May 13 through 19 is Food Allergy Awareness Week, a time to draw attention to the seriousness of food allergies, foster understanding and inspire action. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reports that food allergy affects an estimated 5 percent of children under age 5 and an estimated 4 percent of people age 5 and older.

Food allergies generate an immune system response in which the body identifies a food as harmful and proceeds to defend itself by producing antibodies and histamine. These chemicals cause a reaction that ranges from mild to fatal. Symptoms occur within minutes to hours and include the following:

• Itching or swelling in the mouth
• Hives
• Itching
• Nausea
• Tightness in the throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Anaphylaxis

Eight foods cause 90 percent of the allergic reactions in the United States, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. They include the following: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts such as walnuts or pecans, fish, and shellfish. These are only the most common; an allergy may be linked to any food. Most children eventually outgrow milk, egg, soy, and wheat allergy—outgrowing a childhood food allergy may occur well into the teen years.

Currently, there is no cure for food allergies. They are, however, potentially life-threatening and must be vigilantly managed. Those who have them must avoid problematic foods and work with their health care provider to develop an action plan. Such a plan may involve learning how to read food labels, wearing medical alert jewelry, carrying an epi pen, taking precautionary measures such as avoiding triggers or alerting others to the problem, recognizing a reaction, and knowing what to do should a reaction occur.

If you are concerned about food allergies—in you or your children—schedule an appointment with your health care provider. Simple skin or blood tests may be used to identify triggers. Together, you can evaluate symptoms and determine next steps.

Food Allergy Awareness Week’s national presenting sponsor the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “To raise public awareness, to provide advocacy and education, and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergy and anaphylaxis.” FAAN’s website provides tips for managing food allergies, resources, and other educational information.

When food is the enemy – allergy awareness was posted at Health Insurance Trends. | http://www.healthedeals.com/blog

May is the perfect time to think about skin cancer prevention. With summer drawing near, we tend to spend more time outdoors. And with increased exposure to sunlight comes increased risk for skin cancer. There are three common forms of skin cancer, and melanoma is the deadliest. It is also the most curable when detected and treated early.

The American Cancer Society calls protecting yourself from UV radiation, which comes from sunlight as well as indoor tanning beds, the most important way to lower your risk of melanoma. While we may spend more time outdoors in spring and summer, the sun’s rays can damage skin year-round, even on cloudy days or when snow is on the ground.

The ACS uses “Slip! Slop! Slap! … and Wrap” to remind people how to protect themselves when stepping out:

• Slip on a shirt
• Slop on sunscreen
• Slap on a hat
• Wrap on sunglasses to protect eyes and sensitive skin around them

It is also recommended that you perform regular self-screenings, checking moles on your body from head to toe. Following a shower or bath is the ideal time; just make sure you are in a well-lit room and have access to a mirror.

In general, you want to look for asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven coloring, changes in diameter, and changes over time. The National Cancer Institute provides an extensive how-to, and The American Academy of Dermatology provides illustrated skin-cancer self-screening instructions as well as a body mole map PDF on its website.

This month and the various events held in observance remind us why prevention and screening can make a significant difference. Get to know the marks on your body, and pay attention to changes. If you have concerns, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. You may also search for free screenings in your area by visiting the American Academy of Dermatology website.

Time for a Spot Check was posted at Health Insurance Trends. | http://www.healthedeals.com/blog

When the 2012 Webby winners were announced on May 1, we learned about a website that may be the solution to these problems. Medify.com, which states on its home page that “medical research is complex, the search for it shouldn’t have to be,” provides patients, families and professionals with a way to find information that is “100 percent vetted by medical researchers.” Members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences selected Medify.com to receive the Best Health Site Webby at a ceremony later this month.

The layout is clean and simple with colorful graphics that make it easy to navigate. The site uses symbols to rate the strength of evidence and a topic’s “hotness.” When you look up a condition, the findings include information on studies, including who is conducting research, what the latest studies are, who provides the strongest evidence, the total number of studies on a condition, and the total number of patients studied; potential treatments, including the most studied, complimentary and up and coming; and potentially related conditions.

Users can set up an account, which allows additional functions such as creating a patient profile and starting a research binder. Medify also includes a social networking aspect that allows you to build a private online support community where you can offer updates on your condition, and request and share information—all with people you invite.

A New Approach to Online Medical Searches was posted at Health Insurance Trends. | http://www.healthedeals.com/blog

While it sounds and feels unpleasant, it’s not hopeless. SAD impacts people from all walks of life around the globe. Once you recognize it, you and your health care provider can manage it and make the year’s toughest season a little easier.

What causes SAD?

While no specific cause has been determined, circadian rhythms, brain chemicals and hormones are most often attributed to seasonal affective disorder.

The National Institute of Mental Health says body rhythms out of sync with the sun can trigger seasonal affective disorder symptoms. Their researchers found this accounted for 65 percent of SAD symptoms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood; and disrupted melatonin levels, which regulate sleep patterns, are also factors.

Who gets SAD?

Six percent of the US population is affected by SAD, according to Dr. Norman Rosenthal, who has been hailed the pioneer in seasonal affective disorder research and authored the book “Winter Blues.”

While SAD may inflict anyone, common factors that increase risk include:

1. Gender – SAD is more frequently diagnosed in women, but men tend to have more severe symptoms
2. Genetics – Those with close relatives may be more susceptible to SAD, as with other forms of depression
3. Geography – SAD, thought to be linked to daylight more than temperature, is most prevalent in cultures far north and south of the Equator
4. Age – Risk of developing SAD decreases with age; it often first appears in the late teens or early twenties
5. Depression – Those who suffer from clinical depression or bipolar disorder run an increased risk of SAD

What does SAD look like?

The fact that SAD appears at the same time each year most distinguishes it from other forms of depression.

There is overlap between SAD and classic depression symptoms:

• Withdrawal from others
• Hopelessness
• Irritability
• Low energy
• Lack of interest in activities one enjoys
• Trouble concentrating
• Anxiety

While decreased appetite and inability to sleep may be seen on other forms of depression, SAD sufferers often experience increased appetite with weight gain, daytime fatigue, oversleeping and carbohydrate cravings.

How is SAD treated?

Much like other forms of depression, SAD may be effectively treated with antidepressants and talk therapy. In addition, light therapy is frequently prescribed. Light therapy involves sitting in front of a florescent light box (2,500 to 10,000 lux) for 20 to 60 minutes per day, typically in the morning to simulate sunrise.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, studies show between 50 and 80 percent of users achieve complete remission of symptoms using light therapy; however, they must continue the treatment throughout the season. However, the National Institute of Mental Health says nearly half of those with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone.

People also manage the disorder through increased sunlight exposure. Many report that daily walks throughout winter help alleviate symptoms.

For those previously diagnosed with SAD, WebMD offers suggestions for preventing its return, such as eating a well-balanced diet; exercising 30 minutes a day, three times a week; maintaining your social circle and regular activities; spending time outside each day, even when its cloudy, and using a light box when fall begins and before symptoms appear.

Dr. Jennifer Ashton, OB-GYN, author and CBS Medical Correspondent, shared these tips for managing SAD with the CBS Early Show.

Many experts agree that a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is important to preventing and managing SAD. Dr. Christine Northrup, author of “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom,” suggests taking a pharmaceutical grade multi-vitamin and getting enough vitamin D, among other things. Click here to read her article “Chase Away the Winter Blues.”

As winter sets in, note your mood and energy—and take care of yourself. If you experience SAD symptoms, schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss your concerns and get the help you need to make the season more bearable. Remember: Mental and physical health go hand in hand.

For more healthy lifestyle articles, visit healthedeals.com.

Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder was posted at Health Insurance Trends. | http://www.healthedeals.com/blog

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. One in 5 U.S. deaths result from the habit annually.
• For every person who dies from a smoking-related disease, 20 more people suffer with at least one serious illness from smoking.
• Cigarette smoking costs more than $193 billion — i.e., $97 billion in lost productivity plus $96 billion in health care expenditures.
• Secondhand smoke costs more than $10 billion — i.e., health care expenditures, morbidity, and mortality.

Despite these harrowing facts, nearly 21 percent of Americans smoked in 2009 (46.6 million people).

One reason for these staggering numbers may be the challenge quitting presents. The nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive, and people become physically dependent upon it.  Stopping use means enduring unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, depression and increased appetite. Coming up with a plan that fosters success can make a difference.

November 17 marked the American Cancer Society’s 36^th Great American Smokeout. The organization established the event as a way to encourage people to quit smoking or make a plan to quit. The ACS says success relies on four key factors:

1. Making the decision to quit
2. Picking a Quit Day and making a plan
3. Dealing with withdrawal
4. Staying quit (maintenance)

People use many methods to stop — quitting “cold turkey,” using medication, getting acupuncture, replacing cravings with something else, attending support groups, going to counseling, cutting down gradually. Some work with a health care provider, others do not.

ACS offers a comprehensive Guide to Quitting Smoking, including “how to” information, a Smoking Cost Calculator to help determine how much you spend on cigarettes, a list of immediate and long-term benefits and additional resources. The CDC also offers an extensive resources list as well as many tips and statistics. Technology can also help support smoking cessation efforts; several iPhone apps are designed to help “kick the habit.”

Remember: Any day is a good day to quit smoking. If you missed this year’s official Great American Smokeout, come up with a plan and chose your own date. Consider asking a family member or friend to join you in taking a big step toward a healthier lifestyle. While it may be difficult at first, hang in there. Your body — and your pocketbook — will thank you!

For more oral health resource articles and information on dental insurance, visit dentalinsurance.org.

Quitting Time was posted at Health Insurance Trends. | http://www.healthedeals.com/blog

Fall signals open enrollment season for those covered by employer-sponsored health insurance. Employees can find out about new plans available to them and elect to continue with their current coverage or change to something that better suits them. This annual event may not apply to self-insured individuals, but it can be helpful for them to follow suit and use this time of year to revisit coverage options.

It can be easy to fall into an “if it’s broke, don’t fix it” attitude when it comes to everything from cell phone plans to cable packages to insurance. Many consumers simply renew expired contracts without much thought. But when it comes to health insurance, taking time to be a wise health care consumer can be worthwhile to your health and pocketbook.

Consider holding your own open enrollment. Reevaluate your current coverage and expenses, consider your new health insurance options, and make sure you create a benefits package that maximizes your budget and best meets your needs. The steps below will help determine what to do for 2012.

Think back

Review your health care expenses and experiences throughout the past year. Make a list of doctor visits, treatments, surgeries and medications taken throughout the past 12 months. How did this stack up with your medical needs in an average year? Was it typical? Did you require more or less care than usual?

Also think about whether or not your current plan adequately met your needs. Were the providers you wanted to see in-network? Were they conveniently located? Were you satisfied with how claims were treated?

Look ahead

Spend a few moments thinking about the upcoming year. Try to anticipate any major life changes – new employment, a marriage or divorce, moving, having children, a child going off your plan, or retirement. Such changes may impact the type of coverage you choose for 2012.

For instance, if marriage or employment means you will soon be eligible for an employer-sponsored plan, you may want to consider short term medical insurance in the meantime. Short-term medical plans tend to be a good fit for relatively healthy people and help pay for unexpected major medical expenses during coverage gaps – 30 days to six months. These plans are easy to enroll in – they typically involve answering a few health questions online – and are advertised to be as much as 35 percent less than typically privately.

Also consider potential medical events; do you foresee any ongoing care concerns, surgeries or treatments? If you will remain self-insured, you may need a more robust plan design.

Consider costs

Remember, when creating an annual health care budget, it is important to factor in more than your monthly individual health insurance plan premium. You must also total up your out-of-pocket costs as well as additional insurance premiums associated with life, disability, dental and vision insurance plans.

Determine if you will need to increase your health care budget for the next year – or if you have circumstances that make trimming it necessary. Also evaluate how cost impacted your care or if you paid too much for care received. Were there times you opted not to seek treatment due to cost? Did you spend a lot on premiums but need little care in return?

For instance, you might find a high-deductible health plan paired with a health savings account (HSA) might be a good fit. The money saved in smaller monthly premiums can be placed pre-tax in an HSA for first-dollar medical expenses or retirement savings. HSA funds accrue interest and belong to the accountholder regardless of any change in employment status.

Be comprehensive

Think beyond basic medical coverage. Employer-sponsored benefits packages typically include extra protection such as life, disability, dental and vision insurance.

If you can’t work, how will you pay for daily living expenses? Staying healthy means looking out for your eyes and teeth as well. How did you pay for dental visits in the past year? Most dental plans include preventive care, which helps maintain good oral health and can help catch manageable trouble spots before they grow into costly problems. While individual major medical usually covers eye injuries or diseases, they do not extend to corrective lenses and eye exams.

If you don’t have a well-rounded insurance plan, rethink how you will a lot the funds in your annual health care budget. If already have comprehensive coverage, it still pays to take and make sure what you have is still the right fit for the next 12 months.

Consult an expert

Meet with a licensed insurance agent to discuss your personal benefits package. Shopping around can’t hurt. Not knowing your options can cost you money. An agent can tell you what new plans are available, as well as plans you had not previously considered. Be sure to share your total health care budget – not just what you plan to spend on premium – so your agent can help you maximize your funds and coverage.

Life brings many changes, so it seems unreasonable to think the same coverage will suffice for the long term. Additionally, health care costs continue to rise, which means the dollar you spent this year may not get you as far next year. Being proactive as 2011 winds down can help you ensure healthy 2012 for you and your finances.

For more information about short term medical options, visit www.healthedeals.com.

Open Enrollment for One was posted at Health Insurance Trends. | http://www.healthedeals.com/blog

Sobering numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reinforce the issue’s seriousness. Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to stop it. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million American children and adults have diabetes and an additional 79 million are at high risk for developing diabetes in its most common form, type 2.

Type 2 diabetes, in which the body produces too little insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces, was once called adult-onset diabetes but is now being seen increasingly among children. Uncontrolled, it can lead to additional health problems such as kidney disease, eye diseases, nerve damage, hypertension, and foot and skin issues.

Anyone can get type 2 Diabetes, but genetics and other factors such as obesity can increase the risk. The American Diabetes Association offers these tips for lowering your chances of getting Type 2 diabetes:

• Eat healthy
• Watch your weight
• Be active
• Control your blood pressure and cholesterol

Take a moment this month to assess your diabetes risk and how you can make lifestyle changes that lessen it. If you have concerns, see your doctor to discuss them. As with many diseases, it can be prevented – or delayed – and managed through lifestyle changes. Catching it and getting it under control early can make a big difference.

To learn more about diabetes and related complications, visit the American Diabetes Association, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and Prevent Blindness America.

Observing Diabetes was posted at Health Insurance Trends. | http://www.healthedeals.com/blog

Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer – about 1 in 8 U.S. women get it. Early detection improves the chances of successful treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, most doctors feel early detection tests for breast cancer – mammograms, breast self-exams, clinical beast exams save thousands of lives annually.

Of course preventive care screenings extend beyond breast cancer. The United States Preventive Services Taskforce recommends various preventive services for women, men and children throughout their life stages.

It is widely accepted that preventive care means children miss fewer days of school, and that working adults are more productive. When diseases and illnesses are caught early, they are often more treatable and less costly – in terms of cost and impact.

Taking the time to visit your doctor for an annual physical helps track your health and wellness. These exams provide an opportunity to discuss concerns and ways to improve your overall health as well as decrease disease risks. Heredity can make you more at risk for diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Establishing regular contact with a primary care provider familiar with your family history helps ensure you receive the proper screenings at the right life stages, keep a lookout for early symptoms, and make lifestyle modifications that help prevent disease onset.

Unfortunately, Americans without insurance were less likely than those with coverage to receive preventive care services at the recommended ages, according to a Commonwealth Fund study.  If you don’t have health insurance, talk to a licensed agent to discuss your options. Under the Affordable Care Act requires Medicare and private plans to offer free preventive care without co-pay or exemption from deductibles. Click here for a list of preventive services covered under the act.

Take a moment to be sure your preventive care screenings and immunizations are up to date, and schedule a physical exam with your doctor. After all, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Prevention Matters Year-Round was posted at Health Insurance Trends. | http://www.healthedeals.com/blog

While hearing that nearly one million people now have coverage is good news, there are still 9.1 million individuals ages 19-25 without health insurance

“Unemployment among 20-24 year-olds increased by 7.3 percentage points (from 8.2% to 15.5%) from 2006 to 2010, compared to a 4.8 percentage-point increase among 25-54 year-olds (from 3.8% to 8.6%),” said an HHS representative.

Temporary health insurance option for unemployed was posted at Health Insurance Trends. | http://www.healthedeals.com/blog

Regular well-child exams not only help catch problems early and ensure your child is developing properly, they also serve as a check-in time with his or her pediatrician. These visits, which are covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act, are also an opportunity to discuss concerns and ask questions. Click here for preventive pediatric health recommendations from Bright Futures and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Additionally, keeping up with immunizations helps keep your child safe from illness. Click here for state-by-state immunization requirements.

Fall is also a good time to schedule eye and dental exams. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends twice-yearly checkups.

Create restful routines

Getting enough sleep makes a big difference for everyone. Children who aren’t rested, they are more likely to be irritable, act out and struggle in school. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 5- to 12-year-old children sleep 10 to 11 hours per night.

Work on establishing a consistent bedtime and a routine that helps your child wind down from the day. Make his or her bedroom a calm, comfortable environment. Also, be sure to avoid caffeine and limit TV time before bed. The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep for Kids service offers several suggestions for parents.

Eat right

A healthy diet is important in the growth and development of young bodies and minds. Eating properly—especially in the morning—makes a big difference at school, too. Several studies have concluded that kids who eat a nutritious breakfast are more alert and focused. Make sure to establish a morning routine that allows time for nourishment. Sugary foods, which are often eaten on the go, will not fuel your child until lunch. In addition to causing hyperactivity, these nutrient-deficient foods will wear off quickly, causing your child to crash and become tired.

The Mayo Clinic offers these guidelines for a healthy diet. The US Department of Health and Human Services’ We Can! program provides many tips for choosing the right foods, creating meal plans and providing correct portions.

Keep illness away

When school starts, so do the sick days. After a summer away, kids return to the classroom and heightened germ exposure. Teach them when and how to properly wash their hands. The US Centers for Disease Control recommends rubbing your hands together—with soap—under running water for at least 20 seconds. That’s about the time it takes to hum “Happy Birthday” twice in a row.

Also remind children to cover a cough or sneeze, throw the tissue away and then wash their hands. Tell them to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and consider immunizing them against the flu.

Remember to play

Physical activity promotes good health, builds immunity and aids in an overall sense of wellbeing. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day—this can be broken up throughout the day.

We Can! offers ideas to help get your family moving.

Get covered

Those with medical insurance are more likely to visit the doctor. Delaying care can mean missing school or work and may lead to more serious—and costly problems. Make sure your child can get the care he or she needs.

If you are without a major medical provider due to job loss, divorce or other short-term situations, your may consider covering your child through short-term health insurance or temporary health insurance. Your child may also qualify for low- or no-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Talk to a licensed insurance agent to determine the best option for your child’s needs and your financial situation.

Back to school health basics was posted at Health Insurance Trends. | http://www.healthedeals.com/blog