January 2022 - Healthedly Insurance Services

Physical Activity Promotes Better Balance

Physical activity is essential for maintaining good health, and one aspect of health that is often overlooked is balance. Balance is the ability to maintain your body’s center of gravity over your feet, and it is crucial for everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, and even sitting in a chair. Poor balance can lead to falls, which can result in serious injuries, particularly in older adults.

Fortunately, regular physical activity can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Here’s how:

Physical Activity…

Strengthens the muscles that help maintain balance:

Physical activity can strengthen the muscles in the legs, ankles, and core, which are essential for balance. Strong leg muscles, for example, can help you maintain your balance when you are walking on uneven surfaces or when you need to quickly adjust your stance. Strong ankle muscles can help you maintain your balance when you are standing on one foot, and a strong core can help you maintain your balance when you are sitting or standing upright.

Improves coordination:

Physical activity that involves moving different parts of the body at the same time can improve coordination and balance. For example, activities such as dancing, tai chi, and yoga require you to coordinate your movements with your breath and focus on your body’s alignment.

Increases proprioception:

Proprioception is the ability to sense the position of your body in space. Physical activity that involves moving through different planes of motion, such as side-to-side or rotational movements, can improve proprioception and balance. For example, activities such as Pilates, martial arts, and sport-specific training can all help improve proprioception.

Increases the range of motion in the joints:

As we age, the range of motion in our joints can decrease, which can affect balance. Physical activity that involves stretching and moving through a full range of motion can help increase the range of motion in the joints and improve balance.

Increases blood flow to the brain:

Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve brain function, including balance.

It’s important to choose physical activities that challenge your balance and that are appropriate for your fitness level.

Some examples of balance-improving activities include:

Standing on one foot
Walking heel to toe
Walking on a line or beam
Standing on an unstable surface, such as a balance board or Bosu ball
Doing balance exercises with a resistance band
Doing balance exercises with your eyes closed

It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

In conclusion, physical activity is essential for maintaining good balance and reducing the risk of falls. By strengthening the muscles that help maintain balance, improving coordination, increasing proprioception, increasing the range of motion in the joints, and increasing blood flow to the brain, physical activity can help you maintain good balance and improve your overall health.

For more information on health insurance or healthy tips, visit us through Healthedly Insurance Services to learn more.

January 28, 2022

Preventative Exams: A Necessity For Testing For Cervical Cancer

General

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells lining the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. It is a cancer that is preventable and treatable if caught early enough. One way to catch it early is through preventative exams. These tests are done to look for cancer before any symptoms appear.

Preventative exams for cervical cancer include the Pap test and the HPV test.

The Pap test is a test that looks for abnormal cells on the cervix. Meanwhile, the HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause this type of cancer.

It is important for women to get these preventative exams regularly, especially if they are sexually active. The American Cancer Society recommends that women start getting Pap tests at age 21. They should continue getting them every three years until age 65. After age 65, women who have had normal Pap test results for the past 10 years and no history of this cancer can stop getting Pap tests.

HPV testing is recommended for women over age 30, as this is when the risk for cervical cancer increases. Women who have had abnormal Pap test results should receive testing. Moreover, those who have a history of cervical cancer should also consider getting HPV testing.

Getting preventative exams is crucial for catching cervical cancer early, as it is often asymptomatic in its early stages.

When caught early, this type of cancer is highly treatable and can often be cured with surgery or radiation therapy.

There are also ways to prevent cervical cancer, such as getting vaccinated against HPV. You can use condoms during sexual activity, and not smoking. It is important for women to be proactive about their health. If you are a woman, get regular preventative exams to ensure the early detection and treatment of this cancer.

Overall, preventative exams are crucial for testing for cervical cancer. They can catch the cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. This can help prevent the spread of this deadly disease. Women must make sure they are getting regular preventative exams and taking steps to prevent this cancer.

For more information on health insurance or healthy tips, visit us through Healthedly Insurance Services to learn more.

January 27, 2022

Prioritize Preventative HealthCare

General, Health Resources

Preventative healthcare is an underused approach to medicine, and more and more doctors and patients alike clamor for the need to prioritize preventative measures.

Keep reading to find out why we need to prioritize preemptive healthcare:

Prevention can help to reduce the burden of illness:

Preventative healthcare measures, such as vaccines, screenings, and lifestyle interventions, can help to reduce the burden of illness in the population. This can lead to improved health outcomes and a lower overall cost of healthcare.

Prevention can help to reduce healthcare costs:

By preventing illness and disease, preventive healthcare can help to reduce healthcare costs. This is because the cost of treating an illness or disease is often much higher than the cost of preventing it.

Prevention can help to improve quality of life:

Prioritizing preventative healthcare can help to improve quality of life by allowing individuals to live healthier and more productive lives.

Preventative measures can help to reduce health inequities:

Preemptive healthcare measures can also help to reduce health inequities by ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need to maintain good health.

Preventative care can help to address emerging health threats:

Prioritizing preventative healthcare can also help to address emerging health threats, such as pandemics, by providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to prevent the spread of disease.

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January 26, 2022

American Red Cross blood crisis: How can we help?

Health

As of January 14, 2022, 68% of blood centers in the U.S. have under 3 days of blood supply. This is the minimum necessary to meet regular demand.

Under normal circumstances, the Red Cross supplies 40% of the U.S.’s national supply that hospitals use. However, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has seen a 10% decline in the number of people donating blood.

To solve this shortage, the Red Cross is raising awareness and urging individuals to donate blood.

“All types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood crisis,” wrote the American Red Cross in a press release.

If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and maintain a sufficient supply. Blood cannot be manufactured, and there is no alternative treatment for blood transfusion. It is therefore crucial for people to donate to save lives.

One unit of blood is equal to 500 milliliters. The American Red Cross predicts that 29,000 units of red cells are needed daily in the U.S. The average red cell transfusion is around three units. Yet, a car accident victim may require as many as 100 units. However, not everyone has been equally affected by the nationwide shortage.

During the initial phase of the pandemic in the U.S, the supply decreased.

However, our use decreased concurrently as elective and non urgent surgeries were canceled across the country. As these surgeries resumed, collection centers were unable to keep up with the demand.

One of the major reasons collection centers have been unable to keep up with the demand? Many of the ways in which people used to give blood have been curtailed or canceled. This is due to continued COVID-19-related restrictions.

Despite some loosening of these restrictions in various parts of the country, the repeated surges of COVID-19 disease have continued to depress donations. Many hospitals and other organizations are sponsoring blood drives. However, the return on these is also decreasing. This means successive drives are not garnering the same amount of donations as they did in the past.

For more information on health insurance or healthy tips, visit us through Healthedly Insurance Services to learn more.

January 21, 2022

3 Ways Social Media Hurt Mental Health During the Pandemic

General

The worldwide Pandemic and lockdown utterly changed the face of American social and corporate life. Forced to stay in our houses for months caused an unprecedented trend towards dependency on digital platforms. But even now, Americans’ face-to-face interactions take a back seat more and more to social media.

Though most Americans no longer need to remain at home, the year spent in isolation with only virtual communication as a constant companion has its lasting effects.

1)Social Media causes increase in Anxiety and Depression

Social media offers real time access to current news and events going on around the world. Thus, this constant exposure to tragedies and catastrophes occurring globally can be unsettling. The amount of people struggling with anxiety and depression has dramatically risen since lockdown began in 2022.

2)Social Media causes decrease in face-to-face interactions

Due to government mandates, social distancing became a way of life during the Pandemic. Consequently, this meant a massive drop in human interactions in Americans’ day to day lives. Digital social apps became a huge tool of communication with loved ones and strangers alike. But studies show that even social media interaction cannot replace face-to-face socialization. Even though the Pandemic is over, reliance on communication apps continues to rise. This means a steady decrease in actual human interactions.

3)Pressure to gain social clout

In the digital age we live in, the pressure to become popular via apps like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok only grows daily. The Pandemic accelerated this trend. These platforms, especially TikTok, gained millions of users seeking a boost in serotonin and companionship while in lockdown. With nothing to do but stay at home all day, many began to see social media apps as their ticket to popularity and success during the Pandemic. It became the hot new scene since high school and college starting going virtual. All the issues plaguing modern schools like bullying and worship of popularity transferred to social media platforms.

If you are struggling with your mental health and want answers, begin by discovering the right healthcare provider for you.

January 20, 2022

Is It Possible To Diagnose MS Early?

General

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It is characterized by the destruction of myelin, a protective coating surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This destruction can lead to a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and balance, numbness and tingling, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties.

MS is a complex disease, and it can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

In fact, it is estimated that it takes an average of five years for a person with MS to receive an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of MS can be vague and non-specific, and they can also be similar to those of other conditions. Additionally, there is no single test that can definitively diagnose MS. Instead, the diagnosis is usually made based on a combination of factors, including the person’s medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and laboratory tests.

One of the challenges in diagnosing MS early is that the disease can present itself in different ways.

Some people with MS experience what is known as a “clinically isolated syndrome” (CIS). A CIS is a single episode of neurological symptoms that lasts for at least 24 hours. This can include things like a single episode of optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve). This in turn can cause vision loss in one eye. Others may experience what is known as “relapsing-remitting MS”. This is characterized by intermittent flare-ups of symptoms followed by periods of remission. Still others may have a more progressive form of the disease. In this case, symptoms get worse over time without any clear periods of remission.

Another challenge in diagnosing MS early is that the symptoms of the disease can vary widely from person to person.

Some people may have mild symptoms that are barely noticeable. Meanwhile, others may have more severe symptoms that significantly impact their daily lives. This makes it difficult to identify the disease in its early stages. Why? It may not be obvious that something is wrong.

Despite these challenges, it is still possible to diagnose MS early. One key to early diagnosis is being aware of the potential symptoms of the disease. Thus, you can seek early medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms. If you have a family history of MS, you are at higher risk for the disease. For example, if you are a woman between the ages of 20 and 40, it is especially important to pay attention to any changes in your health.

If you do go to see a doctor about potential MS symptoms, they will likely perform a physical examination and ask you about your medical history. They may also order imaging tests, such as an MRI, to look for abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord. They may also order laboratory tests, such as blood tests, to look for markers of inflammation or other abnormalities.

In addition to these traditional diagnostic tests, there are also newer technologies that can help with the diagnosis of MS.

For example, researchers are exploring the use of evoked potential tests. These tests measure the brain’s response to stimuli, to help diagnose the disease. These tests can be particularly useful in detecting MS in its early stages. They can detect changes in the brain that may not be visible on an MRI.

Research continues into the use of biomarkers to diagnose MS. Biomarkers are substances in the body that can be measured and used as indicators of a particular disease or condition. Researchers are looking for biomarkers that can help identify MS at an early stage. These biomarkers can also predict the course of the disease and the effectiveness of different treatment options.

Overall, it is possible to diagnose MS early. But, it can be challenging due to the wide range of symptoms and the lack of a single diagnostic test.

However, early diagnosis is important because it can allow for earlier treatment and potentially better outcomes. Early treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and can also help to manage symptoms more effectively.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be related to MS, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help to determine the cause of your symptoms and provide you with the appropriate treatment and support.

In conclusion, early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is possible. However, it can be difficult due to the wide range of symptoms and the lack of a single diagnostic test. However, early diagnosis is important because it allows for earlier treatment and potentially better outcomes. If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be related to MS, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. Your doctor can determine the cause and receive the appropriate treatment and support.

Don’t forget that it’s never too late to enroll with Healthedly Insurance Services for your life insurance.

January 19, 2022

At-Home Tests May Miss New Variant

News

Some at-home tests may miss variant Omicron in early stages of infection

Experts recently discovered that the Abbott BinaxNOW and Quidel QuickVue rapid at-home COVID tests might sometimes miss traces of the Omicron variant in the first days after contraction.

The researchers create a focus group with 30 people infected with COVID at five different workplaces. These participants experienced what were most likely outbreaks of the Omicron variant that began last month. The focus group received both saliva-based PCR tests and rapid antigen-based tests involving nasal swabs.

It took three days, on average, for the group to test positive on the two rapid antigen tests. After their first positive PCR result, researchers reported that in four cases, participants of the study transmitted the virus to others even after a negative result.

Moreover, studies have also surfaced that some people who initially tested negative on antigen nose-swab tests then went on to receive a positive result after swabbing the back of their throats.

The latest study is consistent with other preliminary evidence that the at-home tests may fail to detect some Omicron cases in the early days of infection.

Thus, people should remain cautious after getting negative results, especially when they exhibit symptoms or believe they may have come into contact with the virus.

Why are the rapid at-home tests missing Omicron in the early stages of infection? They only detect proteins lying on the surface of the coronavirus. Experts say that if mutations in the virus change the structure of these proteins, antigen tests might miss the variant.

The study comes a week after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released its own update on the effectiveness of the rapid antigen tests. But early data suggests that antigen tests do detect the Omicron variant but may reduce sensitivity.

Many of those studies began too early with small focus groups, so much more data is needed.

The at-home tests can deliver results in minutes and positive results are more reliable. They can be an important tool alongside PCR tests, which can take days to come back. However a significant amount of testing still needs to be done.

The FDA update was not the first sign of decreased sensitivity with the rapid tests. Overall, the researchers found that the tests were less sensitive to Omicron than to previous variants.

Hopefully in the near future, at-home tests will be able to distinguish the Omicron variant from other variants.

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Don’t forget that it’s never too late to enroll with Healthedly Insurance Services for your life insurance.

January 13, 2022

Biden Administration To Offer Free At-Home Covid-19 Tests

General

Biden Aministration announces decision to make insurance companies cover at-home covid-19 tests

As of Saturday, private health insurers will need to cover at least eight home COVID-19 tests each month for people on their plans.

The Biden Administration announced this huge change on Monday. By starting this new push to at-home COVID testing, the current administration hopes to lower costs and make testing for COVID-19 more convenient. This could also result in cases going down.

Under the new policy, Americans will be able to either purchase home testing kits for free with their insurance or submit receipts for the tests for reimbursement. PCR tests and rapid tests ordered or administered by a health provider will continue to be fully covered by insurance with no limit. Say goodbye to spending money every week on at-home COVID tests.

Despite this announcement, President Joe Biden faced criticism over the holiday season for a shortage of at-home rapid tests at a critical time of the year. The shortage occurred at a time when many Americans travel to see family. Therefore, there was a surge in cases from the more transmissible omicron variant.

Now the administration is working to make COVID-19 home tests more readily available.

The federal government will also launch a public website to begin making 500 million at-home COVID-19 tests available via mail. Now you can order whenever you like and get it delivered right to your doorstep! Best part? You don’t have to pay for the test.

They also plan to scale up emergency rapid-testing sites in areas experiencing the greatest surges in cases.

Only tests purchased on or after Jan. 15 will be required to be reimbursed, the administration informed insurance companies. Some insurers may choose to cover the costs of at-home tests purchased earlier, but it will not be required.

Are you looking for the right health insurance plan for you and your loved ones? Start by getting a free quote today

January 12, 2022

Women May Be Impacted Differently Than Men When It Comes To Heart Disease

General

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. However, research has shown that women may be affected differently than men when it comes to unhealthy hearts. While both genders can experience heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, the symptoms and risk factors for women may differ from those of men.

One key difference is that women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms during a heart attack.

While men may experience chest pain and pressure, women may experience more subtle symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue. This can lead to delays in seeking medical attention, which can be dangerous as heart attacks can be life-threatening.

Risk factors for heart disease can also vary between men and women. In men, common risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Meanwhile, women face additional risk factors such as stress and depression that may also play a role. Hormonal changes during menopause can also increase a woman’s risk of heart disease. So can certain medications such as birth control pills.

Women may also have different responses to treatment for heart disease. For example, women may not experience the same benefits from aspirin as men. Unfortunately, aspirin is commonly prescribed to prevent heart attacks. Additionally, women may have a harder time recovering from heart surgery and may have a higher risk of complications.

One of the reasons for these differences is that women’s hearts are smaller and structured differently than men’s hearts.

This can make it more difficult for doctors to diagnose heart problems in women. This may also affect how treatment is administered.

It’s important for women to be aware of their own risk factors for heart disease and to take steps to reduce those risks. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking. Women should also be proactive about their heart health. They should also speak to their doctors about any concerns or questions they may have.

It’s also important for healthcare providers to be aware of the unique risks and symptoms that women may face when it comes to heart disease. This includes being aware of the atypical symptoms that women may experience during a heart attack. It also includes taking a more holistic approach to treatment that takes into account the unique needs of women.

Overall, it’s clear that women may be affected differently than men when it comes to unhealthy hearts.

Both women and healthcare providers need to be aware of these differences and to take steps to prevent and treat heart disease in women. By understanding the unique risks and symptoms that women face, we can work towards better heart health for all.

Wondering about what health coverage that you could be eligible for? Well, look no further than Healthedly. Give us a call at 855-522-2201 so our agents can give you a free quote for health insurance.

January 11, 2022

Children Under 5 Await To Be Vaccinated for COVID-19

News

At this point during the pandemic, kids under 5 make up only a tiny fraction of the number of people who’ve been sick. This age group accounts for 2.7% of total Covid-19 cases, but only 6% of the overall US population.

Kids are far less likely to be hospitalized or die from Covid-19 than adults. Children make up 1.2% of the hospitalizations and 0.02% of the deaths. But the virus is still a threat to them, regardless. Hence, the push to release a COVID-19 vaccine designed especially for children becomes crucial.

Recently, Dr. Claudia Hoyen, director of pediatric infection control at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, reported the highest number of Covid patients in the hospital in the past week. That number far exceeded anything seen during the pandemic.

This recent surge in children cases increased the urgency for a child-friendly vaccine. Dr. Bill Hartman runs the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine trial for kids 6 months to 5 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He thinks that a vaccine for this age group could be available as early as the first or second month of 2022. He says they are making the vaccine a priority due to the rising number of COVID cases in the children under five demographic. Hartman announced a new study to create an effective, child-friendly vaccine.

However, Hartman and his team saw so much interest that they had to shut down the recruitment line after only one day. But Hartman isn’t the only one starting to seek protection for children against COVID-19.

Dr. Simon Li works hard on the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine trial. He claims his study will follow tested children for two years to measure efficacy of their vaccine.

Moderna also plans to gather data on vaccines in younger children over the course of the next few years. Only Johnson & Johnson says it has not started trials of its Covid-19 vaccine for children younger than 12.

At first, Dr. Li thought it would be difficult to recruit children for the Pfizer/BioNTech trial. Parents can be protective, he said, especially when it comes to vaccines for their children. Thus, it can take a while to recruit volunteers.

The center initially needed to recruit about 150 children ages 6 months to 11 years.

In August, the US Food and Drug Administration asked Pfizer to enroll more participants to verify that there were no safety issues. Though there were only a handful of available spots, Li reported that another thousand people asked to be part of the trial.

Pfizer announced in an earnings call last week that in the first half of 2022, they intended to submit data from the trials to regulatory authorities.

The company reassured that the development of a third dose should not affect this timeline.

The more people the virus can infect, the more chance that it will evolve and become more infectious. We saw this happen when the Delta variant mutated.

Dr. Hartman advised parents to insulate kids from the COVID-19 virus until vaccines for children are released.

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January 4, 2022