Everyday Stress… WHAT STRESS IS... Stress is an abnormal condition that disrupts the normal functions of the body or mind. No two people are affected in exactly the same way, or to the same degree, but most people living in our highly industrialized society suffer from its effects at one or more times during their lives. Symptoms range from mind headaches, occasional bouts of insomnia, overall restlessness, digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and diarrhea, and abdominal pain. SELECTED LIFE EVENTS THAT CAN BRING ON STRESS:
Dealing With Work Related Stress Examples that can cause work related stress are trying to get too much work done in too little time, cutting corners or otherwise taking chances that may put you, or someone else at risk, and trying to get along with superiors and co-workers. Everybody has days when there simply seems there's too much work to get done. Trying to get everything done by yourself can bring on stress. Some people try and deal with the pressure by delegating certain jobs to others. If you can unburden yourself and not worry about when and how the work gets done, if you can put full faith and trust in co-workers or subordinates it can be an effective escape valve. Trouble is, most people can't let go. If you have the type of personality that demands to know how things are going, chances are you're only increasing the pressure and stress on yourself by constantly worrying if the work is getting done or not. To lessen stress you must either learn to trust others to get the job done, or prioritize jobs to get rid of "what must be done" first. Many people tend to "put off" the difficult jobs they hate to do until the last possible minute. Of course, this only makes it all the more difficult and stressful when you finally get around to doing what you should have done earlier. When you feel the "walls closing in on you" if possible, take a break. Many people in trying to relax actually kick their bodies into overdrive by using their break time to either get a nicotine or caffeine fix. Instead of calming you down, both substances being stimulants speed up your body processes. You may think you're relaxing, but your blood pressure and heart are working harder. Instead of coffee or cigarettes try a brief chat with friends, a short leisurely walk, even just looking out the window for a few minutes. Never take breaks, or eat lunch at your work station. The point of a break is to get away from whatever work you're doing. You can't get your mind off your work if you're chained to your work area. Getting along with your co-workers and the boss can be more than a sore point. It can be something you learn to put up with, or it can turn into a festering wound that only gets worse with time. If you're having problems, get them out in the open. Most managers today at least have some training in dealing with personal problems. If you can't clear the air or have tried using all the company procedures to resolve a grievance, and you no longer enjoy your job, hate to go to work in the morning, or feel that the pressure is getting to be too much, it may be time to seriously consider a change. STRESS AWAY FROM WORK Anyone who's ever been stuck in a major traffic jam probably has seen the darker side of many people's personalities. It seems everyone is always in a hurry to either get, or go somewhere, and never seem to allow enough time for the everyday problems that are bound to crop up from time to time. Banging on the steering wheel, laying on the horn, giving someone the "finger," or shooting a string of obscenities is only reacting to something that has already happened. You can't make the guy in front of you go any faster, or prevent someone from cutting you off. Accidents, road repairs, and just plain heavy traffic happens. Learn to deal with it or don't drive. If you must, at least change your route from time to time. Always allow plenty of time, and try and make all trips as pleasant as possible. You may not realize it, but how you act on your way to work, or on your way home will have either a positive or negative impact. Accept the fact that it's something you just have to get through so you may as well try and make the best of it. Most people are smart enough to know that they should set some time aside to take it easy. If you participate in some sports activity, remember you're doing it to relax! While many people naturally have their competitive nature come to the surface when engaging athletics, don't lose sight of the fact you're participating to have fun. Don't get bent out of shape if you don't always win or otherwise play up to par. The whole point is to enjoy yourself and forget your everyday worries. Treat it as a night out with the "boys," or gals and relax! Families can be as source of support, an oasis away from the everyday pressures or sometimes it's only a place to grab a few hours sleep and get back in the rat race. Your children, spouse, family members, in-laws can be a source of irritation at times. If someone is constantly doing something that really "bugs you," tell the offending person or persons and see if things can be straightened out before things get out of control. A man's home (a woman's too) should indeed be a place to rest and relax. Many people find it helpful unwind by sharing the day's events with their loved ones. It should not develop into a daily routine, nor should you give a detailed blow by blow recap of the day's events, but when things go wrong, who better to talk to than your family? Holding things back, keeping it inside yourself, almost always does more harm than good and can affect not only your well-being but everyone else in your family as well. Talking things over is a great way to get rid of built upstress that many people overlook. You should also be a good listener. Don't unload your problems and have no time for your mate's or children's problems. They may seem trivial to you, but they are real problems that need solving just like yours. A great way to get rid of stress is, every once in a while, do something totally different and unexpected without any prior planning. Don't fall into a trap when you must do such and such thing a certain way, or at specific time or place. If you always put on a blue suit on Thursday, or go to an Italian restaurant on Tuesday, break the habit every once in a while. Even doing things you like can become stressful if you're stuck in the same old rut week after boring week. Stress can best be managed by realizing what you can change about your life and knowing what you can't. Learn how to recognize the difference and you'll enjoy life more and be better able to deal the ups and downs that are part of everyone's life. Safeguarding Your Food Every year, an estimated 7 million Americans suffer from cases of foodborne illness. Some cases are violent and even result in death. Of course this is commonly known as "food poisoning." The culprit is food that has dangerously high levels of bacteria due to improper cooking or handling. Food safety is usually taken for granted by the buying public but everyone's attention was recently directed to food poisoning involving some meat that was undercooked. It was determined that the problem never would have happened if the meat had been cooked properly. E.Coli 0157.H7 is a potent virus, but it can be completely destroyed when the meat is fully cooked. It is important for consumers to take an all-around safety approach to purchasing, storing and preparing both traditional and new meat and poultry products. Ultimately, consumers and food handlers bear the responsibility for keeping food safe once it leaves the store. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 85 percent of foodborne illness cases could be avoided each year if consumers would handle food properly. The most common foodborne illnesses are caused by a combination of bacteria, naturally present in the environment, and food handling mistakes. Ironically, these are also the easiest types of foodborne illnesses to prevent. Proper cooking or processing of raw meat and poultry kills bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. When you're out, grocery shop last, take food straight home to the refrigerator. And never leave food in a hot car! Don't buy anything you won't use before the use-by date. Don't buy food in poor condition. Make sure refrigerated food is cold to the touch. Frozen food should be rock-solid. Canned goods should be free of dents, cracks or bulging lids which can indicate a serious food poisoning threat. The performance and maintenance of your refrigerator is of the utmost importance. Check the temperature of your refrigerator with an appliance thermometer. To keep bacteria in check, the refrigerator should run at 40 degrees F; the freezer unit at 0 degrees F. Generally, keep your refrigerator as cold as possible without freezing your milk or lettuce. When you prepare food, keep everything clean and thaw out any frozen food you plan to prepare in your refrigerator. Take it out of the freezer in advance and place it in the refrigerated section of your refrigerator. Always wash your hands in hot soapy water before preparing and handling any food as well as after you use the bathroom, change diapers, handle pets, etc. Remember, too, that bacteria can live in your kitchen towels, sponges and dish cloths. Wash them often and replace the dish cloths and sponges you use regularly every few weeks. Be absolutely sure that you keep all raw meats, poultry and fish and their juices away from other food. For instance, wash your hands, your cutting board and knife in hot soapy water after cutting up the chicken and before dicing salad ingredients. It is best to use plastic cutting boards rather than wooden ones where bacteria can hide in grooves. Don't take your food out of the freezer and leave it on the kitchen counter to thaw. This is extremely dangerous since the bacteria can grow in the outer layers of the food before the inside thaws. It is wise to do your marinating in the refrigerator too. The Positive Weight Loss Approach Once you have made up your mind to lose weight, you should make that commitment and go into it with a positive attitude. We all know that losing weight can be quite a challenge. In fact, for some, it can be downright tough. It takes time, practice and support to change lifetime habits. But it's a process you must learn in order to succeed. You and you alone are the one who has the power to lose unwanted pounds. Think like a winner, and not a loser - - remember that emotions are like muscles and the ones you use most grow the strongest. If you always look at the negative side of things, you'll become a downbeat, pessimistic person. Even slightly negative thoughts have a greater impact on you and last longer than powerful positive thoughts. Negative thinking doesn't do you any good, it just holds you back from accomplishing the things you want to do. When a negative thought creeps into your mind, replace it reminding yourself that you're somebody, you have self-worth and you possess unique strengths and talents. Contemplate what lies ahead of you. Losing weight is not just about diets. It's about a whole new you and the possibility of creating a new life for yourself. Investigate the weight loss programs that appeal to you and that you feel will teach you the behavioral skills you need to stick with throughout the weight-loss process. First you should look for support among family and friends. It can be an enormous help to discuss obstacles and share skills and tactics with others on the same path. You might look for this support from others you know who are in weight loss programs and you can seek guidance from someone you know who has lost weight and kept it off. There are success stories across the country today. On television and in newspapers, magazines and tabloids about people who have miraculously lost untold pounds and kept it off. In all instances they say their mental attitude as well as their outlook on life has totally changed. Diets and weight loss programs are more flexible now than they once were and there are many prepared foods already portioned out. They are made attractive and can be prepared in a matter of minutes. Low-fat and low-calorie foods are on shelves everywhere. You will probably need to learn new, wiser eating skills. You will want a weight loss regimen that gives you some control, rather than imposing one rigid system. Look for one that offers a variety of different eating plans, so you can choose the one that's best for you. Keep in mind, too, that your weight loss program will most likely include some physical exercises. Look at the exercising aspect of your program as fun and recreation and not as a form of grueling and sweaty work. The fact is that physical fitness is linked to personal effectiveness in every field. Anyone willing to take the few simple steps that lie between them and fitness will shortly begin to feel better, and the improvement will reflect itself in every facet of their existence. Doctors now say that walking is one of the best exercises. It helps the total circulation of blood throughout the body, and thus has a direct effect on your overall feeling of health. There are things such as aerobics, jogging, swimming and many other exercises which will benefit a weight loss program. Discuss the options with your doctor and take his advice in planning your exercise and weight loss program. The Dangers Of Household Garbage Reducing the hazardous waste in America's landfills starts at home. Millions of households are producing billions of pounds of solid waste. Products used every day in our homes leach hazardous chemicals after entering landfills. There are a number of simple steps that the average consumer can take to limit the damage that many of these toxic materials are doing to the environment. The garbage situation has become a big concern in cities all around the country and not only is this a political issue, but it is also a problem that has caught the attention of the general population. We all realize there is a growing problem but nobody likes to admit that their garbage is contributing to the problem. Many municipalities have already started a recycling program to deal with the growing mountains of paper, plastic, glass, etc. Although it takes a bit of effort on the part of the public to sort and separate their garbage, people are now beginning to realize that the future of our environment is at stake. One household product that is causing a problem these days is throwaway batteries. Each year, Americans throw away 84,000 tons of alkaline batteries. These AA, C and D cells that power electronic toys and games, portable audio equipment and a wide range of other gadgets comprise 20% of the household hazardous materials present around the country in America's landfills. When a battery in one of the products we use fails, we simply run out and buy a replacement. The dead battery ends up in the garbage and no one thinks about where it goes and what happens to it after the garbage is picked up. Sealed inside these alkaline cells are harmful materials which are not encountered by consumers during normal use. However, when the batteries enter a landfill, the casings can be crushed, or can easily degrade, which causes mercury and other toxins to leach into the environment. The problem of batteries in landfills is one of the easiest to solve. Using rechargeable power can significantly reduce the number of batteries which end up in landfills. Rechargeable batteries can be used again and again, up to 1,000 times. One rechargeable cell can replace up to 300 throwaway batteries, keeping the landfill free not only from the batteries themselves, but also from the paper and plastic materials that are used to package them. There are a number of manufacturers in the country today who deal in rechargeable products and some of them have a number of programs already in place to ensure that rechargeable batteries never enter a landfill at all. For example, one of the largest manufacturers of rechargeable products is now offering a lifetime replacement guarantee on all round cells. If the product ever fails to accept or hold a charge, the company will promptly replace it and recycle the used cell. If you have an environmental agency in your area, you might like to work on this issue with them, or perhaps they already have a program set up to dispose of used batteries. As a concerned citizen, your suggestions and input will be invaluable to them as they attempt to come up with some solutions. Getting A Second Opinion Getting a second opinion is standard medical practice these days. There are millions of surgical procedures performed in the United States every year and the majority of these operations are necessary for the health and well being of the patient. But, according to recent studies, a percentage of surgeries may be unnecessary. Many people are now seeking second opinions, especially when it comes to elective surgery procedures. Also some insurance companies are encouraging second opinions for surgical procedures and more people than ever are beginning to take an active role in their health care options. Based on all of the surgeries performed, one can conclude that overall we have a good system. However, we still hear of horror stories and botched operations from time to time, both in this country and around the world. A second medical opinion can save you time and money, and it is possible that the condition in question can be treated by means other than surgery. Your doctor's approach to treating your condition is influenced by his training, experience, and exposure to new techniques. Getting a second opinion is standard medical practice, and you will find that most physicians welcome second and even third opinions. You can be candid and open with your physician about this as you tell him your feelings and how much more comfortable you'd feel getting another doctor's opinion. If you decide to get a second medical opinion on a surgical procedure, you may wish to ask your doctor to refer a colleague or specialist. If you'd rather seek out another doctor yourself, you can take the matter up with your local medical society or area medical school. When you go to a second doctor, tell him or her the name of the recommended surgical procedure and do over the various tests you have already had. This can save you the unnecessary expense of running duplicate medical tests. If the second doctor agrees that the surgery is necessary, he or she will usually send you back to the first doctor. If you make the decision to have the recommended surgery, there are a number of questions you may like to have answered such as from what medical school did the surgeon graduate, and in what specialty did the surgeon complete an accredited residency program. You might also want to inquire as to how many operations like yours the particular surgeon has performed and how many of those patients have required additional surgery. A good indicator of a surgeon's competence is certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The letters F.A.C.S. (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) after the surgeon's name is another sign of a surgeon's qualifications. Once you are comfortable with your choice of a surgeon, find out what your options are. Ask about possible risks, complications and side effects, and the length of the recovery period. Talk to others who have had the same procedure. Also, don't forget to check with your insurance company to learn if the surgical procedure is covered under your policy, and if so, whether it is covered as in-patient or out-patient surgery. Remember, you deserve to be informed of all your health care options, especially when it involves a surgical procedure. Safe ‘n’ Sweet: Catch 22: you know sugar is bad (sugar means weight gain, even diabetes), but you (should!) also know artificial sweeteners are bad for you. ANYTHING artificial is bad! So what’s a sweet tooth like you to do…? In one word, STEVIA. It’s a natural plant extract and does a wonderful job. Think of it as nature’s ‘sweet ‘n’ low’. Give it a shot. No, just do it. 38 Proven Methods To Reduce Medical & Dental Costs 1. Don't get sick! Practice preventative medicine. Eat a balanced diet. 2. Keep your weight down. Encourage family members to do the same. 3. Choose a family doctor before you get sick. To find one, ask friends, Neighbors, local medical society or nearby hospital. 4. If you have minor medical problems, phone your doctor. Don't visit him. 5. Purchase prescription drugs by generic names rather than brand names. 6. Buy drug items from discount stores where they are less expensive. 7. If vitamin/mineral supplements are necessary, order from mail order firms. 8. If you smoke, stop. You'll eliminate heart, lung, circulatory problems. 9. Excessive alcohol is bad for anyone. Cut down or stop drinking entirely. 10. Ask your doctor for "starter" samples of drugs he may prescribe for you. 11. Protect against cost of blood transfusions. Contribute blood periodically. 12. By law, all aspirin is the same. So always buy the cheapest brand. 13. If your doctor writes a prescription for a brand name drug, ask the pharmacist to substitute a less expensive generic drug. 14. Most prescription drugs may be ordered from mail order pharmacies licensed by the state. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or hospital for the name and address of such firms. This is a great saving for non-emergency drugs. 15. Check public health centers in your area. They usually give immunizations and routine screening tests free of charge or for very little cost. 16. Buy a good home medical guide. Learn to recognize symptoms of diseases. 17. If you have a persistent problem, get it taken care of as soon as possible. 18. Record all medical expenses for tax deductions. 19. If possible, use "out patient" facilities for minor operations and medical procedures if it is acceptable to you and your doctor. 20. Have physical examinations regularly. 21. For minor surgery, ask your doctor if it can be done in his office. 22. If hospitalization is necessary, have all tests done before you enter. 23. Discuss your financial condition with your doctor, especially before surgery or special medical program. He may be able to suggest savings. 24. Save on hospital costs. Get in and out as quickly as possible. Before you enter, be aware of what everything will cost and cut out the "frills". 25. Shop around first. Then join the best health care plan you can afford. 26. If a doctor claims you require surgery, get a second opinion. A second M.D. may know of a non-surgical treatment that works. 27. Investigate any health insurance organizations in your area. These are groups of doctors who offer you all the health care you need in a year for a single predetermined fee. Check your phone book. 28. Many medical schools that train optometrists and podiatrists operate low-cost clinics. These clinics are open to anyone. 29. Senior citizens who join the American Association of Retired People get drug discounts. Ask your doctor for the name and address. 30. Home health care is sometimes possible if there is a knowledgeable person around. Discuss it with your doctor and you may shorten your hospital stay. 31. If you are in bad financial straits, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Your local Dept. of Social Services can give you information. 32. Keep your own accurate and up-to-date medical history. 33. Many large corporations now arrange for their employees to get free or low cost medical and dental care, and medicine. 34. When visiting your doctor, bring along a list of questions you want to ask. 35. Observe and teach all family members good dental hygiene. 36. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups. 37. Use the best and cheapest dentifrice: salt & bicarbonate of soda. 38. Many dental colleges operate no-cost or low fee dental clinics. Age Old And New Age Folk Remedies For Common Ailments That Really Work! The following is an assortment of tried and true home remedies from a variety of sources. While the author can't vouch for the particular effectiveness of any method, nor are any to be considered miracle cures, many people have found the following treatments to be an effective alternative to modern medicines or treatments. Of course, when serious illness or injury occurs you should seek out competent professional medical advice. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, HANGOVERS, CONTROLLING CRAVING OF... To lessen the effects of acetaldehyde, a by-product produced in your body from consuming alcohol, and what causes hangover symptoms, never drink on a empty stomach. One "old as the hills" suggestion to lessen the effects of hangovers is eating a large quantity of any member of the Cole family of vegetables (like cabbage) prepared in a acidic base before you start drinking. That's right. Old-fashioned cole-slaw prepared with vinegar is claimed to prevent a hangover! A night of heavy drinking tends to dehydrate one's body. The morning after, replenish water loss and possible electrolytes imbalances by drinking plenty of fluids, include something on the salty side like chicken soup, or canned tomato juice. Be careful if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease or if you must watch your sodium intake. If you're already into heavy drinking, many swear by Chaparral a herb found in larger health food stores in capsule form. It is reported to help detoxify one's liver and is an old Indian remedy. The garden variety vitamin B in 50 mg tablets taken before you start drinking is said to help replenish its loss from the body due to consumption of large amount of alcohol. If you already are suffering from the symptoms of a hangover and don't mind trying something that sounds totally ridiculous, try rubbing a cut lemon under each armpit. If you want to quit drinking try sucking on a whole clove. It's known to be effective in getting rid of the urge to consume alcoholic beverages. EFFECTIVE DEODORANTS Fed up paying big bucks for commercial products, then try baking soda. Mix two parts of cornstarch to one part baking soda. Best if used right after bathing. OK, still in the kitchen? Try cutting up a big cucumber that's high in magnesium and an effective natural deodorant. So is plain old vinegar. Its high alcohol content will destroy bacteria that causes unpleasant orders. Don't worry, that vinegar smell goes away in about twenty minutes to half an hour. MINOR BRUISES, SPRAINS, BANGS, PAINS Forget about beefsteaks, apply ice or anything that's really cold. No ice? Try a package of frozen vegetables. Give it a few bangs with a hammer to shape into a useful shape. Many people suggest adding a grated onion and potato to a bowl of warm water for soaking your sore hand or foot. Pro athletes use the potato trick to relive minor swelling and soreness of injured fingers. Simply cut a large enough hole in the potato, plunge in your sore digit, and watch the starch in the potato do the trick. Got a headache? Cut out a small piece of a regular brown paper bag, the type you bring home the groceries in. Dip in vinegar (white vinegar seems to work better) and place on forehead. Your minor headache should be gone shortly! One off-beat remedy that may work at times simply requires that you flail your arms vigorously for several minutes. Most headaches are caused by constriction of blood vessels inside your head. By moving your arms as described, you reduce some blood flow, and may reduce swelling of affected vessels that give you the headache in the first place. Stop if you feel any discomfort, increased pain or get light-headed. CONSTIPATION Try a small glass of cooked cabbage or carrot juice. Not too tasty? Grapefruit juice also works well as does prunes, figs,oat bran, over ripe bananas, avocados, raw apples, sauerkraut and beets. A small daily salad works well as does daily exercise. Foods that are known to cause constipation include alcoholic beverages, food with refined white flour, most spicy foods, all dairy products and chocolate. DIARRHEA Drink a glass of room temperature water mixed with a good sized teaspoon of cornstarch. Repeat after three or four hours. Another effective if unpleasant looking remedy is allowing a grated apple to brown, then slowly eat it. What happens is the pectin oxidizes and you're getting the same ingredient found in many over-the counter diarrhea medicines. One of the oldest remedies for diarrhea is blackberries. Try blackberry wine, or blackberry jam. About two ounces every three hours should give relief. A just barely ripe banana, white rice and any flavor Jell-O also provides an effective home cure that tends to work by soaking up excess water in your intestines and stops diarrhea naturally - without harsh medications. HEMORRHOIDS Two effective treatments are lemon juice or witch hazel. Rub a small amount in the affected area with a cotton swab before going to bed. Each treatment may sting slightly. Also try rubbing in the oil from several vitamin E capsules. HICCUPS Try dill tea. All it takes is a teaspoon of dill seeds added to a cup of fresh boiled water. Try breathing into a paper bag for a couple minutes. Eat several antacid tablets high in calcium. Last but not least slowly drink a large glass of water. EVERYDAY INDIGESTION, MOTION SICKNESS One of my mom's favorites and it really works is a few drops of oil of peppermint dissolved in a half a teaspoon of sugar. Also try peppermint tea, or a peeled and grated potato strained through cheesecloth, added to water. Drink slowly. Certain fruits have enzymes that calm down the most upset stomach. Try mango, kiwi fruit, papaya or fresh pineapple. Gas can be a problem. To relieve, try ginger or anise tea. If you like beans but they cause you problems try cooking them with a few slices of potato which seems to remove to gas, and has no affect on the taste of the beans. To control nausea, pick up and sniff a newspaper. An ingredient in the ink will quickly clear up that sick to stomach feeling for many people. Also try sucking ice cube or ice chips. For motion sickness try a half a teaspoon of ginger powder in a glass of water. THE COMMON COLD American spend billions of dollars every year trying to fight off the misery of the common cold. Want to try something different? Garlic is said to work wonders. Take a large clove, peel and keep it in your mouth. Bite down every so-often to release the natural juices. Replace with a new clove every four or five hours. Your cold symptoms are reported to be gone in twenty four, to forty eight hours. Your nose all stuffed up? Try eating some hot or spicy foods which should open up those blocked nasal passages and you won't have the rebound effect of taking too many nose drops! Not hungry? Try a few minutes of vigorous exercise. The increased oxygen demand of your body will almost certainly cause you to breathe deeper and help open-up your blocked nasal passages naturally. Chest congestion can be effectively cleared up by any of the over-the counter vapor medications, or try breathing a mixture of hot vinegar, or white wine. Breath in the vapors for a few minutes, and you should get relief! Coughs and sore throats can be controlled with several home remedies. A classic required a large lemon. Start by slowly roasting it until it just splits open. Now take up to half a teaspoon of honey with the juice from the lemon. Repeat at hourly intervals until the cough is under control. SORE, TIRED OR SMELLY FEET, SPLIT FINGER NAILS Every one's feet take a beating. Here's a few tips for common problems. Rejuvenate tired feet by pampering them with a soothing bath in a mixture of barley or millet. Use about two cups in ten cups of water. Slowly bring to a boil, once it gets to a soup-like consistency take off heat, let cool. When at a comfortable temperature pour into large container and soak your feet for a half hour. Ingrown toenails cause a lot of pain. This tip can work wonders! At bedtime put a lemon wedge on the sore toe and secure in place. By morning, the juices should soften the inflamed skin enough to allow you to trim the nail away from the skin it worked its way into. Trim toe nails flat do not round corners to help prevent reoccurrence. Corns can be rubbed with castor oil or with a vitamin E capsule. Repeat daily for two weeks and you should be able to easily get rid of your corns. Know someone who got really smelly feet? Try this. Let four to six tea bags steep fifteen to twenty minutes in a large bowl. Transfer to a good sized basin, add enough cool water to just cover your feet, let soak for half an hour. The tannin in the tea should get rid of the bacteria that cause the odor. Wash feet well after use to avoid staining. Repeat several times a day for a couple of weeks. For broken nails rub an onion or garlic juice several times a day. Try eating almonds and lots of green vegetables. Brittle nails may be a sign of iron deficiency and some serious diseases. HAIR CARE DANDRUFF CONTROL For split ends comb in a mixture of warmed castor oil mixed with olive oil into your hair. Wrap with a towel, leave in place for half an hour. Shampoo with an added egg yolk. Add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to a gallon of cool water. Rinse. Rinse with clear water to remove all traces of previous substances. If your hair is thinning, try increasing you intake of foods high in sulfur. Cabbage, brussels sprouts, turnips, cauliflower as well as raspberries and cranberries are all high in sulfur. Supplement your diet with foods high in the B vitamins. Give your hair holding power with flat beer. The smell goes away in a day or so! For dandruff, wrap one or two ounces of fresh ginger root and an ounce of chamomile flowers in a piece of cheesecloth. Drop in a gallon of water and boil for ten to fifteen minutes. After you shampoo, massage mixture into hair, rinse lightly. Another popular method requires only apple cider vinegar. Rinse your head completely with the warmed liquid. Cover your head with a towel or shower cap, leave in place for half an hour. Rise completely. Repeat three times a week till dandruff is gone. Finally, try rubbing peanut oil into your scalp. Rise with fresh lemon juice. Leave for twenty minutes. Rinse well to remove all traces of mixture. Repeat weekly till dandruff clears up. PET TIPS Pets have problems too. Here's a few quick tips for common problems. A lot of dogs develop a flea problem. try rubbing on garlic power - no more fleas. If Fido seem to have a severe itching problem try using a little apple cider vinegar on the affected spot. Diarrhea? Try a teaspoon full of carob powder mixed with his food. Worms? Garlic again. In fact, most dogs love the taste of garlic, and if you look at the label of many manufacturers pet foods you'll find it listed in ingredients! Bad Breath? Give your pouch a sprig or two of parsley mixed in his food. When you give your dog a bath, add a few tablespoons of baking soda to both the bath and rinse water to give a shiny bright coat. If you have a long-haired dog that's shedding, rub a little olive oil a couple of times a week. A cat's litter box will smell fresh if you add a box of baking soda. Fur balls pass easier if your pet has roughage. Can't get him to eat dry cat food? Try mixing a little liquid from a can of tuna fish. |