Self-care Archives - Healthedly Insurance Services

Preventing Strokes and Heart Attacks: What You Need to Know

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and strokes are the fifth most common cause. This is why it is so important to understand not just the causes of heart disease and stroke, but also the signs and symptoms that should prompt you to seek medical attention.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of strokes and heart attacks. Let’s take a closer look at the causes, signs and symptoms, and preventative measures for stroke and heart attack.

What Causes Stroke and Heart Disease?

Heart disease and stroke share some common risk factors, including age, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes. But there are also some differences. Stroke is caused by a blockage of the blood vessels that supply your brain with oxygen. The most common cause of heart disease is a buildup of plaque in your arteries.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attacks or Strokes

The symptoms of a heart attack and stroke can be similar. And, they can come on suddenly or develop slowly over time. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the arm and shoulder, and nausea. Symptoms of a stroke can include difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, and sudden confusion.

Preventing Stroke and Heart Disease

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack. The most important step is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and managing stress. Additionally, it’s important to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in check. These are all risk factors for stroke and heart disease.

It’s also important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. This so that you can seek immediate medical attention if needed. By taking the proper steps for prevention, you can reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack and embrace a healthy heart.

Take care of your heart and rest assured about your health insurance! Give Healthedly agents a call at 855-522-2201.

February 21, 2023

3 Steps to Reduce Stress at Work

Health, Health Resources, Mental Health, Self-care

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and overworked, you’re not alone. Stress at work is unfortunately one of the most common issues facing many employees in the U.S. Luckily, there are a few methods to reduce and manage anxiety at work. Here are three steps you can take to reduce stress at work and help improve your health and productivity.

1. Identify Your Stressors

The first step in reducing anxiety at work is to identify what is causing it. Many times, it’s simply the workload or the environment at work. Other times, it might be related to a lack of support from colleagues or management. To help identify your stressors, keep a journal. Write down the times when you feel most stressed, and then try to identify what is causing those feelings.

2. Develop Stress Management Strategies

Once you’ve identified the sources of your stress, it’s time to develop strategies to help manage it. One of the most effective methods for reducing stress at work is to take regular breaks throughout the day. Not only will this give your mind a break from the task at hand, but it will also help you recharge and refocus. Additionally, it can be helpful to practice anxiety relievers at work, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.

3. Reach Out for Support

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Sometimes, anxiety can be too much to manage on our own. Talk to your colleagues or management about what you’re feeling and see if they can provide any extra support. Additionally, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, think about talking to a professional. A therapist or counselor can help you work through some of the underlying issues that may be causing your stress.

Stress at work can have serious consequences for your health and productivity, so it’s important to recognize and manage it as soon as possible. By identifying the sources of your anxiety, developing stress management strategies, and reaching out for help, you can take steps to reduce stress at work and help improve your overall well-being.

Stressed about your health insurance options? Healthedly agents can answer your questions! Give us a call at 855-522-2201.

February 16, 2023

Colon Cancer and the Importance of Early Screenings

General, Health, Health Resources, Self-care

Why you need an early screening for colon cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon, the large intestine. The colon is part of the body’s digestive system, and its primary function is to absorb water and nutrients from food and to eliminate waste. Colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop mutations in their DNA, leading them to grow and divide rapidly. These abnormal cells form a tumor, and if doctors do not detect the tumor and treat it, this cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

Colon Cancer Screening

The importance of early screening for colon cancer cannot be overstated. Every year, at least 100,000 people in the US recieve the chilling diagnosis of colon cancer. When this type of cancer gets detected in its early stages, it can often be treated successfully, and the chances of survival are much higher. Screening tests, such as a colonoscopy, can help doctors find colon cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.

Some people are at a higher risk of developing this disease. Risk factors for this type of cancer include a family history of this cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or being over the age of 50. People with any of these risk factors should talk to their doctor about getting screened for this cancer.

Treatment

If cancerous cells are detected, treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer and the individual’s overall health. Treatment options may include surgery to remove the cancerous growth or chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. Experts also recommend radiation therapy to shrink the tumor. In some cases, your doctor will use combination of these treatments.

One of the biggest challenges with this type of cancer? It often does not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is why screening is so important. Signs may be altered bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation), blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight decrease. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor right away.

In conclusion, cancer of the colon is a serious disease that can be deadly if not detected and treated early. Early screening is crucial for detecting colon cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable. If you are at high risk for colon cancer, talk to your doctor about getting screened. And if you experience any symptoms of a cancerous colon, don’t delay in seeking medical help.

If you are looking for the right health insurance provider, Healthedly is here to help. Our agents are dedicated to ensuring you find the best fit, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at 855-522-2201.

December 21, 2022

Are You on Top of Your Diabetes Care?

General, Health Resources, Self-care

If you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels and manage your condition to avoid complications. One way to stay on top of your diabetes care is by following a healthy eating plan. This means eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It’s also important to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.

Another way to manage your diabetes is by being physically active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise. This can help lower your blood sugar levels and improve your overall health.

In addition to healthy eating and exercise, it’s important to take any medications prescribed by your doctor as directed. This may include insulin or other medications to help control your blood sugar levels. It’s also a good idea to check your blood sugar levels regularly, as recommended by your doctor.

It’s important to see your doctor regularly for check-ups and to discuss any changes in your condition. This can help your doctor identify any potential problems early on and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

It’s also important to monitor for any complications of diabetes, such as nerve damage, kidney damage, or eye problems. If you notice any changes in your vision, or if you have tingling or numbness in your feet, be sure to let your doctor know.

Managing your diabetes can be challenging, but it’s important for your overall health. By following a healthy eating plan, being physically active, taking your medications as directed, and regularly checking your blood sugar levels, you can help manage your condition and avoid complications. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to stay on top of your diabetes care.

Are you ready to enroll in a health insurance plan? Here at Healthedly, we’ve got you covered! Get started today with enrollment and a free quote from our team at Healthedly.

December 20, 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

Tips To Quit Smoking

General, Health Resources, Self-care

Something you need to remember: no two journeys to quit smoking are the same. There are hundreds of tips and tricks out there to help you come up with a game plan to quit. But, we believe these ten tips will be fundamental in helping you start your new life without cigarettes.

1. Set Your Quit Date

Once you’ve decided that you want to quit smoking for good, it’s time to set your plan in stone. Identify the reasons you have for quitting smoking. Maybe it’s the health of your family members or loved ones – check out our blog on the devastating consequences that secondhand smoke can have on them. Then, set your quit date. If you’ve failed to quit in the past, think about whether you want to try to quit gradually or immediately. Remember, setting goals is useless unless they’re set in stone. Write your plan down and find an accountability partner!

2. Do Your Homework

Okay, so no-one likes homework – but quitting smoking is a lot easier when you know your stuff! Being aware of the facts is going to help you quit. You can find out more about nicotine addiction and its consequences at support groups, or on websites such as the American Lung Association and smokefree.gov. Reading about your own chance of contracting lung cancer or heart disease is likely to be a motivator! As well as health risks, you can learn about quit-smoking strategies, nicotine replacement products and how other peoples have managed to stop smoking.

3. Make Money a Motivator

You would be amazed by how much you can save from quitting! Set the background on your home screen to the holiday you’re saving for, or tell your partner that you’re going to treat them to dinner out this week with the money you save. It’s a great motivator because you’ll start feeling good about quitting within days!

4. Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine cravings are your enemy. They are what causes withdrawal symptoms, which means they are sat directly between you and your goal of becoming a non-smoker. The chemical dependence that builds up when we smoke is the reason going cold turkey is so hard. However, there are ways to wean yourself away from nicotine which doesn’t involve smoking. We’re talking nicotine gum, nicotine patches or anything else which can help you tackle withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and irritability. Nicotine dependence is a tough one to crack, so if a bit of chewing gum can help you out instead of a ciggie, we think it’s worth considering!

5. Identify Your Triggers

Nicotine addiction is a weird beast. It often takes the form of what we call an associative addiction, which is why you see a lot of “social smokers” trying to pinch a cigarette when they’re a few drinks down. You associate nicotine with another experience, meaning when you have that experience you crave a cigarette. Maybe that experience is nipping out for a quick cigarette break with your co-workers, or maybe it’s the first morning coffee of the day. Identify what your triggers are and incorporate them into the plan of action (which you’ve already created if you’ve read this far!)

6. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!

We’re guessing that if you’re a smoker (particularly a heavy one) then exercise might not be your number one passion. However, it’s a rewarding habit to replace smoking cigarettes with – now that you’re on your journey towards quitting it’s time to rediscover the joys of getting out there again!

Wondering about health coverage and seeing an expert about nicotine withdrawals? Look no further than Healthedly! Our agents are ready to help you find the right provider asap! Call us at 855-522-2201.

February 10, 2022

Unintentional Drug Overdose Has Become A Serious Problem

Health Resources, News, Self-care

Unfortunately, with the opioid crisis on the rise, unintentional drug overdose is becoming increasingly common. If you or a loved one struggle with addiction or currently take an opioid, be sure to keep this blog post in mind. You need to be able to notice the tell-tale signs of an unintentional overdose.

Signs of an unintentional drug overdose can include:

Slow or shallow breathing

Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up

Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly

Blue or purple fingernails or lips

Loss of consciousness

Chest pain

Seizures

Unintentional drug overdose has become a serious problem in many countries due to the availability of drugs, including prescription and illicit drugs, and the increase in drug misuse.

Factors that contribute to the risk of drug complication include:

Taking a higher dose of a drug than prescribed

Mixing drugs with alcohol or other substances

Taking a drug that has been tampered with or is of unknown purity

Having a pre-existing medical condition that makes this outcome more likely

Having a history of substance use disorder or addiction

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know experiences signs of an unintentional drug overdose.

Looking for a health insurance plan that will save you money on your next doctor visit? Healthedly agents are here to provide you with a free quote and answers to any of your coverage-related questions! Give us a call at 855-522-2201.

February 1, 2022

4 ways to implement self-care into your daily routine

Self-care

More than ever, you need to find ways to integrate self-care practices into your everyday life. Thankfully, there are many tools in 2022 to choose from to promote your mental and physical wellbeing. Here are some ways you can make self-care a daily ritual.

1) Try a mental healthcare app

You can now access mental health professionals easily with apps such as BetterHelp. Gone are the days of waiting for weeks to go into an office to meet with a therapist. BetterHelp makes it possible to quickly and seamlessly connect with the right mental health expert. Moreover, apps like Calm provide guided meditations and peaceful audio to listen to at night to ease anxiety. These are just a couple examples of the booming self-care app industry you can take advantage.

2) Take care of your physical health by with daily exercise

Whether making a trip to the gym a daily routine or going for a run through your neighborhood each morning, exercise is a proven way to boost your mental and physical health.

3) Start a skincare routine

In 2022, you have a huge catalog of skincare products to choose from. You can even personalize a product based on your individual skin type. Take five minutes every day to apply sunscreen, moisturizer or cleanser to your skin. Making even a little bit of time to do so daily is proven to boost serotonin levels in the brain and of course give your skin a nice glow.

4) Do something you love

Do you enjoy reading or talking walks? Maybe you love exploring your city and finding new spots to eat. Whatever it might be, identify something you love and try setting some time aside every day or week to dedicate yourself to that pastime.

These are just a few examples of how you can start implementing self-care into your daily life. It never hurts to have peace of mind, so why not start by making sure you have the best insurance plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and income.

December 2, 2021

How to stay healthy over the holidays

Self-care

With the holidays swiftly drawing closer, it is time to start thinking about strategies to stay healthy. The holidays are a notorious time for drinking and eating unhealthily and staying inside due to inclement weather. Hence, exercise and nutrition take a back seat to enjoying the seasonal festivities and everything that comes with them.

It is imperative to develop a daily routine and some basic boundaries for self-care during the holidays. Doctors recommend keeping tabs on the amount of alcohol you consume and the sugary desserts you eat.

Health experts also suggest getting in some daily exercise.

Whether its just a walk or a quick Pilates session, make sure to fit in some form of exercise to promote physical health.

Sleep is another big one.

Doctors urge you to get at least seven hours each night so your body and mind can function at optimum capacity.

Limiting your sugar intake can be difficult at this time of year. Holiday parties have no shortage of sweet goodies. But experts encourage that you limit yourself throughout the holidays in order to maintain physical wellness. Too much of anything is never good.

Alcohol, in moderation, is never a bad thing.

But try to limit your drinks to one or two per festivity.

The holidays are known for causing mental health levels to drop. Another important routine to implement into your daily life throughout Christmas and New Years? Set aside time each day to relax for a few minutes amidst the chaos of the season. It can be challenging, but making some down time for yourself can improve the mood drastically.

Staying healthy over the holidays might seem impossible, but as long as you keep these strategies in mind, it is certainly doable. Today, you can give yourself some peace of mind by learning about the right healthcare plan for you.

November 15, 2021