Diabetes In Women

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is characterized by high blood sugar levels. The increase in serum blood glucose can result in numerous signs and symptoms in a person’s lifetime. Although the condition affects both men and women alike, specific symptoms are unique to women only. Naturally, because of the physical structure and hormonal reasons, this article will present these unique symptoms and how to manage them once detected.

source: apollopharmacy.in

Continue reading “Diabetes In Women”

Money Talk: The Insurance World’s Little Regard For Mental Health

Source: gbsindependent.org

Congress passed and made the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) a law some ten years ago. With its passing was the rising hope that individuals who suffered from mental health maladies and substance abuse could get treatments as quickly as those who have other conditions.

But almost a decade later, that hope has clipped wings.

“Financial wellness is a component of overall wellness,” according to Joe Lowrance, PsyD.

The Issues

Many people who have mental health conditions have difficulty finding therapists who accept insurance. Additionally, looking for treatment facilities for PTSD and bipolar disorder that’ll take insurance for inpatient therapy can be very challenging.

 

Why is that?

The answer lies in how insurance companies are treating mental conditions and substance abuse as well as the treatments appertaining to these said health circumstances.

Milliman, a healthcare consulting firm, found two significant inequalities in the way the insurance market treats addiction and mental health compared to their physical counterpart.

 


Source: tampatherapy.com

 

Stacy Notaras Murphy, LPC said “Finances just might be the great equalizer in the counseling room.”

 

The Disparities

In their analysis of about 42 million medical claims records from various major insurance players, they discovered that:

 

  • Firstly,  four to six of ten Americans have to employ out-of-network mental healthcare, and the most likely cause is that a lesser number of psychologists and psychiatrists accept insurances.
  • Secondly, for therapists who are in in-network psychological health care, the reimbursements they receive from insurers are significantly less than what primary or specialty care providers get for similar treatments. Example, in 2015, primary medical professionals collected approximately 20% more than mental health professionals did from insurance companies meaning that for every $1 the former got, the latter only had 83 cents.

This common insurance company practice has created an imbalanced system for both mental and physical healthcare and could become the chief reason why psychological therapists wouldn’t accept insurance in the future. And it’s happening as the country is grappling with the rising number of deaths through suicides and overdoses. In fact, the current rates for these two are at their highest in over ten years!

 

Put Teeth To the Law

2008 saw the passing of a landmark mental parity law. Its goal was to make psychiatric health care and abuse treatments more accessible to people by preventing insurers from erecting blockades to therapy services, something they wouldn’t usually do for physical medical care.

For instance, the law prohibits insurance companies from determining payment caps for addiction and depression treatments, restraints that wouldn’t otherwise be present if the said ministrations were for physical maladies such as an injured foot.

In theory, the law would make broader insurance coverages for mental disorders and addictions while lessening the barriers people seeking psychiatric care might encounter.

 

But it seems all of that would have to stay on paper.

“I am quite surprised it was this bad,” said a health services company’s former CEO who has worked on parity for a decade now. “I thought we were doing better, but these numbers just proved that insurance companies are still giving mental health little regard after all these years, even after the passing of that landmark law.”

 

 

And The Hurting Shows

 

Source: inquisitr.com

 

Caryl suffers from borderline personality disorder while wrestling addiction issues at the same time. She sees a therapist for both conditions weekly. Before, she had a co-payment of $25 for every session she has with the said professional. But in 2015, however, the latter refused to accept her insurance which upped her therapy payments to $110 for every session.

She called ten other therapists asking them if they’re willing to take insurance from new patients and all flatly said no.

“I make $30,000 annually, so those $110 therapy sessions are like luxury items to me. There were weeks I had to choose groceries over visits to my therapist and for someone (like me) who are struggling with jobs, making friends and living, that’s just so wrong,” she lamented. “It feels like I’m not worthy enough to be helped.”

As what one mental health advocate stressed out: “Two of the main reasons why people don’t seek mental health treatments is the scarcity of the providers and the cost for each session. And this reality is hurting a great number of Americans.”

According to Brad Klontz, PsyD, CFP, “If you’d like help managing financial stress and your family’s financial behaviors, consider talking to an expert.”

Effective Ways To Handle Stress

Are you always stressed about the things that are happening in your life? Do you experience anxiety most of the time? If you answered yes to these two questions, then maybe it is about time to consider eliminating the negative emotions out of your life. Keep in mind that the more stressed and anxious you become, the more dangerous it is for yourself. Aside from this, it can also start to affect your relationship with the people around you.

 

 

According to Aarti Gupta, PsyD, “Negative stress, or ‘distress,’ is more chronic, hinders optimal functioning, and can be detrimental to your health.”

For today’s article, allow us to provide you with different ways on how you can make it happen. Make sure that you read the article from start to finish so that you can discover the practical techniques on how to get rid of stress.

 

Take A Break

 

One of the essential things that you must never forget is to rest when necessary. Stop making yourself a slave of your work and business. Find time to rest, especially at times when you need it the most. When you are already stressed with the things happening in your office, never feel guilty to take a break. Go home and rest on a weekend. At the same time, you can also consider traveling to a new country or city. You can travel alone or with the people close to you.

 

 

Have A Balanced Diet

 

Are you aware that the food you eat can have adverse effects on your body? Make sure that you focus on choosing healthy and nutritious food. Aside from this, you must also start to eat on time. Do not skip your meals because it will not only make you cranky. At the same time, it can also result in some illnesses or sicknesses. Keep in mind that when you are sick, the chances of experiencing stress also increase.

 

Amy Lukowski, PsyD said “Find your stressors and effective ways to cope with them – remember that you can learn to control stress because stress comes from how you respond to stressful events.”

 

Relax And Have Fun

 

You must stop thinking about negative thoughts as you are trying to survive life. Remember that you can take control of all the circumstances that will come your way. You can always select or choose how to react to the situation that you encounter. What is essential is that you remain relaxed at all times. Do not let anything or anyone annoy you easily. Be bigger than your issues so that you will not feel stressed out.

 

 

Choose Your Daily Company

 

Another thing that you must never forget is the significance of learning how to choose your friends right. As much as possible, keep yourself away from those who constantly make you feel bad. They do not deserve your attention and care. Instead, surround yourself with those who encourage bringing out the best in you. These are the persons who are supposed to stay in your life because they care for you. Remember that you are too great to be with those who can bring out the worst in you.

 

Stress is easy to eliminate as long as you know the right things to do. Keep yourself happy, and everything will start to improve soon. Follow everything we mentioned above for a better you!

 

According to Dr. Sal Raichbach PsyD, LCSW, “The key is to find someone who understands your condition, and that won’t say things like ‘just relax’ or ‘stop worrying so much,'” since that can feel invalidating. What you really want is someone who will let you vent, and offer support when you need it.”

 

How To Stay Healthy

There are many things that you need to remember when it comes to staying healthy. As much as possible, it is essential to keep yourself fit and healthy at all times. Remember that when you encounter a medical condition or an illness, it can have a ripple of adverse effects in your life. First of all, you may end up draining your finances because of the treatment or medication. Second, you will put a lot of stress and anxiety in your family members. Of course, they will worry once you get sick. Third, you may experience a lot of pain and inconvenience.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

Fortunately, taking care of your health is not a big problem at all. You can be happy with your life while trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Stop making excuses for not acting right today. Take note that the more you value your health, the better it is on your part. In this article, we are going to share or provide you with easy and practical ways on how to stay healthy. Here are the top things to remember:

 

Get Enough Sleep

 

When was the last time you had seven or eight hours full sleep? If you cannot remember when then that is an indication that you have to change your sleeping patterns. Stop depriving yourself of sufficient sleep. Keep in mind that staying up late in the night will not do you any good. It will only tire you out the following day and even put you in a bad mood. On the other hand, sleeping early can keep your energized and stress-free.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

Discover what therapists have to say about sleep:

  • “We know that getting enough sleep, eating nutrient-rich foods, and participating in physical activities (that we actually enjoy) are all vital for our well-being.”  – Casey Radle, LPC
  • “Wake up and go to sleep.” – David J. Norton, LPC
  • “Getting good sleep can be a challenge for many, yet sleep is truly a vital component to life.” – Megan MacCutcheon, LPC

 

Be Physically Active

 

As much as possible, find time to go to the gym or do your home exercises. Stop thinking that you are too busy with physical activities. If you do not change this mindset, there is a high chance that you will suffer from illnesses or sicknesses. Remember that exercising will not only health you prevent from encountering medical issues. At the same time, it can also improve your mental awareness. When this happens, you can get a guarantee that your life will be a lot better.

 

Avoid Stress At All Times

 

Do you know the things or people that continue to add stress in your life? Make sure to avoid them as soon as possible. Do not wait before it is too late for you to get out of a compromising situation. Remind yourself that you are absolutely in control of everything that is happening in your life. Never let anyone or anything cause you stress. Take note that too much stress or anxiety can affect your physical health and mental health. If you keep on entertaining negative emotions in your life, you may end up getting depressed. Depression can make you feel down most of the time. Aside from this, it can also make you want to harm yourself at times.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

Take care of your overall health while you are still young. Always prioritize self-care as it can offer you tons of benefits in the future.

 

What You Need To Know About Health Insurance

Getting health insurance at this time of your life has become a necessity. As much as possible, get the right insurance policy while you are still young and healthy. Keep in mind that no matter how fit you are, there is still a high possibility that you may encounter a medical condition. At the same time, even if you have all the money necessary for the treatment, the entire process can still drain your finances. Because of this, you must take time to get insurance.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

We understand that several people out there are not comfortable in getting health insurance. They think that the money to pay the premiums will just go to waste if they are not going to get sick. Some people also say that they are only attracting illnesses or diseases to come their way if they have insurance. As such, we are inclined to share some of the things that you must know about health insurance.

 

The Company

 

The first step that you must do is to research about the available insurance companies in your locality. Look for a company that has a good reputation in the community. Find time to search for one that can provide everything you need through its policy. You must look for the insurance provider that can instantly pay your claims whenever you need one. Otherwise, you may end up having problems in the future.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

The Deductible Amount

 

Just because you have health insurance does not mean that the insurance provider will pay everything for. Keep in mind that there are still expenses that may not be covered in the costs. It is best to discuss the terms and conditions with your insurance agent before getting a policy. If you are not sure with the information, do not hesitate to get a clarification from the agent.

 

The Online Account

 

Are you aware that several insurance companies are now embracing technology? Most of them already allow insurance principals to create an online account to access the details of the policy. Make sure that you enroll your account in the online system so that you can see everything in one portal. Most announcements or news by these insurance firms are also posted in the said portal. Getting an online account is essential these days, especially if you want to get updated instantly.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

The Payment Terms

 

The best thing about paying for insurance premiums is that they can be scheduled depending on your capacity to pay. Almost all insurance providers offer monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual deadline for the premiums. You can discuss this with your insurance agent before finalizing the policy. These firms also provide a grace period wherein you can still pay the premium after the deadline.

 

What are you waiting for? Find the right insurance agent now so that you can get your policy. It is better to pay premiums now than drain up your savings for future health complications. Be prepared for what might happen in the future!

 

Check out these interesting comments from therapists and cousnelors:

  • “Establish regular and consistent times for going to bed and waking up. This helps regulate your internal clock..” – Megan MacCutcheon, LPC
  • “Mindfulness meditation practices are effective interventions, and sometimes for mild to moderate conditions—depression and anxiety—super-effective as front lines.” – Saundra Jain, MA, PsyD, LPC
  • “When we lose sight of our self-care practices, we can experience burn-out.” – Emily Griffiths, LPC

 

Tips In Finding The Right Insurance Agent For You

If there is one thing that you need to prioritize right now, it is finding the right insurance agent for you. Make sure that you have insurance that can take good care of you when you encounter health issues. As much as possible, take time to get health insurance while you are young. Keep in mind that the younger you get it, the more affordable the premium payments are. There are also many other benefits if you get your insurance from the right agent.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

As you probably noticed, the insurance industry is already saturated. Many companies are now offering several packages to their target clients. The question now is how you are going to find the best company that suits your needs. Of course, the first thing that you must do is to look into the best insurance agents in your local area. In this article, we are going to state or provide you with the list of tips to remember when searching for the right agent:

 

Ask For Referral

 

Do you have close friends or family members with insurance plans? Talk to these people and ask for recommendations from them. Do not hesitate to throw out all the questions that you can think about. If possible, ask about the details of their agents so that you can easily decide the right one to choose. Listen to their suggestion because they are the ones who have previous experiences with the agent.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

Talk To Several Agents

 

Before you decide on where to get your insurance, make sure that you spend time talking to several agents first. Do not rush the process of finding the right insurance agent for you. It takes a lot of time to understand the insurance policy as well as the rules and regulations that you need to follow. It requires an excellent agent to deliver the most convincing proposal. Keep on meeting agents until you find the best one.

 

Search For The Expert

 

Another way of searching for the best insurance agent is to use the availability of the Internet. All you have to do is to go online and read the recent news regarding the insurance industry. You will be amazed or surprised to find out that some several features or articles talk about the recent work of the expert agents. However, it is recommended to verify the source of information first before you believe it. Do not forget that some information on the Internet may be fabricated. Find time to check the authors and sources of the features.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

Now that you are aware of the persons to contact for your insurance needs, be sure to get one as soon as possible. Do not wait before it is too late. Remind yourself that health insurance is not an expense but an investment. It can offer you several benefits in the future, as long as you get it early. The first step is to talk or get in touch with the right agent.

Should I Really Be Insured For My Health?

Source: pixabay.com

With the continuing cost of healthcare in America plus the ever-increasing incidence of health conditions, insurance these days is a grave need. Health insurance offers people a solid backup during emergencies, as health risks are part and parcel of life and are quite unpredictable. Of course, one doesn’t plan when he gets ill, but he can arm himself financially. Whether it’s the cost for a physician, therapist, or psychiatrist, purchasing health insurance is one of the most reliable ways to be financially ready against any sudden health hazards.

What Is It?

Health insurance is a category of insurance coverage that takes care of medical expenses that are billed to the insured. The insurance company can refund it, particularly if the insured individual has been billed for his injury or illness, and it may also pay the healthcare provider directly. There are various types of insurance, including individual and family health insurance and life-threatening illness insurance. Buying health insurance is a crucial aspect of financial and life planning.

As already mentioned, health insurance offers people with a reliable backup during medical emergencies. However, it is a sad truth that up until today, healthcare in the United States remains to be a costly issue. Reports reveal that India still has the lowest permeation of insurance company sales in the world. Fortunately, people like Ayushman Bharat Yojana are currently helping alleviate this problem in the said country, among other new initiatives.

There are more than enough reasons to purchase a health insurance policy. This is especially useful if you are supporting a family because you choose the family insurance option to better take care of their medical needs. But it is important to note that the good insurance policies that people have to buy vary per person and they also depend on several different factors.

Why Get Health Insurance?

Most of us buy an insurance plan because we don’t want to pay so much when we are admitted to the hospital. Some get a plan to protect their family in case of an emergency. Here is a list of some of the most common reasons why people decide to get health insurance.

Source: pixabay.com
  • Fast-Increasing Medical Costs. Medical lab tests, diagnostic examinations, and other medical costs are rising every year. So when medical emergencies occur, families often exhaust most of their savings to pay up for the hospital bills. In India, residents primarily use their savings to deal with medical emergencies.
  • Change In Lifestyle. Our way of living has tremendously changed these days. We have become more assertive, curious, and willing to do anything to provide more for our families. Thus, we are more vulnerable to a range of health conditions, including mental illnesses. Also, our busy work schedules, the current pollution problem, and our inappropriate eating habits have further heightened the risk for us to develop an illness.
  • Pre And Post Hospital Expenditures. People pay so much for outpatient appointments and procedures, which are similarly rising every year. People have realized that it is crucial to purchase insurance plans because these plans do not only include admission and other hospital costs but also expenses incurred when their family members have bills at the outpatient department, which include diagnostic and laboratory examinations.
  • Supplementary Coverage. When you purchase health insurance, you are also entitled to vaccination and checkup costs, outpatient surgeries and procedures, and even ambulance privileges. These added benefits make medical emergencies relatively convenient compared to those who have no insurance plans.

When Can I Buy A Health Insurance?

This is a common question for most of us – when is the right age to buy an insurance plan? But the most straightforward answer would be that there is no right age to purchase one. However, if one decides to get insurance for himself early on, he will be paying less for it. This is because health insurance policies become more expensive as he increases in age, as his risk for developing a medical condition or getting injured is heightened. Thus, it is suggested that one gets a plan at an early age. He’ll be paying less and getting the same amount of premium.

Source: picserver.org

Vital Coverage Considerations

One of the recommendations from reputable insurance companies is to purchase a critical illness insurance plan. This type of plan offers a fixed payment for every circumstance that you diagnosed with a life-threatening condition that is included in the policy. You can choose to get critical illness coverage alone, or better yet you can get it as a rider when you get a regular health insurance plan.

 

 

4 Ways To Love Yourself

There are a ton of things that you must remember when it comes to caring for yourself. Take note that it is essential for you to prioritize self-care. As much as possible, put yourself as a number one priority so that you can live a happy and fruitful life. According to a psychologist, a person who knows how to love himself can be a ray of sunshine for everyone around him. At the same time, there is a good chance that the same individual has excellent mental health.

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

Trudi Griffin, LPC said “Understand the power of your attitude toward yourself. How you perceive yourself, how you talk about yourself, and how you represent yourself eventually becomes the reality for you.”

 

Because of this, everyone is highly encouraged to start loving one’s self. At this point, you are probably wondering how you can do it, especially when there are times when all you can think about are your imperfections. Is it possible to love yourself with all your heart? Can you put yourself as a top priority? Do you think you have what it takes to improve your mental health by taking good care of your self? In this article, we are going to provide you with a list of ways on how you can manifest this self-love. Make sure to familiarize yourself with this list:

 

Exercise Regularly

 

One of the things that you must to do is to become physically active. Find time to exercise regardless of how busy your day is. Keep in mind that the more you follow a healthy lifestyle, the easier it is on your part to become active and happy. Based on a recent study, the human body produces happy hormones called dopamine whenever a person exercises. Aside from putting yourself in a good mood, it can also increase your self-confidence because you will start to look good and feel better about yourself.

 

Control Your Food Intake

 

Another way of showing love for yourself is following a balanced diet. As much as possible, control your food intake so that you will not regret any weight gain that you may experience. It must be noted that the food you consume can affect your mental health and physical condition. If you keep on taking in food items that are considered unhealthy, then there is a high probability that you will become obese. The moment this happens, you are exposing yourself to some health risks. At the same time, being overweight can also increase the symptoms and signs of depression on your part.

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

Do What You Love

 

Be sure that you continue doing what you love and what makes you feel happy. Conversely, make an effort to avoid those that only increase your sadness and frustration. Stop thinking about what others may say about your choices in your hobbies or career. Take note that their opinions do not matter. What is essential that you understand the importance of putting your self-interest first above anyone else. Do not think that you are selfish. Face the reality that in this world, nothing else matters but your happiness. Do what sets your soul on fire as long as you do not hurt others in the process.

 

“Shifting your posture helps slowly shift your mindset,” says Heather Stevenson, PsyD.

 

Treat Yourself To A Makeover

 

Have you been too stressed at work or in your business? Do you feel that you have failed to care for yourself for a long time already? If you answered yes to these questions, then maybe it is time to consider having a makeover. All you must do is to go to a spa and avail of the beauty services that you need. If you have more time to spend for beautifying yourself, you may also want to consider cutting your hair or having it colored. Do not be afraid to experiment on your looks. Of course, it is better to do it with a professional stylist to ensure that you will get the best look.

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

Conclusion

 

As already mentioned above, caring and loving yourself is not being selfish. Instead, it is a sign of maturity wherein you understand that the only way to make yourself more available to others is to have so much self-love and high level of self-esteem. Once this happens, it will be easier on your part to achieve your goals and objectives, Prioritize your happiness, and enjoy the rewards after.

 

You can also seek professional help. Lisa M. Vallejos, MA, LPC, NCC said “Therapy is confidential and therapists are bound by both laws and ethics to maintain client confidentiality to the best of their ability.”

 

 

3 Aspects Of Car Insurance You Need To Know About

3-aspects-of-car-insurance-you-need-to-know-about-1
Source: flickr.com

Considering you get into a car accident, it is not only the therapist’s fees that you will have to think about to deal with such a traumatic experience. If your vehicle became severely damaged, for instance, you may need thousands of dollars before a mechanic can return its original appearance. In case you have unfortunately hit another car, a property, or worse, people, the bills – or even legal charges – may pile up. Continue reading “3 Aspects Of Car Insurance You Need To Know About”

Beat Anxiety And Start Doing It Now

A lot of people struggle with anxiety, and most of them experience the same symptoms. There’s the feeling of nervousness, restless or tense. There’s an increased heart rate. There’s also trembling, sweating, and feeling tired or weak. There’s the problem on concentration as well as having a sense of impending danger.

In some cases, the symptoms of the mental condition vary from one person to another. But there are honestly a lot of things to do to get rid of it. Here are some of the lists that can get you started.

 

Source: pxhere.com

According to Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC, “While depression and anxiety are two different medical conditions, their symptoms, causes, and treatments can often overlap.”

Keep Yourself Busy All Day

I know the idea is entirely silly and simple, but it does work in mysterious ways. That’s because anxiety often lives and crawls up in the quiet. It usually appears when you have nothing to do but sit at home and mope about anything. It makes things worse especially when you opt to think about things around you such as your daily duties, social and relationship problems, and even personal issues. But if you’re going to do stuff the usual way and go about your day, you won’t have time to think about anxiety. In other words, if you have everything planned out and you’re making sure that you are continually working on productive activities back-to-back, then you’re going to get a hold of anxiety naturally.

Look For A Specific Diversion

Your mind can go out searching for more worries so you have to know the points where you may have to drop anxiety out of your system. Looking for a diversion is something that you can do no matter where or whenever you are. Since you never know where and when anxiety may strike, this process can give you a heads up and keep stress and anxiety away for an extended period. If you find your mind is rambling, make sure to bring it back to the spot where you have to lock it in there. Some examples would be your focus on breathing, the focus on a thought about a particular happy scenario, as well as the focus on activities you are currently doing. By drawing your concentration to different stuff, your anxiety eventually diminishes.

Source: maxpixel.net

“People who have depression are actually quite resilient,” said Mullen, PsyD, LMFT.

Find Time To Exercise

Yes, you probably heard it a lot of times, but it does work perfectly with anxiety. It doesn’t have to be that extreme though. You can have a 30-minute walk; you can go for a run, try a jumping rope, maybe do some house chores, or take your dog outside. There are tons of things that you can do to exert physical energy to help reduce anxiety. You only need to have an outlet for the pent up energy so you can bring the mental condition down. Since exercise releases good and useful brain chemicals, you can potentially secure a proper brain function away from mental health issues.

Talk To Someone

One of the most significant ways to get rid of anxiety is phoning a friend. It is essential to connect and talk with people all the time. It’s a significant move to tell other people in your life how you currently feel, what you are presently experiencing, and what thoughts are crawling up in your head.  It can also help you with what you are going through on that particular instance. When you take time to consider listening, sharing, and exchanging ideas, you’ll never have to worry about getting anxiety. Reaching out to people is so soothing that it removes you from an emotional and mental dilemma.

Source: pxhere.com

According to Laura Strom, LMFT, “Life can often be unpredictable and stressful.”

Seek For Professional Help

There are instances that anxiety can entirely become a pain in the ass. That whatever you do, there seem no escape from the mental illness even if you are trying so hard to help yourself. So with that, seeking professional advice is necessary. Yes, some tips may work for some occasions, but also some of them don’t guarantee a full mental health recovery. Seeing a psychiatrist can be beneficial because they can offer help in medication along with therapeutic processes. They can assist you from making steps towards your recovery so you can put things in place again.

If you are struggling with anxiety, don’t delay actions in solving it. Start working on your recovery as soon as possible.