Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Long Term Care Simplified

By Terry Stanfield

What is Long-Term Care? When people consider the subject of long-term care, they often think about nursing homes. In fact, long-term care has little to do with nursing homes. Understanding the difference can help you protect your family and finances.

The Consequences of Living Longer

Long-term care is a continuum of care services and housing that you will need later in life. Think you won't live a long life? Think back 25 years ago. If you had cancer or a stroke, you simply died. Few ever heard of Alzheimer's. Today, it is the leading cause for long-term care services. The longer you live, the more likely you are to need care. The question is not who will take care of you, because your family will most often, but rather what will that care do to your family and finances.

Long-Term Care is Usually Custodial Care

Long-term care is defined as needing assistance with your activities of daily living (toileting, bathing, dressing, eating, transferring from one point to another, and continence). It also includes cognitive impairment so severe that the individual needs constant supervision. If you need custodial care, chances are it will be delivered in the community, not in a nursing home. Many of you have heard compelling statistics from The New England Journal of Medicine stating that 43% of those over age 65 will need nursing home care. What the article actually said is that that number may spend some time in a facility. The fact is, few end their days in one. Every study conducted finds that care is overwhelmingly provided at home. The key question, of course, is who is going to pay for it? Who Covers the Cost?

Medicare & VA

Medicare, the primary health care program for retirees pays only for skilled or rehabilitative care, not custodial care in any venue. Medicaid, a federal and state program for financially needy individuals will pay for custodial care, but primarily in nursing homes. Funding for home care and assisted living is very limited and based on availability of funds. Veterans believe that the VA will pay for home care, adult day care, or assisted living. As with Medicaid, funding is limited and generally based on service-related disability. In fact, the federal government has as much said this to veterans by encouraging them to purchase long-term care insurance through the new Federal Long-Term Care Insurance program. The result is that consumers are forced to pay privately for their care. Unfortunately, the best thought-out retirement plan rarely takes into consideration living a long life. Put another way, those assets and income have been allocated to pay for retirement, not for the consequences of living a long life. This results in the need to invade principal and divert income. As a result, one of a seniors' greatest fear, outliving their assets, literally may come true.

The Role of Long-Term Care Insurance

The use of long-term care insurance thus becomes an important part of planning for disability caused by living a long life. The product has two roles: helping keep families together and allowing your retirement portfolio to execute for the purpose for which it was intended, namely retirement. From a family perspective, who will provide your care? Like it or not, children will play a key role. Long-term care insurance (LTCI) doesn't replace the need for family involvement in providing care but rather builds on it. It pays professionals to assist the person with the toughest tasks such as toileting, bathing, feeding and continence. This, in turn, allows the family to provide care better and longer at home. That leads to a critical question: have YOU planned for the consequences of living a long life? From a financial point of view, LTCI allows your retirement plan to stay intact. That is particularly important given the recent steep decline in portfolio value. The product, in effect, protects the balance of your account value. LTCI also protects income. Although you may qualify for Medicaid to pay for nursing home costs by transferring assets, your income (pension, social security, IRA and or 401k payout) cannot be protected. When buying this insurance, look for a long-term care specialist. Consider their training, educational credentials, and commitment to help solve your long-term care needs. The key is whether they talk first about a plan or a product. If they are interested in the plan, you are dealing with a professional. If they focus first on product and price, consider getting another opinion.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The Advantages of Knowing the Wartrol Genital Warts Relief

By Chris Lanson

Genital warts are ugly bumps generally found on external genitalia, pubic, and perineal regions. It can also be found intravaginally and in the anal canal. Both sexes can be inflicted with genital warts especially those who are sexually active and have multi partner. Genital wart is contagious that is why people who are affected were desperate to look for treatment that can remove genital warts. There are various ways to treat and get rid of genital warts and you have an option whether to see a physician or not. Home remedies are also available, some are guaranteed effective while others are not. Fortunately, there is an effective and proven way to treat and get relief of genital warts. Wartrol genital warts relief formula is now available over the counter that is guaranteed by the Food and Drugs Association as a homeopathic cure for genital warts.

Wartrol genital warts relief formula controls the spread of symptoms. It is 100% natural and safe that has no nasty side effects due to harmful chemicals. It has no side effects because the ingredients are all natural. According to the recent study performed, Wartrol has a surprising good result within three weeks and complete wart relief is attainable for about six months with 97% success.

Wartrol genital warts relief formula is the best natural cure for genital warts and has a very high standard in terms of safety and effectiveness. It has a powerful ingredients and the price is cost efficient. According to Wartrol review attested by patients who already used the product, it is deemed to be the leader in genital wart treatment. It is easy to use unlike other home remedies that has nasty smell and takes time to prepare for the solution. Wartrol is more appealing to use than those products prescribed that as well contributes pain.

One of the best features of this product is that it does not show possible genital warts return or secondary outbreaks for both men and women. Wartrol Company offers a three-month money back guarantee for patients who use it without seeing any relief. This means that Wartrol genital warts relief formula guarantees full effectiveness and safety.

No secondary outbreak is possible when using Wartrol genital warts relief formula because it completely cures the genital warts. Wartrol Company offers a three-month money back guarantee for patients who use it without seeing any relief. This only shows that Wartrol genital warts relief guarantees full effectiveness and safety.

Immediate action is required once you notice onset of symptoms. Keep in mind that prevention is better than cure. To prevent further manifestation of symptoms, consult a physician immediately. Your condition would get worst if untreated immediately and properly. Both partners should undergo treatment to ensure complete relief and cure. Practicing safe sex and having only one partner is ideal to prevent from acquiring genital warts.

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Monday, May 11, 2009

iPhone video out to run WOW

By Haven Frbiz

Recently, someone posted a youtube running WOW video iPhone has aroused the interest of many people.

It is reported that the game is called in a client program of Vollee run. The purpose of this procedure is to have a 3G-enabled mobile handheld devices through network connections to "run" the need to process a large number of CPU operations.

Vollee will allow many large PC and mobile phone platforms in the MMO game to run smoothly. Vollee also announced that co-operation with Activision tried to use the technology platform to allow mobile phones to run WOW possible. Said in video released on Vollee games will be fully retained.

While before, there have been some claim to be able to run WOW in the iPhone's video, were later proved to be false or VNC screen only, but now this video is quite convincing people.

We have witnessed a lot of iPhone on a miracle, perhaps it is another.

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Sunday, May 10, 2009

Learn About Natural Medicine

By Lucy Dobbleu

More and more people today are looking to more natural forms healing; either as a substitute for, or in addition to conventional medicine. Naturopathy is a type of alternative medicine that emphasizes the body's inherent ability to heal itself, and maintain homeostasis.

The Six Principles of Naturopathy:

Practitioners of naturopathy are governed by six key principles:

1. Do no harm. Utilize the best method of treatment with the least amount of damage to the patient.

2. Understand the healing ability of the human body. Natural methods are utilized as opposed to pharmaceutical methods.

3. Treat the Whole Person. Take into consideration all aspects of a patient's health including medical history and lifestyle.

4. Address more than just the patient's symptoms.

5. Focusing on the prevention of disease, will promote general wellness.

6. Naturopaths value education and help patients take control of their own health.

Benefits of Naturopathy:

Some patients turn to naturopathy when conventional treatments have disappointed them. Others use it in addition to conventional treatment. Naturopathy is oftentimes applied as prevention either for those in good health or those who are predisposed to a health problem. Fatigue, allergies and depression are among the most common health concerns that naturopathic doctors address.

Naturopathic Doctors vs. Traditional Naturopaths:

Naturopathic doctors may prescribe medication, administer x-rays, and use traditional medical treatments in addition to their naturopathic treatments. They have been educated through an accredited medical program, and are licensed throughout several parts of the United States and Canada.

Those known as Traditional Naturopaths are often educated through their own individual study or through correspondence courses. Most are not licensed to practice traditional forms of medicine. They do however promote living a healthy lifestyle and practice non-invasive, naturally based care.

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Saturday, May 9, 2009

The Hardest Cosmetic Surgery Choice

By J Miller

The most serious decision you may have to make after you've decided to have plastic surgery is who your doctor may be. You may want to initially do some research online, looking up each cosmetic surgeon and checking out his or her website. You may need to secretly research your doctor by thinking about creative ways to learn more about him or her. You'll probably want to make sure each doctor you are thinking about is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You'll also want to confirm that your plastic surgeon belongs to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

After this first phase of research you'll have a list of five or six plastic surgeons who can perform the procedures you want. Contact the offices of each plastic surgeon and set up an initial consultation. Most doctors do not charge for this visit. In busy surgeon's offices it can take a couple months to actually get an initial appointment, but don't be discouraged.

At each meeting with your prospective plastic surgeon ask plenty of questions and take notes not only on what is said but also on how he or she relates to you. Remember: your relationship with your plastic surgeon will be more than just the normal relationship between a doctor and a patient. Your plastic surgeon will be responsible for improving your body permanently, so having a healthy relationship built on clear understanding is necessary.

After research you should probably have your choice between one or two plastic surgeons. Now you can think about what hospital your surgeon will use, financing options and ultimately which cosmetic surgeon you felt most comfortable with.

It's not always simple to choose the cosmetic surgeon who is going to improve your body and your life. If you still can't decide between one or two cosmetic surgeons you will probably want to begin listing the pros and cons of each and talking about them with friends that you trust. Often the people closest to you can offer you advice on major decisions like choosing a plastic surgeon. Once you've made your decision and have scheduled the surgery you can sit back and relax, knowing that you've made the correct choice by choosing the best cosmetic surgeon that fits your needs and wants!

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Friday, May 8, 2009

New Born Babies Home Tips

By Amanda Gamdana

Your newborn goes through a lot right after he's born. Whether the birth was natural or assisted, he or she experiences a great deal of stress as he copes with the abrupt change in the world as he knows it. His new circumstances therefore confound him in the first few weeks. Everything goes haywire when the baby comes home. Unless you lose your cool the transition will not be difficult with the given tips.

Your baby listens to your voice right from the time he is in the womb. The sound of your voice enables him to cross the hurdles of life easily, from the time of his birth. Being familiar with your voice he will be able to focus on what you are trying to communicate.

Look at him while you talk so that he is attentive even though he cannot see you that clearly yet. Both you and your newborn have to learn how to best communicate with each other.

Just stroking the arms, legs, back and head will create a marked difference in your bonding with him. Regularly massaging your newborn will give you the opportunity to have a prolonged physical contact with him. One cannot deny the benefits of infant massage.

When you hold your baby, he not only feels comfortable but also secure. This keeps him happy. Besides, he senses the familiar heart beats which help him to relax. Along with your baby even you feel relaxed when you both maintain physical contact.

Though it may disturb you, crying is the only way he can draw your attention to his needs. So he uses it to express hunger, pain, discomfort or even a bad mood. Then you try to find out why he's uncomfortable. Gradually you will be able to recognize his cry for hunger, cry of pain etc.

Do not think you are spoiling him. This will grow with your paying constant attention to him. It takes some time for new moms to get used to their babies at first. But communicating your love to him through all his senses goes a long way toward calming those delicate newborn nerves.

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Thursday, May 7, 2009

Could Chronic Fatigue Syndrome be linked to the stress response?

By Russell Stubbs

How does ME/CFS start?

There are a number of different factors in the development of Fatigue related conditions. Viruses, bacterial infections, operations, vaccinations, etc. can all be triggers. This can lead to the development of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM). The cause can also be attributed to a stressful incident or time in a persons life. The common factor in all of theses cases is that the sufferer's system is under stress.

What happens when we are under stress?

We produce a powerful cocktail of chemicals - including cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin as a result of entering this state. This is the same chemistry produced during the fight or flight response - a natural process that is triggered in reaction to a perceived or real threat.

Many physiological changes occur during fight or flight

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for a number of changes taking place. Heart rate and blood pressure increase in order to supply additional fuel to the major muscles. Blood sugar and thyroid levels are affected. Nonessential functions including digestion and immune system shut down allowing more energy for emergency systems.

Where's the connection between the stress response and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The initial virus, bug, trauma, vaccination etc. has already under put the system under stress. If there were other stressors present or the person was run-down at the time, the recovery period could be prolonged. If the recovery is slow this can be a cause for concern, which results in more stress. The immune system, which is already challenged becomes depleted, further slowing the process of recovery.

Sufferers Search for Help

Sufferers typically seek help from their doctors who run tests for other ailments. The test results are negative but the symptoms persist. Sufferers often try alternative approaches. Sometimes these give temporary relief, but once again the symptoms return. People can easily lose trust in their body and energy levels. This further entrenches the stress - symptom - stress pattern.

Stress response over the long-term

When subjected to the stress response over the long-term the system becomes depleted. The chemistry that we produce in order to help us out of danger becomes toxic, depleting the immune system and disrupting most other bodily systems. Prolonged activation can cause adrenalin levels to become depleted. This dysregulation of stress chemistry causes more fatigue and physical symptoms.

Can it be all in the mind?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is clearly not all in the mind. It's an illness that is very physical in nature. It is known to affect most bodily systems. Approaches to recovery that are purely physical or that focus only on specific symptoms rarely work well. What's needed is an understanding of the mechanisms that trigger these physiological responses. We need to recognize that these mechanisms are very much a part of the mind. Until these patterns are addressed, full recovery over the long term is unlikely.

How can these cycles be broken?

Given the right tools it is possible to break free of these cycles relatively quickly. Recovery time, fortunately, is not relative to the duration of the illness. What's needed is an insight into the damaging unconscious cycles, along with an understanding of the mind - body connection. New physical and cognitive strategies can then be introduced in order to influence the health in a positive way.

You are not broken!

Sufferers of fatigue related conditions can typically feel broken or flawed in some way. Although the physical symptoms can be so severe that it feels as if this is so, this is not the case. Human health is incredibly buoyant, it is just necessary to discover what is in the way. Once we can bring balance to the system, we can create the opportunity for energy to return and physical symptoms to naturally resolve.

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