Healths Gain May Be Armys Loss

Call it the law of unintended consequences. When you fix one thing, it messes up other things.

If the Democrats win the election this year, and are able to enact a health care plan that extends adequate coverage to all Americans, the loser could be the Army. Getting enough people to enlist could become a major problem for the next president.

And that has made it harder to put the Army together. Government polls show that the proportion of young people who think they might enlist is roughly half what it was in the late 1980s. The military has responded with more recruiters and higher cash enlistment bonuses, and has met its goals. A significant factor for many recruits, it turns out, is the military’s generous health benefits for dependants.

Michael Massing, writing in the April 3 issue of The New York Review of Books, tells the story of one part-time college student from Brooklyn, who was holding down two jobs but still going into debt. “Meanwhile, he got married, his wife got pregnant, and he had no health care. From a brother in the military, he had learned of the Army’s many benefits, and, visiting a recruiter, he heard about Tricare, the military’s generous health plan.” He enlisted.

It seems a bit perverse that the incentives for a young person with children to join are greater than the incentives for his childless friend. But that is the way it is. All that could change if the push for some kind of national health insurance program were to be successful.

It is true, of course, that Democrats have been talking about such things for generations. The failure of health care legislation during Bill Clinton’s first two years in office left some viewing the issue as political dynamite — good for a campaign but fatal to anyone who tries to pass a specific program. It is quite unclear how the government would pay for a comprehensive program, and no candidates seem eager to discuss ways to hold down health care spending.

One partial solution to the negative effect on enlistment of a health care plan for all could be a new G.I. education benefit. Both the House and Senate have approved such a plan, but as part of the Iraq funding bill on which there are major differences. President Bush is opposed to the legislation, which its sponsors say would cost $50 billion over 10 years, and it is far from clear it will be enacted.

If we get a real health care plan for all Americans, it might require something like the Webb bill — or a very unpopular revival of the draft — just to keep fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The backers of health care legislation do not want to hurt the Army, but that is what could happen.

Going To Work Can Be Hazardous To Your Health

If you're the type who already dreads trudging to your cubicle on Monday mornings, here's another reason to stay home: Your desk may be a veritable zoo for bacteria.

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In a recent study, a British consumer advocacy group tested a few dozen of its office keyboards for harmful bacteria. Four were deemed health hazards, and one was five times dirtier than a toilet seat in the same office.

And that's just the keyboard - there's also the computer mouse, the telephone, the coffee mug, the work refrigerator and all the other surfaces on which workers lay their hands, breathe, cough and spill crumbs of food.

"I think the office environment has always been a particularly unhygienic environment," said Josette Covington, clinical director of occupational health services at Wilmington, Del.-based Christiana Care Health System.

Care Health In the keyboard study, the British magazine Which? (similar to Consumer Reports) commissioned microbiologist James Francis to test more than 30 office keyboards for a handful of nasty bugs that indicate poor hygiene.

Two keyboards had staphylococcus aureus - associated with skin infections and food poisoning - at "warning levels," and one keyboard was removed from the office because its bacteria levels were 150 times higher than normal.

"That keyboard is increasing the risk of its user becoming ill," Francis told the magazine. "I haven't seen a reading like that in a very long time. It was off the scale."

It's not terribly surprising that keyboards and other office equipment are crawling with bacteria - after all, these one-celled microorganisms are already crawling inside our bodies and on our skin at massive levels.

One study last year found evidence of 182 species of bacteria on skin samples.

In addition to bacteria, workers also have to worry about viruses, the smaller infectious agents that cause, among other things, the common cold.

Such viruses can be spread through coughing or sneezing microscopic droplets into the air, through hand-to-hand contact or through touching the same inanimate object, said Donald Lehman, a professor of medical technology at the University of Delaware.

For that reason, sick workers should stay home, but even that may not be enough to prevent the spread of illness.

"Unfortunately, some of these viruses are sneaky," Lehman said. "People can be contagious before they have the symptoms."

Michele Braughton, a receptionist at the Wilmington accounting firm Cover & Rossiter, sees illnesses passed around all the time in her 30-employee workplace.

"Somebody will come in sick, and the next thing you know somebody else will come in sick," she said.

Braughton was disgusted to hear of the results of the British keyboard study.

She said she regularly sprays her own work keyboard with an air compressor and wipes it down with alcohol pads. She also washes her hands "all the time," even if some of her co-workers don't follow her example.

Care Health In fact, experts say, the simple task of washing one's hands, which most people learn as toddlers, is the most effective way to protect against infection.

Florida Health Insurance Analyst Says Crist's Insurance Plan Lacks Substance

Florida has been in the middle of a health insurance nightmare for quite a few years. This hot button issue has caused many a Politian to create a health care plan they can call their own. Our Governor may be one of them. Morgan Moran of Florida health insurance web, a health analyst said, "Governor Crist's health insurance plan was passed without debate, and it appears the Senate passed the measure without reading it either; it is completely meaningless and most likely will not help anyone".

"The Governors 'Cover Florida' is not designed to 'Cover Florida', said Moran, "it allows big insurance companies free reign to create smaller insurance plans with lesser benefits". And it gets worse. "The insurers can cap services, limit coverage, require co-pays and offer very limited prescription-drug coverage; not exactly what is needed right now", Moran said.

These new health plans would come with a smaller price tag - about $150 a month, as opposed to current Florida health insurance premiums that can exceed $600. Moran said "When the governor created this plan he hoped that people would buy insurance if it were cheaper, but now it seems that $150 is in the gas tank, or the food bill, or something else."

Florida health insurance web recently posted the state's health report which said "At present, 20.2 percent of Florida's population is living without insurance. That makes Florida the third-highest rated uninsured state in the nation." Who are they? "Of the 3.7 million uninsured residents, a little more than 20% are kids under 18, and according to legislative analyst's, almost half of all Floridians - ages 18 to 34 - are uninsured", the analyst said.

Ottawa County Senior Health Fitness Day "Kick Off"

Riverview HealthCare Campus in collaboration with Ottawa County Senior Resources hosted their first ever, Senior Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday May 28, 2008 to celebrate the 15th Annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day. Seniors from across the county were treated to various vendors and local healthcare providers featuring free screenings such as blood pressure, blood sugar, bone density testing, and derma scan.

Ottawa County Senior Resources and the Oak Harbor “Harbor Lights” Senior Center also provided a healthy lunch for the nearly 100 seniors who attended the event.

The event also ‘kicked-off’ Riverview’s own “Riverwalk”, a quarter-mile paved pathway near the river that is open to the public. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured two-time Track Olympiad Mamie Rallins and Senior Track Olympiad Dorothy Gackstetter, both residents of Ottawa County. They also led the inaugural lap signifying the official opening of “Riverwalk. ” “ We hope the seniors and the community will utilize the ‘Riverwalk’ for their fitness needs. It offers a safe space in which all individuals can enjoy the beauty of the Portage River and get the benefits of healthy exercise at the same time, “ stated Kendra German, Administrator for Riverview HealthCare Campus.

The highlight of the event was the landing of the LifeFlight helicopter just prior to the presentation from the Ottawa County Commissioners of the Proclamation designating Wednesday May 28, 2008 as Ottawa County Senior Health & Fitness Day. According to Dianne Martin Mortensen, Executive Coordinator for Senior Resources, “this event offers seniors the opportunity to take a look at their health habits. Often, Seniors tend to ignore fitness issues as they age. Having events like this one encourages them to make health and fitness a priority in their lives.”

Let Moderation Be Your Guide Beauty Health

Living in the Algarve, it’s sometimes hard to avoid having the odd drink or two, but, according to a recent survey by the British Department of Health, most of us don’t realise just how much alcohol we are actually consuming.

The survey of 1,429 drinkers in England found that more than a third of people do not know their recommended daily limit, which is, in fact, 2-3 units for women and 3-4 units for men. The survey coincided with a campaign by the government to increase alcohol awareness and to promote careful drinking.

Health Ministers are becoming increasingly concerned that people are unaware that increased glass sizes means that they are drinking a lot more than is recommended, and that also drinks are becoming stronger.

Over half of the people questioned -via the internet - Beauty Health believed that a large glass of wine equals two units of alcohol, when it actually equals three. The survey also discovered that those questioned were drinking at least two to three times a week.

In the Algarve, with such good wines available at such reasonable prices, most drinkers are probably consuming much more than that.

Beauty Health It can become increasingly confusing to know how much alcohol it is safe to consume. It seems that daily we are bombarded with information on how dangerous alcohol can be, yet the next day we are being told that one or two glasses a day is good for the heart or the blood. Well… Beauty Health is it good for us or not.

The key to healthy drinking seems to be with that one simple word… moderation. As with most things in life, we should not starve ourselves of what we fancy.

International Medical and Al Wathba National Insurance Co launch MediGlobal insurance plan in UAE

UAE. US-based International Medical Group (IMG) announced the launch of MediGlobal Health Insurance, an international healthcare plan which meets the local requirements of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and offers flexible options catering to the insurance requirements for the entire UAE.

This innovative product provides a rich blend of benefits offering worldwide coverage on a direct billing basis. IMG joined hands with the UAE-based company Al Wathba National Insurance Company (AWNIC), one of the leading insurance companies in the UAE.

“We have worked very closely with AWNIC to deliver effective local and international coverage within one seamless plan specially designed for the UAE market,” said Joseph Brougher, President of IMG. “We are particularly pleased to be partnering with an insurance company like AWNIC that provides such strong security and consistently delivers on its promise of superior coverage and customer service.”

“Our review of the UAE health insurance sector showed that the market was lacking a product that could effectively combine local underwriting and service with international coverage and emergency services,” added Bassam Chilmeran, General Manager of AWNIC. “After an extensive review of the companies operating in the international market, we found that IMG stood above the market with its superior international service and global reputation.”

On 21 May 2008, Bassam Chilmeran welcomed insurance brokers along with members of prestigious organisations from different sectors of the market to the official launching of this breakthrough product at the Hilton in Abu Dhabi. During the event, IMG executives gave a detailed presentation on the salient features of the new plan. Both IMG and AWNIC conveyed the message that MediGlobal Health Insurance is a high-end product which is the perfect solution for the needs of the present day UAE clientele.

Note: International Medical Group (IMG) is a worldwide leader in designing, distributing and administering global health care benefits. IMG’s international reputation for excellence has been established by providing medical, life and disability insurance products to individuals, families and groups in more than 170 countries.

Since 1990, IMG has served over 500,000 clients worldwide including vacationers, business executives, missionary groups, entertainers, Fortune 500 companies, schools and universities, professional marine crew, expatriates and local and third country nationals. IMG is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, US. Its companies also include IMG Europe, Akeso Care Management, iTravelInsured, and IMG-Stop Loss.

Al Wathba National Insurance Co (AWNIC) is among the fastest growing and one of the leading insurance companies in the UAE. It has a well-spread service network in the Emirates, with its registered head office in Abu Dhabi and its three branches in Dubai, Sharjah and Al Ain respectively.

AWNIC underwrites all types of insurance products which are well-supported by a panel of highly rated international reinsurers and a strong qualified medical team to service the well-balanced medical portfolio through its professional but caring touch.

Fla. Gov Signs Health Insurance Bill

Some uninsured Florida residents may get easier access to health care coverage under legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Charlie Crist.

The new law lets insurance companies offer scaled-back health plans without all the usually required coverages. That might make insurance available to some people for as little as $150 a month, Crist said.

Under the law, some insurance companies will join a state program in which they are required to cover many basic health care needs, such as drugs, emergency care and hospitalization, but won't be required to pay for many treatments that insurers generally must cover. Among those might be mandated coverages like certain screenings, or coverage of certain transplants. Insurers said those requirements contribute to rising health care costs.

"It is not the Cadillac of health plans, but it offers something very, very important for the citizens of our state," the governor said. Shrinking the number of people in Florida without health insurance, now about 3.8 million, has been one of Crist's top priorities.

The state program, known as "Cover Florida," will be open to uninsured people ages 19-64. Children and the elderly wouldn't need it since they're generally eligible for other government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare and the state's KidCare subsidized insurance program. To participate, someone has to have been uninsured for six months.

The new law will also allow insurers who don't participate in the state "Cover Florida" program to also make changes that may let them provide cheaper policies. Under that part of the law, organizations and insurance companies would be allowed to offer scaled-back plans that have even fewer requirements than the ones participating in the state program.

Small businesses with less than 50 workers would be able to take advantage of a variety of insurance policy options - and things that aren't exactly insurance, like medical savings accounts - under that part of the law.

Some critics worried those plans might not offer enough consumer protections, but supporters said that plans that don't cover everything are better than no insurance at all.

State law generally has about 50 mandated coverages for most health insurance policies. They range from requirements that policies must cover some types of transplants to requirements for the number of days that women must be allowed to remain in the hospital after child birth.

Crist said he hopes the availability of cheaper coverage may reduce the number of people needing emergency care, because they will be more likely to treat problems early.

"One in five Floridians goes to bed at night worrying about how to pay for medical care," Crist said. "And they wait to go to the doctor until they have a medical emergency."

The bill also allows families with children who make too much money to participate in the KidCare program to pay full premiums and get the coverage through the program. It also requires insurance companies to offer families the option to keep unmarried adult children enrolled on their family health policy until age 30.

Lawmakers Remind Students Of Expanded Health Insurance Benefits

As college and high school seniors graduate from schools across the state this spring, lawmakers are reminding them to take advantage of a new law that will allow many to stay on their parents' health insurance plan until they turn 25.

The new law, which passed in the General Assembly last year and went into effect on Jan. 1, allows dependents to stay on their family's health insurance plans up to the age of 25 - regardless of whether or not they are full-time students. Qualifying dependents cannot be married; they must live at home with the plan holder for at least half of the year, and receive at least fifty percent of their support from the plan holder.

Speaking at the Laurel High School commencement rehearsal on Friday, state Sen. James C. Rosapepe (D-District 21) told students the "new law will help many high school and college graduates when they graduate."

"We need universal health care, but the state has acted to increase the numbers of Marylanders with access to medical insurance," Rosapepe said

Rosapepe distributed a flyer to students explaining the Health Insurance - Family Coverage Expansion Act, and encouraged them to discuss the matter with their parents.

The expanded effort to promote the new legislation comes at a time when many seniors are graduating from college. Several schools, including Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, and the University of Maryland, College Park held commencement exercises late last week.

Thousands of students will now have access to insurance, whereas in the past many would have lost coverage when they concluded their studies.

Graduating college seniors have been among the highest group in the country to lack health insurance, according to several studies, particularly those who attend graduate school.

How To Save Money On Health Insurance

Save money on health insurance plans. During times of weaker economy, it is imperative to have one of the best health insurance plans to stay protected against unpredicted expenses.

Health Insurance is imperative for your daily savings and expenses. One can fall ill at any unexpected time, causing misery and most importantly, if you are not covered with any health insurance policy, it can prove to be quite expensive on the pocket. Economy is bad these days. Every penny saved goes towards your savings, and can help you better prepare for your future. If ever a situation arises where you are compelled to spend this money, especially for health reasons, it can surely upset your balance. Lowering your expenses is highly important. One of the easiest ways to save money is through getting an.

Most people often find it expensive to opt for a health insurance. They are of the notion that they would rather spend this money if ever any health issue arises. If you are an average ordinary person, consider a time in a month where you have just paid your monthly bills, had your mortgage settled out, and are just satisfied with the way things have turned out. But things may go wrong if you fall ill all of a sudden. Remember, we set apart an amount of money for all of our expenses except for health related issues. It is not uncommon. People tend to save money on literally everything, but just couldn't afford to save a few hundred dollars for their own health.

Health Insurance may not be as expensive as one would think. Over the years, various health insurance companies have evolved with interesting health and medical insurance packages that are easier on the pocket, all the while providing top quality service. Unlike the previous days, we are provided with an opportunity to compare and select different health insurance and life insurance packages that appeal to us the most.

Now for a few hundred dollars a month, you can insure your whole family against unpredictable circumstances and provide them with quality treatment facilities. Compare this to the actual costs that may be incurred during some serious illness. We are talking about thousands of dollars saved. You can compare and get free quotes on several health, life, medical and other insurance plans from Health Insure Direct.

HSA or Health Savings Account is another option of saving money on health insurance. HSA lets you gain the full advantage of health insurance plans, and also provides you with competitive tax benefits. HSA is more like a savings account, where you are required to invest a few hundred dollars monthly. You will get a fixed interest on this money, and the money being invested in HSA is absolutely tax free. Also, there is nothing known as maturity of the insurance plan, and you can withdraw any amount of money for your medical expenses from your HSA anytime you want. All you will need is to pay off the deficient amount in the subsequent monthly payments. Health Savings Account is just another reason to save money for your extra needs.

Compare HSA plans that are suitable for you and that is quite affordable to accommodate your daily expenditure and savings. Research is the major part of saving money on insurance. It is always important to look up the various rates and packages of health insurance providers, and Health Insure Direct provides you with an easy to use interface to research and select free quotes from some of the top notch health insurance companies.

It would also be worthwhile to keep a regular check and update on the health insurance rates of the present day market. You wouldn't want to end up paying extra, especially at times when the economy requires you to save as much money as possible. For this, you could re-evaluate your insurance rates and packages every six to twelve months, or you can also go in for short duration insurance packages.

Either way, never ever forget that you have a health insurance package, and take care to avoid any defaults. Insurance companies usually associate a "*" along with their terms and conditions which states that you are supposed to be making payments at prescribed intervals, or you lose all the benefits. Pay your premiums on time and stay protected anytime and anywhere.

Fitness Honors For Vernon School Nurse, Others

Skinner Road School in Vernon and Judi Manfre, the school's nurse for seven years, were honored Monday at the state Capitol for their efforts to foster physical fitness.

Others honored Monday by the Governor's Committee on Physical Fitness includes East Hartford Mayor Melody Currey, the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce, the Colchester 57 Fest, the Elmwood Community Center in West Hartford, and the New Britain Parks and Recreation Department.

Skinner Road School has worked to encourage students to eat better, to be physically fit and to develop lifelong habits to keep them physically fit. The school has done away with cupcakes to celebrate birthdays, has a group of students who arrive at school early two days a week to exercise, begun family fun nights that incorporate exercise, conducted a bicycle rodeo and encouraged youngsters to walk to school.

Manfre has worked with colleagues at the school such as Eric Uthgennant, the physical education teacher, and Patti Buell, the school's former principal who is now director of pupil services for the school district, on the fitness efforts. One of the biggest is the annual walk-to-school day each October, which had turned into a twice-a-month program in which youngsters are dropped 0.7 miles from the school, then walk the rest of the way in.

Fitness scores, as assessed on the Connecticut Mastery Test, have improved as have scores in reading, writing and math. Buell said she believes there is a link between the wellness efforts and academic test scores.

"It gets kids excited to come to school," Buell said.

"Healthy students do, in fact, learn better," Manfre said.

Manfre said a group of kindergarten parents has begun walking their children to and from school, a development that bodes well for their children. If the children get used to walking to school young, there's a good chance it will continue.

Skinner Road is also working to develop safe routes to school to address any concerns parents might have about having their children walk to school.

Currey was honored for her efforts to obtain state grants to improve parks and recreation facilities in East Hartford. The Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce was honored for its "Living Well in Glastonbury" program that encourages chamber members to incorporate health and fitness in their lives. The Elmwood Senior Center was honored for its fitness programs for seniors. New Britain's parks and recreation department was honored for the host of programs it offers. And the Colchester 57 Fest was honored for encouraging physical activity.