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Pop Quiz: Test your knowledge of managed-care plans

Preventing health insurance mishaps by knowing how you’re covered THERE’S NO GETTING around the fact that healthcare insurance plans can be complicated and confusing. There are many different types of plans, such as managed-care plans, and each has its own set of rules and requirements. However, having the right information — down to the smallest…
Health insurance update: Who falls in the coverage gap and how can they get insured?

“I think most of the providers that volunteer feel a moral and ethical obligation to help take care of those people.” — Dr. David Loewy, volunteer with We Care of Polk County LOCAL RESIDENTS who have issues getting health insurance coverage are fortunate in that there are many agencies here that offer a wide range…
Medicare and end-of-life care: What’s changing?

New proposed policy encourages the process of advanced-care planning END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS are complicated and fraught with emotion, but a recent announcement by Medicare will hopefully offer some clarity to those facing such tough decisions. In early July, Medicare announced plans to pay doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants for conversations with patients concerning end-of-life care.…

Healthy Cook: Going nuts for better nutrition and weight loss

Being a health nut is a lifestyle people will want to embrace for the New Year – literally. Study after study for reducing heart disease risk, improving the body’s reaction to stress, and better glycemic control in Type-2 diabetes, concludes with the benefits of nuts. So why nuts? “Studies have shown that all kinds…
A possible ban to talk about (except on the phone while driving)

Here’s a possible ban for you to talk about (except on the phone while driving, of course): the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officially released a statement on Tuesday, December 14 that “texting, emailing, or chatting on the phone while driving is simply too dangerous and should not be permitted anywhere in the United…
Editor’s Dose: ‘Read Belly Up to Better Abs’

It feels like just yesterday we were passing out kisses at the toll of the New Year. Now the holiday season is fast approaching and soon our resolve for eating healthy and maintaining a regular exercise routine will be tested! I encourage you to not give in, and try something new. Our Web Exclusive…