If you’re age 65 or older and have Medicare, working with a doctor who takes Medicare can make a big difference when it comes to your medical bills. In this article, we’ll show you four smart reasons for choosing a doctor who takes Medicare — and what to expect if you don’t. Doctors who take […]
So you’ve signed up for a new health plan and have received your policyholder card. What happens if you drop health insurance coverage now? If you cancel your policy, we can help you review your options. And, not surprisingly, you won’t receive any insurance benefits or reimbursement for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Plus, you may likely […]
When it comes to a nutritious diet, it can seem like there’s a lot to keep track of. You’re probably already paying attention to what and how much you eat. But considering when you eat certain foods in relation to your workout—before, during, and after—can make a big difference, too. With a few simple guidelines, it’s easy […]
For many people, focusing on and filtering information can be a challenge. Gutenberg opened the information floodgates first with the invention of the printing press.1 Similarly, all the devices and channels now used to access that information, with social media playing a starring role, made information more available—and removed social restrictions on who publishes new […]
People often talk about caffeine as a potential risk factor for premature atrial and ventricular contractions (PACs and PVCs), types of heart arrhythmia that can cause palpitations or extra heartbeats. In common conversation, someone who just had a PAC or PVC may say they’ve felt their heart skip a beat. This isn’t quite the case—an […]
You’ve probably heard it since you were a child: “Make sure to get your beauty rest.” But the team at HealthMarkets wondered just how much of the hype is legitimate. Can sleep really make you more attractive? Let’s examine the evidence. In short, the answer is a resounding yes. Getting plenty of rest will help […]
The average American consumes caffeine daily, drinking coffee in the morning or settling into lunch with a soda. Caffeine has become a part of American culture—the mascot of the overworked employee, the lifeline of college students. But as National Cappuccino Day arrives November 8, it’s time to explore the effects of caffeine. Caffeine is a […]
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” However, there is more to healthy living than this popular cliché implies. While habits such as eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise are important factors in a healthy lifestyle, getting regular checkups can be just as vital. Because of the advances of modern medicine, doctors […]
As we age, exercise only becomes more important. In 2008, the World Health Organization found that nearly 3.2 million people across the world died due to inactivity. A Surgeon General’s report found that by the age of 75, 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women engage in little to no physical activity. These […]
If your brain automatically jumps to “5 a day” when you’re thinking about how many fruits and veggies you should eat, you’re not alone. But you are just a little out of date. The 5 a Day campaign originated in the 1990s, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have pushed it aside for […]
Watsu combines Shiatsu massage with immersion of the body in warm water. It was founded in the early 1980s by Shiatsu teacher Harold Dull. Dull developed his techniques while practicing Shiatsu on students and now continues his water shiatsu practice while also training others. He is founder and president of the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association, […]
Eating well is vital for everyone at all ages. Whatever your age, your daily food choices can make an important difference in your health and in how you look and feel. Eating Well Promotes Health Eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits. For instance, eating well may reduce the […]