Author Archives: Healthcare Solutions Team

Last Chance to Save on Insurance Premiums

It’s the end of the year and that means the health insurance rates will soon change. These rate increases will affect everyone and will make a big difference in the monthly premium. If you want to avoid the 2012 rate increases, it’s best to obtain your policy before the New Year.  Simply request a quote and one of our best agents will be happy to help you.

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It’s Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season is officially here. We all know that washing our hands is a great way to prevent the spread of germs, but what happens if you’ve already caught the flu bug? The most important thing is to get lots of rest and stayed well hydrated. This means drinking much more water than usual and sleeping as much as you can. This break will give your body a chance to defend itself. Don’t forget the vitamin C, too. A few glasses of orange juice can speed up your recovery.

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Food Induced Headaches

If you have headaches regularly, those painful moments might be caused by your diet. Certain foods contain chemicals that are known to cause headaches. Nitrates, for example, can cause migraines. Nitrates are found in bacon, deli meats and hot dogs. MSG, a flavoring used in Chinese food and some snack chips, is known to cause some throbbing headaches. Sometimes cheese and onions can even be the culprit. Keep a food journal to track what you eat before the headache occurs. That way, you’ll know what you need to avoid.  

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Prescription Medication: To Each Their Own

Sharing prescriptions may seem like a great way to save money, but that can actually cause more damage than good. When a family member has leftover medication from a similar ailment, it can be tempting to skip the doctor and use the leftovers. But everyone reacts differently to medicine and certain medications don’t mix well. If you take medication without a doctor’s supervision, you can risk serious mishaps. A bad reaction can cause permanent damage to your body. Rather than taking the risk, it’s best to go to the doctor and get a prescription that’s specifically tailored to you. A good health insurance plan can help you pay for the cost.

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Posted in Health care insurance, Health Coverage, Health insurance, HST Blog | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Oral Hygiene and Heart Disease

Good oral hygiene leads to more than a great smile. When you take care of your teeth, you end up taking care of your entire body. Gum disease is a leading cause of heart disease. If you can prevent gum disease, your risk for heart disease will dramatically reduce. Here’s what you can do: Remember to brush twice a day, both morning and night, and floss regularly. Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dental insurance will help curb the costs of good oral hygiene.

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Lower Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body uses for various functions. Cholesterol is completely normal and expected. In fact, your body produces it on its own. The problem occurs when your diet adds more cholesterol to your body then it can handle. When there’s an excess amount, cholesterol gets deposited in your arteries, leading to heart disease and other problems. When your doctor checks your cholesterol level, it’s too high if your number is above 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). According to the American Heart Association, more than thirty seven million Americans have cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL, which is considered a serious health risk. Here’s what you can do to lower your risk: Eat dark chocolate. The antioxidants and flavonoids prevent cholesterol from sticking to your arteries. Drink tea. Just like chocolate, it’s loaded in antioxidants and can keep cholesterol at bay. White and green are the best options.

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Knee Health

It’s very common for people to have issues with their knees. It seems knee surgeries are becoming more common everyday. For those of you who have yet to develop knee problems, prevention is key. Certain foods can nourish your knees and help prevent problems in the future. Load up on these vitamin C rich foods: Bell peppers Kiwifruit Tomatoes Oranges Dark green leafy vegetables The vitamins and antioxidants in these foods will give your cells what they need to repair themselves and stay strong.

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Medication Storage

From Lipitor to Tylenol, many of us take medications on a regular basis. It becomes so second nature that sometimes we don’t stop to notice if our habits are detrimental to the medications themselves.  Here’s some tips. Make sure you store your medication in a cool, dry place. As convenient as it is to place the bottle in your bathroom, the humidity from the shower can damage the medication’s structure and cause it to prematurely expire. Double check if your medication should be taken on an empty or full stomach. Different prescriptions require various protocols, so its best to read the directions and follow accordingly.

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Is Healthcare Solutions Team’s Education the Answer to the Healthcare Crisis?

A record number of uninsured Americans are struggling to find healthcare insurance now that the Cobra Subsidy expired and 8-9% of medium-sized businesses are dropping their healthcare coverage. An innovative company, Healthcare Solutions Team, is trying to fill this gap by educating uninsured Americans so that they can understand their options and obtain affordable coverage. According to Gallup, nearly 27% of 27- to 35-year-olds are uninsured. This alarming number is attributed to the decreasing affordability of health insurance. There are a few factors that make healthcare less accessible. The Cobra Subsidy ended August 31st. This termination leaves millions of Americans unable to afford their Cobra coverage and unsure where to turn for advice. It’s not only the unemployed who are experiencing this healthcare crunch. Every day more businesses are reducing or removing their employee healthcare coverage. Most of these employees have always relied on group health insurance coverage (healthcare plans provided by their employers). This transition leaves them unsure how to navigate the individual health insurance market. However, there are options for the uninsured. Healthcare Solutions Team is leading an initiative to educate uninsured Americans on the various options that are available to them. Many of these options will make …

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Posted in Dental Insurance Plans, Family Health Insurance, Health care insurance, Health Coverage, Health insurance, HST Blog | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

New Healthcare Reform Rules

While March 23, 2010 marked the signing of the Affordable Care Act, September 23, 2010 launched a new set of rules that protect every patient’s care. These healthcare reform laws are only applicable to plans that were purchased after March 23, 2010. All old plans are grandfathered into the old system and are exempt from any new benefits. Health insurance companies can no longer impose pre-existing exclusions on children, nor can they take away your coverage based on a mistake in your application. They also can’t set lifetime limits on your coverage; there are no longer annual caps. These healthcare reform laws also give the patient direct access to the doctors they need. You can choose any primary care doctor or pediatrician you prefer within your plan’s network. Medical insurance companies can no longer require approval before you go to the emergency room at a hospital outside your plan’s network. If it’s a true emergency, you can simply go get care without worrying about your coverage. To enjoy these new benefits, make sure your healthcare plan was purchased after March 23, 2010. Otherwise, you’re exempt from these new advantages.

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Posted in Health and medical care, health care insurance agents, Health Insurance Plans, Healthcare Reform, HST Blog, Small Business Health Insurance | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment