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Advantages of Managed Care Plans

2023-10-06T21:01:00.002+03:00

Welcome to the world of Managed Care Plans! In the present scenario, where healthcare costs are skyrocketing, Managed Care Plans have come across as a viable option. But what are Managed Care Plans? In simple words, Managed Care Plans are a type of health insurance that helps you manage and streamline your healthcare services.

These plans ensure that you get the right care, at the right time, and from the right medical providers. There are mainly three types of Managed Care Plans - Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Point of Service (POS). Each plan offers different benefits and services, which we will discuss in detail later. However, the primary goal of all Managed Care Plans is to provide cost-effective, comprehensive, and coordinated healthcare services to the individuals. So, let's dive deeper into the details and find out the advantages of Managed Care Plans.

Cost-effective

One of the major benefits of managed care plans is that they are cost-effective. They offer a range of services that make healthcare more affordable compared to traditional insurance plans. Managed care plans negotiate fees with healthcare providers, ensuring that users pay lower costs. Additionally, these plans offer preventive care services, which makes it easier to manage healthcare costs over the long-term.

Managed care plans also limit out-of-pocket expenses, which protects users from unexpected healthcare costs. They offer a cap on the total cost, which means that users won't have to worry about being burdened with unforeseen bills. While there may be some restrictions on the doctors and medical professionals that users can see, the savings are worth it. Conclusion: Choosing a managed care plan offers numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness and comprehensive healthcare services. Managed care plans have made healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyone.

Users can enjoy a range of services that ensure their healthcare needs are met without breaking the bank. Consider opting for a managed care plan if you're concerned about the cost of healthcare.

Comprehensive Healthcare Services

Managed care plans provide a variety of healthcare services to their members. From routine check-ups to emergency services, members can benefit from a wide range of medical services. These plans also cover laboratory tests, preventive screenings, and mental health services. Moreover, managed care plans have a network of medical providers who offer specialized treatments such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

With managed care plans, members can receive all the medical services they need under one umbrella. This not only saves money but also ensures that members receive all the necessary medical attention from the same provider. In conclusion, managed care plans are becoming increasingly popular due to their comprehensive healthcare services. With their network of medical providers and range of medical services, members can rest assured that all their medical needs are taken care of.

Coordination of Care

Managed care plans have been widely embraced by individuals and organizations alike due to their potential to save time, money, and lives. For people looking for affordable healthcare options that provide comprehensive services, Managed Care Plans are undoubtedly the way to go. Coordination of Care: One of the significant advantages of Managed Care Plans is that individuals have access to high-quality healthcare services under one roof. This means that patients don't have to travel to multiple healthcare facilities to see different specialists and care providers.

Instead, all healthcare needs can be met in one place, reducing the chance of medical errors and promoting better health outcomes. Additionally, managed care plans emphasize preventive care by ensuring that patients are regularly screened, vaccinated, and provided with all necessary routine medical care. As the saying goes, "prevention is better than cure." Overall, the coordination of care provided by Managed Care Plans promotes overall health outcomes, drives healthcare costs down, and ultimately positions individuals to be proactive about their health, as opposed to being reactive.

Preventive Care Services

Managed care plans offer preventive care services that ensure a healthy lifestyle. Preventive care services may include regular check-ups, vaccinations, immunizations, and other tests that detect diseases before they progress to more severe conditions. By detecting health issues early, managed care plans help individuals prevent costly medical treatments.

Moreover, preventive care services also include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise that help maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of chronic conditions. Managed care plans often offer incentives such as lower premiums or deductibles to encourage members to practice preventive care. With managed care plans, members have peace of mind knowing that they are taking a proactive approach to their health. Preventive care services not only improve the overall health of the members but also reduce healthcare costs for all parties involved.

Choice of Medical Providers

One of the key advantages of managed care plans is the freedom to choose medical providers. With a wide network of doctors and hospitals, members can pick the healthcare provider that best suits their needs. Plus, managed care plans offer the convenience of having all medical services under one umbrella, making it easier to manage healthcare needs. Gone are the days of being stuck with one doctor for all medical needs. Today, managed care plans offer the flexibility to switch doctors or hospitals if needed. And with the emphasis on preventive care services, members can choose providers who share their values and healthcare goals.

Choosing a medical provider can be overwhelming, but with the guidance provided by managed care plans, members are empowered to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. With multiple options available, the right medical provider is just a few clicks away. Say goodbye to the hassle of finding the right doctor, and say hello to comprehensive healthcare services with managed care plans.

Conclusion

The advantages of managed care plans are clear. They're cost-effective, provide comprehensive healthcare services, coordinate care, offer preventive care services, and give a choice of medical providers. With so many benefits, it's no wonder managed care plans are becoming more popular. So next time you're looking for an affordable healthcare option, consider a managed care plan. Your finances and your health will thank you.

Advantages of Indemnity Health Insurance Plans

2023-10-06T20:50:00.000+03:00

Are you tired of being limited to just a few doctors within your insurance network? Do you find yourself spending hours on complicated paperwork just to get approved for coverage? Well, fear no more my friends - Indemnity Health Insurance Plans are here to save the day! Indemnity plans offer a level of flexibility and control that traditional insurance plans just can't match.

With an Indemnity plan, you have the freedom to choose your own healthcare provider without the hassle of referrals or network restrictions. Believe it or not, these types of plans have actually been around since the early 1900s and were once the most common form of insurance in the United States. Fast forward to the present day, and while they may not be as widely used, the benefits of Indemnity Health Insurance Plans are just as important. So why exactly are Indemnity plans so important? For starters, they offer cost savings in the form of lower monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket expenses.

And when it comes to medical treatment, there are no constraints or pre-approvals required - giving you unrestricted access to all medical services. Plus, with no complicated paperwork or claim approvals needed, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time focusing on your health. With all of these advantages, it's easy to see why Indemnity Health Insurance Plans are making a comeback. So why not take the power back and choose a plan that gives you the flexibility, control and savings you deserve?

Flexibility and Control

Indemnity health insurance plans give you complete control over your healthcare choices. You can choose any healthcare provider you want without any restrictions or referrals. Yes, you heard it right! With indemnity plans, you don't need to wait for your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist. You have the freedom to consult any specialist directly. And the best part? You don't need to stick to any network of healthcare providers. You can choose whoever you want. So, don't worry about not finding your preferred healthcare provider in the network, because with indemnity plans, there are no such constraints. With indemnity health insurance plans, you have the power to make your healthcare choices, without any restrictions. It's like being the captain of your own healthcare ship! Now that sure sounds tempting, doesn't it?

Cost Savings

Let's face it, healthcare can be expensive. But with indemnity health insurance plans, you can save a significant amount of money. How, you ask? For starters, you'll have lower monthly premiums compared to other types of health insurance plans. This means you can allocate those funds towards other expenses, like a gym membership or your daily coffee fix. But that's not all - with indemnity health insurance, there's no need to pay upfront for medical services. This means you don't have to stress about how to afford an unexpected trip to the hospital and can instead focus on healing. Additionally, you'll have lower out-of-pocket expenses since indemnity health insurance plans typically cover a higher percentage of the cost of medical services. So, if you're looking for a way to save money on healthcare without sacrificing the quality of care you receive, an indemnity health insurance plan might be the perfect solution for you. Who doesn't love saving money, right?

Unrestricted Services

Now comes the best part of Indemnity Health Insurance Plans - unrestricted services. Yes, you read that right. These plans cover all medical services. No need to worry about whether the service you require is covered or not. From routine check-ups to critical surgeries, everything is covered. And wait, it gets better. Unlike other insurance plans, Indemnity Health Insurance Plans have no constraints on medical treatment. So go ahead and get that unconventional treatment you were thinking about without any worries. Oh, and there's no pre-approval required! No more waiting for approvals while in pain, or for weeks to schedule an appointment. Sounds like a dream, right? With Indemnity Health Insurance Plans, you have the freedom to choose any healthcare provider you deem fit, without any network restrictions. So, you don't have to compromise on the quality of your healthcare. No wonder these plans are becoming increasingly popular among people who value their freedom and control. So, are you ready to experience the flexibility and comfort of Indemnity Health Insurance Plans?

Less Paperwork and Procedures

One of the biggest advantages of indemnity health insurance plans is that they require minimal paperwork and procedures. Unlike other insurance plans, with indemnity plans, you don't need to go through the hassle of claim approvals or complicated paperwork. All you need to do is visit the healthcare provider of your choice, receive the required medical services, and submit the bill to your insurance provider to get reimbursed. It's that simple! This means you don't have to worry about filling out endless forms or waiting for approvals. The process is quick and hassle-free, allowing you to focus on what really matters - your health. With less paperwork and procedures to deal with, you'll have more time to focus on your recovery. So, if you're someone who dislikes filling out paperwork or dealing with complicated procedures, an indemnity health insurance plan may be just what you need.

Conclusion

Indemnity Health Insurance Plans offer flexibility, cost-savings, unrestricted services, and less paperwork. You can choose your own healthcare provider without network restrictions or referral requirements. These plans have lower monthly premiums, no upfront payments, and lower out-of-pocket expenses. Indemnity Health Insurance also covers all medical services with no constraints, pre-approval, and complicated paperwork. You get everything you need and more without having to worry about claim approval. We highly recommend opting for Indemnity Health Insurance Plans for effortless healthcare services.

UFC Fight Night Frankie Edgar vs. Korean Zombie At The End Of 2019

2019-12-21T11:05:00.000+02:00

The UFC Busan main event pits former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar against home country hero Chan Sung Jung (aka The Korean Zombie).

The final UFC Fight Night for 2019 takes place at Sajik Arena in Busan, South Korea this Saturday, December 21. MMA event on ESPN+ features the 13-fight bill.

Edgar (23-7-1 MMA, 17-7-1 UFC) steps in on short notice this Saturday, when he takes on Chan Sung Jung (15-5 MMA, 5-2 UFC) in the UFC on ESPN+ 23 headliner in Busan, South Korea. The full card streams live on ESPN+.

The UFC Busan co-main event features two light heavyweight fighters trying to find their way into a title fight. Volkan Oezdemir lost to Daniel Cormier in his only UFC title fight to date, and is trying to earn another crack at gold. He lost bouts to Anthony Smith and Dominick Reyes after failing to take the belt from Cormier, but rebounded with a knockout of Ilir Latifi earlier this year.

UFC Fight Night 165 Main Card on ESPN+ (5 a.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Frankie Edgar vs. “Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung
205 lbs.: Volkan Oezdemir vs. Alexander Rakic
145 lbs.: Doo Ho Choi vs. Charles Jourdain
205 lbs.: Da Un Jung vs. Mike Rodriguez
185 lbs.: Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Jun Yong Park
135 lbs.: Kyung Ho Kang vs. Liu Pingyuan

UFC Fight Night 165 ‘Prelims’ Card on ESPN+ (2 a.m. ET):

265 lbs.: Tanner Boser vs. Ciryl Gane
145 lbs.: Suman Mokhtarian vs. Seungwoo Choi
155 lbs.: Dong Hyun Ma vs. Omar Morales
125 lbs.: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Matt Schnell
135 lbs.: Raoni Barcelos vs. Said Nurmagomedov
115 lbs.: Miranda Granger vs. Amanda Lemos
135 lbs.: Heili Alateng vs. Ryan Benoit

Edgar stepping in against Jung makes for an excellent fight, but it us an odd move in the greater scheme of things, especially given where the American’s career stands at the moment. After losing to Max Holloway in a featherweight title in July, Edgar announced his intent to cut down to bantamweight and in fact still has a fight on the books at 135 pounds next month.

“I would absolutely take a fight against Volkanovski,” Edgar said in an interview with Rank5. “I’m in it to fight the best guys; that’s why I’m fighting Chan. I came into this sport to be a champion, and if it’s not at ’45 or ’35 or ’55, then what am I doing?”

A 3.5 magnitude earthquake rattled the Ridgecrest area

2019-12-21T10:49:00.001+02:00

A 3.5 Magnitude earthquake struck the area of the Mojave Desert's Searles Valley, near Ridgecrest, Friday afternoon according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The temblor struck 8.6 miles from the Mojave Desert's Searles Valley at about 4:22 p.m. It was not immediately clear if any injuries or damage were reported.

No damage has been reported and according to the USGS, only six responded feeling the quake.

This July, Ridgecrest was hit by a pair of major earthquakes, magnitudes 6.4 and 7.1 followed by thousands of smaller aftershocks. It has continued to experience small quakes around magnitude 3.0 and higher on a regular basis since then.

Experts have determined that the aftermath of those two quakes will last for many years to come.

The largest of those July quakes was felt throughout California and Nevada and produced significant damage to buildings and utilities in the immediate area.

Pervez Musharraf Pakistan ex-leader sentenced to death for high treason

2019-12-17T12:51:00.004+02:00

A Pakistani court on Tuesday sentenced the country's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to death in a treason case related to the state of emergency he imposed in 2007 while in power, officials said.

Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 coup and later ruled as president, is not in Pakistan and was not available for comment on the sentence, handed down by an anti-terrorism court hearing the high treason case.

"Special Court Islamabad has awarded death sentence to former President Pervez Musharraf in a high treason case," Radio Pakistan tweeted.

He is currently in Dubai after being allowed to leave the country for medical treatment in 2016.

It's the first time in Pakistan's history that an army chief has been tried and found guilty of treason. Under Pakistan's constitution, high treason is a crime that carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Pakistan and the U.A.E. have no extradition treaty and Emirati authorities are unlikely to arrest Musharraf. If he were to return, however, Musharraf would have the right to challenge his conviction and sentence in court.

The court’s full ruling was not available but it said in a summary it had analyzed complaints, records, arguments and facts in the case and had reached a majority verdict, with two of the three judges giving the decision against Musharraf.

The case centres around Musharraf’s decision to suspend the constitution and impose emergency rule in 2007, according to his lawyer Akhtar Shah. The controversial move ultimately sparked protests against Musharraf, leading to his resignation in the face of impeachment proceedings.

He issued a video statement from a hospital bed earlier this month, describing the case against him as "baseless". Gen Musharraf is the first military ruler to ever stand trial in Pakistan for overruling the constitution. The verdict was announced Tuesday with a 2-1 majority.

One Man shot outside New Haven Catholic school and bullet flying into pre-K classroom

2019-12-17T12:31:00.000+02:00

A pre-kindergarten classroom filled with 11 children in New Haven was hit by gunfire after a shooting outside the school left a man injured.

According to police, around 9 a.m. officers were dispatched to the area near Alden and Fountain streets for a report of a person shot.

Assistant Chief Renee Dominguez said a man got out of a truck just before 9 a.m. and shot at another man who was dropping off a child off at Catholic Academy; the number of bullets fired is unknown, but 10 casings were found at the scene.

Police also said the victim had been acquitted of a murder charge, was recently released from prison and was a suspect in “numerous” shootings.

The shooter remained at large Monday afternoon and was described as a black man standing at about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds, police said Monday evening, correcting earlier descriptions that identified the shooter as a white man.

Seven of the ten shots fired in the incident hit the Catholic Academy of New Haven at 351 McKinley Ave., according to a statement from the Archdiocese of Hartford. One of those shots entered a pre-k classroom.

The archdiocese praised faculty and staff at the school for how they executed the crisis plan, which included a lockdown.

Police describe the shooter as a man who is about 5’8″-5’10” tall and weighs about 160 lbs. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and mask under his eyes.

Mayor-elect Justin Elicker called the shooting, two days after the 7th anniversary of the killing of 20 first-graders and 6 staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School, “very concerning.”

“We wish to thank the New Haven Police Department for their swift response, and Mayor-Elect Justin Elicker for his visit and compassion for our community,” the school wrote in a statement. “We also would like to offer our assurance to the community of the Catholic Academy of New Haven that neither the school nor its students were the target of this senseless and violent act, and that the safety of the student body is the top priority for all of our schools.”

School Delays or closed for Friday due to winter weather

2019-12-13T13:39:00.001+02:00

Several schools around the DC area are on two-hour delays or closed due to winter weather and a chance of freezing rain in parts of the region Friday.

A winter weather advisory in effect for communities north and west of Leesburg and Warrenton.

Here is a list of school delays that could impact your community:

All Fauquier County public schools and offices will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday, Dec. 13. The school division will reassess road conditions throughout the morning.

Loudoun County public schools are on a 2-hour delay Dec. 13, with Administrative Offices opening on-time. Because the weather forecast is uncertain at this time, this decision may change to a closure.

Spotsylvania Schools are on a two-hour delay. 12-month employees report on time as safety permits.

Prince William County public schools will open on a two-hour delay Friday, Dec. 13. School-age child care will also open two hours late and all field trips are canceled.

Stafford County Schools are on a two-hour delay Friday.

PWCS is on a two-hour delay due to a forecast of icy conditions in some areas

Winchester Schools are closed Friday.

Germany explosion: One dead and 25 injured in huge blast at residential building in Blankenburg

2019-12-13T13:04:00.001+02:00

One person has died and 25 people are injured after a huge explosion at a five-storey block of flats in Germany.

Local police in the town of Blankenburg have said that at least 25 people were injured and at least one person has died. The apartment building where the blast occurred and a nearby kindergarten were evacuated.

News agency dpa quoted police spokesman Uwe Becker as saying that he couldn't rule out the number of people hurt in the explosion in Blankenburg, in the Harz mountains, being higher.

The explosion occurred inside a five-storey residential block in a town of Blankenburg, home to some 20,000 people, local police reported. As many as 160 rescue workers dealt with the disaster, among them fire brigades and paramedics.

Residents, including children at a nearby kindergarten, were evacuated, and the area where the explosion occurred was sealed off, police said. None of the children were hurt, police tweeted.

The incident took place just before 9 a.m. local time. Rescue services were at the location on Bertolt-Brecht Strasse as firefighters began evacuating the building and looking for more victims. A nearby kindergarten was also evacuated, and police said none of the children were hurt.

Emergency services are at the scene, the area has been cordoned off, and the cause of the explosion is not yet known.

Friday the 13th Fascinating fun facts and fallacies

2019-12-13T12:49:00.004+02:00

Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. The upcoming Friday the 13 this week is the second day of misfortune in 2019, with the first taking place on September 13.

Why are we like this? Whether you are superstitious or not, you can't escape the chatter circling the spookiest calendar date.

Unlucky Friday 13 is mostly a Western thing on the Gregorian calendar. Both the day Friday and the number 13 are considered unlucky, but there is no evidence of the two together being unlucky before the 19th century.

As 2019 is coming to a close, the last Friday the 13th of the decade is spooking people out. Friday the 13th is considered to be the most cursed day in Western culture. But why is the 13th day of a month falling on a Friday considered unlucky?

Some attribute the superstitions around Friday 13th to the story of Jesus’s last supper and crucifixion. The painting of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci presents 13 people in the Upper Room on the 13th of Nisan Maundy Thursday, the night before Jesus’s death on Good Friday.

It’s also possible that the novel titled Friday, the Thirteenth, written by Thomas W. Lawson in 1907 helped spread the superstition.

It’s also been suggested that the superstition comes from an incident that took place way back on Friday 13th 1307, when Philip IV of France arrested hundreds of the Knights Templar.

Fascinating fun facts and fallacies about Friday the 13th:

1. More than 20 million people in the U.S. affected

According to the Stress Management Centre and Phobia Institute an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by an irrational fear of this day. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines, doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed.

2. Paraskevidekatriaphobia

Fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia, from the Greek words Paraskeví for Friday and dekatreís for thirteen. Ja, ja there is a kat in dekatreis, but that’s no reason to panic. The ancient Greeks couldn’t speak Afrikaans.

3. Black cats

Black cats have nothing to do with Friday the 13th or any so called evil for that matter. However, since the Middle Ages they have been associated with witches and witchcraft – myths that have been perpetuated by Hollywood. Major celebrities like Norman Reedus, Morgan Freeman, Robert Redford, Elizabeth Taylor, Brigit Bardot, Nicole Kidman and John Travolta have all had black cats.

4. Thirteen comes after twelve

Thomas Fernsler an associate policy scientist at the Mathematics and Science Education Resource Centre at the University of Delaware says the number 13 suffers because of its position after 12. Twelve is considered a complete number – 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labours of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, and 12 apostles of Jesus – whereas 13 is not. But were there 12 or 13 apostles?

Freezing rain on Friday morning

2019-12-13T12:32:00.001+02:00

A First Alert has been declared from the WBTV weather team for Friday to highlight the potential for freezing rain in the morning and widespread rain into Friday afternoon and night.

We could see a period of freezing rain and drizzle beginning in the Virginia suburbs around sunrise Friday. There is a chance for freezing rain in D.C., but if the rain starts after 9 a.m., temperatures could be above freezing and D.C. will just get regular rain.

The rain may slack up at times today but will stay quite likely even into the evening and overnight hours. Temperatures in the afternoon will be in the upper 30s and lower 40s - not much warming at all!

Cold air may be slow to erode, and the threat of ice may persist in some of the deeper valleys in our western and northern region until late Friday morning or early Friday afternoon.

Within our viewing area, some light freezing rain will be possible north and west of Richmond. This chance is a little higher in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, Orange, Louisa, Fluvanna and western Goochland counties. Slick spots are possible, but these areas are not included in the advisory.

Freezing rain falls as a liquid, but then turns to ice as it hits ground surfaces that are at or below 32°.

“I think the most likely time for precipitation moving into the area, at least Carroll County specifically, would be between say 9 a.m. and noon, in that time frame,” said Brian LaSorsa, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Sterling, Virginia. “If it does hold off until mid to late morning, most of it would be rain.”

Rain will develop and continue Friday night and could be heavy at times as well. Lingering showers on Saturday will wind down as we warm to around 54. Windy but sunny and dry weather returns on Sunday!

Home Health Care Providers Market Outlook 2025 Supply-Demand and End User Analysis

2019-12-13T12:16:00.003+02:00

The home care services market is anticipated to record a growth rate of 9.9% and reach a market value of US$ 194,649.1 Mn by the end of 2018.

Later it provides top manufacturers sales, revenue, and price of Home Health Care Providers, followed by regional and country wise analysis of sales, revenue and market share. Also the key forecasting information by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue from 2019 to 2025.

Nursing care will continue to account for the leading market revenue share by service type, accounting for 36.8% share in 2018. Key insights on the home care services market have been presented in a new study by Persistence Market Research.

In this study, 2018 has been considered as the base year and 2019 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Home Health Care Providers. This report researches the worldwide Home Health Care Providers market size (value, capacity, production and consumption) in key regions like United States, Europe, Asia Pacific (China, Japan) and other regions.

Europe is projected to dominate the home care services market with maximum value share of the overall market by the end of 2018. By 2026, the markets in Europe are expected to account for about 19.4% of the global home care services market revenue. In terms of value, North America is expected to be the dominant regional market, registering a CAGR of 9.4% over the forecast period.

Home Health Care Providers Market Segment by Product Types considering Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trends:

- Custodial Care
- Skilled Nursing Care

Market Segment by Applications considering Consumption Growth Rate and Market Share:

- Older Persons
- Patients after Surgery
- Mothers and Newborns
- Mentally ill Adults
- People with Disabilities
- Others

Major Key Players of Home Health Care Providers Market Report:

- National Health Service
- Kindred Healthcare
- Genesis HealthCare
- Brookdale Senior Living
- Healthsouth
- Golden Living
- Almost Family Inc
- Abbott Laboratories
- Sunrisemedical
- 3M healthcare
- Finlandcare
- VNAA

Home Care Services Market: Vendor Profiling

Company Profiles

- Australian Home Care Services
- Home Care Assistance Corporation
- Hired Hands Inc.
- BrightStar Care
- Home Caregiving, Inc.
- Eldercare Services
- Seniorlink, Inc.
- Honor Technology, Inc.
- CareLinx, Inc.
- Living Assistance Services, Inc.
- CK Franchising, Inc.
- Family inHome Caregiving, Inc.
- Others.

Refined carbohydrates and insomnia Scientists find worrying link

2019-12-13T11:59:00.003+02:00

Top scientists from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons have found that your diet may be party to blame for insomnia.

Anyone who's ever tossed and turned trying to fall asleep knows it can be a frustrating thing. But for people with insomnia, or roughly 10% of the adult population, lack of sleep can become debilitating.

The study Published Wednesday in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the analysis found that postmenopausal women who consumed a diet high in refined carbohydrates particularly added sugars were more likely to develop insomnia.

The researchers believe that rapid spikes and troughs in blood sugar after eating refined carbs may trigger the sleeping disorder.

That’s according to researchers who culled data from 50,000 food diaries from the Woman’s Health Initiative study. Their investigation showed that postmenopausal women who eat more highly refined carbohydrates are more likely to develop insomnia than women whose diet includes more fiber-rich foods.

“When blood sugar is raised quickly, your body reacts by releasing insulin, and the resulting drop in blood sugar can lead to the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can interfere with sleep,” study author Dr James Gangwisch said.

"This suggests that the dietary culprit triggering the women's insomnia was the highly processed foods that contain larger amounts of refined sugars that aren't found naturally in food."

Some 30 percent of American adults experience insomnia.

In general, highly refined carbohydrates such as added sugars, white bread, white rice and soda have a higher glycemic index. Consuming foods with these carbs can cause more rapid increases in blood sugar levels.

Medical conditions like asthma, back pain and depression can be to blame, as well as shift work, napping and certain medications, the National Sleep Foundation reports. When it comes to our diet, alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals are all recognised triggers.

Since most people, not just postmenopausal women, experience a rapid rise in blood sugar after eating refined carbohydrates, the authors suspect that these findings may also hold true in a broader population.

“Whole fruits contain sugar, but the fiber in them slow the rate of absorption to help prevent spikes in blood sugar,” says Gangwisch. “This suggests that the dietary culprit triggering the women’s insomnia was the highly processed foods that contain larger amounts of refined sugars that aren’t found naturally in food.”

Chronic insomnia can lead to a lot of other issues, like depression and hypertension, so for those suffering, getting enough sleep is paramount. Additionally, the study points out that women are more likely to develop insomnia.

“Insomnia is often treated with cognitive behavioural therapy or medications, but these can be expensive or carry side effects,” Dr Gangwisch said.

And because the studies didn't follow individuals over time, it's not clear if a diet that's high in refined carbs triggered the onset of insomnia, or if insomnia caused individuals to eat more sweets.

The Telltale Batman Shadows Edition Games Announced for PS4, Xbox One and PC

2019-12-13T09:49:00.004+02:00

Athlon Games has revealed a new Batman game called The Telltale Batman Shadows Edition, a game which includes Batman: The Telltale Series as well as new DLC. A press release found on the company’s site.

Batman: The Telltale Series with a noir-style visual makeover, graphical upgrade, and new downloadable content for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store for $29.99. Users who already own Batman: The Telltale Series can add “Shadows Mode” as standalone downloadable content for $4.99.

It wasn't long that a press release was released on the Athlon Games website. At the time of writing the press release has already been taken down but as is expected on the internet it was already copied elsewhere. Telltale Batman Shadows Edition will combine the two seasons of the original game into one bundle and add a new noir-style visual to the game.

Because of the date that’s affixed to the press release on the new game’s site, there’s some confusion as to when the game was supposed to be announced. It’s a title that’s appeared in leaks and rumors before such as ones like the tweet below from as early as today, though the press release is dated for December 5th.

It looks as though this "announcement" might be a leak itself since there's been little fanfare around the game other than the dated press release, but the new edition of the Batman game is certainly real.

“We’re excited to be able to build and continue the legacy of an iconic Telltale Games franchise by launching The Telltale Batman Shadows Edition today,” said Telltale Games CEO Jamie Ottilie in the press release. “This is just the beginning in a much more expansive plan to build on our catalog of Telltale Games titles, which we hope to discuss in further detail in the coming months.”

There is no details or date for the game as of now, just that it will be launching for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch and PC (both Steam and Epic Games Store). With The Game Awards just a few hours away, it’s not outside the realm of possibility we’ll see the official reveal there.

The Matrix 4 and John Wick 4 has an official release date May 21, 2021

2019-12-12T15:34:00.004+02:00

The Matrix 4 directed by Lana Wachowski has been given a release date by Warner Bros and it's the same date that John Wick 4 also starring Keanu Reeves is currently scheduled: May 21, 2021.

Filming for upcoming movie the first in the Matrix universe in 16 years is expected to begin in early 2020 with original stars Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Jada Pinkett-Smith returning to the cast joined by “How I Met Your Mother” star Neil Patrick Harris, “Frozen 2” actor Jonathan Groff, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, one of the stars of “Aquaman” and HBO’s “Watchmen.”

John Wick: Chapter 4, meanwhile, will find Reeves returning as the world-weary assassin John Wick for a fourth violent adventure.

Speaking of bummers, Comscore box office guru Paul Dergarabedian says there are two scenarios. The red pill scenario will mean the May 21, 2021 schedule will stay the same, leading to an "all Keanu, all the time" weekend.

“Many of the ideas Lilly and I explored 20 years ago about our reality are even more relevant now,” said Lana Wachowski in a statement. “I’m very happy to have these characters back in my life and grateful for another chance to work with my brilliant friends.”

Finally, Taika Waititi's adaptation of the manga Akira was also moved off the release schedule. That project has existed in one form or another since 2002, and Waititi is next working on Thor: Love and Thunder, featuring Natalie Portman's turn as Lady Thor.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight in September, Reeves said he was “absolutely” excited for the next installment of “The Matrix.” “It’s very ambitious,” he teased. “As it should be!”

City of Pensacola, Florida under cyber attack

2019-12-09T20:09:00.002+02:00

City of Pensacola, Florida under cyber attack Almost all communication systems, including phone lines and email, in the town's city hall are down, mayor says.

Robinson declined to comment on whether the hackers asked for a ransom payment, but said almost all communication systems, including phone lines and email, in the town’s city hall are down. The city is getting help from outside cybersecurity experts to evaluate the situation and help get the systems working again, he said.

"The city of Pensacola is experiencing a cyber attack that began this weekend that is impacting our city network, including phones and email at City Hall and some of our other buildings," Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said at his weekly press conference on Monday morning.

This cyber attack is happening as the FBI investigates Friday’s shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola as an act of terrorism, but authorities have given no indication that there could be a connection.

Now, the mayor said the city is adopting a multi-step process to determine who hacked its systems and how to better prepare from future hacks.

911 and emergency dispatch are not affected. The airport is operating as normal.

The attack began just after 1:45 a.m. Saturday and has continued since, city officials said.

After New Zealand Volcanic Eruption At Least 5 Dead And Two People Feared Missing

2019-12-09T19:20:00.001+02:00

At least five people are dead after an eruption on a volcanic island off the coast of New Zealand on Monday and More than two dozen people were feared missing.

That toll is expected to rise. The New Zealand police said in a statement on Tuesday that “no signs of life have been seen at any point” on the island by reconnaissance flights made since the eruption. “Anyone who could have been taken from the island alive was rescued,” the police said.

Authorities say an estimated 30 to 38 of those on the island when the volcano erupted were on an adventure excursion from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that was docked on North Island about 30 miles away.

"We are continuing to work as quickly as possible, through a number of channels of information, to confirm exact numbers of those involved, including those who remain on the island," New Zealand Police said in a statement Monday.

Tour operators took some people off the island before it was declared unsafe. Twenty-three people were rescued, police said on Monday, adding that others were still on the island.

Among the missing were about a dozen people who were seen on a webcam exploring the upper reaches of the volcano’s crater just before the eruption at 2:11 p.m. local time, Reuters reported.

Kevin O’Sullivan, chief executive of the New Zealand Cruise Association and Royal Caribbean cruise lines, confirmed that tourists from the Ovation of the Seas ship were involved. He said the names and nationalities of those who were on the volcano for the cruise line’s “epic adventure excursion” have been handed to New Zealand police.

The volcano erupted just after 2 p.m. local time on Monday, according to The Guardian, which reports 23 people have been rescued.

On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day U.S. Flags Lowered To Half Staff on Saturday

2019-12-07T12:08:00.001+02:00

President Donald Trump issued a president proclamation on Friday urging Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag at half-staff On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Saturday.

The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”

Trump's proclamation was issued to remember the 2,335 U.S. troops and 68 civilians killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The attack was conducted by Japanese forces around 8 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941.

Just before 8 a.m. on December 7, 1941, airplanes launched from the Empire of Japan’s aircraft carriers dropped bombs and torpedoes from the sky, attacking our ships moored at Naval Station Pearl Harbor and other military assets around Oahu.

Following this swift assault, the United States Pacific Fleet and most of the Army and Marine airfields on the island were left decimated. Most tragically, 2,335 American service members and 68 civilians were killed, marking that fateful day as one of the deadliest in our Nation’s history.

Despite the shock of the attack, American service members at Pearl Harbor fought back with extraordinary courage and resilience. Sprinting through a hailstorm of lead, pilots rushed to the few remaining planes and took to the skies to fend off the incoming Japanese attackers.

Soldiers on the ground fired nearly 300,000 rounds of ammunition and fearlessly rushed to the aid of their wounded brothers in arms. As a solemn testament to the heroism that abounded that day, 15 American servicemen were awarded the Medal of Honor 10 of which were awarded posthumously. In one remarkable act of bravery, Doris “Dorie” Miller, a steward aboard the USS West Virginia, manned a machine gun and successfully shot down multiple Japanese aircraft despite not having been trained to use the weapon.

For his valor, Miller was awarded the Navy Cross and was the first African-American recognized with this honor.

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial will also hold a ceremony Saturday, starting at 7:50 a.m. HT.

Miguel the electric eel lights up a Christmas tree using its shock impulses In Tennessee aquarium

2019-12-05T15:24:00.004+02:00

Miguel Wattson, an electric eel who lives at the Tennessee Aquarium, is a multitasker. And for his most effortless trick this season, he lights up a Christmas tree.

Miguel's tank is connected to a special system that links to a soundboard and a light board, which will able to pick up the signal whenever Miguel produces electricity.

Miguel releases low-voltage blips of electricity when he is trying to find food, aquarist Kimberly Hurt said. That translates to a rapid, dim blinking of the Christmas lights. When he is eating or excited he emits higher-voltage shocks, which cause bigger flashes.

Miguel Wattson, the electric eel at Tennessee Aquarium, is the hero who went viral among netizens for lighting up a Christmas tree. A video of the event was captured and later shared on Twitter by Miguel Wattson TNAQ. According to the profile’s bio, it’s a “character account owned by the Tennessee Aquarium”.

"There is a sensor directly in his exhibit that picks up when he produces electricity," Aquarist Kimberly Hurt, who cares for the electric eel, tells NPR.

Wattson is not the first electric eel to power a Christmas tree; several aquariums have done it over the last decade. But he may very well be the first eel to power his own Twitter account.

The aquarium hopes the Christmas tree will spark love and appreciation for the unusual freshwater fish.

Takata Air Bags New Deadly defect Prompt Recall of 1.4 Million Cars

2019-12-05T12:45:00.003+02:00

New Problems With Takata Air Bags Prompt Recall of 1.4 Million Cars The recall affects cars with certain air bags produced by Takata between 1995 and 1999.

A driver in Australia was killed by an air bag malfunction, and another Australian and a driver in Cyprus were injured in similar mishaps, according to government documents.

The recently discovered malfunction is different than the defect that led to at least 24 deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide, though the result, like the earlier issue, leads to air bags that can explode and hurl shrapnel, killing or injuring people.

Components Takata supplied to five of the world’s biggest car manufacturers may absorb moisture that could either cause air bags to rupture or under-inflate, according to a notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. The recall involves parts produced from 1995 through 1999 and sold to BMW, Volkswagen AG’s Audi, Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

BMW documents to the National Highways Traffic Safety Administrator (NHTSA) reveal the affected airbags were made before 1999 and were not sealed properly.

In addition, certain Audi, Honda, Toyota and Mitsubishi vehicles made from 1995 to 2000 also are being recalled, but information on which models was not available Wednesday.

Past Takata recalls were blamed on its use of ammonium nitrate as a propellant to inflate air bags in the event of a crash. For its latest safety campaign, the company is citing a manufacturing issue that affected inflators containing a non-azide propellant.

Takata says in government documents that it made about 4.5 million of the inflators worldwide but that only a portion are still in use because the vehicles are so old. The faulty inflators have problems with insufficient seals.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a statementthat it is in discussions with automakers about the recalls. It urged owners to search for recalls in the coming weeks by entering their vehicle identification number at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls

James Bond: No Time To Die film posters featuring Daniel Craig and Rami Malek

2019-12-04T20:16:00.005+02:00

The first trailer for No Time To Die the 25th James Bond movie and supposedly Daniel Craig’s final outing in the series will be released at some point tomorrow.

Daniel Craig's run as James Bond is always going to be an all-time favourite of mine for turning him into an empathetic character from the sex machine that he was portrayed as for years. And after a disappointing appearance in Spectre, it looks like he's back in form in Cary Fukunaga's No Time To Die.

The official plot synopsis reads: "James Bond has left active service when his friend, the CIA officer Felix Leiter, enlists his help in the search for a missing scientist. When it becomes apparent that the scientist was abducted, Bond must confront a danger the likes of which the world has never seen before."

James Bond: No Time To Die is launched within the UK on 2 April 2020 Meaning we acquire to witness it lots of days earlier than cinemagoers within the US, who gained’t explore it except 8 April.

The 25th Bond film ‘No Time To Die’ will have Daniel Craig reprise the role of the spy, James Bond 007, who loves his action, death-defying stunts, fancy girls and at least one extremely good looking girl making them an enviable couple on the screen. But this will be his last Bond film. "It's done. Someone else needs to have a go," he had told a news agency in an earlier interaction.

Bond and his pals. Much like we did with that batch of Star Wars images last month, though, we’d rather take this opportunity to talk about the latest advancements in fashion, specifically spy fashion.

Oshkosh West High School locked down after officer shoots armed student

2019-12-03T20:06:00.000+02:00

A student confronted a school resource officer with a weapon Tuesday morning at Oshkosh West High School and both were injured in a shooting, police said.

The incident happened at Oshkosh West High School in Winnebago County, about 75 miles northwest of Milwaukee.

Officials said the student and resource officer were taken to local hospitals but did not say how badly they were injured. Police did not identify the type of weapon the student had at the time. They characterized the incident as an "officer involved shooting."

The school was kept on lockdown and parents were told they could pick up their children at a local middle school.

According to emergency radio traffic, a dispatcher reported gunshots at Oshkosh West around 9:20 a.m. One trauma patient was being transported to a trauma center in Neenah.

"This incident is being turned over to the state department of criminal investigations who will conduct the investigation," police said.

Senior Dakota Meisel told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in a Facebook message the lockdown was announced around 9:10 a.m., at the beginning of the school's second period.

Meisel said a teacher came into the classroom looking nervous and told the students to get away from the windows and get into lockdown mode just before the lockdown was announced. Meisel said the students were scared.

Black Widow Official Trailer From Marvel the Scarlett Johansson superhero movie

2019-12-03T11:27:00.002+02:00

Marvel Studios' Black Widow trailer is finally here. We've got our first look at Scarlett Johannson's first solo movie as Natasha Romanoff in Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Now, Natasha Romanoff is back in her own stand-alone Marvel film. Black Widow hits theaters in May of 2020 and will officially kick off Marvel Phase 4.

Clocking in at more than two minutes, it's surprisingly robust for a teaser, providing some context within the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the assassin turned S.H.I.E.L.D. agent turned Avenger, before sending her off to confront her past, and reunite with her "family."

First footage from the film was screened at the 2019 San Diego Comic Con. “Where we find Natasha in her life at this point is very specific,” Johansson told EW at the time. “She really is in a dark place where she’s got no one to call and nowhere to go. She’s really grappling with her own self. When something huge explodes and all the pieces are landing, you have that moment of stillness where you don’t know what to do next that’s the moment that she’s in. In that moment, you actually have to face yourself.”

The film takes place between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.

Johansson is also acting as executive producer on the film, which is directed by Cate Shortland (Berlin Syndrome). At Comic-Con in July Johansson described the film: “Where we find Natasha in her life at this point is very specific She really is in a dark place where she’s got no one to call and nowhere to go. She’s really grappling with her own self In that moment, you actually have to face yourself.”

Black Widow stars Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, and will open in theaters May 1, 2020.

Lil Bub RIP Famous Internet Cat Dead at 8

2019-12-02T20:22:00.005+02:00

Lil Bub, one of the Internet's favorite felines, has died. Lil Bub passed away at the age of 8 on Sunday, Dec. 1, according to a social media post by her "dude," Mike Bridavsky.

On the morning of Sunday, December 1st 2019 we lost the purest, kindest and most magical living force on our planet. BUB was cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us Saturday night, but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep.. I have always been fully transparent about BUB’s health, and it was no secret that she was battling a persistent and aggressive bone infection.

A polydactyl cat born with several other genetic abnormalities including feline dwarfism, osteoporosis, and a trait that left her permanently a kitten Lil Bub was adopted by musician Mike Bridavsky. He began posting about her on Tumblr in 2011, and her large, green eyes, rolling tongue, and miniature appearance quickly made her a sensation. Lil Bub went on to publish a book, host her own web series, and record music. She also dedicated her life to highlighting special needs and homeless cats, working closely with the ASPCA to raise money for both groups.

On Monday, Lil Bub's human, Mike Bridavsky, shared the sad news on Instagram, along with a side-by-side photo composite featuring the first and last photo the two took together.

But most importantly, BUB has made a huge difference in the world of animal welfare, and in the lives of millions of people worldwide. She has literally saved thousands of lives (both pets and humans), she started the first national fund for special needs pets, she was the subject of groundbreaking genetic and biological research, she’s helped raise over $700,000 for animals in need, and has spread a message of determination, positivity, and perseverance to people all over the world. And even though my heart is absolutely crushed by her graceful departure from planet Earth, I know that her sprit, magic, and overwhelming energy are still with us, reminding us every day to be better.

Dearest BUB, I will never forget your generosity, your limitless supply of love, or your uncanny ability to bring so much magic and joy to the world. I am forever honored and humbled that you chose me as your caretaker. Please visit all of us in our dreams often.

Shots fired inside Waukesha South High School

2019-12-02T19:10:00.004+02:00

Gunshots were exchanged between a student and a school resource officer inside Waukesha South High School, according to school officials.

The Waukesha Freeman reports that a student was taken to a hospital on a stretcher after the incident, which happened before 10:30 a.m. Monday. There was no initial word on specifics about the incident. Students were being held in their classrooms according to the Freeman, but as of 10:45 a.m., there was no longer a threat.

The school is on lockdown, according to the Waukesha Freeman. In addition to the high school, Whittier Elementary School is also on lockdown, CBS 58 reports.

According to the Waukesha Freeman, a male was put into an ambulance on a stretcher. Officials say there is no longer a threat in the building, the Freeman said in a tweet.

Emergency radio traffic indicated a command post is being set up inside the school. Police squad cars are blocking all the entrances at the high school.

GoPro Cyber Monday 2019 Top Deals Hero 8 and Hero 7 Black

2019-12-02T06:46:00.001+02:00

Here are the best action GoPro camera & bundle Cyber Monday 2019 deals. Save on the latest GoPro HERO8, HERO7, HERO6 and HERO5 action cameras.

GoPro is the most recognized name in the world of action cameras, and with reason. The HERO series has always been the industry’s leader as each new release brings something that pushes the boundaries and makes the competition work harder.

Cyber Monday sales are time limited. For thousands more live deals visit the Amazon Cyber Monday page and Walmart Cyber Monday home page .

Check out our list of the top GoPro camera Cyber Monday 2019 deals and save on GoPro HERO8 Black & other bestselling GoPro action cameras & accessories

Best GoPro camera deals:

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