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The key to finding affordable health insurance for yourself or your family may be a question of how much you're willing to bend. What I mean is, there are many individuals and families that are without health insurance protection right now because they simply don't realize that they have the option of "slicing and dicing" their coverage options. Let me explain. You see, within each health insurance policy you have several different individual coverages. These could be hospitalization, Physicians costs, Ambulatory care, etc, and each one of these individual coverages have maximum annual limits. You can actually reduce or eliminate some or all of these coverages in order to get your policy to where it's more affordable.

I realize that modifying a health insurance policy like this isn't a great option, however, in this case it is better to have some coverage, especially long term care, then none at all.

Another way that you can make your health insurance more affordable is by raising your deductible amount. The average person will only see a doctor once or twice per year anyway, therefore they'll be paying $200-$300.00 themselves anyway, so what's the big deal about raising the deductible?

Medical expenses, unlike many other everyday bills, are more flexible with their payment terms. What I mean is that if you happen to break your leg and it costs a couple thousand dollars to pay for the care then you can easily pay that off by making affordable payment arrangements. This is no big deal. There are over 40 million uninsured Americans right now, many of which can never afford to pay a dime back for their care, so if you'll make your payments then you've got no problems.

The bottom line when trying to find affordable health insurance is that you need coverage for long term care, regardless of if you have a high deductible or not. Most other types of health care are manageable, but not having insurance in the event of an injury or illness that requires long term care spells financial disaster for most people.

You Can Learn More About Health Insurance Options And Even Get Free Health Insurance Quotes Right Now At http://TheHealthInsuranceGuys.org or by clicking on Affordable Health Insurance Rick Stevens Has Worked As An Insurance Agent And Now Focuses His Time On Working His Online Projects And Helping Others.

// posted by 24394 @ 3:24 AM 0 comments

Nutrition is a vital part of good heart health. While much focus is placed on dietary fats, antioxidants, vitamins and nutraceuticals can help to improve cardiovascular health. Antioxidants are cardioprotective. Atherosclerotic plaques are formed long before the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease is made. Antioxidant vitamins protect against plaque formation, according to a study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (August, 2002). Antioxidants can also help protect against high blood pressure.

In the American Heart Association Journal, Circulation (November, 2002), the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is discussed. Omega-3 fatty acids make the blood less likely to form clots that cause heart attack as well as protect against irregular heartbeats that can cause sudden cardiac death.

In the journal, Cardiovascular Reviews and Reports, (volume 4, number 8, 8/18/03 Role of Nutriceutical Agents in Cardiovascular Diseases: An Update -- Part I), a number of natural health strategies are discussed. Nitric oxide helps to relax and to protect the lining of the arteries. The amino acid, arginine helps with the production of nitric oxide. The article makes note of a few small studies that show the benefit of L-arginine supplementation, which improves coronary blood flow, decreases inflammatory chemicals, and improves angina symptoms. It has even shown to be beneficial to patients suffering from congestive heart failure.

Taurine, another essential amino acid, is also mentioned in the article. Taurine is present in the myocardium, and deficiency has been associated with cardiomyopathy. Cases of cardiomyopathy have responded to taurine supplementation, according to the article (Cardiovascular Reviews and Reports, (volume 4, number 8, 8/18/03 Role of Nutriceutical Agents in Cardiovascular Diseases: An Update -- Part I). Once again, small clinical studies seem to support the value of taurine.

The article also cited studies supporting the use of Co Q-10. One five-year study, involving 126 patients showed improvement in congestive heart failure patients-without any adverse effects. Another study showed that Co Q-10 supplementation improved blood pressure, reduced left ventricular hypertrophy and improved exercise capacity in heart patients. One group of authors proposed that Co Q-10 supplementation could help increase the amount of time heart transplant patients could wait for a donor heart.

Vitamin K has anticoagulant activity (Thromb Haemost, 2005;205(93):799-800). Vitamin K2 carboxylates matrix GLA protein, which is the most powerful and abundant inhibitor of arterial calcification (quoting Dr. Mark Houston's presentation on the subject).
The benefits Co Q10 and resveratrol can be seen elsewhere in this newsletter. VasculoSirtTM contains CoQ10, Vitamin K2, resveratrol, acetyl L- carnitine, R-alpha lipoic acid and B complex vitamins and is designed to improve blood flow.

Nutritional support and other aspects of natural health care can be of great value-even when traditional medical treatment must be utilized. Natural health care treats the patient-not the disease. It is always a valuable approach, no matter what the disease process.

Dr. Paul Varnas, DC, DACBN is a practicing Chiropractor and Natural Health provider in the Chicago, Illioois area. Dr. Varnas is also a published author, entreprenuer and public speaker promoting the benefits of natural healthcare and whole body welness throughout the country. His Whole Health America organization provides a variety of information and value added services to natural care practitioners everywhere.

For more information on Dr. Paul Varnas, please call 630-993-0007, or visit http://www.wholehealthamerica.com

// posted by 24394 @ 3:23 AM 0 comments

You may be aware of its use as a flavoring or spice, but you may not know that there are numerous health benefits of ginger root. Throughout history, ginger root has been used to relieve nausea, pain, swelling and cold symptoms. Today, ginger capsules are sold for medicinal purposes in pharmacies in many countries, but not the United States.

In the US, it is not approved by the FDA to treat or cure any disease, but ginger capsules are sold as dietary supplements. Ginger root is classified by the FDA as a food, not a drug, as are most herbs and nutrients.

There are many known health benefits of ginger root and other plant foods, but because they are safe for frequent use in reasonable amounts, the FDA does not regulate them, except to say that manufacturers may not make unsupported health claims about their products.

Manufacturers of ginger capsules do have clinical studies, laboratory studies and evidence related to historical use to support claims about the medical benefits of ginger root. But, in the United States, manufacturers must be very careful about wording. They must also use the disclaimer that ginger root is not meant to treat, prevent or cure any disease.

Even information that they supply to consumers must be accompanied by warnings that the writers are not attempting to diagnose or recommend a treatment for a disease and that the information is not meant to take the place of a doctors advice.

All of this may seem excessive to someone who is simply trying to learn about the health benefits of ginger root. The regulations, warnings and disclaimers are mentioned here because some of the benefits listed may not be found on a bottle of ginger capsules. In fact, without reading numerous published scientific research reports and studies, finding a natural cure or remedy for a common ailment can be difficult.

For example, ginger root has been shown to provide effective relief for migraines and headaches of all types, but ginger capsules will not be found alongside over the counter remedies such as Tylenol and aspirin, at least in American pharmacies.

The common pain relievers are typically ineffective for the relief of migraines and can increase the stomach upset and discomfort, which sometimes accompanies migraines. Continued use can even lead to ulcers and other health problems.

On the other hand, the benefits of ginger root include relief of nausea. Continued use will not lead to ulcers and it is extremely safe, but manufacturers are not allowed to state that ginger root relieves headaches, migraines and nausea. In other words, US regulations make it difficult to find a safe, effective, natural treatment for headaches or any other condition.

When it comes to motion sickness and nausea, ginger root has been shown to be more effective than drugs. It is commonly used by women in Eastern countries to mitigate morning sickness. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that ginger root is likely safe for use in pregnancy when used orally in amounts found in foods.

The total amount found in ginger capsules vary. 100 mg per day is believed to be a safe dosage. No side effects have been noted at higher dosages, except in those who are allergic to ginger root. The typical allergic reaction is excessive burping.

Some suspected health benefits of ginger root are quite exciting. Scientists and researchers have established a relationship between chronic inflammation and heart disease, cancer and many other conditions. Pharmaceutical companies have spent years and probably billions of dollars trying to create safe synthetic anti-inflammatories and COX-2 inhibitors. Some of these drugs have proven to be unsafe and even lethal.

Nature has already provided us with safe pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Natural anti-inflammatories and plant components with COX inhibiting action exist and many experts feel that these are the real keys to preventing chronic and life threatening diseases. Natural components of ginger root, as well as many other herbs and botanicals, display anti-inflammatory and COX inhibiting activity.

Recent studies have shown that the benefits of ginger root, when used on a regular basis, include lower cholesterol levels, more stable blood pressure and blood glucose levels and a reduction in blood clotting similar to that observed in persons on an aspirin regimen.

To conclude, a quick but lengthy list of the known and suspected benefits of ginger root follows. Experts in natural and alternative medicine say that ginger root may be beneficial in epilepsy, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, morning sickness, osteoarthritis, vertigo, atherosclerosis, gastro intestinal disorders, hay fever, HIV support, low back pain, migraine headaches and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you are already taking other supplements, adding ginger root capsules to your daily regimen may be expensive and taking yet another pill may be frustrating and hard to stomach. In addition, if the manufacturer does not supply ginger root or other ingredients in the right form, with the right delivery system, then results may be disappointing.

Because of the many health benefits of ginger root, this compound is included in the best daily multi nutrient formulas, making it possible for you to get your daily dose of ginger root, along with recommended amounts of numerous other vitamins, minerals, co-factors and elements, without taking numerous pills from various sources.

Mila Sabido is editor of http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com. Visit http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com/benefits-of-ginger-root.html for more info on ginger and supplement products containing ginger root.

// posted by 24394 @ 3:22 AM 0 comments

An astounding number of "patients" come out of a doctors office or even a hospital screening - where nothing had been found - yet the person feels that something is wrong. What is wrong is the contemporary, symptoms based "healthcare" that asks for symptoms to be present in order to come into action. The dilemma is that often subjects feel lousy but are unable to pinpoint specific symptoms. In a staggering number of cases this is because of accumulation of toxins in the body which may stem from various sources and in any combination and quantities:

There are substantial Health Risks to become ill from involuntary exposure to certain substances, such as environmental toxins:

• dioxin
• air pollution
• toxins in tap water (incl fluoride and chlorine)
• ionizing radiation (nuclear waste, medical products and drugs)
• electromagnetic fields, (incl. cell phones, wifi, wlan, etc.)
• contaminated industrial sites (landfills)
• oil and gas fields,
• waste incineration
• Dental "silver" fillings (amalgam), "gold" crowns, root canals
• Formaldehyde (in furniture, building materials, etc.)

Then there are Health Risks associated with voluntary exposure to toxins -even by innocence - such as the many chemicals in personal care products and household detergents and chemicals

• Toothpaste,
• Deodorants
• Fragrances
• Shampoos
• Cosmetics
• Sun block
• Lipsticks (lead)
• Lotions
• Household detergents
• Sprays
• Gasoline
• Paint (lead)
• Air fresheners
• Phthalates & Bisphenol-A (used to soften plastics, bottles, etc)
• Baby products

and finally the toxins in food and drinks (all commercial foods in the US have herbicides and pesticides in them):

• synthetic sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame K, Sweet and Low, Equal, etc.)
• Monosodium Glutamate "MSG"
• Nitrates and Nitrites (processed meats)
• Benzoates (in soft drinks)
• Irradiated Food (radioactive rays treated)
• Propylene oxide (terminal gas sterilization of raw nuts)
• Fluoride (added to tap water)
• Chlorine (added to tap water)
• Pesticides (in Baby and Children food)
• Aflatoxins, Mycotoxins (in Peanuts)
• Antibiotics (in meat, farmed fish, chicken, milk
• Synthetic Hormones rBGH (added to US Beef and Milk)
• Benzene (in soft drinks, sodas)
• Potassium bromate (added to bread)
• BHA & BHT (added to oil to prevent rancidity)
• Lead (in canned foods)
• Mercury (in fish, shrimps, prawns)
• Arsenic (seaweed, tap water)
• Campesterol and stigmasterol (estrogen-like compounds added to Margarine)
• Hexane (used to extract Omega 3)
• Copper fungicide (added to production of organic foods)

Of course, this list is by no means complete; consider that thousands of new chemicals are introduced into the food chain every year. In addition, although not per se referred as toxins, you have to consider the dangers of GMO (genetically modified) Foods.

Although the above is just a list of acquired impediments to your health, the toxins may have accumulated over many years in your body and may have already wreaked havoc by impairing organ functions, hormone and mineral absorption balance, weight gain, allergies or immunity.
Based on the status quo of your health, you may want to analyze what could make you sick in the near future, so you have ample time to adapt your lifestyle accordingly.

How do you analyze toxins in the body? Well here is the answer why conventional medical tests fail to diagnose the problem, unless there is a specific suspicious toxin, no tests are routinely ordered to find any. It would be just too expensive to order lab tests for unspecified substances, considering there are tens of thousands and thousands of new toxins every year. In addition, the interaction of various toxins with each other complicates the issue even further.

Hair sample tests are cheap, private and simple and can even be ordered by mail, they may provide an overview of accumulated heavy metals and mineral imbalances. The problem is that hair dyes may falsify the results which are not very accurate in the first place. However, given the low costs they may be worth the effort. In many cases they have shown mercury intoxication from fish and dental materials, arsenic from tap water and severe mineral imbalances - which then led the subject to get the problem clinically investigated.

When you consider the dangers from all the above and how it may affect you, you may become more vigilant about what products to use and how to compensate for the adverse effects that could come from the constant exposure to unnatural elements. As you can see, your lifestyle may play a major role in suddenly disrupting your mission, unless you are equipped with the knowledge of what toxins are in your body - in order to counteract the challenges.

You can find resources, references and available tests at: http://www.d4vc.com/

Heinz R Gisel is a Personal Nutritional Concepts and Medical Devices Innovator, based in San Diego and Tokyo. He is the Founder of Vitality Concepts Corporation and Doctors 4 Vitality Clinics, LLC. He developed a a clinical, non-invasive analysis system that can detect disease before any symptoms occur, without radiation. He believes that Nutrients belong into food and beverages and not capsules and pills and he has patents pending on such nutritional concepts.

// posted by 24394 @ 3:14 AM 0 comments