Health Insurance and the Stimulus Package

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act voted in on Friday 2/13/2009 has all of us watching to see how this will affect the healthcare and insurance industries.
There are many changes in the works for the nation. Helping Americans gain access to healthcare and preventing others from losing it is at the forefront of President
Obama's stimulus package. The Senate approved $21 billion to provide a 60% federal subsidy for up to nine months for the cost of continuing an employer’s health
care coverage after a layoff under COBRA program; $87 billion to help states with Medicaid; $19 billion to modernize health information technology systems; $10
billion for health research and construction of National Institutes of Health facilities.
All of this is exciting for BCBSNC, healthcare providers and the nation as a whole
See the full bill at : http://www.rules.house.gov/111/LegText/111_hr1_text.pdf - stimulus act

Quitting Smoking saves Money

There are many advantages in quitting smoking. Your health, your wallet and the air you breathe will all benefit from the act. With the whole civilized world becoming “non-smoking” quitting is a reality many smokers face. Most restaurants and bars are completely smoke-free now. There is talk of banning smoking in public outdoor spaces and venues too. All the more reason to try and stop.
The notion of quitting smoking is good for many reasons. You will save money by not buying pack after pack and your health insurance rates can go down too. Don’t forget to contact your agent or HR person to revamp your policy. Some companies are even adopting incentive programs to help employees curb the habit. Money is always a motivating factor, you can read the full story here:
http://www.healthnews.com/medical-updates/money-talks-strong-motivation-quit-smoking-2616.html
Even our own president is taking the milestone to quit. He has been very vocal in his desire to be smoke-free and to encourage the rest of us also.
President Obama is leading a campaign to help Americans snuff out the habit. His website lists these and other options he would like to see included in his administration’s plan for healthcare issues.
­ Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums
­ Lower costs for businesses by covering a portion of the catastrophic health costs they pay in return for lower premiums for employees
­ Lower drug costs by allowing the importation of safe medicines from other developed countries, increasing the use of generic drugs in public programs and taking on drug companies that block cheaper generic medicines from the market
­ Require hospitals to collect and report health care cost and quality data
­ Establish a National Health Insurance Exchange with a range of private insurance options as well as a new public plan based on benefits available to members of Congress that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health coverage.
­ Reduce the costs of catastrophic illnesses for employers and their employees
­ Require coverage of preventive services, including cancer screenings
You can read the full plan at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/There are many resources available on the web and though your healthcare provider to assist you in your goal to quit smoking. There are the tried and true techniques of supplementing with a lollipop, nicotine gum or snapping a rubber band on your wrist. To alternative measures like hypnotism, acupuncture, or prescription drugs. One of the most important steps is finding a support network. Friends, family, co-workers and counseling can provide encouragement and support.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield is committed to helping to keep you healthy.

Exercise away the winter blahs

With January in full swing and blustery February approching, many of us are feeling a bit blah. Cold winds and freezing rain are sure excuses to not move around much. Short days, combined with dark and dreary skies has a way a draining the desire to get out and exercise. Unfortunatly that is exactly the what we need to do. Getting the heart rate up and your blood flowing will put a new spin on the day. Improve your dispostion and combat those winter blahs. When the wind slows a little and the sun does peek out, try to get outside for at least 10 minutes, 2-3 times a week. These activities alone will boost your spirit and in under an hour a week. Whether you decide to be inside or out, it is important to modify your approach to exercise. Like layering up for the outside. You can shed layers as you warm and cool in your exercise. Dont forget to cool off after an indoor workout. Dry your hair well before heading back out into the cold air. Wear sunscreen (spf 15+) even on overcast days. Hats, scarves and gloves are a good idea for breezy weather. .Your activity need not cost a lot of money either. Getting your kids, elderly parents or neighbors invovled makes a great group outing. Enlisting others helps keep yourself on task too. Plus its fun to do stuff with friends and family. Be creative and have fun.Some ideas for indoor activities: bowling, swimming, roller/ice skating, walking in the mall, workout videos, cleaning the house, taking the stairs.Turn on the radio and dance. Outdoors does require more planning and clothes, but the activites are limitless. Ride a bike, take the dog for a walk in the park or downtown, take advantage of the wind and fly a kite. Got snow? Try the bunny slope or snow tubing, build a snowfort.
The health advantages to getting exercise, sunshine, and fresh air during the winter months are reason enough to be active. But if your feeling tired or a tad sluggish. Get up, get out and get moving!

Healthy Eating -Taking advantage of winter crop vegetables

When it comes to getting your 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in the winter time, you need to think outside the box a little. When trying to eat healthy, fresh is key. There are many healthy fruits and veggies availble during the cold winter months. Everyone knows about broccoli and cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash and of course leeks. We tend to forget about brussel sprouts, avocados, snow peas, rutabagas, turnips and parsnips. There are many fruits availble too; oranges, cranberries, kiwi, bananas and grapefruit. The variety is there, sometimes the recipes might not be so varied. Experimenting with stirfrys and cassaroles is a good place to start. Substituting rutabagas for example, in a squash dish can produce a yummy result. Roasted meats and vegetables is always a good wintery day choice, try substituting turnips and leeks for the potatoes and onions, keep the carrots. Dont forget about stews and soups too, I found an interesting soup recipe; "Wild Rice and Cranberry." Trying different smoothies combinations can be a fun treat to make with the kids. Fresh orange juice blended with strawberries and bananas is a favorite at our house. Using yogurt in place of ice cream makes them super creamy and healthy. Healthful winter eating doesnt need to be boring, frozen vegetables, broccoli and cabbage. There are many options available to todays shopper, just browse the produce section. Look for good deals on produce you wouldnt normally buy. Browse cookbooks to find ideas, ask your grandmother, cooking websites, etc.
Exercise, eating right and regular doctors visits are the most proactive approch you can have to maintain your health and wellness. We here at Blue Cross and Blue Shield are committed to providing you with the tools you need keep your family healthy.