No doubt you have seen the recent news headlines about a federal panel that recommended to the FDA that anti-depressant medications carry the strongest possible warning label for use in children and teenagers. This recommendation to the FDA shook the medical community, especially those who work with depressed young people. The biggest problem from the treatment community’s point of view was not the recommendation for the warning label, but the way that the media protrayed the panel’s recommendation.

The panel reported that 2% to 4% of children and teens who were given anti-depressants for the treatment of depression became suicidal, that is they had suicidal thoughts, or made suicidal attempts of one kind or another. None of the 4,000 children and teens studied committed suicide.

What the media did not report well is the fact that 15% of children and teens with depression who receive no treatment will commit suicide. These 15% will not just think about it, but will actually kill themselves.

So what are we to do? If the media had their way it seems that no teens with depression would receive anti-depressants. As a result the suicide rate for those who could be using the medication would rise from nearly zero percent to about fifteen percent. But at least we wouldn’t have to be concerned about evil medications.

Look, I understand that there actually are young people, even adults, who have become suicidal only after beginning treatment with an anti-depressant. Some have in fact gone on to take their own lives. This is absolutely tragic. But so is the fact that untreated depression is potentially a fatal disease. Fifteen out of one hundred young people with depression take their own lives. They should be allowed to receive a treatment that will lower the suicide rate dramatically, and without any stigma attached to it by the media.

Recently we had a patient brought to our counseling center named John (not his real name). John was rebellious, angry, withdrawn, and in trouble often, and yet he was diagnosed and treated for depression.

When we think of someone who is depressed, we usually picture a sad, tearful, lonesome person. But teenagers with depression don’t look like adults with depression. Current studies show that there are about as many teenagers who are depressed as there are adults that are depressed. However, depression is exhibited far differently by teenagers than by adults. Teenagers do not commonly display gloom, self-depreciation, or talk about feeling hopeless like adults do.

Teenagers with Major Depression are described in diagnostic manuals as often becoming negative and antisocial. Feelings of wanting to leave home, or of not being understoodand approved of increase. The teen often changes, and becomes more restless, grouchy, or aggressive. A reluctance to cooperate in family ventures, and withdrawal from social activities, with retreat to one’s room are frequent. School difficulties are likely as concentration is affected. Sometimes there is inattention to personal appearance and increased emotionality. Often there is an increased sensitivity to rejection in love relationships as well.

Teenage boys will often become aggressive, agitated, and get into trouble at home, at school, or with the law. Teenage girls will sometimes become preoccupied with themes of death or dying, and become decreasing concerned about how they look. Suicidal thoughts are common. Some studies suggest that 500,000 teens attempt suicide each year, and 5000 are successful. Increased use of alcohol or other drugs is common, along with other forms of “self-destructive behaviors.” Poor self-esteem is common with teenagers, but especially with those who are depressed.

Parents are often confused and frustrated when their teens begin to act like this. Sometimes parents become stern disciplinarians, or even put the teen down, which only serves to increase feelings of guilt and depression. Other times, parents feel helpless, and stand by waiting for adulthood to arrive. Of course neither course is the right one to take. If you know of a teen whose behaviors have changed to look like what has been described above, let the parents know that there is help available, and encourage the family to seek help from a professional. With proper diagnosis and treatment a depressed teen, or adult, can be greatly helped.

If someone close to you is suffering from depression, first please understand that depression is a very emotionally painful condition. For some people with depression it turns into a “terminal illness” due to suicide. Please take the situation seriously.

1) Get a medical evaluation. Symptoms of depression can be the result of a wide assortment of illnesses, including thyroid problems, viral infections, and other factors.

2) Deprex is an amino acid and homeopathic medicine for the treatment of depression that we have seen work well with our patients. It may be worth trying as long as the situation is “stable” and there is no suicidal thinking on the part of the depressed person.

3) Medications such as Prozac can be very helpful for more difficult cases. Consult your doctor. These medications are often prescribed by Family Practice Doctors, but in most cases ought to be monitored by Psychiatrists.

4) Increase intake of Protein somewhat. Use a protein powder supplement, just like a weight lifter.

5) Exercise daily. Just get out and walk for about 15 minutes.

6) Seek out counseling from someone who is good at treating depression. This can do a world of good for you. However, always use great wisdom and common sense when choosing a therapist. Some are good, and some are not, so choose wisely.

Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library’s family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.

Posted by admin as Uncategorized at 5:04 AM CST

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Nowadays auto insurance is the ideal way to ensure a good life for yourself and your expensive vehicle. Auto insurance keeps safe your huge amount of money spent on your automobile. But on the same hand, auto insurance is also quite expensive. However there are different types of auto insurance policies available today. It is at an individual’s discretion which policy he can afford to adopt.

1. Fully Comprehensive Auto Insurance Policy Types- though this policy is the most expensive one yet it is the most widely adopted type of auto insurance. This is so because the insurance provides compensation or covers all sorts of cases such as theft, accident, wear and tear etc. If unfortunately an accident occurs where you were not at fault while the other driver who did the accident does not disclose his and his insurance details; you ought not to worry.

For being a policyholder of the fully comprehensive program, you can register an insurance claim against your insurance company. But while taking this policy one essential thing should be borne in mind. There are a few auto insurance companies that do not insure your vehicle 100% of its value but of 80% or so. Even though many companies defend their policy as a measure to prevent themselves from fraud cases etc. yet try your bets to find the agency that insures your vehicle 100%.

2. Third Party, Fire and Theft- this type of insurance is basically meant for those car owners who have had finished their car loans but still admire, cherish their car and have great sentiments attached to it. This policy is somewhat akin to the fully comprehensive one but not identical to it. For like the latter the former covers cases of theft, accident, fire etc. but in case of an accident you can receive compensation only when you were at fault and had hit another car. So if any other car hits yours or you by mistake bang t in the garage, the insurance company will not come to your financial aid.

3. Third Party Insurance- it is the insurance that is the cheapest of all and covers only cases of accident where you were at fault and hit a third party. The insurance company is not to be contacted in case of any other mishappening with your vehicle. This insurance policy is generally preferred by those who own an old and less pricey car or any other vehicle.

4. Specialized Car Insurance- is basically for cars categorized as classic, those that are 25 years old. These cars are insured as classic and so accordingly they have their requirements and services. The classic car insurane policy can be said to be as good as the comprehensive one but the only drawback associated with it is that it limits the policy taker to a limited number of road miles he can drive in any given year.

Ultimately it is at the discretion of every individual which policy he desires to take. It is advisable to sort out one’s requirements and budget and also make a survey of the auto insurance policies in the market before actually grabbing a policy.

Mansi Aggarwal writes about affordable auto insurance quote. Learn more http://www.lowquoter.com/auto/.

Posted by admin as Best Insurance at 1:02 AM CST

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Mortgage life insurance is one of the most important life insurance policies a person who owns a home can buy. Since the ownership of this home is probably the largest investment for most people it is imperative that your investment be protected in the event of premature death. I want to take some time to discuss alternative plans that can be used to do this.

Mortgage Life Insurance

What really is mortgage life insurance. Mortgage life insurance pays off the balance owed to the bank or mortgage company in case of your premature death. Let us assume you have a $100,000 25 year mortgage on your house. Let us also assume that after 5 years you have a balance owed of $95,000. Incidentally that figure is not as impractical as it sounds. Your principal decreases very slowly in the early years. Back to our discussion; You now believe you should take out some mortgage life insurance because you now have a new baby. What you need is a 20 year decreasing term policy which would usually be sufficient if you should die anywhere within the mortgage period. That is what mortgage life insurance is all about.

Some people add the waiver of premium benefit in case they should become disabled for at least 6 months the life insurance company will pay the premium for them. As an alternative to the decreasing term policy some policy owners use a 20 year term policy. If that person should die when there is only $50,000 owed for example, they have a little extra to put in the pockets of the beneficiary. $50,000 to the bank and the other $50,000 to the beneficiary. There is another alternative if you have some cash to play with.

Mortgage Redemption And Cancellation Life Insurance Insurance

Here is how this works. Let us use the above situation as an example. You are at the 5 year point just like in the mortgage life insurance example. What you do is buy a whole life or variable life insurance policy for $95,000, which is the amount owed on the mortgage. You are putting out a lot more premium but if this works right you will be happy about your decision. If you die before the mortgage is paid off the insurance policy will pay it off. Remember your whole life or variable life policy accumulates cash value. There are no guarantees, but at some time between the 5 year point and the 25 year point the cash value of your policy will be equal to the amount owed on the mortgage. You can cash out the policy or take a loan on it and pay off the balance of the mortgage. You would have redeemed your mortgage. You now own your house free and clear. Now is that not a great idea?

Click the link below to learn more about the varying uses of life insurance.

For more than 40 years Donald has been known for his extensive knowledge of the life insurance business. He has represented some of the largest and best life insurance companies in the United States as well as Canada. His advice is invaluable.

Donald’s website is: http://www.lifeinsurancehub.net

Posted by admin as Best Insurance at 2:40 AM CST

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While not a life insurance product, I think it is worth mentioning about the other two more popular types of insurance. Instead of paying a death benefit, critical illness insurance and disability insurance pay a living benefit.

Critical illness (CI) insurance was developed by a South African doctor in the early 1980’s after he was alarmed that while many of his patients had standard life insurance, it was of no use to them if they had a heart attack and survived. Critical illness insurance will pay a lump sum benefit should you be diagnosed with a serious illness or condition and survive a set time frame (usually one month). The big three conditions are heart attack, stroke and cancer - but some insurance companies add additional 18 - 20 conditions under their plans (leukemia, severe burns, loss of limbs…). CI application forms are very similar to their life insurance counterparts, the biggest difference being that a far greater weight is placed on you immediate family’s health history. The insurance company needs to know if there is a history of heart attack or other diseases to determine your eligibility for this type of insurance.

It is vitally important to read and understand the definitions of all of these illnesses, as some of them can be very technical. Also you will have additional riders (add-ons), that you can select when you sign up for this type of insurance - the most popular being the ‘return of premium’ rider (ROP). If you select the return of premium rider, you will be able to have all (or a portion) of your premiums refunded to you, if you have not collected on the policy over a specific timeframe.

Disability insurance will pay a monthly benefit while you are disabled and cannot work or perform your regular duties. This type of insurance while not complicated does have a tremendous amount variation. Firstly the monthly benefit that is paid to you generally cannot exceed 66% of your current salary; you will need to wait a specific waiting period before you collect the benefit, the benefit can last for two or five years or until you reach age 65. All of these factors will determine how much you monthly premiums will cost.

There will be additional riders (add-ons) that you will need to consider at the time of application. You can select a return of premium rider (as described above), a future needs rider (you have the option to get more money as you age and salary increases), a cost of living rider (the benefit is increased with inflation), an own occupation rider (you cannot perform your job - but can you work elsewhere?).

As you can see there are plenty of variations with both of these types of insurance and you should discuss the availability and other factors with your broker.

Posted by admin as Best Insurance at 11:34 PM CST

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Having even a teeny-tiny car accident can be one of life’s least enjoyable moments. However, accidents happen, and sooner or later, we all have the experience of meeting one of our fellow road travelers up close and personal. Using the following seven steps to filing your claim will help you get over this speed bump as smoothly as possible.

Step 1: Understand your policy

Before a loss, sit down and carefully read your insurance policy. Call your agent or company if you have any questions about what is or is not covered.

Step 2: Exchange information

If you are involved in an accident, get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance carrier, and insurer’s phone number. Be prepared to give the same information about yourself to the other driver. You can find insurers’ telephone numbers on the proof-of-insurance cards that should be carried on your person when operating a motor vehicle.

Step 3: Identify witnesses

Ask witnesses to the accident for their names and phone numbers in case their account of the accident is needed.

Step 4: File an accident report

Contact local law enforcement officers to have an accident report prepared. If law enforcement is not reachable, accident reports and detailed instructions are available at all police departments, sheriff’s offices, your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, and on your local Department of Motor Vehicles’ web site.

Step 5: Notify your insurer

Contact your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. An insurance adjuster will review the accident report to determine who caused the accident. If the accident was not your fault, you can have either your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company handle the repair or replacement of your vehicle. If you use the other driver’s company, you will not have a claim on your automobile policy and you will not have to pay a deductible.

Step 6: Do not release insurers too early

Do not relieve your insurance company of its responsibility until the damages are settled to your satisfaction. For example, have your insurance company handle the claim if the other party’s insurance company questions its policyholder’s negligence or offers an unacceptable settlement.

Step 7: Consider these settlement factors

. Bodily injuries: You may be entitled to a monetary settlement for injuries caused by another at fault (liable) party. It can take several days for some injuries to become apparent.

. Damages: The insurance company is responsible to pay for the reasonable cost of repairs to your vehicle. An insurance adjuster will assess the damage. Usually, insurance companies and auto body shops negotiate disagreements about what should be repaired. If you disagree with their conclusions, you have the right to obtain another appraisal at any auto body shop.

. Appraisal clause: Most auto insurance policies include an appraisal clause, which can be used to help settle disputes about physical damage claims between you and your insurance company. (The appraisal clause does not apply for claims you file with the other party’s insurance company.) If you cannot reach an agreement with your company, you or your insurer can initiate the appraisal clause. Your appraiser and your insurer’s appraiser then select an independent umpire to try to resolve the dispute. Check your policy or ask your agent or insurance company for more information about the appraisal clause.

And that is it. While filing a claim is certainly no fun, following these seven steps will make the process almost as easy as getting free quotes and purchasing your car insurance at http://www.carinsurance.com.

Visit http://www.carinsurance.com For Your Free Quote

Jon Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.

CarInsurance.com’s online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.

Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don’t have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online…anytime!

Posted by admin as Best Insurance at 8:40 PM CST

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BPH, or benign prostate hyperplasia, is a standard medical phrase for an enlarged prostate gland. In simple terms this actually means that the prostate, a mass which wraps around the urethra and lies beneath the bladder, enlarges this can impair or even stop urinary flow. The prostatic gland grows with age and can engender complaints for example micturition difficulties, reduced urinary stream, and the retention of residual urine within the bladder. Night time frequency and persistent infections of the urinary system are other symptoms that can result from prostatic swelling.

What Is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia? Prostate enlargement is considered a common condition of males over 60. It’s advocated that males in their fifties are examined by their personal doctors on an annual basis, regardless of the presentation of problems, for the upkeep of prostatic wellness. Inability to urinate or blood is discovered whilst urinating is a sign to seek immediate medical intervention. Treatments for prostate enlargement may be surgical procedures or medication. However, impotence or inability to control micturition can be experienced after surgery. An alpha blocker or medicines to shrink the abnormal prostate are frequently suggested for better prostatic wellness, however, medications often have undesirable repercussions so what are the alternatives?

We do recommend you review our one of a kind resource for African pygeum hints…

Swollen Prostate Gland Troubles? A Herbal Way to a More Healthy Prostate Gland: — To ease any problems connected with prostate gland enlargement and also to encourage improved prostate gland fitness, several remedies may be suggested. Inflammation is greatly reduced by the treatment Afican pygeum, providing ease from the symptoms. Derived from the fruit of an evergreen plant native to southern Africa, African pygeum has been used extensively by the Europeans as a treatment for better prostatic health. Dietetic changes for example a reduction in fat consumption can improve symptoms, and in addition excercising more, frequency of ejaculations to relieve the pressure in the prostate, and avoiding periods of prolonged sitting. Consumption of over the counter anti-histamines and decongestant medicines may aggravate any symptoms of an enlarged prostate, consume these with caution. Further hints also include to avoid any drinking close to bedtime in cutting down urination overnight, and reducing alcoholic beverages and coffee and tea intake may also prove useful. Prostatic function can also respond to other natural remedies which are saw palmetto extract, Borago officinalis oil capsules, the element selenium, and lycopene, a compound obtained from tomatoes. Before starting your alternative treatment plan don’t forget to talk over your plans with your healthcare professional.

Posted by admin as Uncategorized at 9:46 AM CST

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Choosing the best insurance policies for your home can cause a lot of confusion. Many homebuyers are not fully educated about the coverage needed to protect a home or real estate investment. Many difficult situations can be caused by natural disasters. If you purchase real estate in or relocate to an area prone to hurricanes or floods it is important to know you have sufficient coverage. Read your policy carefully, ask questions and know the facts. Consider all of the options and get the advice of a real estate or insurance professional you can trust.

Come Rain Or Come Shine

Hurricane insurance is also referred to as Wind and Hail insurance and it works to cover the cost of rebuilding your home in the event of hurricane damages. Knowing the full extent of your coverage is essential. First choose the best deductible. Homeowners can purchase Wind and Hail insurance with a deductible based on a percentage of damages that may occur. This deductible will increase as the amount of damages increases. The monthly payments are often lower, but the out-of-pocket expense is higher. Homeowner’s can also purchase hurricane insurance with a fixed “all peril” deductible. This means whether you have $2000 of damage or $50,000 you pay the same deductible. You may pay a higher monthly payment, but in high-risk areas an “all peril” deductible can save thousands of dollars.

You should also be certain your policy contains specific coverage such as Loss of Use. This provides funds for you to return to your home and it can even cover a dwelling on your property while you reconstruct. The amount you are paid depends the value of your home. Contents Replacement Cost is another form of coverage that can be beneficial. It allows you to have your items replaced at the current value. You can choose to receive cash as well, but the cash value of the items is subject to depreciation. A Living Expense Clause is another good option for protection. It provides homeowners with an income while recovering from hurricane damage and loss.

When The Waters Keep Rising Flood insurance and hurricane insurance are separate policies. Flood insurance is a product of the National Flood Insurance Program, which is part of FEMA. Flood insurance cannot be paid by escrow it must be paid up front by the insured. According to the official website of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), www.floodsmart.gov, flood insurance covers “structural damage and mechanicals…flood debris cleanup and floor surfaces like tile and carpeting.” You can purchase more coverage to insure personal property, such as furniture and appliances. In order to purchase a flood insurance policy homeowners and real estate investors must own in a low-risk or high-risk community that participates in the NFIP. There are three standard Flood Insurance policy forms offered by the NFIP: the Dwelling Form, the General Property Form and the Residential Condominium Building Association Policy form. Each policy is based on how the building is occupied.

When Disaster Strikes

If a natural disaster occurs in your region and many residents suffer damage by wind or flood there are many options for homeowners in financial trouble. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has a special insurance program that falls under Section203(h) of the National Housing Act to assist disaster victims. You can learn more about this program at www.hud.gov. Lenders such as Freddie Mac and Taylor, Bean & Whitaker also offer special programs to assist disaster victims. Many lenders have encouraged mortgage brokers to suspend late fees and delinquency penalties for hard hit coastal areas. They have also enacted grace periods so homeowners can refrain from making mortgage payments and avoid being reported to the Credit Bureau. Also, many states have emergency management departments that work with FEMA is situations like Hurricane Katrina. These agencies, like the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, can be of service to any homeowner in Virginia living in a region declared a Major Disaster Area by the President of the United States.

When you invest in real estate it is essential that you understand the types of insurance coverage that will best protect your property. Research your region and get advice from the professionals. To learn more about homeowner’s insurance please visit www.vonncannonrealestate.com and read Dangerous Liaisons: Tips For Securing Homeowner’s Insurance.

Posted by admin as Best Insurance at 1:06 PM CST

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In recent years sales of critical illness insurance have flagged. The primary cause is the huge 70% increase in premiums experienced during recent years. For many, critical illness insurance has simply priced itself out of the market.

It’s not that critical illness insurance is a bad idea. After all it pays out a lump sum if the policyholder is diagnosed with one of the many critical illnesses listed on the policy and the policyholder survives at least 28 days from diagnosis. (Note: some policies have a 14 day survival period.) Most policies have a huge list of insured illnesses although about 60% of claims are for cancer - not surprising, as 1 in every 3 people will develop cancer sometime in their lifetime. In fact when you look at the concept of Critical illness insurance you can easily make a case that everyone living on earned income should have a policy. It’s designed to give you a pot of capital to live on if serious illness prevents you from working normally.

Premiums have increased dramatically because medical advances have meant that many illnesses that proved fatal in the past are becoming quicker to detect and easier to treat. Hence insurance companies have found themselves paying out earlier on claims and on illnesses which are not necessarily debilitating - which was the original purpose of critical illness insurance.

To give you a better idea of the sort of illnesses we’re talking about, here’s a typical list:

Alzheimer’s Disease

Aorta Graft surgery

Bacterial Meningitis

Blindness

Brain Tumour

Cancer

CJD

Coma

Coronary Artery by-pass surgery

Coronary Artery Angioplasty

Deafness

Heart attack

Heart Valve replacement/repair

HIV/AIDS resulting from blood transfusion

Inability to perform your duties of occupation

Kidney failure

Leukaemia

Loss of limbs

Loss of speech

Major organ transplant

Motor Neuron diseases

Multiple Sclerosis

Occupational HIV/AIDS

Paralysis

Paraplegia

Parkinson’s disease

Stroke

Third Degree burns

Any illness that results in Total and Permanent disability

Insurance companies have at last realised that they’re not going to get anywhere marketing policies that people can’t or won’t afford, and where the companies can’t afford to lower prices. So it now looks as if insurers such as Scottish Widows are considering a break through - splitting the cover so that the prospective policyholder can specify which illnesses he or she wants to insure against. It’s a form of “menu pricing” - cover for each illness would have a price and you simply select which illnesses you want to insure against.

Whether such insurance proves popular will very much depend on the cost. For example, if cancer accounts for around 60% of current claims, you’d expect the premium for covering cancer alone to be about 40% cheaper than a full strength critical illness policy. We’ll have to wait and see.

If you’re interested to find out how much a standard critical illness policy would cost you, you’ll find it cheapest on the Internet. The best sites to look out for are the independent discounting brokers who deal with all the big insurance providers. These brokers can search the whole market for you, come up with the cheapest insurer, and discount their price. Try to use a broker who’ll also give you personal advice on the phone as some policies do vary in the scope of their cover.

Michael writes for Scrouge Life Insurance who offer life insurance quotes and critical illness insurance. Click here for more life insurance topics

Posted by admin as Best Insurance at 8:11 AM CST

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Wholesale travel can encompass a variety of vacation experiences. You can stay at resort properties, condo properties, timeshare properties, privately owned properties, vacation homes, or coastal beach homes. The keys to finding great wholesale travel opportunities are understanding how the tourism industry operates and having flexibility in your travel plans.. Get Health And Diet Foods Wholesale Manufacturers at Salehoo wholesale directories and help your business. These are comprehensive wholesale directories that are targeted towards retailers individual consumers wholesalers and auctioneers. Read on about Health And Diet Foods Wholesale Manufacturers and Salehoo Wholesalers. Next research web businesses that sell crystal and offer affiliate programs. More on Health And Diet Foods Wholesale Manufacturers at Salehoo wholesalers.

This is called wholesaling. Read on about Health And Diet Foods Wholesale Manufacturers. There is a lot of work and expense in storing and shipping inventory. More on Health And Diet Foods Wholesale Manufacturers

Find out more about Health And Diet Foods Wholesale Manufacturers and how Salehoo directory can help you start your own business from home. Health And Diet Foods Wholesale Manufacturers: Using bulk wholesale distributors can grant you full control over your business.

Get: Health And Diet Foods Wholesale Manufacturers at Salehoo wholesale directories, and get a head start in your own startup business. The only way to thrive in your startup business is to get quality products cheaply, and from 100%, weekly verified wholesale suppliers from all over the world. CLICK BELOW for FULL DETAILS Inside

Posted by admin as Barters + Auctions, Commerce Guide, Sales Info at 11:11 PM CST

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Why does health insurance cost so much? Year after year, many of the articles that appear in print detail the specific factors driving the cost of healthcare.

These factors include: general inflation, advances in drugs and other medical devices, rising hospital and doctor expenses, government mandates, increased consumer demand, litigation, fraud, and cost shifting.

The basic answer is that a magic bullet to solve the cost of insurance does not exist because the real difficulty is controlling the cost of healthcare. A simple way to dramatically decrease the dollars spent on healthcare is to reduce the demand for healthcare.

I have seen estimates that up to 40% of all healthcare related expenses result from preventable conditions. These preventable conditions are caused by lifestyle choices such as tobacco, obesity, stress, lack of exercise and poor diet.

Most of us, myself included, make lifestyle choices everyday that eventually increase our demand for healthcare. We are never going to be able to totally eliminate all lifestyle related healthcare costs. However, improved lifestyle choices would cause a dramatic reduction in demand. This would then result in a similar reduction in the dollars spent on healthcare.

Lower demand for healthcare would result in lower health insurance costs, increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism. If your organization has not done so already, your organizational leaders need to seriously consider the benefits of health promotion and disease prevention programs. Your return on investment will most likely be as high as 2:1 in the first year.

Michael Ertel is the President of Ertel & Company, Inc. and has over 15 years of experience in the health insurance business. He is the founder of MedicalInsuranceNow.com which is an internet based service that assists individuals, families, and small business owners by providing side by side comparisons of health insurance alternatives and the convenience of applying for health coverage online.

Posted by admin as Best Insurance at 3:20 PM CST

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