With the recent swine flu scare thankfully come to an end, it does bring to light the fact that we should always be concerned during flu season. It is vital to do everything possible to remain healthy, avoid contamination, and keep the illness from spreading to others. One of the simplest answers is to stay home from work when one is sick, but this unfortunately is not a reality when it comes to American workers.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) clearly states instructions to stay home when ill with the flu. This will not only prevent the spreading of the flu, but will also lessen the recovery time for the individual. However, more than half of the workers in America state that they do not get paid for sick days. This means that they either have to follow medical advice by losing their pay, or by heading to work and infecting others. Taking time off is not an option for many.
What is the cure? Other than a nice bowl of chicken soup, and staying home, lawmakers are considering guaranteed paid sick days for all workers. In California, AB1000 aims to protect those workers with pay for days while ill. This would not only allow workers to stay home and recover, it will also keep the possibility of further infection from spreading to others. Studies show that over a third of flu cases are transmitted in schools and workplaces. By allowing a more lenient policy for sick days, we ensure better health for workers and their families, a decreased risk for further outbreaks of the illness, and the reduction of health care costs. It is a win-win for all.
Posts Tagged ‘wellness’
The Importance of Flu Prevention
Thursday, June 18th, 2009Economic Concerns and Your Health Care
Monday, June 1st, 2009We are all tightening our belts as we ride out the economic crisis, but some people have gone as far as to neglect their own health care as a result. Walgreen’s has released a report stating that the number of prescriptions filled has decreased considerably. It has also been noted that the number of physician visits and overall health care services have too been on a steady decrease.
It is important to note that even if your plan limits your doctor visits, has a brand name drug deductible, or high co pays services, it is important to keep your health your number one priority. Something that may seem minor now could result in a more chronic condition later on. What could have been taken care of in a doctor’s office may end up in the emergency room or hospital if left untreated, thus resulting in even higher out of pocket costs.
We can help you determine if there is a less expensive option for you and your family at this time, or help you to utilize your current plan to pay out as much as possible for your health care services. It is vital to keep you and your family healthy during these times.
Please call or send us an email if you need help in finding an affordable health plan. We are here to help!
Preventative Care and Your Insurance Plan
Monday, May 11th, 2009Preventative care is vital in catching dangerous diseases in their early stages and can go a long way towards helping you live a full and healthy life. There are specific recommendations for each age group in relation to preventative care. Here’s a quick look at the type of preventative care you may need.
Those in their 20′s and 30′s should make sure to screen height, weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure every two years. If you have specific issues with your cholesterol levels, or your doctor recommends more frequent screenings, which will be covered in most cases. Women in this age group should have one Pap test each Influenza shots are recommended once a year, in the fall, if you are at risk for developing or coming in contact with the disease.
For those 40 and older (up to their mid 60′s), the same recommendations above still apply, but some other preventative screenings are also recommended. Mammograms for women in this age group are recommended every one to two years. This may or may not need to include a clinical breast examination. Osteoporosis screening should begin for women, once they reach the age of 60. These screenings should be once a year for women at risk for osteoporotic fractures. Colorectal screenings are also recommended.
People Aged 65-and up have many of the same recommendations, but the frequency requirements may vary. Mammogram screenings are recommended every one to two years. Osteoporosis screenings are moved up to routinely, and may require more frequency, based on your individual needs. The flu shot for individual in this category is now recommended once a year, whether you are at high-risk or not. In additional, the Pneumonococcal vaccine is recommended once. A booster for this vaccine may be recommended as well.
Added Member Benefits to Your Plan
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009Being a member of a health insurance plan often entitles you to additional wellness resources.
For example, Blue Shield of California offers (at no extra costs) 24 Hour Fitness discounts, including waived enrollment and processing fees, and discounted initiation fees and monthly dues.
They also offer discounts for Weight Watchers, as well as 25% off acupuncture, chiropractic exams, and massage therapy.
Aetna also includes a wellness program that offers personalized support from experienced health educators to help their members address lifestyle behaviors, make positive changes, and achieve their optimal health status.
Their discounts extend to vitamins, homeopathic remedies, yoga equipment, and herbal and nutritional supplementation.
Anthem Blue Cross offers their 360 degree Health program, designed to help you stop smoking, manage stress, manage a chronic health condition, etc.
Take a look at your policy to see what kind of added benefits your health insurance provider offers, or visit your member access website to read more. Here’s to your good health!
