Choosing the right doctor can be risky business. When you entrust your life and well-being into someone else’s hands, it’s important that you have enough assurance that they have the expertise and ability to take care of you or the people you love. Below are some helpful tips on how to choose a doctor.

Choosing a Doctor
Physicians are generally categorized as primary care doctors and specialists.

Primary Care
A primary care doctor supports your general health and wellness and is your first point of contact whenever you become sick. In most situations and circumstances, you should speak to your primary care doctor to determine the best course of medical action. A good primary care doctor will be able to see your health as a whole.

Specialist
A specialist has a deeper but narrower skill set, and may serve only a short-term purpose, like diagnosing a problem or prescribing a treatment for a particular condition.

When exploring how to choose a doctor, primarily focus on the type of doctor you’re most likely to need, whether it’s a primary care physician or someone in a specialized field. If you don’t have pre-existing conditions, shopping for a primary care doctor only should be just fine, as they can refer you to a specialist should you ever need one.

Research Physician’s Experience
Choosing a doctor could involve researching their experience and qualifications for their current position and specialty. Most doctors have online profiles on where they trained and studied to obtain degrees, as well as how they can help you with your needs. If you try a doctor and find that you’re just not comfortable with them, then, switch doctors. A good resource for researching doctors is friends and family, also, check out patient reviews.

To find a list of doctors in your area, click Physician Directory. Of course, you’ll still need to call to see if they are accepting new patients.

Account for Online Presence
Is your doctor accessible online? If not, are you okay with that? The convenience of being able to reach your doctor by email is maximized by being able to receive medical advice without having to pay any copays for visiting him/her in person. However, if you yourself do not consider yourself to be an avid Internet user, then perhaps a lack of your doctor’s online presence would not matter.


Consider Gender
If you are more comfortable with a male or female doctor, keep the gender in mind when shopping for a doctor. Surveys show that, for the most part, women prefer care from female doctors, particularly if they need well-woman check-ups or tests. Some men prefer male doctors, but generally, most men are fine either way.


My Personal Experience
As a child, I had undergone a surgery that required regular visits to a neurologist at Kaiser Permanente. However, when my first neurologist retired, my case and records had to be transferred to a different neurologist within Kaiser Permanente’s network. Although this new specialist proved to have experience and charisma, I didn’t feel comfortable with his regular assertions that I would never see out of my left again. Even after I spoke with him, he would not honor my wishes and continued to state the current status of optic nerve regeneration treatment… that it hasn’t been made successful yet. Long story short, we decided to switch to a different Kaiser Permanente neurologist who honored our personal wishes and ultimately was a better fit.

Hopefully, you have had a great experience with finding a primary care and specialist doctors. If not, I encourage you to test the health care waters and consider switching doctors until you find the one that’s right for you.

I recently took an online test that gave me a free snapshot of my current IQ. The test was based on how fast I could answer each of the 35 questions given, as well as if those answers were correct. I scored 101, which I’ve heard is pretty good. But it got me thinking… How can I increase my IQ in healthy ways? Would it help to improve my mental health?

From my research, I found some simple activities and nutritional ways that one can use to help increase their IQ by improving their mental health. Review some of the helpful tips below to see if they might help you as well:

• Take Mental Risks
There are several mind games, for lack of a better term, that can increase your IQ by increasing your ability to solve hard intellectual equations when played. Playing Sudoku or crossword puzzles, for example, is a simple, fun way to practice mental reasoning and problem solving. Similarly, playing a game of chess or checkers can increase your level of objective reasoning, in that there can be multiple ways to win or lose a game. In some ways, these and other similar mind games can act as calisthenics for your mind.

• Find Proper Nutrition
Good nutrition can develop your mental processes and therefore, also improve your IQ. Below is a list from The Mind Sanctuary of nutrients that, when low, can cause some challenges.
B1 – Poor concentration
B3 – Depression, stress
B5 – Poor memory
B6 – Depression, poor memory, irritability, stress
B12 – Poor memory, confusion
Zinc – Depression, confusion, blank mind, loss of appetite, lack of motivation
Omega 3 – Depression, poor memory

• Eat Good Mood Food
Here are food items that can help give you mental clarity and improve mental health:
Brown rice (B1, B3, B5, B6)
Porridge Oats (B1, B3, B5, B6)
Walnuts (magnesium, Omega 3, zinc)
Pumpkin Seeds (magnesium, Omega 3, zinc)
Sunflower seeds (magnesium, omega 3, zinc)
Wholegrain Bread (B vitamins)
Olive Oil (omega 3)
Hemp Oil (omega 3, 6 & 9)
Peppers (B1, B3, B5, B6, Magnesium)
Broccoli (B1, B3, B5, B6, Magnesium)

• Speak with a Specialist
One way to find personalized help to improve mental health and also increase your IQ is by making an appointment with a nutritional or mental health specialist. Some health insurance plans offer coverage for such specialist visits, as well as access to programs that specifically focus on helping members increase their mental capacity and improve their overall well-being. For more information on how to find a health insurance plan that covers these specialist visits, give us a call at 1-877-752-4737.

These are just some of the ways that I found to be helpful when conducting my research. However, there are many other ways to help boost your IQ and improve mental health. How we think can definitely impact the way we live and act.

On my journey to eating healthier, I’ve been ordering more salads when I eat out at restaurants. Lately, though, I’ve had to wonder about what constitutes a healthy salad?

Below are some suggestions I found helpful during recent research.

The Leaves
Surprisingly, iceberg lettuce has almost no nutritional value. It’s better to use a variety of darker greens like spinach, leaf lettuce, arugula, kale, watercress and basil leaves in creating the base of your healthy salad. It’s important to select dark leaves, because they are rich in folate, minerals, and phytochemicals.

The Crunch
Croutons and bacon bits are commonly used to give salads some unique crunch. However, croutons have tons of calories and bacon bits contain unwanted fats. If you wish to add some crunch to your healthy salad, walnuts or flax seeds may be a better alternative. Both have omega 3 fatty acids that are helpful for your heart and nervous system and are wonderful ways for your body to maintain a healthy digestive system.

The Meat
Many fast food place and restaurants will advertise salads with meat. While adding cooked meat to a salad can be fine, deep frying it before-hand could mean extra fat and calories on your salad plate. If wanting to make or order a healthy salad, double check that any meat placed inside the mix is fresh and not fried or processed.

The Dressing
Salads are usually topped with a bit of dressing, but since salad dressings are generally high in calories, you need to watch your portion size. One healthy salad idea would be to forgo the salad dressing and squeeze some fresh lemon and lime juice on your salad, or use some salsa as a topping.

These are just some of the ways that you can make sure that your salad stays healthy and beneficial for your body.

Resources:
http://nutrition.about.com/od/recipesmenus/tp/badsalad.htm http://eatthis.menshealth.com/content/build-perfect-salad

California is ending Healthy Families. This is due to a budget deal between Governor Brown and Democratic lawmakers. It’s designed to cut health insurance costs and save other health programs. At the moment, there are about 900,000 kids in the Healthy Families program. It is expected that moving all of these children to Medi-Cal will save $72 million a year by 2015.

Moving to Medi-Cal could be a bit of an uncertain journey based on the changes that need to be made. Below is information regarding how Medi-Cal affects families now and how it could affect children in 2014, the year when the Affordable Care Act goes into full effect.

How Medi-Cal Affects Families Now
Medi-Cal currently offers health coverage to California’s poorest residents. Below are some of the concerns that some of these families may have when switching to Medi-Cal.

• Some are worried that Medi-Cal will be very expensive to their current Healthy Families plan, because current Medi-Cal rates are considerably high. Some parents have even been quoted as much as $1300 per month, per child, because of how much they make at on their paycheck, while through Health Families, they can currently get all of their children enrolled for as low as $14 per month.
• Even if a child had a pre-existing condition, Healthy Families does not tack on a surcharge to their health insurance premium. Some parents are worried that switching to Medi-Cal could require a very high premium if their children have pre-existing health conditions.
• Almost half of the 900,000 children on Healthy Families are Latino children. Families that do not speak English are worried that Medi-Cal won’t have the resources they need to understand the health insurance transition properly.

How Medi-Cal Could Affect Children in 2014
Like many other health insurance entities, Medi-Cal is also making changes to its system in order to comply with the requirements and expected results of healthcare reform.

• By 2014, it’s expected that Medi-Cal premiums will be very similar to those of Healthy Families.
• Medi-Cal reimburses their doctors and staff at a lower rate than Healthy Families, and some of these doctors may not be able to continue business as usual if Medi-Cal does not pay them an amount that feels sufficient. Some physicians may choose to limit the amount of patients they receive in order to maintain their hospital budget and needs. This in turn could force some families to find different doctors for their children.
• Medi-Cal is prepared to take on the number of Latino families being transferred from Healthy Families. According to Toby Douglas who leads California’s Department of Health Care Services – which oversees Medi-Cal – their “proportion of individuals on the Medi-Cal program that are Spanish speaking or Latino descent are the same as those on Healthy Families”. He also states that 90 percent of the providers who work in Healthy Families also participate in the Medi-Cal program. So these providers should continue to see the same children when they transition, making these changes hopefully more palatable.

These are some of the main ways that healthcare reform could affect children who will be transferred from Healthy Families onto a Medi-Cal plan, come 2014. If you would like to discuss alternative plan options, please contact us at 1-877-752-4737. We would be happy to assist you in your healthcare transition.

I recently found out that I have hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid problems like this translate into low energy levels.

For most of my life, I’ve taken a generic medicine called Levothroid that helps raise and
regulate my thyroid levels, thus giving me more energy. However, I was curious about natural ways to combat hypothyroidism, especially during times when it’s difficult to pay for a prescription refill. Below are some helpful tips I found during my research.

How to Handle Thyroid Problems Naturally
Making dietary changes is the first step in helping thyroid problems and not being tired all the time.

1. Reduce Caffeine and Sugar Intake.
People with hypothyroidism likely suffer from fatigue and brain fog, which provokes them to reach for non-nutritional forms of energy like sugar and caffeine. However, sugar and caffeine can exhaust your thyroid and destabilize your blood sugar. Those with hypothyroidism are more susceptible to feeling irregular energy levels when drinking coffee or a soft drink. That “roller coaster” feeling that some experience when drinking caffeinated beverages is especially felt by those with hypothyroidism.

2. Limit refined carbs.
The body treats refined carbohydrates like sugar. So, that doesn’t help.

3. Eat Protein.
Protein carries thyroid hormone to all your tissues. Regular protein intake can help keep thyroid levels become normal. Healthy sources of protein include nuts and nut butters; quinoa; hormone and antibiotic-free animal products (organic, grass-fed meats, eggs, and sustainably-farmed fish), and legumes.

4. Consume Natural Fats and Cholesterol.
Although fats and cholesterol are, generally, not healthy for us, our bodies do need some natural, healthy fats and cholesterol to run properly and not be tired all the time.If you suffer from thyroid problems and are not getting a sufficient amount of fat and cholesterol, then you could be creating a greater thyroid hormonal imbalance. Some examples of natural, healthful fats include olive oil, ghee, avocados, flax seeds, fish, nuts and nut butters, hormone and antibiotic-free full fat cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese and coconut milk products.

5. Boost the Nutrients.
Not having enough of the following nutrients and minerals can worsen the
symptoms of hypothyroidism:
• Vitamin D
• Iron
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Copper
• Vitamin A
• B vitamins
• Iodine

6. Go Gluten-Free.
Eating gluten can make things worse. Sometimes, the autoimmune system attacks the thyroid because of the gluten.



7. Practice Relaxation.
The thyroid gland is extremely sensitive. Stress worsens thyroid problems. Find ways to stay calm and prevent stress from reaching your thyroid.Try breathing exercises, going for walks, or participating in a class that focuses on relaxation.

Speak with your primary care doctor regarding the right course of action for your thyroid and overall body needs. Holistic medicine can sometimes feel hard to come by, but some
hospitals do actually have free programs and assistance. For more information, please give
us a call at 1-877-752 -4737.

I’m still on my own journey to discovering ways of increasing my energy level naturally. I
would love to hear what works for you! Please comment below regarding natural methods
that one could use to combat hypothyroidism.

With January 1, 2014 around the corner, it’s easy to wonder how each generation will be affected by Healthcare Reform. Baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964), in particular, could experience significant changes to the healthcare system as the mandate goes into place. Below are current health statistics for many baby boomers, as well as aspects about Healthcare Reform that could particularly affect them.

Baby Boomers and Healthcare Statistics
Here are some surprising healthcare statistics for baby boomers: They are living longer than their parents, the silent generation, but not necessarily leading healthier lives. According to a recent study by the West Virginia University School of Medicine, baby boomers are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity and diabetes than members of the Silent Generation at the same age. On the flip side, baby boomers are projected to be less likely to smoke cigarettes and have lower rates of emphysema and heart conditions.

How Healthcare Reform Could Affect Baby Boomers
● Increased Healthcare Costs
As baby boomers grow older and require more medical attention, healthcare costs could rise in the form of raised premiums and/or higher medical bills.
● No Denials
On a positive note, Healthcare Reform protects baby boomers from getting denied medical coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions. This means that baby boomers who have been or are currently diagnosed with any sort of medical condition will be able to obtain health insurance without being declined coverage.
● More Plan Options
Starting in January 2014, more plan options will be available to baby boomers. Healthcare Reform offers these alternatives:

Those who are not yet 65 could enroll on:
○ An employer-sponsored health plan, if available
○ A private plan directly with a carrier
○ An individual plan through the Exchange if they qualify for a subsidy
○ Medicaid or Medi-Cal, if they are low-income
○ Medicaid or Medi-Cal Plan.
Baby boomers who are age 65 or over may look into Medicare.

If you’re interested in learning about your health plan options before the Healthcare Reform mandate kicks in, call KQ Insurance Services at 1-877-752-4737.

Many changes will be made within America’s healthcare system starting January 1, 2014. By
then, all American citizens and other legal residents must obtain medical coverage or else pay
a penalty. This is due to the Affordable Care Act, which was upheld by the Supreme Court.
Although there will be a few exemptions to this mandate, most of us will be affected by
Healthcare Reform.

Below are some of the options that will be available to those without insurance and to those
needing to switch to a government-qualified health insurance plan. Also included is information
about the Exchange and how they can help consumers:

Enroll in the expanded Medicaid/Medi-Cal program.

In 2014, more people can qualify for the Medicaid/Medi-Cal Federal Program. Currently, Medical is available, mainly, to seniors, children, or disabled persons. In 2014, the program is being expanded to also be available to people whose gross income is 133% below the Federal Poverty Level. While this part of healthcare reform will not go into effect until January 1, 2014, states can choose to expand coverage with Federal support anytime before this date prior to 2014 based on certain criteria.

Apply for a government subsidized Exchange plan.

The Exchange is like a government shopping mall for health insurance. Essentially, it’s a marketplace where consumers can buy medical coverage from participating carriers, and receive government subsidies, if they are eligible. The main factor to determine if someone is eligible for a Healthcare Reform subsidy will be a person’s gross income. Click Calculating Potential Insurance Cost in 2014 to see if you and your family could qualify for subsidies for plans under the Exchange.

Purchase a standard health plan outside the Exchange.

In 2014, health insurance carriers and providers, such as Kaiser Permanente and Anthem Blue Cross, may offer medical plans that are only available outside of the Exchange. These plans would be a good option, mainly, for consumers whose income is too high and therefore not eligible for government subsidies.


Join a group health plan if offered by your employer.

Joining a group health plan may be the best decision for some of those seeking health insurance by January 1, 2014. It depends on your employer and how much they are willing to supplement your health insurance premium cost. Small businesses could qualify for a tax credit. For more information, click Business Tax Credit.

These are the general ways that someone can find insurance in time for the big day. We recommend that those without coverage start shopping for health insurance at least by October 1, 2013. This is the date when more benefit details will be made public regarding the Healthcare Reform options under the Exchange and government-qualified health insurance
plans.

Did you know that potted plants can combat indoor air pollution? According to a study by NASA scientists and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, certain plants can absorb dangerous contaminants in the air. The results ultimately showed that placing certain potted plants in your home or favorite room can greatly improve your health. Below are examples of which plants may be great candidates as air pollution solutions for your home and health.

Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are effective at removing benzene from the air. Benzene is a toxic, highly flammable chemical. According to The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), benzene causes cancer in humans, and long-term exposure can result in anemia or excessive bleeding. Benzene is found in degreasers and rust removal products, as well as in passive smoking, inks and ink markers, rubber cement, paints, lacquer thinner, glues, adhesives, detergents, and furniture wax, etc. Click here for more information on benzene.

Peace Lily
Peace lilies are one of the easiest houseplants to maintain, which makes them a popular housewarming gift. But the gift brings more than beauty. They are, also, one of the best air purifying houseplants. Their large leaves help deal with pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Formaldehyde is a poisonous material that can increase cancer and breathing difficulties. It is sometimes found in food products to help preserve their shelf life. Trichloroethylene is a toxic liquid now used predominantly as an industrial solvent, a degreasing agent for metals.

Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palm is considered one of the best plants for removing benzene and trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde in the air.





Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies are good at dealing with benzene and trichloroethylene, associated with dry cleaned articles. Also, they help people with sleep problems because they release oxygen throughout the night, making it easier for people to breath and sleep better.

Please be sure to consult a medical professional if you are experiencing health symptoms that you think may be related to exposure to toxic chemicals like those mentioned above. Plants help, but they are not a cure-all.

These are just some of the several potted plants that can add to better health. Do you have a particular plant that decreases the air pollution indoors? Feel free to post your plant experience below in a comment.

Resources:
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/drmao/4-house-plants-clean-air

Enrolling now familiarizes you with health plan options.
With anything that involves change, it takes time to become familiarized with whatever the new thing is. Getting a health insurance plan before the Obamacare requirement will help you get acquainted with the types of policies that are available so you can figure out what you need and which benefits you are willing to do without. This will make the transition go more smoothly for you.

Reduces Stress.
With familiarity comes less stress. The better informed you are of your options, the less stressful the Healthcare Reform process will be on January 1, 2014. You’ll have more peace of mind. You may enroll on a plan now and find that it meets your service needs. On the other hand, you may find that you’re not comfortable with the type of coverage you have. Either way, gauging how comfortable you are on a particular plan can help you determine if you would like to switch plans, or even carriers.

Time to Select a Doctor
Finding coverage early will give you time to find a doctor and provider that you like. You might find a doctor that you like that’s networked under a different insurance company than you are used to. So you may need to switch carriers in order to get coverage for the visits to this preferred doctor or else select a doctor from the list of networked providers. In any case, taking the time to settle which doctor and carrier you belong with can be a big help in preparing for the big 2014 health care transition.

Saves Time.
Test-driving a health plan now will not only save you time, it will also help you from going into a panic on January 1, 2014, when you will be required to pick a plan that meets the Obamacare qualified health benefit standards. Ask questions now. Be biased. Be opinionated. Really ask yourself what you are comfortable with in regards to both plan premiums and health coverage. This will help you determine which plan changes you would like to make in time for the big day.

Helps You Make Budget Adjustments Before You Have to.
Enrolling on a health insurance plan now will help you practice balancing your medical and pocketbook needs with the health insurance options available. Although current premiums are subject to change, enrolling now makes it easier to prepare for any potential premium transition and make any necessary adjustments.

These are just some basic reasons to consider enrolling on a health insurance plan now before Healthcare Reform goes into effect. We are always available to talk to if you would like to hear more about specific plans and rates that are available now. Call us at 1-877-752-4737 or post a comment below, and we would be happy to assist you with your health insurance questions and concerns.

Below are ideas to consider when making a healthy toothpaste selection:

1. The Pros and Cons of Fluoride
Fluoride is commonly found in most toothpaste, based on the idea that it protects teeth enamel. Enamel protection could theoretically prevent cavities and decrease the chance of tooth loss. However, recent studies have also shown that fluoride could cause low thyroid function. Because the thyroid is responsible for our energy and mood levels, low thyroid levels could lead to fatigue, weight gain, cold hands and feet, dry skin, irregular bowel function and brain fog. These are factors that should be considered when selecting the most effective toothpaste.

2. Whitening
Pearly white smiles are underrated. Many toothpaste brands claim to whiten your teeth if used over a period of time. While this can prove true in combating surface stains, deep teeth stains are best dealt with through dental programs or certain home kits specifically designed to whiten teeth. When in doubt, it’s recommended to consult your preferred dentist regarding the best way to whiten your teeth, whether it be through a healthy toothpaste or through a specialized dental program.

3. Anti-bacterial
Some toothpastes are labeled as anti-bacterial, because they contain an antibacterial agent known as triclosan. Triclosan can protect your gums from bacterial infections like gingivitis. Some experts deem triclosan as not effective, so it’s advisable to speak with your preferred dentist regarding the best way to protect your gums.


4. All Natural
AllMost health food stores and mainstream drugstores tend to carry all-natural toothpastes. -natural toothpastes do not contain fluoride and use ingredients like myrrh, peppermint oil and aloe to clean teeth. Many of these natural toothpastes are pricier than popular name brand toothpastes. However, they tend to prove healthier over time.

These above ideas are a very general overview of some of the main aspects commonly discussed about the most effective toothpaste. Overall, it’s best to speak with your preferred dentist when selecting the healthy toothpaste that’s right for you. If you are interested in finding a dentist or learning what benefits are covered under a dental plan, click Dental Insurance.