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Choosing the Right Medicare Prescription Drug Plan People can avoid high prescription drug costs by choosing the right Medicare prescription drug plan. One thing to keep in mind is that premiums, deductibles, co-payments, and the list of accepted medications can actually change from one year to the next because of the fact that insurance companies revise their formularies throughout the year. The following are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a medicare prescription drug plan: Prepare a list of prescription medications that you expect to take over the next year. Compare insurance plans with a Medicare Part D drug plan. Choose three plans to compare. Compare the plans and drug formularies at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services website. Speak with a representative at the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Speak with a pharmacist. Most pharmacists have in-depth knowledge in regards to different prescription drug plans. Compare the annual costs of prescription drugs. Evaluate each plan by comparing premiums, deductibles, and out of pocket expenses. Those with a Medicare Advantage plan don’t need to do this since their drug costs are part of the plan. Check the formulary, which is a list of covered medications. Make sure your medications are covered. Drug cost tiers change over the years – especially for brand names. Figure out all costs – sometimes you can be charged differently depending on the pharmacy you use. Use these tips to choose a Medicare prescription drug plan and visit The Benefits Store for more health insurance advice.

The survival rate over the course of five years is close to 90 percent. Many of the women that are diagnosed with breast cancer do not need treatments that are either disfiguring or highly aggressive. Many women believe that a mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast, improves long-term survival of breast cancer patients. This isn’t actually true – survival doesn’t depend on the removal of any additional healthy tissue. Because of this, a majority – between 60 and 75 percent – of breast cancer surgeries are lumpectomies, which involves the removal of only a small part of breast tissue. Although lumpectomies can be quite effective and result in the breasts still looking mostly the same after surgery, there is a drawback to the procedure. Around 25 percent of the women that undergo lumpectomies will have to have a second lumpectomy to remove cancer cells that weren’t successfully removed the first time around. There’s also a slightly greater chance of the cancer coming back than there is if a mastectomy is performed (less than five percent versus one to two percent). In some cases, chemotherapy may be considered before surgery instead of after. Chemotherapy is usually recommended after breast cancer surgery. However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is sometimes recommended prior to surgery in order to shrink the tumor. By undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the patient may only need to undergo a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. Because many newly diagnosed breast cancers are estrogen or progesterone-receptor positive, the exposure to hormones can increase the risk of recurrence. The use of drugs that block hormones can kill tumor cells that may have otherwise spread beyond the breast. These are six things to know about breast cancer. For new information about beating cancer, be sure to visit The Benefits Store today.

Tooth Brushing Selfies Participants of the study propped their smartphones up on stands so that they could film themselves while brushing their teeth at home. Researchers discovered that this resulted in a number of changes, including: An eight percent improvement in tooth brushing skill An increase in the number of toothbrush strokes An increase in the accuracy of toothbrush strokes These changes occurred in the same amount of time the participants spent brushing their teeth before they began taking selfie videos. According to Lance T. Vernon, who is a senior instructor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, most people want to brush their teeth the right way and have the ability to do so – they just don’t because they are using improper techniques and don’t realize it. Tooth brushing is often learned and practiced without being properly taught, and according to Vernon, changing tooth-brushing behaviors that are learned at an early age can take a lot of time and guidance since those habits become tied to muscle memory. Filming a selfie while brushing one’s teeth can help disrupt such habits. This is because it makes participants more aware of their brushing and can help them develop new muscle memory. Selfies could also be used to receive feedback from dental professionals to ensure that people are brushing correctly. The use of selfies haven’t just been applied to improving oral health. A whole new area of data gathering through the use of selfies has developed called mHealth (mobile health). Selfies can help identify the progression of diseases as well as the effectiveness of treatment. Be sure to keep up with all the latest health-related advancements and news by visiting us at The Benefits Store.

The Walk Again Project Research gathered from the project was recently published in Scientific Reports. The study involved eight patients suffering from spinal cord injuries that led to the paralysis of their lower limbs. Their injuries occurred in a number of different ways, from car crash impacts to falls. The project included over 100 scientists from 25 different countries. It was headed by Dr. Miguel Nicolelis, a neuroscientist at Duke University and the co-director of the Duke Center for Neuroengineering. The combined efforts of the project team led to a patient suffering from paralysis being able to kick a soccer ball using a brain-controlled robotic exoskeleton. In fact, this particular feat was on full display in 2014, when the patient showcased the result at the opening ceremony of the World Cup. Previous studies involved the use of rats and monkeys. These animals were provided with brain-implanted microelectrodes, which allowed them to learn how to control levers and walk on treadmills using only their brain activity. Basically, researchers discovered how the brain codes for movement and were able to apply this to paralyzed humans. The patients involved with the project were able to use their brain activity to simulate full control of their legs. Of the patients participating in the project, five had been paralyzed for at least five years and two had been paralyzed for more than ten years. All eight patients spent two hours a week or more using devices controlled by their brain signals. After a year, their muscle control and sensation improved to the point where their diagnosis was changed from complete to partial paralysis. For more news concerning advancements in the medical field, visit us at The Benefits Store.

Greek yogurt is healthier than all other types of yogurt. Greek yogurt has roughly twice the amount of protein as regular yogurt. However, it also has more saturated fat than regular yogurt – not to mention that it lacks the calcium that regular yogurt has. Greek yogurt loses its calcium during the process in which whey and lactose are strained out. Anyone that’s lactose intolerant should avoid eating yogurt. Actually, the good bacteria found in both Greek and regular yogurt helps predigest some of the lactose, thereby reducing the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Low-fat yogurt is the best option. Many consumers avoid full-fat yogurt in favor of low-fat yogurt. However, full-fat yogurt doesn’t just have the saturated fat most people are trying to avoid – it also has conjugated linoleic acid, which is actually linked to protecting against type 2 diabetes. Not to mention that full-fat yogurt makes one feel fuller for a longer period of time as the fat takes longer to digest, thereby staving off hunger. Out of all available dairy products, yogurt is the most rich in probiotics. Probiotics are a friendly bacteria that can enhance digestion and improve the function of the immune system. As previously stated, Greek yogurt is known for being packed with probiotics. However, there are other dairy products that also contain probiotics. For example, kefir has way more probiotics than Greek yogurt. While yogurt is an incredibly healthy food that shouldn’t be ignored, there are a lot of myths surrounding yogurt, such as these, that should be dismissed. At The Benefits Store, we strive to keep California residents up to date on all health related news and information, including dietary advice.

Under its new plan, Aetna will be providing healthcare options to only 242 of the 778 counties that they previously operated in through the public exchanges. Whereas they had previously offered plans in 15 states, they will now only be available through the public exchange in Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, and Virginia. According to the CEO of Aetna, Mark Bertolini, it has become impossible to provide affordable and high quality healthcare options without a balanced risk pool. Bertolini stated that 55 percent of their individual on-exchange membership was new in 2016 and that in the second quarter of this year, they saw individuals in need of high-cost healthcare take up an even bigger part of their on-exchange population. The company believes that coupled with the inadequate risk adjustment mechanism that’s currently in place, serious pressure is put on increasing premiums, which creates concerns over sustainability. Aetna’s concerns over the exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act are shared by two of the other five largest insurance providers in the U.S. – Humana and United Healthcare. Both companies have stated that they are planning to greatly reduce their presence in the exchanges. One of the arguments made by these insurers is that most of the patients that are coming to the exchanges are older, which means that they are more expensive to cover – and that not enough young people are coming on to help offset those costs. This could be a real issue for customers since the affordability of the plans on the exchange depends greatly on the number of insurers that are competing through it. Some believe Aetna’s actions may be linked to the U.S. Department of Justice blocking a proposed merger between Aetna and Humana. Stay up to date with all the newest health insurance news by visiting The Benefits Store today. Image courtesy of Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com.

Computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome refers symptoms caused by staring at digital screens, which includes computers, tablets, cellphones, TVs, and more. The symptoms range from mild to disabling and include eyestrain, headaches, double vision, itchy eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty focusing, to name a few. These symptoms are a result of blinking less when focusing on a screen, staring at a screen at an angle that exposes more of the eye to dry air and – that’s right – staring too close to the screen. Cataracts. Although there’s yet to be definite proof, there have been links made between the exposure to blue light and the development of cataracts — especially now that many patients are developing cataracts in their mid-30’s. Retina damage. Many people don’t just use their digital screens constantly during the day, they take one to bed with them at night. Around 60 percent of Americans use digital technology for their alarm clocks. Staring at blue light at night can lead to retinal damage, which could result in macular degeneration and damage to the central vision. Headaches. Out of all the negative effects that the over exposure to digital devices can cause, headaches are the third most common. The eyestrain caused by staring at a screen for too long can cause tension headaches. This is because the eyes have to focus harder to see the contrast between the darkness of the text and the brightness of the screen. The overuse of digital technology could have a negative impact on healthy vision. To stay up to date on all the newest health related news and information, visit us at The Benefits Store today.

Vaccines for Adults Doctors in California are making a greater effort to get adults to schedule the shots that they need. In fact, the California Medical Association Foundation published a schedule specifically concerning vaccines for adults and when they should be taken. The foundation continued to raise awareness this year by releasing a public service announcement in both English and Spanish. Many of the vaccines that adults were given when they were children, such as diphtheria and tetanus shots, wear off over time and need to be taken again as adults. There are many factors that determine what vaccines an adult needs to take, which include the age of the adult, their current health, and any travel plans they might have. Vaccine Coverage There are limited federal and state funds for the California Department of Public Health to use on providing vaccinations to children and adults at local health departments and community health centers. In fact, federal funding for the vaccination program decreased by $24 million from 2010 to 2014. This vaccination program was aimed at uninsured residents. Fortunately, many of the vaccines recommended for adults can be obtained without having to pay a copay or other out-of-pocket costs under the Affordable Care Act. These vaccines generally include shots for flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, meningococcal disease and tetanus, amongst others. According to state public health officials, there are many adult Californians that neglect to get the vaccinations they need against diseases, many of which are dangerous. Californians should check with their primary care physicians to find out what vaccines for adults they need. To stay up to date with the latest health and health insurance related news in California, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.

New Statement Regarding the Recommendation of Skin Cancer Screenings According to an independent panel made up of 17 members, they could not determine whether the benefits of a skin cancer screening would outweigh the possibility of harm if a performed procedure was unnecessary or excessive. This harm can include: Cosmetic damage Scarring Unnecessary treatment They came to this conclusion after reviewing thousands of studies and research papers. One of these studies concluded that full-body skin cancer screenings only reduced the deaths caused by melanoma by a single death per 100,000 individuals that were screened. This new statement regarding skin cancer screenings was recently published in the journal JAMA. However, it’s pretty much the same as the last statement they issued regarding the matter, which was announced back in 2009. What is the Preventative Services Task Force? The Preventative Services Task Force was appointed by the Department of Health and Human Services and consists of experts in the field of preventative medicine and epidemiology. They work independently from the federal agency and are tasked with advising medical professionals on screenings for certain medical conditions. Who is at risk for skin cancer? People who are at high risk of skin cancer should consider skin cancer screenings. The following are some of the risk factors: A family history of the disease Anyone with more than a hundred moles on their body White men over the age of 65 Anyone who is at risk for skin cancer may want to ask their doctor about a skin cancer screening. At The Benefits Store, we strive to provide California residents with up-to-date health news and information.

Get rid of standing water. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water since that’s where they lay their eggs. Anyone that does not wish to have a mosquito breeding ground in their backyard should remove or cover up all standing water. Use mosquitofish. Homeowners that have water features in their backyard, like ornamental fountains or ponds, should consider adding mosquitofish. Mosquitofish will assist in eliminating mosquitoes by preying on them when they attempt to breed in standing water. However, in order to use mosquitofish, a Californian resident will need to obtain a permit. Plant citronella plants. Mosquitoes hate the scent of citronella, so adding citronella plants around a property is an effective way to keep mosquitoes away. Use citronella candles. Instead of adding citronella plants to their property, residents can also use citronella candles. The smoke from a citronella candle will also be very effective in keeping mosquitoes away from the area. Use soapy water. One of the best ways to trap and eliminate mosquitoes is by using a bowl or bucket of soapy water. Place it in an area where there is a mosquito problem. The mosquitoes will be attracted to the standing water, but the soap bubbles will end up trapping them as they attempt to breed there, which will cause them to drown. Use a mosquito repellent. There are many types of mosquito repellents that residents can use to keep mosquitoes away, including creams and sprays. Mosquitoes can not only carry potentially dangerous diseases, but they can be an incredible nuisance as well. Use these six tips to keep mosquitoes away and visit us at The Benefits Store today for additional health related advice.

The Dangers of Raw Cookie Dough The FDA recently released a warning against the consumption of raw cookie dough. There are a number of ingredients within raw cookie dough that are not safe to eat, including raw eggs and raw dough, both of which carry food poisoning dangers. In fact, any type of raw dough, from tortilla dough to bread dough, is dangerous to eat. It’s not even safe to play with raw dough or batter containing flour. Kids that play with raw dough – even if they do not eat it – could get germs onto their hands. If they don’t wash their hands immediately afterwards and put their hands into their mouths, they could develop an infection. The Reason Why Raw Cookie Dough Could Cause Food Poisoning Flour is derived from grains that come directly from the field. These grains are not usually treated to kill bacteria. Because of this, animal waste could contaminate the grains with bacteria before they are harvested and turned into flour. This bacteria can be killed by baking, frying, roasting, boiling, or even microwaving the flour, but raw dough can still contain germs. Infections Caused by Raw Dough Poisoning An investigation into infections caused by raw dough ingestion was recently launched by U.S. health officials. A strain of bacteria known as Shiga toxin-producing E.coli has infected dozens of people throughout the country. Symptoms of the Shiga toxin-producing E.coli infection can include abdominal cramps as well as diarrhea. The infection typically only lasts a week, but more severe cases can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrom, which is a type of kidney failure and is more common in children that are under five, adults with weak immune systems, and older people. Avoid eating raw cookie dough as it can result in food poisoning. For more health safety advice, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store.

Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier According to the research, the newly developed liquid aspirin could cross the blood-brain barrier, which is the coating that prevents foreign substances in the bloodstream from getting into the brain while at the same time allowing essential molecules to pass back and forth from the bloodstream into the brain and vice versa. This blood-brain barrier makes it extremely difficult to develop a drug to treat brain tumors that could pass through to the brain. Some of the drugs that have been developed in recent years that can destroy tumors in other parts of the body are unable to attack brain tumors because they are unable to get through the blood-brain barrier. How Liquid Aspirin Can Help Fight Brain Tumors The liquid aspirin’s name is IP1867B and it combines aspirin with two other ingredients. This is the first time a liquid aspirin has been developed. Previous drugs known as liquid aspirin were not fully soluble – they actually contained small particles of solid aspirin. Because of this, they often caused gastric side effects. All three ingredients in the new liquid aspirin have been shown to kill tumor cells without damaging healthy brain tissue. Research has shown that it could be extremely effective against glioblastoma, which is one of the most common and devastating types of brain tumors. The drug was tested on cancer cells taken from both adults and children with brain cancer. The ingredients were discovered to be 10 times as effective as any other drug, both individually and in combination, than any currently used drugs. The new liquid aspirin has already been approved for clinical use. Stay up to date with all the newest health related news by visiting The Benefits Store.