Your Health Plan: Self Care Good Health Daily

Start your day out in good health.  Make self improvement and healthcare maintenance your first priority.  When you do this, you will find that good health is worth it.  Each person has a different level of good health, but should do their best to stay as healthy as they can be.  When you take care of yourself with proper nutrition, rest, and other good health habits, it is less likely illness will occur.

Poor health costs more than feeling poorly.  The extreme high money cost can add to that.  In addition, limits on certain coverages like three pints of blood, and $50,000 lifetime maximum on some health services especially for those with chronic diseases and pre-existing conditions, are likely to slow progress of getting better if illness occurs while you wait a year or save more money.  It is important to focus on preventive medical services as well as positive healthy lifestyle for early disease detection and diagnosis can lead to prompt treatment.  This is where self care health pays for good health and more financial stability.

Your health is your responsibility.  Be dedicated to good health.  Make healthy self care a daily habit.  Best health!

Health Budget & Savings Habit Healthy

As a new year and decade approach, take the time to review again your health bank account.  This starts with your medical condition and diagnoses.  Is everything stable?  Are you in good health?  When you look at your personal health, you can assess present condition and what the cost of your health care has been this year.  it is important to do this to see how much you spent on prevention (routine tests and doctor visit checkups, insurance, etc.) and actual treatment (home health, medication, hospitalization, holistic treatments, glasses, dental, etc,).  

Healthcare costs and coverage change as healthcare itself changes.  The biggest change for the next decade could be healthier people spending less for costly medical treatments; however, it will be patients paying more for medical services, while insurance companies pay less.  This can be quite a challenge especially for those on a limited income.  

It is as important to do a health expense checkup as it is to get a physical checkup every year.  Gather together all information for healthcare expenses in 2019.  Itemize and add up the total.  You may need at least this amount probably for 2020.  Set up a savings account at your bank,  Deposit regular to this account monthly.  Use it only for health costs.  If you have enough cash on hand equal to or more than previous year, start with that amount and try to double it by year's end.  Money you save on health can also be included. 

There is a cost for good health, but you can make it less of your cost by adhering to healthy living. Recent research has shown that non genetic factors may contribute more to disease than genes.  This means maintaining healthy habits while keeping unhealthy habits away.  Over time this in itself will help keep you healthy without overspending.  Prevention costs less than treatment, keeps you healthier and happier.  Best health!

Be Thankful! Appreciate Good Health

Thanks giving is giving thanks every day.  This in itself a great way to appreciate your health.  Keep your personal banks filled with thanks.  Do good for your health all the time.  Be thankful and 
show it in your health.  Best health!

Doctor Availability Less Available?

As a potential primary care physician shortage may be approaching, it has become more difficult to get timely appointments.  If you have insurance, they must be in network to avoid extra cost beyond your insurance coverage.  Many physicians also have limited visiting hours unlike days of old when they made themselves more available to patients.  

Be aware of reasons doctors may be selective about their patient choices.  This may include:

• too many patients per doctor
• cash only
• limited to certain insurance or Medicare, Medicaid only
• gender preference
• age limits like over fifty
• too many chronic conditions

You must seek out doctors you feel are best for you.  Even if it means seeing several in the same specialty before you get the right one.  Doctor shopping is becoming more popular as the healthcare landscape keeps changing.  The Internet makes it easier to do, but the telephone can make it more personable.  Talking to someone can give you more information to add to your research.  Word of mouth is still a good way to find doctors.  Seek out the best doctors and you will find great available healthcare personalized for you. Best health!

Morning Hypertension Tension

Tension in the morning can be stressful. Hypertension may be contibuting to this.  It may cause symptoms often associated with starting a new day and all you have to do.  This should  be less stressful than many choose to make it.  Normal blood pressure at this time of day is associated with better health and less comorbidity.  

Hypertension in the morning may start as early awakening, anxiety. headache, chest discomfort, and general fatigue.  Studies have shown heart attacks are more likely to occur this time.  High blood pressure in the morning should be recognized.  Many times it is associated with normal blood presuure for most of the waking hours without symptoms.  

Treatment must be specific for each person.  It is good to begin with simple common sense things like restful sleep, healthy diet, and exercise.  Meditation, yoga, and prayer are beneficial as well as easy to do upon waking up.  Reading books and watching instructional videos is an easy, inexpensive way to learn.  As these are made routine, stress reduction is also enhanced.  

Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI are important as well.  Foods specific for cardiac health like beans, greens, and grains are very beneficial. Lack of response to these may indicate a need for medication especially if blood pressure is elevated more than four hours upon and after awakening. Specific herbs and supplements may also be added.

Home blood pressure checks remain beneficial for keeping track of daily blood pressure measurements.  A record of these should be kept along with notes on present activity and treatment.  After two weeks or sooner, you will be able to see patterns, and what is working.  Continue your hypertenson diary for at least three months or longer.  It will become apparent what you can do to keep a normal blood pressure without symptoms and hypertension tension.  Best health!

Save Money On Your Health

Saving money is healthy and good way to promote good health and wellness. Health prices are escalating more rapidly than prices of other services right now.  There are some things you can do to help avert financial stress. This can include:

·       Shop around for best care and prices.  Your insurance company may cover a diagnostic test with partial payment. This may be higher than the actual charge if you pay yourself.  Call places in your area that offer the same test to check for prices that are cheaper and fit your budget.  If your health insurance deductible is a hefty $6,000 or more, this may fail to be attained.  Paying out of pocket may come out less expensive than $6,000.

·       Cook at home.  Home cooked meals are healthier and cheaper.  You can get more meals from unprepared and uncooked grocery items.  The average cost of one restaurant meal without drinks is about $30.  The grocery equivalent would be two or more good, healthy meals cooked to your taste and perfection.

·       Use cheaper non-prescription medication.  There are many over the counter medication that can do the same as more expensive, newer drugs.  Many of these were prescription medication at one time.  They may be safer as well since they have been in use for a longer time, and been proven effective.

·       Exercise at home.  Create your own exercise plan.  Use exercises you learned in school physical education classes.  Simple stretching, arm rolls, jumping jacks, deep knee bends, sit-ups, and more.  Walking and running on land or in the pool are good aerobic activities.  Exercise can also be done in bed and in a chair.

·       Read more.  The cost to read is better health, more knowledge, and more information of your choice.  The actual cost of reading material can be as free as you make it using the library and Internet.

·       Develop a home entertainment program.  Your choices of your interests have proven to be healthier.  There is less stress over programs and their content.  If it must include television, make your own library with your preferred DVDs and TV sticks that attach to the television.  This works on your schedule. It is free of thoughtless commercial time, unpleasant images, and loud opinions that take away from a program’s content.  Cutting the cable cord can be healthy and good for wellness as well as a big money saver.

·       Take more staycation.  Vacations at home and nearer to home can be much healthier, cheaper, and less stressful.

·       Try to buy mainly that which is necessary leaving the desired for another time when extra money is available.  Reward yourself every now and then, but stay within your means.

·       Save consistently.

For more ways to save money check out “10 Money Saving Medical Tips” http://bit.ly/1Gt4f8I .  Best health!

Medicare Healthcare Scare

As health costs rise so do Medicare prices at a faster rate than cost of living increases can contain. During your retirement years good healthcare is as important as ever.  Medicare is primary health insurance during this time yet the cost may be too high.  Medicare is a health plan for the elderly and disabled. Much of this specifc population is on a limited income which is usually only Social Security.  The average Social Security monthly payment for 2019 is $1461.  The average amount for Medicare can be up to one third of this average leaving less for food, rent, and other necessary living needs.

The standard part A premium for inpatient care may range from $240 to $437 and depends on the amount of Medicare taxes you have paid. If you have paid less than 7.5 years in Medicare taxes, the higher price is the premium price.  The deductible for Part A hospital coverage is $1,364 for each benefit period.  Coinsurance is $0 for first 60 days, $341 for next 30 days, and $682 for each "lifetime reserve day" (up to 60 days over your lifetime).  The patient is responsible for all costs after lifetime reserve depleted. 

The standard part B premium for outpatient care starts at $135.50 and is higher depending on income.  The deductible for this part is $185 per year.  After this has been met, payment for services is 20% of Medicare approved prices.  This can be covered with extra insurance coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan offered by commercial health insurance companies.  If you fail to buy during the eligible enrollment periods, the premium may go up 10%. 

Regardless of who is paid for what, the result is the same.  Prices continue to increase and cover less.  For example, many home health care costs are excluded.  Home health care is important for those that are homebound or disabled.  This cost should hardly be extra on a limited income.  

Then there is Medicare part C (Medicare Advantage) and Medicare part D prescription coverage offered by regular insurance plans for an extra fee of course.  The deductibles, copayments and coinsurance are part of this as well.  Each insurere has their own plans and rates that add to your health maintenance if you can afford it.  Payment for part A and B is too much for many; therefore, medication may be omitted especially if the choice is food or medicine.

The Medicare healthcare scare is real.  What began as a "free" low cost comprehensive health program for the elderly has become a high cost less inclusive health plan for limited income retirees and peopele with disabilities.  Medicare solvency concerns have led to predictions it will be in debt within the next fifty years or so.  In the meantime, price increases with less coverage seems to be the answer for over 60 million people in their retirement years.  Best health!

Medicare:  Will It Be There When You Need It? 

http://bit.ly/bhloV2

Free Book Read: Audible and Visual Health Literacy

Health literacy is very important.  It is essential in keeping yourself healthy.  Reading is the best way to be health literate.  Reading in itself is an intangible vitamin that should be ingested daily.  

Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide is available to help you with basic health literacy in seeking medical care.  This book is a medical reference book.  It is meant to be read and referred to as needed.  This book may be accessed for free on Kindle Unlimited as a visual read. An audible read is available through BlogTalkRadio as Patient Handbook to Medical Care.

Learn good health.  Be health literate.  Best health!

Doctor's Office Should Enhance Good Health

When you visit your doctor's office you should feel healthy.  The waiting room in the doctor's office is the entry point for most initial patient encounters.  Amidst the unhealthy anxiety often encountered on doctor visits the waiting room should exude good health for each patient that enters.  

Pay attention to the surroundings to see how they make you feel.  You  may have noticed that your blood pressure was twenty or more points higher than before you left home.  Your doctor visit can be more healthy and focused if the waiting room is healthy.  The following are signs of a healthy doctor's office waiting room:

• No television screen. If there is a television screen, it should be on healthy topics that educate instead of unhealthy loud programs that can increase anxiety, blood pressure, and more
• Comfortable seating
• Kind, courteous staff
• Current reading materials
• Limited if any cell phone use

If your doctor's office has aromatherapy and offers free ten minute chair massages, this can create a healthier healing haven.  Make suggestions to your doctor on other things that can enhance patient wait times without discomfort and stress.  Best health!

How to Make Your Doctor Visit Easier

http://bit.ly/1lfIfJw

Positive Ways for Less Stressful Days

If your thoughts or what you are listening to or watching is unkind and disrespectful delivering little to no joy or happiness, turn it off, avoid it, and delete it from your healthy life.  This is of utmost importance in staying well or healing because it decreases unhealthy stress towards zero.  As you move towards this goal you will feel the benefits as well keep your blood pressure, arthritis, and other medical conditions stable or away.

Good health includes more than physical wellness.  Mental, emotional, and spiritual health helps maintain the physical well being. When you have positive thoughts, you can look forward to a more positive, joyous, happy, healthy body and daily existence.  Healthy food and exercise keep your body functioning at optimal levels thereby enhancing nature's healing forces within you. 

Make time for quiet time to yourself at least twice a day for fifteen minutes.  Include meditation, prayer, and yoga on a regular basis several times a week keeping it simple and easy for you.  Start with ten minute routines.  Get in this habit and strive to do it routinely for at least a week.  Increase your time to five minutes per session for at least twenty minutes or longer three or more times per week.  Daily is optimal.  It is worth taking the time to make this a goal.

As you develop healthier habits and routines, you will feel better and your positive ways will lead to less stressful days.  Best health!  

Sustain the Hurricane Health Tips

Be organized and keep it simple.  When preparing for a hurricane or any weather emergency, this is important to do especially when it comes to your health.  Anxiety and uncertainty in this flight or stay adrenaline pumping situation can decrease your awareness of what you really should be doing to stay healthy and safe.  Taking care of yourself is primary to sustain the hurricane. 

These tips will help you prepare.

• stay well rested 
• avoid unnecessary distractions
• know the facts, be present and up to date on hurricanes and emergency preparation by reading and listening to lectures 
  
• prepare and check medical provider list to include your primary care doctors including specialists, nearest urgent care community health centers and hospital
• contact electric company to help with medical provisions like home oxygen should power failure occur
• contact community emergency services for listing if medical condition requires extra attention
• prepare food and water stock for two weeks or more
• freeze water for ice enough to fill two or more coolers
• keep prescription medication current with adequate supply for two months
• stay informed with neighbors and community resources
• get batteries for lights, radio, fans, medical devices like glucometer, blood pressure monitor
• charge all sources of power for telephones, limit use and keep turned off if not in use

Prepare yourself first, and plan before the storm arrives. Check and update your plan monthly. Stay healthy and safe.  Best health!

Men's Health Month Memorandum: It's Checkup Time!

"If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself." — Mickey Mantle

Statistics show that men are less likely than women to get routine health checkups and physical exams. Men are more likely to seek medical attention when there is an acute problem, and once that has resolved not until another acute problem. Part of the reason for this is lack of health education. Men are also more prone to the "this can't be happening to me" syndrome. Is ignorance truly bliss? Short term, maybe. Long term, no.

So what is a fella to do? Make a yearly checkup routine. Do it around your birthday or holiday like Father's Day or Christmas as a gift to yourself (your most important asset!). In addition to a complete medical history (be sure to take your notes and questions http://bit.ly/122ZEeF) and physical exam, there are other things your doctor should do. This includes:

• complete blood panel including a PSA (prostate specific antigen) if over 40 or have a history of prostate cancer in your family - please note that PSA screening is very controversial as to if it should be done and should be discussed at length with your doctor as this test does save lives
• EKG, baseline at first physical then every 2-3 years - yearly if over 50, have risk factors such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, increased cholesterol, family history of heart disease
• cardiac screening by a cardiologist if any signs or symptoms of heart disease especially if there is a family history of heart attack, angina
• colon cancer screening with stool guaiac cards - stool samples are placed on these and returned to your doctor who checks for blood (this should be done when a rectal exam is performed, but if for some reason it is not, be sure to get these cards)
• colonoscopy, baseline at 50, sooner if stool positive for occult blood or gross rectal bleeding, weight loss, stomach symptoms

Be sure to include regular visits to the dentist, and optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Best health, guys!

by J.L. Richardson, M.D., family medicine doctor and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.

Listen to What Your History and Physical Should Include http://bit.ly/2MC0r5c

Premarin Pandemonium Prices!

Premarin Vaginal Cream is at an all time high of $379. Insulin is at all time high of unaffordable over $100 per bottle for most people who need it.  Do no harm is the medical mantra yet harm is done each time a person has to even think about buying medication.  Unaffordable prices is hardly the answer to this deceptive dilemma. Stay in the best health you can to prevent medication dependence.  Prevention and early intervention are essential to great health.  Seek alternatives to help you heal and stay well.  

The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest patients in the care of the main frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease. -Thomas Edison

Best health!


Integrate Medical Treatments
https://mypatienthandbook.blogspot.com/2017/03/medical-treatments-for-your-good-health.html

Money and Your Medication 

https://mypatienthandbook.blogspot.com/2016/09/money-and-your-medication.html

"Healthy Life Lines" in Large Print Paperback

Live healthy.  Live Simply.  “Healthy Life Lines: Simple Tips to Improve Your Health” is a book that helps you attain good health and keep it stable.   This short book consists of one line health tips that promote wellness and good health.  These tips will encourage you to live a lifestyle of good health.  “Healthy Life Lines: Simple Tips to Improve Your Health” is now available in large print paperback book and on Kindle. 
Check it out https://amzn.to/2WCH7oM 

Healthy life lines include;

·       Be literate in health.

·       Focus on prevention to avoid intervention.

·       Constantly do things to improve your health

·       Embrace healthy routines.

·       Limit and avoid multitasking.

·       Find funny and laugh daily.

·       Keep a health diary.

·       Know your family medical history.

Best health!

Know Your Medical History

One of the first things your doctors and healthcare providers want to know is why you made your appointment. Once you answer this question (hopefully before interruption) there will be questions about your general health and wellness, as well as more information about your reason for the visit. For specific concerns you may be asked:

• How long has this been going on?
• What have you done for it?
• Have you had it before?
• Where does it bother you?
• How often does it occur?
• What makes it better or worse?
• Are there any other symptoms?

You will be asked about how the other parts of the body are working, such as your eyes, ears, heart, breathing, and so on. This is called the “review of systems” (ROS). If there are any problems not related to your main problem, now is the time to let the doctor know.
This will be followed by your past medical history (PMH), which includes:

1. Diseases you have (high blood pressure, sugar diabetes, arthritis, cancer, depression,
   etc.), or have had that are better or gone (including childhood diseases such as
   measles, mumps, and inherited disease)
2. Operations and times you were in the hospital (including accidents)
3. Medication, including prescription, over-the counter (don’t forget about vitamins),
   natural (garlic, aloe), and herbal
4. Allergies and reactions to anything and what it did to you (for example: breaking out in a
   rash, swelling, itching, upset stomach, etc.)
5. Smoking, alcohol, drug use (how much, how often)
6. Shots (childhood, flu, last tetanus, etc.)
7. Sexual (active, using protection, number of partners, diseases)—in females this will also
   include menstrual period, pregnancy, last mammogram, and Pap test
8. Family history (conditions that run in family
   such as cancer, high blood pressure, etc.)
9. Social history—your job or jobs; family; marital status; living arrangement (house,
   apartment, alone, etc.); transportation (drive self, public transport, walk); ambulation
   (use walker, wheelchair); disability (deaf, blind, amputee, etc.); religion, ethnic customs, and traditions

If there is anything left out or that you feel the doctor should know, now is the time to speak up. It is sometimes hard to get someone’s full attention, so take advantage of it while you have it. Some doctors’ offices will have you fill out forms asking the above questions or will ask you the questions and fill out the form for you. This is not a substitute for the doctor’s personal interview and questions.
Writing or typing this information is a sure way to keep all of your PMH http://bit.ly/f8FZ55 . Make a copy for your doctor. While talking you both can refer to this vital source of health information.
Best health!

Be Screen Free to Stay Healthy

Studies how less, if any screen time is a healthy way to live.  Today the little and big screen show more negativity especially negative behaviors that promote poor health.  This is too often accompanied by loud talking, ways to promote conflict, and actual repetition of violent, disturbing video to accompany the loud verbalization of the events.  The repetition in short periods of time spurns negative behavior depicted often accompanied by depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, dementia, and many other chronic conditions.

Educating yourself and learning  about things that interest you is the best way to spend screen time.  Modern technology allows for selection of what you want to watch when you want to watch it without commercials,  Screen time should be filled with positive, educational content.  Even if the story is negative, it should be told with facts and without repetitive negative visuals.  Studies show limited screen time, especially for kids, is healthier mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Healthy life line ideas for screen free living:

• Read more.
• Be quiet and still in meditation prayer.
• Add an extra hour of sleep.
• Listen to music.
• Prepare three meals daily.
• Write.
• Spend more time with family and friends.
• Enjoy nature daily.
• Take classes in things you like.
• Bake favorite desserts.
• Do different crafts.
• Volunteer.

Best health!

Healthy Life Lines:  Simple Tips to Improve Your Health http://amzn.to/2nLf1u0

Overmedication Can Cause New Symptoms

Have you noticed how different you feel with the new medication you just filled?  Then you thought it was just you and something new?  The different feelings like forgetfulness, dizziness, sleepiness are getting worse after one week.  Then you think maybe it could be the five medicines your primary care provider added to the other five you were supposed to be taking. How will you be able to tell which one it could be that is dropping your blood pressure so low you are dizzy and near syncope?  It could have been the one that causes arrhythmias which is the one you were given for the dizziness which only occurred after taking the one for diabetes causing hypoglycemia.  What a constant cacophony conundrum!  When you decide to look over the drug information that came with each prescription, you find that all the medication can cause this and some of the other new symptoms you acquired.

Overmedication is one of the biggest unnoticed culprits of new symptoms in many people regardless of age.  Those over fifty are most susceptible to the effects of too many medication.  Treatment such as proper diet, exercise, and other complimentary therapies are often overlooked as part of first line treatment with or without medication. Accuracy of diagnosis is very important before, after, and during treatment.  Treatment of symptoms may or may not help, and lead to more medical maladies. Overmedication accounts for more hospitalizations and primary care provider/ specialist visits than many chronic diseases, but is hardly noted.  Rather than implement a medication as the cause, another is prescribed to treat new diagnoses.

Overmedication should be included in differential diagnosis of many conditions.  Patients are often non-compliant once they feel a medication may be making them feel bad.  This is usually unknown by the primary care provider for patient fear of being labeled "non-compliant".  Then more medication is added.  Know what medication you are taking, why you are taking it, and the side effects it may cause. Best health!

Medicine Disease Effect
https://mypatienthandbook.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-medicine-disease-effect.html

Free Prescription: Prayer - Use as Needed

Pray for me. This often forgotten yet basic request is often deferred until times of severe health duress. How effective is prayer in helping heal your illnesses or that of someone else? Combining this with other forms of treatment has proven effective in managing illness, especially chronic disease.

Prayer is considered an alternative health treatment; however, faith healing is the only way to many. Man made medical treatments like drugs and surgery combined with modern technology have overshadowed prayer. Prayer, like many other alternative "natural" treatments, is usually left off the intern and resident training in medical school. Research has shown that many patients pray for their health regardless of religious background, and that is does indeed have healing health benefits.

Praying for oneself as well as being prayed for are effective in staying healthy as well as in healing. The beautiful thing is that you can do it anywhere, anytime without paying any money. No health insurance is required.

Best health!

by J.L, Richardson, M.D., family medicine doctor and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.

This book provides 112 pages (large print) of health information that will tell you what your doctor should be asking you, telling you, and doing for you - as taught in medical school and used since Hippocrates. http://amzn.to/13m51UU