Make it a Super Month not Just a Superbowl Day!

Although I was born a NY Giant fan and have to shout out GO BLUE, because they are playing in the big game today, the more important message is to remind everyone that February is heart healthy month and the politically correct message is GO RED.

To stay healthy you need to know the disease, so….

What is heart disease?

Heart disease, sometimes referred to as cardiovascular disease really describes several conditions related to a substance called plaque that builds up in the walls of your arteries. The doctors call this atherosclerosis. Simply put, as the plaque builds up in your arteries it restricts the normal blood flow and increases your risk for a heart attack or a stroke.

You can experience other types of conditions, including heart failure, irregular heartbeat called arrhythmia, or more mechanical problems with one of your heart valves.

There is too much information to cover in this forum so we would recommend that you learn more about the heart disease and conditions that can lead to an unhealthy heart, or to avoid the experience of a heart attack or stroke. Awareness of the lifestyle factors – learning how to prevent a more serious condition from developing and the associated expensive treatment is our goal.

To help we would recommend you look at the following list of topics to start your research.

• Arrhythmia
• Cardiac Arrest
• Cardiac Rehab
• Cholesterol
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• High Blood Pressure
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
• Stroke

Since nutrition is critically related to good health, we did find research on dietary supplements. You can find complete article published with the National Institute on Health here. Another study was published by the American College of Cardiology.

The latest news out of Washington D.C. on the Affordable Care Act, (“ACA”) came this last December 2011. The administration released a proposal that allows the states to pick from several “federally” approved health insurance options. These appear to be a cross-secton of packages offered to government employees along with a HMO option.

Not surprising, some could label this “big brother” health care. Some act as if we do not know what the reform will look like and we need to wait and see. I suggest you need to roll up your sleeves and you can see what they have in mind with just a little research.

1. We know they used the Massachusetts reform plan as a model.  You should look here for clues

2. We know they want to treat us all like employees of the federal government, so look at their plan and add a few buraucratic agencies, some tax forms, applications, confusing descriptions and you have it all.

You must know by now that all states must make their health care exchange operational by 2013 and starting in 2014, it is expected that millions of Americans will be able to purchase individual coverage in the new state exchanges, with massive federal subsidies to help pay the premiums. The issue now is figuring out what the package will look like compared to the currently available coverage provided mostly by employer plans and what is available in most state individual markets. 

Determining the Right Strategy

Many benefit managers and consumer groups are trying to figure out the right course of actions. They are waiting for the final federal benchmark plan package to be released so they can understand the new national standard. However, final regulations are still not out and are not expected for several months.

The intent of the act (ACA) was to provide ACCESS to insurance and AFFORDABILITY of insurance.

So, How might that look?

If you look at the Massachusetts model you will see a cross-section of comprehensive packages. The ACA calls them essential health benefits (“EHBs”). We in Massachusetts call them minimum essential coverage or (“MEC”). One big issue for even Massachusetts is aligning our MECs with the federal EHBs. Can you imagine the work you will have aligning your corporate plan with both state and federal rules? Here is a link to the most recent Mass Health Retreat Presentation

Based on what you read, the standards will likely include plans similar to those available in your state for small groups, similar to the state employee plan, similar to the federal employee plan and as least one HMO plan in your state market area.

The proposed policy by the Health and Human Services Department suggests all plans need to address certain categories of coverage:

• Preventive care
• Emergency care
• Maternity care
• Doctor and Hospital services, prescription drugs to name the key categories.

If a state fails to offer a plan that does not cover the required categories, the state can review other plans including the Federal Employee Health Plan.

This is why I know you can learn what is coming. The standard is quite clear, therefore you need to start implementing change today before all the options available today are gone.

Consider Registering for our free webinar to learn more.

Your Wellness Plan can help you get even living with Gout.

For some reason the gout was something you saw only in the movies, or heard your great uncle had, but many more people suffer with the Gout than should. Knowledge is power, so take a few minutes and add to your tool kit some of the basics.

Did you know there was a link between Gout and your kidney function? I didn’t until I did the background research to write this article. I learned that a Gout flare up in your foot is a sign your kidney’s are not functioning properly.

Nutrition Matters

The number one trouble maker is Uric Acid that is transported by your blood in your circulatory system. This acid is very heavy to move around so your circulatory system looks for available places to dump some off. Any place where even normal blood flow is slow or sluggish will do. Like your foot or big toe seem to be a favorite spot.

So where does this excess uric acid come from. From what I read, purine-rich foods like alcohol, seafood, and organ meats are things to watch for and limit your intake, if you are a gout sufferer.

The experts recommend you drink as much water as possible to flush purine-rich foods and uric acid from your systems. Follow good nutritional guidelines to improve liver and kidney function.

A favorite phrase is “fight the Flame” with EPA, No not the Environmental Protection Agency, eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA for short. This omega-3 fatty acid is commonly found in flaxseed or fish-oil. This acid helps control the inflammation. Another item to discuss with your doctor is bromelain. This enzyme comes from pineapple and is called nature’s anti-inflammatory medicine.

If you investigate further you see discussions on Folic Acid and it’s effect on uric acid production. This Vitamin B seems to block the production of uric acid. Or look into berries like cherries, blueberries and other fruits. Even a common household item like celery seems to sooth your systems as a natural diuretic to help you flush the system.

So back to the beginning. Gout is something you may not think much about, but maybe that is because you already have the great diet of fruits, vegetables and berries, low in fatty red meets, so you are protected and soothed such that you maintain the balance in your body. This keeps the inflammation away so you don’t suffer the Gout.