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Packing For a Cruise: What You Need to Bring

Are you planning a cruise next year or in a few months? Cruises offer a fantastic way of seeing a part of the world by luxury liner, whether you want to explore a tropical paradise or see the Northern Lights. Cruise ships are an encapsulated metropolis, but you should still remember the motto “Always Prepared”. Cruise ships sometimes don’t dock for weeks at a time, so you will want to avoid the stress of needing an essential item but having to wait to get on dry land.

So, what do you need to pack for your next cruise? What should you add to your packing list? These are the essentials you will need for your next cruise.

Everyday outfits

Start with figuring out everyday outfits to wear daily on the trip. Choose a pair of your favorite shorts, skirt, or leggings to wear. Then find two or three tops that you can cycle through. Don’t forget comfy shoes, slippers, and sandals. Cruise ships tend to make stops at various tourist attractions along the way. Some of these locations include a place to hike or explore. Make sure you take along some good walking shoes for an excursion on land. If you are going on a Caribbean cruise, you will want a good swimsuit, hat, and other beachwear. For an Alaskan cruise, make sure to pack layers, like a couple of sweaters or a jacket and gloves.

Staying Active

You will want to stay active on board, to work off all those mimosas and all-you-can-eat brunches. Add your favorite activewear outfit to your suitcase so you can take advantage of the ship’s fitness facilities. Be sure to grab an extra sweater or jacket; if you are on an Alaskan cruise, you may want to go hiking and explore the beautiful northwest. It can get chilly that close to the Arctic circle!

Evening outfits

There are a number of cruise lines with relaxed rules around evening wear onboard a cruise ship. However, many of the luxury lines stipulate a more formal dress code in the evening. When planning your wardrobe, be sure to pick out a few business casual outfits, and even a couple of formal looks to wear on the ship at night.

Essentials

If you take a prescription medication, be sure to bring along more than enough for the cruise. It’s always best to have more than you need just in case and divide them into separate containers, in case you lose one. This way, you will not lose all of your medication if you happen to misplace a container.

Of course, grab all your toiletries and essential items you will need for a trip. Travel experts recommend taking along a first aid kit as well.

Are you planning on taking a relaxing cruise in the near future? If so, you should definitely look into travel insurance policies to protect yourself while globetrotting. If you want to get a free quote and chat with an agent about your options, give the team here at Healthedly a call.

December 19, 2022

Can Your Vision Affect Your Long-Term Mental Health?

General, Health, Self-care, Vision

Have you ever wondered if there is a correlation between your vision and your mental health?

Believe it or not, evidence exists that suggests that your eyesight can have an impact on your long-term mental health. For example, studies have shown that people with poor vision are at an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Poor vision can lead to decreased ability to participate in hobbies:

Poor eye health can limit an individual’s ability to participate in activities that they enjoy such as reading, watching television, or even driving a car. This can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even low self-esteem. This can contribute to the development of mental health issues.

Issues with vision result in becoming accident-prone:

Additionally, people with poor eyesight may be more likely to experience accidents or injuries, which can lead to mental health issues. A person with poor vision may be more likely to trip and fall, resulting in physical injuries and subsequently, emotional trauma. These kinds of experiences can trigger feelings of fear, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Eye strain increases fatigue and headaches:

Furthermore, eye strain can also have a negative impact on mental health. The eyes are closely connected to the brain, and the constant strain of trying to see can lead to headaches, fatigue, and even eye strain. These symptoms can be frustrating and can lead to feelings of irritability and stress, contributing to mental health issues.

It is important to note that not everyone with poor eyesight will develop mental health issues. However, if you are experiencing vision problems, it is important to address them and seek treatment if necessary. This can help to prevent any potential negative impacts on your mental health and overall well-being.

In conclusion, your eye health can have an impact on your long-term mental health. People with poor eyesight are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. It is important to address any vision problems and seek eye care if necessary in order to maintain good mental and ocular health.

Vision insurance can cushion any hefty bills incurred by a visit to the eye doctor. Are you looking for a vision insurance plan but have no idea where to start? Agents at Healthedly are standing by to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Enroll now so you can get your vision checked as soon as possible.

December 15, 2022

How to Identify Early Signs of a Stroke

General, Health, Health Resources, Medicaid, Self-care

In the U.S. today, strokes cause the majority of health complications. Recognizing the early signs of a stroke could be key in preventing serious injuries or fatalities from occurring. It could mean the difference in life or death, or mitigating severe effects caused by strokes.

Early warning signs of a stroke can be subtle. But equipping yourself with knowledge of these tells is crucial to saving yourself or a loved one.

Keep an eye out for:

Intense migraines
Loss of vision or impaired vision in one or both of the eyes
Numbness in the facial muscles
Numbness or sudden weakness in a leg or arm
Slurring speech or brain fog
Comprehension impairment, difficulty understanding
Increased dizziness or difficulty with walking

Keep the FAST acronym in mind if you suspect the onset of a stroke:

F – Facial muscles drooping or numb

A – Arm weakness or impairment–inability to use an arm or lift it up

S – Slurred speech

T – Time to call 911 and get access to the necessary medical attention

Being able to identify the early signs of a stroke means you can seek medical attention earlier in such a scenario. If you or someone in your family is worried about health insurance coverage and want to learn your options, reach out to a Healthedly agent by calling 855-522-2201.

December 7, 2022

Are you ready for the 2022-2023 Flu Season?

Flu Season, General, Health, Health Resources

What you need to know about flu season 2022-2023

Flu season is back in full swing for Fall of 2022. Are you ready for it? Cool weather is rushing in, holiday festivities are ramping up, and that means more get togethers, more contact with others, and lack of social distancing. So, how are you going to avoid catching the flu?

What is CDC’s recommendation for getting a flu vaccine?

The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine at least once a year for everyone six months and up! If you are a senior, a new type of flu vaccine exists called the adjuvanted flu vaccine you should consider researching.

When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?

Doctors recommend September and October as the best time to get vaccinated. October should be the latest you get vaccinated. People older than 65 should not get vaccinated earlier than September, in August or July. In special cases, some children ought to get vaccinated twice for better protection against the flu.

Moreover, if you are pregnant, you should look into flu vaccines earlier since generally, your baby will not be able to get vaccinated in the first few months of life.

Is it safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time?

If you are eligible to receive both vaccines, you may be able to during the same visit. However, it is generally recommended that you get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. When October comes around, you can then receive the flu vaccine.

When will flu season hit its peak?

The flu season tends to hit its peak in February, so experts recommend that you get ahead of that peak and get your flu vaccine in the fall, in September or October, so your body has time to build up its immune system against this virus.

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.

November 28, 2022

When should you start taking Social Security?

General, Health, Health Resources, Medicare

You just turned 62. You’ve heard about Social Security, but you don’t know enough about it yet. If you keep reading you will discover the reality of social security and be able to determine when to start taking advantage of these benefits.

How much will the checks be?

The sooner you sign up for Social Security, the smaller the checks you receive will be. Every year you wait to sign up, that check gets larger. The latest you can wait to sign up is when you turn 70 years old. Why is this the case? The government has decided on an average human life expectancy. So, regardless of when you sign up between the ages of 62 to 70, the amount of lifetime benefits generally stays the same from person to person. So, don’t base your decision on the check size, but on your family situation, your finances, or your medical needs.

What are your retirement assets?

The first and foremost important thing to do is to evaluate your current situation, and any other retirement assets that may come into play. Remember that this decision is a personal one. Generally, if you can, it is recommended to wait as long as possible after you turn 62 to start taking social security benefits.

You will need to sign up for Medicare by age 65, and social security benefits can help pay for Medicare coverage. So, if you are planning to retire by age 65 and thus end employment-sponsored coverage, you will need to ensure you have the assets required to sustain Medicare payments.

What is right for you?

You will need to assess your situation, your assets, and your needs, to make an educated decision for when you wish to start taking social security.

If you are a senior citizen with questions about health coverage, Healthedly is here to help. You can call us at 855-522-2201 to get a free quote and learn more about what you are eligible for.

November 23, 2022

Hearing aids now available without a prescription!

General, Health, News

Hearing aids now available over the counter!

If you are a hearing aid user, you will be happy to hear that they just became available without a prescription! Even better, you can purchase a set for prices as low as $199 over the counter. Gone are the days of waiting for a prescription to improve your hearing capabilities or replace broken aids.

So, what does this mean for you exactly?

Before, we could only access hearing aids with a prescription from an auditory specialist. Generally, these devices cost thousands of dollars, even with a prescription. But now companies like Walmart promise to sell these audio-enhancing devices for prices as low as $199.

Dr. Frank Lin of John Hopkins University predicts that the hearing aid industry may need a few years to establish itself and sort out. But rest assured that before long, more and more retailers will make hearing aids available in stores near you. Lin also believes that prices will lower even more significantly in the next few years.

Over-the-counter aids will cost less mostly due to the fact that they will not be specifically tuned and fitted by an audiologist. However, manufacturers will make it possible for users to tune the aids for themselves thanks to phone apps and software.

Sony has announced OTC hearing aids manufactured at a South African-based company called hearX, which also creates Lexie devices.

Bose also plans to collaborate with hearX to develop Lexie hearing devices. Bose will partner with retailers such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Best Buy to develop hearing aids with hearX’s Lexie devices.

So, there will be no shortage of options to choose from, as the over-the-counter hearing aids market expands and grows.

About 37 million Americans struggle with their hearing. However, only 1 in 4 Americans who need these auditory-enhancing devices are able to access hearing aids.

This push to make hearing aids available over the counter will be huge in allowing new demographics of Americans access to better hearing.

If you are looking for health insurance coverage but don’t know where to start, look no further than Healthedly! Call 855-522-2201 for a free quote from our agents! We are here to answer any questions about health insurance enrollment that you might have!

November 22, 2022

Ways to Stay on Top of Kidney Health

General

Doctors always recommend taking preventative measures to lower the chances of future health complications. When it comes to kidney health, experts urge us to be particularly proactive. Why?

Your kidneys are crucial to your overall health, as they filter out toxins and excess amounts of water in your system. Hence, you should make sure to take the following steps to ensure your kidneys stay healthy.

Reducing your alcohol intake is one huge step to boosting kidney health. Alcohol contains a lot of sugar and toxins for your kidneys to filter out, so it is always a good rule of thumb to limit how many glasses of wine or beer you drink weekly.

Following a nutritious eating plan also helps to promote good health. Discuss a possible meal plan with your doctor to fuel your body with all the right kinds of proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Your physician may recommend that you exercise daily and target your ideal body weight to achieve optimum kidney health. As a general rule, exercise always tends to boost overall physical health.

Taking preventative measures against heart disease can always improve kidney health. Some ways to avoid heart disease include the implementation of a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, and ensuring your blood pressure remains at a safe level.

Kidneys do not like smoke. So, doctors encourage smokers to cut the habit as soon as possible to preserve the kidneys’ wellbeing.

Taking care of your body means promoting the longevity and quality of vital organs that keep your body functioning. Following these methods, you can prevent future complications from arising.

Are you looking for an insurance plan that fits YOUR needs and finances? Start today by getting a free quote or calling 855-522-2201. Healthedly is here to match you with the best healthcare provider for YOU.

September 28, 2022

5 Beautiful Cities to Add to Your Bucket List

General

Wondering where you should go for your next international adventure? Although, the world is full of incredible cities and landscapes to explore, but here are five places you need to add to your bucket list. Maybe one of these will be your next travel destination. Each of these cities are full of vibrant culture and history, and situated in a gorgeous landscape.

1)Assissi, Italy

Home of the famous St. Francis, patron saint of animals, Assisi sprawls on the side of Mount Subasio in the Umbria region of Italy. This small town features several beautiful, historical churches, including Basilica of Saint Francesco d’Assisi and Santa Maria Maggiore. The cobbled streets roll up and down, lined with shops and homes. Most interestingly, you can explore an ancient Roman temple of Minerva as well as an amphitheater. Everywhere around Assisi, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Umbrian hills.

2)Delphi, Greece

Once the home of the Pythian Oracle in Greek mythology, Delphi overlooks some gorgeous, rolling hills and mountains. Mount Parnassus towers over this small, stunning town. Moreover, there is no shortage of shops and restaurants to visit in Delphi. The culture and history of Greece fill every shop and street, and you can’t miss the opportunity of visiting the Temple of Apollo. The ruins of this ancient temple continue to stand on the side of the Pythian hills, and you can even hike to the crest of Mount Parnassus. Although Santorini often overshadows Delphi, don’t miss out on this historical gem of a town.

3)Prague, Czech Reublic

If you travel to Prague, you can find some magnificent museums of art and history in Prague. One of the most intriguing sights in the city is the looming castle near the Charles River. Don’t forget to try Trdelnik, a Czech pastry made of fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar. You can check out art by famous artists like Andy Warhol and Alphonse Mucha or see the incredible astronomical clock in the Old Town Square.

4)Reykjavik, Iceland

Located in southwestern Iceland, Reykjavik was the first Icelandic settlement. Moreover, Reykjavik remains one of the safest cities to visit in the world. This beautiful city overlooks the Faxaflol bay, with glaciers sparkling on the horizon. Live music festivals frequent Reykjavik, and New Year’s Eve garners much celebration from the locals, making it an enjoyable place to travel to over the holidays.

5)Zermatt, Switzerland

Situated in the German-speaking section of the Valais, Zermatt sprawls in a valley of the Swiss Alps. Every year, picturesque city draws thousands of tourists since it is a prime ski and mountaineering hub. Also, you can find luxury-class shopping in Zermatt. The beauty of this city takes visitors’ breath away, with breathtaking snowcapped alps surrounding Zermatt.

If you plan on travelling out of the country soon, don’t forget to invest in travel insurance. You should always be prepared, so start by getting a free quote today or call 855-522-2201.

September 27, 2022

Does Health Insurance Cover Breast Reduction Surgery?

General, Health

Extremely large breasts or macromastia can cause long-lasting health problems. In the United States, over 80,000 breast reductions occurred in 2021 according to the Aesthetic Society, a 49% increase from the previous year. Insurance companies typically consider reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) a cosmetic and elective procedure. But, under certain conditions it may become a medically necessary procedure. If you qualify, health insurance companies do cover this specific surgery’s costs under certain medical requirements.

Reasons breast reduction is medically necessary

A medical professional will have to determine that the surgery is medically necessary. Moreover, the doctor must also make sure you have tried nonsurgical means to treat the chronic health conditions of macromastia.

If you have health insurance, your provider should cover a reduction mammoplasty procedure to resolve a condition that causes:

back or neck pain
skin irritation
skeletal deformities
difficulty breathing
or other chronic health symptoms

How to make sure your insurance provider will cover a breast reduction

There are several steps to qualify for breast reduction surgery coverage. Get ready to spend some time with paperwork and providers to prove the surgery is a medical need. Follow these steps to determine whether this type of surgery is an appropriate treatment for your condition and whether your health plan will cover it:

Ask for medical documentation from a physician confirming that you have a medical condition that makes breast size a contributing factor in how you feel physically and emotionally on a daily basis (for example: back pain due to large breasts or breathing). Be prepared to provide this documentation when filing claims with the insurance company.
Find out what standard of proof must be met before they consider paying for the procedure — this may require multiple treatments before they approve breast reduction surgery as reasonable and necessary treatment (for example: weight loss/weight gain).

When you’re talking to your insurance provider about breast reduction surgery, you need to prepare beforehand, and understand the rules of your plan. If you have any questions or concerns about whether or not your health insurance will cover your surgery, talk to your friendly licensed agent at Healthedly to find the right plan today. Or, call 855-522-2201 for more information.

September 16, 2022

The Quick and Easy Guide to Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in 2023

ACA, General

A stethoscope and an open enrollment medical insurance form.

Open enrollment for health insurance in 2023 will be here sooner than you might think.

The earliest you can sign up for 2023 coverage through the federal government health insurance marketplace is Nov. 1, 2022, according to Healthcare.gov. General enrollment ends on Jan. 15, 2023.

It’s crucial to have a plan and make sure you find and purchase the health coverage you need before the open enrollment period ends. Otherwise, you may not be able to secure coverage or need to wait to see if you qualify for a special enrollment period.

There are plenty of questions about open enrollment for 2023. We’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make a more informed decision about your health care and insurance coverage.

Can I get Health Insurance Outside of Open Enrollment in 2023?

Yes, but only if you have a qualifying life event during that time. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) points to these qualifying events that open up special enrollment, including:

Loss of coverage (leaving a job that provided insurance, for example)
Loss of dependent status
Income increases or decreases that affect health care marketplace eligibility
Marriage
Change in immigration status

Additionally, if you’re close to age 65, you can sign up for Medicare once you are three months away from your birthday. You can also explore Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription Drug coverage.

Outside of those situations and a few others, you may not be able to purchase coverage outside of open enrollment for health insurance in 2023.

What if I Miss Open Enrollment for Health Insurance?

You can purchase short-term insurance from a private carrier if you miss open enrollment. These plans are an effective way to make sure you have some coverage. However, making sure you take action during open enrollment is your best option.

When Does Health Insurance Start After Open Enrollment?

The KFF explains that coverage can start at two points, assuming the first premium payment is made on time:

Enroll by Dec. 15, 2022, and coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2023.
Enroll after Dec. 15, 2022, and coverage begins on Feb. 1, 2023.

Can I Add My Spouse to My Health Insurance After Open Enrollment?

You can add a spouse to your health insurance within 60 days of your marriage. Otherwise, you generally need to wait until the next open enrollment period.

Will Pre-Existing Conditions be Covered in 2023?

Yes, pre-existing conditions are covered in 2023. An insurer in the health insurance marketplace can’t deny you coverage due to an existing medical issue.

Finding Health Insurance Coverage You Can Count On

There’s still time to look at health coverage, compare prices, and find a plan that works for you. Be prepared for open enrollment and start making your plan today.
Still looking for the right Health Insurance Plan? Browse available plans here!

September 14, 2022