BCBSNC Encourages Awareness, Prevention on Swine Flu

Chapel Hill, N.C. (April 29, 2009) - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is monitoring swine influenza (swine flu) concerns and assures customers it has plans in place to meet customer needs in the event of a public health emergency.

In 2006, BCBSNC created a pandemic subcommittee and prepared detailed plans for responding to the varying levels of intensity of a pandemic.

“Our primary concern is helping our customers stay informed and healthy, and our preparations will ensure that in the event of a pandemic, we will be able to provide the customer service our members want and need,” said BCBSNC Chief Medical Officer Don Bradley, M.D. “A key part of our preparations include making sure our business remains financially solvent and that we are able to cover customers’ medical expenses over an extended period of time during a pandemic. BCBSNC’s financial reserves are there for just such an emergency.”

While no cases of swine flu have been confirmed in North Carolina residents are urged to take the same preventive measures they take during any flu season, including:

·Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol- based hand cleaners are also effective.

·Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since bacteria can live on surfaces you handle.

·Avoid close contact with sick people.

·If you become ill with flu symptoms, call your doctor for advice, and stay home from work, school or other public events.

· Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated.

· Get plenty of sleep.

· Manage your stress through exercise and plenty of rest.

· Drink plenty of fluids.

· Eat healthy, nutritious food.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine flu has not been shown to be transmitted to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.

A variety of reliable resources are available to help answer questions about the Swine Flu:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization U.S. Department of Health and Human Services www.pandemicflu.gov
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

BCBSNC customers with the Health Line Blue benefit can talk to a nurse about possible symptoms. Customers should check their benefit book or online account to determine if they have this benefit and for the Health Line Blue telephone number.
“In previous emergencies, such as hurricanes and ice storms, BCBSNC demonstrated flexibility in order to assist our customers and our employees. We would bring that same kind of flexibility and customer focus to a pandemic,” said Bradley.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. It can be transmitted from pigs to humans through contact with live pigs, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented.

About BCBSNC:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.7 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 76 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com.

Buying Generic Drugs Safely Online

Many consumers are shopping online for generic drugs to fill their prescriptions economically. This guide will help you shop safely to avoid online fraud and save time in choosing a legitimate online source for your generic drugs. Also make sure to visit the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) website for warnings against buying certain drugs online.

Generic drugs tend to be cheaper and have the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, risks, safety, and pharmacological effect as name brand drugs.
Make sure to check your insurance policy to see if your insurance pays only for generics or covers more expensive name brand drugs. Also check with your doctor for the generic counterpart if they prescribe only name brand drugs. Also check online to find out if there's a generic version of a drug to save money.

Statistics show that almost half of all US prescriptions filled are generic drugs which saves consumers an estimated $8 to $10 billion a year because of the price differences.
Check first with your local pharmacy when comparison shopping for generic drugs. Many local stores now have competitive prices because of the online competition. They also may be faster and don’t charge for delivery.

The top points to consider when shopping online are the quality, reliability and service record of the online merchant. There is a lot of fraud online so beware to consider this before purchasing generic drugs on the internet. Make sure to check the following details of each online merchant: The physical address and contact information, whether they are a licensed pharmacy, their privacy policy for security, their website security certificate for secure online purchases, their prescription policy for filling and verifying prescriptions.

The legitimate online US pharmacies usually require a prescription from your doctor before you can purchase medications. That means you will have to fax a copy of the prescription and they will verify it before any online transactions. Beware of online merchants who have lax requirements for prescriptions. They could be selling fake medications that may hurt you.

According to current price comparisons, many of the large pharmacy chains now offer very competitive prices for generic drugs. This can save you time and money to just shop locally for your prescription drugs. For those who do purchase online, be careful and always double check the online merchant for your safety and health.

Get personal attention and expert advice concerning your NC medical insurance coverage plans. Contact NC insurance agent Judi Goloff with BCBSNC ® for experienced help with NC health plan options and rates. Call 800-438-5834 for reliable NC health insurance quotes.

NC health plans with affordable North Carolina Health Insurance options

Are you looking for affordable NC health insurance options that offer quality medical care coverage? At NC Health Plans Online, we offer the best health insurance coverage for individuals and businesses in North Carolina.

Our choices of premiums and plan options can not be beat for the value of medical services and large network of doctors and providers available.

Call Judi Goloff at 800-436-5834 with any questions regarding the wide range of health plan options and affordable premiums for groups and individuals. She can walk you through the complex process of selecting the perfect NC health plan to suit your medical care needs. Judi has helped hundreds of North Carolina residents and continues to provide award winning service to her current customers.

Essential Oils for Healthier Living

Oils to help relieve the Common Cold

Did you know that essential oils can kill viruses and bacteria? Certain molecules can also help prevent the common cold and flu and your body doesn’t develop a resistance like antibiotics.
The following immune system boosting oils can be used for various ailments and gives a healthy alternative to taking drugs and medications.

Oregano is a popular essential oil that can treat the cold and flu. It is an essential oil that heats up and tingles when applied to your shoulders, back and even feet. Be careful and dilute with butter or olive oil, do not use water. Apply on your body, but not your face.

Peppermint and Eucalyptus have been commonly used to relieve sinus congestion and open the lungs and respiratory system. They are cool and soothing essential oils and can be applied to the throat, chest, neck, and back.

Lemon can boost the immune system when taken with water orally. This essential oil is a healthy addition to your recommended daily 8 glasses of water.

Frankincense is a strong, but expensive immune-boosting oil, frankincense is a valuable and effective essential oil that really works on the common cold. Apply directly on the skin or take several drops orally for cold relief.

Cinnamon is great for improving the immune system and supports the digestive system and pancreas. Apply on the feet or inhale.


Pain Therapy with Essential Oils
Essential oils are also used for pain relief. They can reduce inflammation, provide local anesthesia, and cause a sensations of warming or cooling with certain application of hot or cool oils on the skin. Many massage therapists use certain essential oils such as lavender as well as clary sage, chamomile, helichrysum, sweet marjoram, and sandalwood to reduce muscle pain and swelling. Midwives have used essential oils for years to relieve labor contractions and birth pains.

Lavender is a very popular pain relief and relaxing essential oil. Commonly used to treat muscle spasm, sprain, strain, cramp, contracture and rheumatic pain, it acts a sedative and can also relieve headaches, nervous tension, and insomnia. Lavender can also be applied directly to the skin for swelling and regeneration.

Boost Your Immune System with Essential Oils

The powerful immune boosting properties of essential oils have been well documented and the uses are varied. Many use oils diffused into the air to act as an air purifier, naturally detoxifying pathogens in the air. In addition, many oils act to prevent infections. Eucalyptus, oregano, lemon, and cinnamon are commonly used for this purpose.

For a natural and effective way to help manage stress, boost mood, fight off infection, and deal with pain, try essential oils. Make sure to sure to research their uses and recommendations for certain conditions before applying to skin or taking orally.

Judi Goloff is an independent insurance agent with BCBSNC®. Call her for experienced advice about your NC health insurance quotes. Call 800-438-5834 or visit NC Health Plans Online, for Blue Cross NC rates and quotes.

BCBSNC adopts policies to improve hospital patient safety, reduce medical errors

Chapel Hill, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) today announces the adoption of a formalized policy to improve hospital patient safety and quality as well as reduce costly medical errors.

Under this policy, hospitals will not be reimbursed for adverse patient events identified by the National Quality Forum if the error was preventable by the hospital. Such events include procedures that are performed on the wrong side of the body, at the wrong site, or on the wrong person.

The policy on medical error billing was developed after consultation with the North Carolina Hospital Association (NCHA) and the North Carolina Quality Center and incorporates principles promoted by those organizations for hospitals. “These new guidelines will effectively move us forward to improve the quality and safety of medical services for patients throughout North Carolina,” said Don Bradley, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, BCBSNC.

BCBSNC, the State’s largest health insurer, provides a portion of the financial support for the North Carolina Quality Center, helping fund a number of patient safety initiatives. These initiatives include efforts among more than 100 North Carolina hospitals to implement quality improvement measures and improve patient safety. The Center is also working on an initiative for hospitals to confidentially report adverse patient events under the new federal Patient Safety Organization regulations. The Center will analyze these events to assist hospitals in developing best practices to improve systems of care and patient safety.

About BCBSNC:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.7 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 76 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com.