A study conducted in Taiwan concluded that the antioxidants present in green tea prevent genetic damage that eventually results in lung cancer. If you drink green tea on a regular basis, it will significantly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer. The study found that green tea is beneficial in both smokers and non-smokers. Further, it found that the chances of developing lung cancer can be decreased by as many as 5 times if green tea is consumed a regular basis. The results of the study were reported in Daily Express.

Green tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camillia Sinensis). The procedure for making it is somewhat different when compared to black tea. During the curing process, green tea undergoes minimal oxidation. Green tea is commonly used in China and also other countries and nations such as Japan. It is also commonly used in Middle Eastern countries.

In the recent years, a number of studies have been conducted to determine and verify the health benefits of green tea. These studies have found that green tea does in fact have health benefits.

Green tea derives its health benefits from a class of compounds called polyphenols that are present in it in high concentrations. A subgroup of polyphenols called catechins is particularly beneficial for health. A compound called epigallocatechin gallate has been found to be very beneficial for the human body.

Green tea also contains other antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that neutralize unstable biochemicals known as free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for cellular damage which can cause a number of diseases such as cancer. Free radicals also make the immune system weak thus making the body susceptible to a number of other diseases.

Studies find that drinking green tea on a regular basis can keep diseases of the circulatory systemand cancers at bay.

Green tea has been in use for many centuries in countries such as China, Japan, Thailand and India. In traditional Chinese and Indian systems of medicine, it is commonly prescribed for a number of conditions. In the recent years, its use in the Western countries has increased due to increasing health concerns and renewed interest in alternative medicine systems.

Due to the positive effects compression stockings have on athletic performance and rest and recovery times, compression stockings are considered to be an intricate part of the equipment purchased and used by athletes in all types of sports.

For those who are interested in finding out more about compression stockings and what they can do for you during work outs and athletic competition, here are the 5 most popular blogs on compression stockings. These blogs offer a comprehensive view of the good and bad effects of medical and athletic compression stockings:

1. Joe Friel’s Blog is one of the best in discussing the product. Joe is a serious endurance athlete who is well versed on the latest sport science and training techniques. He discusses many recent studies completed for the use of compression stockings in sports. Among the topics covered are the effects on running performance in males and the graduated compression stocking for runners.

2. Leg Smart gives us another look into why compression stockings are a great addition, especially for runners involved in winter sports or workouts. The support of your calf muscles plays a key role in keeping healthy as a runner. The energizing support of stockings also helps oxygenated blood flow properly to your legs and feet. Posts on this blog give varying ideas, options and reasons why support stockings are needed during exercise and athletic competitions.

3. Jobst Compression Socks offer various styles of stockings and medical information as to what the socks can do for the athlete in all of us. From sitting to a standing position, the socks provide support and expulse any excess fluid in the subcutaneous tissue back into the capillaries. Capillaries are prevented from collecting larger amounts of blood to reduce the chance of swelling and aches.

4. Compression Socks Pro takes a look at the compression socks “fad” through a series of reviews to find out if they work and if so, how they work. Posts are written by Jeannie White, a triathlete.

5. Support & Medical Compression Stockings & Socks asks Falcons running back Michael Turner about his experience with compression socks in his athletic endeavors.

This article was written by the online leader in compression stockings, CompressionStockings.co. Since 2011, CompressionStockings.co has been offering a wide selection of compression garments to meet your needs.

Where did all those bottles of pills come from? Looking back, I realized that every time I hear about the benefits of some new (or old) supplement, I quickly buy a bottle.

Then I put it in a drawer or in a cabinet somewhere, and I forget to take it. That method wastes money and does nothing for health.

Why I Did It

My housecleaning experience convinced me that a change in habit was necessary. I’ve taken a different route lately, one that makes sense and has helped to make a difference in my approach to vitamin and mineral supplements.

One thing I remain sure of. It is the reason I started buying vitamins in the first place: the vegetables we buy at the supermarket today are nowhere near as nutritious as the simple foods Grandma grew in her garden. Our “advances” in agriculture—pesticides, fungacides, herbacides, synthetic fertilizers, planting huge areas with just one crop and the general wasting away of our topsoil—have shown up as nutrient-poor (but genetically beautiful) crops. That is why the picture-perfect tomato you bought is as tasteless as prairie dust.

I know I need to supplement my diet in order to get the essential vitamins and minerals I need, but how can I do that without building up a garden plot and growing my own food? I already buy everything I can from local organic farmers and farmers’ markets, but I live in a city where the options are few.

A Better Way

Here’s what I did, perhaps it will work for you too: I found a multivitamin manufacturer that offers vitamins that are absorbable and accessible to my body.

The ones I decided on are formulated to provide what my body, at my age and my gender needs.

I have started a daily regimen, taking one pre-packaged set of vitamins and minerals in the morning and one in the evening. That way, I know I am not overdosing (or under-dosing) on any particular nutrient, and I am confident that the nutrients I need are there when my body needs them.

For me, going with a packaged daily plan has turned out much better than my “bottle here, bottle there” fiasco. Try it yourself and see. Stop collecting bottles of who-knows-what in every drawer and corner. Save money and help ensure your health. Find a company you can trust and choose the monthly package that best suits your situation.

That’s my plan—and I’m sticking to it.

Lane Goodberry focuses on topics related to health and wellness, environmental issues and entrepreneurship

But it is not impossible. In fact, there are a number of exercises you can do that were specifically created for people who have a harder time exercising. And guess what? They are all not only good for you, but they are also a fun way to spend your time.

Before doing any of these exercises, make sure you talk with your doctor. You don’t want to do anything that can be too strenuous to your body that could potentially make your health issues any worse.

First ones first: Walking with a friend

Walking can be great exercise! When you go walking with a friend, it can be beneficial in so many different ways. You’ll have someone to talk to so you can distract yourself from any pain or discomfort you may be feeling. Also, if anything happens to you, your friend can be there to help you. No one likes to be alone, right?

;Doing simple stretches is great exercise

This one is really important to talk with your doctor first. My grandmother was having some pain with her heart for about a week and had no idea why. She went to her doctor to see what was wrong and she actually ended up bruising her heart!

The doctor asked about her physical activity and she told him about this stretch she was doing. She would lie on her back with her feet straight up in the air, slowly bend her legs backwards toward her head, and actually touch her feet on the ground behind her head! He said “Cleone, you’re a 70 year old woman; you shouldn’t be doing stretches like that!”

Last, but not least, swimming

There are so many different ways you can get in daily exercises if you have a pool! You can do water aerobics, swim laps, or even just swim with family and friends. Either way, it’s great exercise. It’s also great fun! I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a fresh, relaxing dip in a cold pool on a hot summer day?

Exercise is an extremely important part of life if you want a strong, healthy body. It may seem impossible at first but never give up. You never fail unless you stop trying. Good luck!

About the author: Jessica Staheli is a health and fitness nut. She loves to write about being healthy and getting in shape at her blog at http://www.jessicashealthblog.com.

If you are feeling anxious over what will happen in your absence, then so are your children. There is a good chance that they have questions they want to ask you, but don’t know how to bring up the topic. This may be one of the most important conversations you ever have with your children.

If you are like many others, you’ve been thinking about this conversation since the first time you called for a life insurance comparison, so you probably have a lot of things running through your mind.

Death is often thought of as a taboo subject, but it is a natural part of life. While it is uncomfortable to think about, you can never rewind time, and say you wish you would have had this conversation. If it is weighing heavily on your mind, then it is probably the right time. There is no point carrying around this extra stress.

Experts all agree that you are better to discuss your plans before you are dealing with any life-threatening illnesses. By preparing in advance, your loved ones will be educated on your desires, thereby also relieving them of the stress associated with having to make difficult decisions.

Plan Ahead

If you think about it, you’ve been preparing for this time from when you first called for life insurance rates.  Just because you discuss your plans with your children, doesn’t mean that they will be followed. You should have written instructions laid out in a living will, and have a power of attorney that will authorize the person of your choice. This individual will make decisions on your behalf, if you become unable to.

Reach Out

Studies suggest that 76 percent of parents are comfortable discussing their plans compared to only 45 percent of children involved with the conversation. It is your responsibility to reach out, and plan the conversation wisely. You don’t want to spring the topic on your children out of the blue; you want them to be mentally prepared with any questions they want answered.

Tell your children you want to set up a time when everyone can gather to discuss your plans. Find a comfortable, quiet place where everyone can feel at ease, yet it needs to be free of distractions. Therefore, young children should not be brought along

Prepare for the Meeting

You need to do your homework. You don’t want any loose ends that still need to be tied up after the meeting. Take the time to become educated on end of life care facilities and services in your community. This will allow you to be more concrete with your wishes.

You also need to expect a lot of emotions. There could be anger, sadness, disbelief and even jealousy, if others don’t agree with who you choose to make decisions on your behalf. It is common to encounter resistance; you need to be prepared for this.

Have an idea of things you want to discuss, such as where you want to spend your final days and if you want medical attempts used to extend your life.

Discuss Hospice

If you happen to develop a life-threatening illness, hospice programs will provide comfort and dignified care. The focus is not on curing, it is on caring. Your children should know where you stand on this and who will be part of the hospice team? Typically it is made up of the patient, doctors, nurses, home health aides, trained volunteers and at least one family member. Who do you want to involve?

The Discussion

Understand that your children will have their opinion, and they should be able to voice it. However you should not feel as though you have to change your wishes if someone doesn’t agree. Begin by focusing on the things you all agree on. You should go over your life insurance rates, policy coverage and what they should expect to be covered. Build on shared values, and then gently move into the more delicate topics. They will be more receptive to your wishes if the discussion is started on a positive note.

Guest Author: Looking for life insurance quotes online? Visit lifeinsurancequotes.info for helpful resources and information.

Get a cell phone

When you’re driving or out anywhere by yourself, it’s important to carry a cell phone with you at all times just in case you have an accident or simply need to contact somebody.  If you don’t have a cell phone already, it’s a smart idea to look into inexpensive cell phone plans for the assurance that someone is always just a phone call away in case you need anything.  For those who don’t want to pay for a cell phone plan, look into pay-as-you-go cell phones for a cheaper option.

Install a one-way peephole at eye level

If you live by yourself, it may be disconcerting to open your door to anyone who knocks on it.  Most people who knock on your harm are likely harmless and people you actually know, but salespeople or representatives can be frustrating to deal with or difficult to get off your doorstep.  Plus, it’s a fact of life that robbers and criminals often target older citizens under the misguided impression that seniors are weaker or more defenseless than others, so you don’t want to take the chance that you’ll let one of these people into your home.  Installing a one-way peephole in your door is a safe, minimally invasive way to make sure you know who is at your door before you open it.

Invest in a home security system

Making sure your home is secure is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay safe, especially if you live alone or if your house is a little quieter without kids in it.  Security providers like Protection 1 offer customizable home security systems that will protect both yourself and your house and will give you the peace of mind of knowing you are taking the precautions necessary to stay safe.  Pick and choose the security options that best suit your home’s needs: intrusion detectors and home alarm systems are two common safety features that will immediately contact the police for you in the event of a break in.

These simple steps all require minimal interference in your daily life and will provide you with the security of knowing you’re going about your life safely.  Getting older does not have to mean losing confidence; taking extra precautions to stay safe is simply an intelligent step to take.  Making sure you’re staying as safe as possible will only improve, relax, and enhance your life.

Insurance industry professionals have a language all their own, and even the most savvy consumer can find it confusing and fall prey to the many myths and misconceptions surrounding the purchase of life insurance. Below are ten of the most persistent of these myths surrounding life insurance that need to be dispelled:

First myth: Unmarried individuals without dependents do not really need any life insurance coverage.

At the very least, single persons should have sufficient coverage so the death benefit of insurance will clean up their final expenses. This includes any unsecured debts, medical bills, and funeral costs. Without insurance, your early demise can create some seriously sticky problems for your family or the executor of your estate. You should discuss these issues with your family, and then with your insurance agent as soon as it is convenient.

Myth #2: Any life insurance I buy should amount to no more than twice my annual salary.

The amount of life insurance that you need in reality should be equal to the amount you need to settle your final expenses plus any medical bills, as well as any unpaid debt including mortgages and car loans. You also may want to consider funding the expenses associated with the college education for your children, and allow for the cash flow needs of your survivors going forward for several years.

Myth #3: The insurance coverage provided by my job’s benefit package is sufficient.

It may very well be, but you may never know until your family needs it. Single individuals with no dependents can for the most part assume that their employer provided insurance coverage is sufficient, but when you start a family, that may not be the case. It is always best to check with your agent to be sure.

Myth #4: Life insurance premiums that I pay are tax deductible.

Unless you own your own business or are otherwise considered by the IRS to be self-employed, you won’t be able to write off the costs of your life insurance premiums. Even in such cases, it is likely that your business itself would need to be the beneficiary of your policy.

Myth #5: Everybody without exception needs life insurance at all times.

This is simply not true. There are people who for peculiar reasons (no debt or dependents) are better off self-insured. Commonly, these are very high net-worth individuals.

Myth #6: One is advised in every case to purchase only term insurance, and invest the cash-flow difference.

This is certainly not true in every case. The premiums for life insurance coverage will in almost all cases become much higher later life. When needed in later years, a permanent coverage policy that locks in the premium might be a better choice. Moreover; during times of very low interest rates combined with financial market instability, it is nice to have somebody else looking out for your long-term investments.

Myth #7: Variable life policies are a better as compared to universal life policies over time because of their growth potential.

Some universal life policies are actually better because they pay out a superior rate of fixed income, while many variable life policies have fees associates with them which eat into the overall returns making them less competitive.

Myth #8: Only the head of household needs life insurance.

As indicated above, the spouse of the head of household will also have final expenses that need to be settled. Also, the cost of hiring a service provider to offset the loss of a homemaker can be more than you anticipate.

Myth #9: One should in all cases opt for the return-of-premium (ROP) rider when buying life insurance.

Financial planners differ on whether or not this rider is worth it. Your decision should take into account your existing investment objectives including suitability, and your own tolerance for risk.

Myth #10: Anyone with the right skills will always be better off investing their own money in the markets rather than buying any kind of life insurance.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Aside from the fact that the world’s capital markets have shown to be extremely volatile and risky of late, even the most skillful and successful market traders will have a need for insurance products. All of them will have final expenses and many if not most will have family members that will have financial planning needs that sooner or later need to be addressed.

But for one couple, their payout offers them the freedom of mobility around their own house – something other people may take for granted.
Fred and Doreen Smith – who are both 71 and from the town of Washington near Sunderland – won a £2.4 million share of the UK National Lottery jackpot last July.
Image Source Press Association

Being over the age of seventy, both Fred and Doreen thought their best years were behind them, a winning lottery ticket proved them wrong.

Despite old age affecting their joints and bones, the elation that followed after they realized they were £2.4 million wealthier did not stop Mrs Smith from jumping for joy when her other half finally convinced her they had landed the jackpot.   The two had been struggling with climbing the stairs in their old home, and with their newly won millions were able to afford a bungalow.  Not only was the bungalow more luxurious than their own home, but it was also only one story and easier for them to move around.

They had just returned from their grandson’s wedding when the man of the house checked the results of the lottery ticket they had purchased earlier that day.

Mrs Smith – who used to work with people with learning difficulties – thought he was joking when he said they had all the right numbers.

Her husband told the media: “She’s had two hip replacements but as soon as she saw I was telling the truth, she was dancing like Michael Flatley.”

They immediately rang their two sons and two daughters to tell them the good news when they were sure of their good fortune.

The pair – who recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary – stated that a bungalow would be their first purchase together and after that they would be using the money to support their four children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mr Smith remarked: “This lotto win means my family can be set up for life – we’ve always had to watch the pennies but now we know our children and grandchildren are going to be fine.”

Those two plans together – Medicare and Medigap – do not, however, cover many aspects of long-term care, which an increasing number of older Americans need.

Long-term care is comprised of a variety of services that can help people that have chronic conditions to meet their medical and non-medical needs. This often occurs in a facility designed to facilitate this kind of care, although it can also happen in the individual’s home.

In 2012, over 9 million Americans over the age of 65 will need some form of long-term care. With the onset of the Baby Boomer generation into Medicare, it is estimated that those numbers will escalate to 12 million by 2020 (Source: Medicare.gov).

Because it has become so prevalent, it is important to understand what Medicare does and does not cover in regards to long-term care.

First and foremost, Medicare and Medigap insurance do not cover “custodial care” (also called non-skilled care). This is the most common form of long-term care, and it occurs when someone cannot take care of basic functions of living, such as dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom, by themselves. For this type of “custodial care”, you must have an actual long-term care insurance policy in order to have coverage, since Medicare itself does not cover this.

Medicare and Medigap insurance plans do pay for some limited-duration forms of care, which cannot be classified as long-term care. Some examples are skilled nursing facility care and home health care following a surgery or illness. In these instances, Medicare does pay for a certain number of days, as long as the care is deemed “medically necessary”.

For a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will pay for the first 20 days in full. Then, it will pay for approximately 80% of days 21-100. If you have a Medigap policy, most of those plans will pay the other 80%. After day 100, you will have no skilled nursing facility care from Medicare or Medigap insurance. You can get more information about what Medicare and Medigap plans do and do not cover at: Medigap Quotes.

Because Medicare’s coverage of long-term care is so limited, it is advisable to consider alternative forms of coverage, such as long-term care insurance. This insurance, if purchased at the correct age, can be a strong protection against the escalating costs of long-term care.

Bio: J. Garrett Ball is the owner of Secure Medicare Solutions, an independent, leading Medicare insurance agency. He specializes in Medicare Supplement plans and provides free comparative analyses of the available plans on his web site.

Many seniors live on a fixed or limited income and don’t want to spend more than they have to each month to receive the coverage they need to feel safe when heading out on the road. There are more than 33 million licensed drivers 65 and older in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many of these senior drivers just want the best coverage available at a rate that won’t cut into the budget.

Compare Rates Online

When searching for auto insurance coverage you’re going to find more than just the traditional providers. An online search generates many companies more than willing to take your business. This may seem overwhelming at first, but an online search can actually help you narrow down some choices in terms of quality coverage available at an affordable rate. The biggest advantage of starting your quest for affordable car insurance online is the ability to easily compare rates and coverage Start by selecting only companies that specifically address senior drivers in their policy options. Some factors you may want to consider when narrowing down your selections include:

• Coverage area of the provider you select. A company can have the best rates and coverage, but if your area isn’t covered, there is no point in going any further.

• Comments from current and past customers. You can find comments either directly on the insurance provider’s website or by searching the name of the insurance company along with the words “review” or “client reviews” to get an idea of how good a certain provider really is.

• Avoid companies that make no mention of senior driving. Some auto insurance companies view senior drivers as a risk. If you run across a company that makes no effort to reach out to senior drivers, they may not offer anything of real value to you.

• Look for companies that reward good driving. Some companies offer discounts to senior drivers with a solid driving record. This is a good way to save a few bucks just for being a cautious driver.

• Try to use an insurance rate comparison site not affiliated with any specific insurance company. State Farm, Progressive and Esurrance all let you compare rates online, but sites like Insurance.com do the same thing without any clear affiliation.

Advantages of Being a Senior Driver

Seniors tend to have better driving habits than younger drivers, according to stats provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A solid driving history with a clean or minimal claims record is your best bargaining chip. Placing an emphasis on your driving record is an excellent way to secure a lower rate without sacrificing coverage. According to SmartMotorist.com, seniors tend to drive shorter distances and take better care of their vehicles than younger drivers. Some companies offer a low-mileage discount and others offer a discount for a clean driving record. Some companies don’t post rates online, but you may still find a good deal by touting your good driving record.

Discounts for Good Driving Habits; Defensive Driver Discount

Some seniors may quality for discounts regardless of driving habits. Many companies award drivers over the age of 50 or 55 a mature driver discount. Many seniors 65 and over can also find special discounts. Other ways to secure a deal include taking a defensive driver course to qualify for a defensive driver discount. More than two-thirds of all states require insurance companies to offer discounts for drivers who take defensive driver courses.

Consider Bundling

Many seniors have had the same insurance company for years. This could be to your advantage if your provider offers auto insurance as an option. You may be able to bundle auto insurance coverage with your other policies at a discounted rate. Your existing carrier will know your history and may be more willing to offer you a deal if you add auto insurance to your existing coverage like homeowners or renters insurance as an example. Another advantage of bundling is dealing with insurance agents you already know. They may be more likely to offer you a deal since they already know you and know what to expect from you as a customer.

Adjust Coverage

Adjusting the levels of coverage you have can also reduce your rates. Seniors with older cars, for example, may want to eliminate collision or comprehensive coverage that will pay to repair or replace that older vehicle. Check with your provider to confirm what the state minimums are before you drop anything. There may be limits on what types of coverage you can legally do without. Make sure you are fully aware of what coverage you give up before you drop existing coverage. Another option is to take on higher deductible. Eliminating coverage you don’t use saves you money, as long as you make sure it is not coverage you may need at some point.

Many car insurance companies are well aware of the advantages senior drivers bring to the table. Seniors tend to be more responsible, take better care of their vehicles and pay their bills on time. Search for policies specific to seniors first. If you can’t find anything you like, check with your existing insurance company to see if you can bundle coverage to save some green. Finally, be prepared with rates of other providers when trying to negotiate a deal, a well-informed consumer has more bargaining power.

Christopher Jensen is a writer and car enthusiast offering advice on how to find the best auto insurance quotes for residents looking for cheap oklahoma auto insurance rates.