The health insurance landscape is as complicated as the Chicago Loop during construction season. It's full of twists and turns, detours and diversions, all designed to confuse and confound the casual driver. But you don't have to be a timid and vulnerable driver. The difference between being lost and being on point is a matter of having an up to date, concise, and understandable guide. The health guide insurance landscape can be negotiated with confidence by having a guide who can provide "turn by turn" directions to finding the right health insurance to meet all your needs.

Insurance companies maintain much of their power by keeping the consumer confused by exclusions, limitations, and a myriad of difficult to define terms. The average consumer, trying to choose a carrier and policy, finds the challenge of understanding policy language both anxiety provoking and threatening. But there is a way to simplify the process and bring the complex landscape of insurance coverage into perspective.

A qualified insurance specialist can help you through the complex language, specifications, and terms of insurance documents and policies. With a wealth of experience and training behind them, the specialist can be the difference between having over priced and unsuitable coverage and a policy that meets your needs at the best rate available. How many of us go to a automobile dealership to choose a used car without the input of a trusted mechanic? How many of us start out on a cross country trip without a roadmap? Finding health insurance, like many things in life, requires guidance and a degree of trust. Your insurance specialist can provide that guidance and, with time and commitment, answer that need for trust and confidence.

Choosing your insurance specialist carefully is job one for the consumer. Be sure to review your specialist's credentials, paying specific attention to their experience and association with a variety of insurance products. The broader the scope of their experience the better advice they can provide. But don't expect a specialist in auto insurance to be the best advisor in health insurance. The reverse is also true-insuring your car or home is a world different from insuring the health guide care coverage of you and your family.

The right insurance specialist for you is one that has built a career in the successful sale and administration of a variety of insurance products with a wide selection of carriers. But they are also good listeners who can help you determine your needs and priorities. You can't get directions to get somewhere unless you know where you're going. The right insurance specialist can listen to your concerns, the specifics of your family's needs, and your financial capabilities with respect to how they impact your health insurance requirements. Always plan on a lengthy interview with a prospective specialist and don't walk away until all your questions have been answered. A good specialist will be able to explain the complexities of health insurance in terms that you can understand and absorb.

The right health insurance specialist will be able to calm your fears about health insurance and you'll finally get some sleep knowing that someone who understands you, your needs, and your constraints is actively searching out health insurance solutions for you and your family. It is amazing how far you can get with the right guide who knows the lay of the land and all the short cuts to your destination. Like so many things in life-all it takes is the right guide.

Arthur "Butch" Zemar is a health insurance specialist and author. He is committed to preserving the health and wealth protection interests of his client and sincerely believes that quality, affordable health insurance should top your list of necessities - right after food, shelter and clothing. With his passion of working with professionals and entrepreneurs, he has established a reputation as a health insurance "specialist" with a deep understanding of the industry, the options and the most intelligent and cost-effective ways to obtain and maintain comprehensive health care.

After years of studying, reading, and working with several mentors in the field, Butch Zemar is now making presentations on the options and services of the health care industry. He is committed to clearing the "fog" on subjects such as: deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, Health Savings Accounts, and co-insurance rates.

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A cyst is a sac filled with fluid or a semi fluid substance. One that develops in the ovary is called an ovarian cyst.

Ovarian cysts are common in women between the ages of 20 and 50. It can grow alone or in groups in one ovary or both. Such cysts can be less than an inch in diameter or more than 20 inches in diameter. Depending on their size and location, these growths can cause severe pain or no symptoms at all.

Most women are unaware that they have this problem until they have a routine pelvic examination. In others, ovarian cysts can cause abdominal pain or a sense of pressure and fullness, pain during intercourse, and delayed, irregular, or painful periods. Some women may experience frequent urination, nausea, fever, excessive hair growth and acne if the cysts are caused by hormonal imbalances.

"The origin of most ovarian cysts is unknown. In some instances, they develop from an abnormal egg. Others originate as eggs in polycystic ovaries (ovaries in which the eggs are not released after they mature). Still others are related to abnormalities in the ovary. Women with endometriosis (the displacement of tissue from the uterine lining to elsewhere in the body) tend to develop growths on the ovaries. Dermoid cysts, which are most often found in women under the age of 31, arise from ovarian cells that produce the eggs, and may contain fragments of hair, teeth, and bone," according to the editors of Consumer Guide's "Family Health & Medical Guide."

In about 85 percent of women, ovarian cysts are noncancerous and disappear after two or three menstrual cycles. Large cysts, however, can be dangerous, especially if they become twisted or are ruptured. Women who develop them between the ages of 50 and 70 also have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Be alert for severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, rapid breathing, or cold, clammy skin. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

"Cysts can rupture during sexual intercourse, a fall, childbirth, or surgery, or for no apparent reason. The resulting effect depends on how irritating the cystic fluid is to the surrounding tissues. The situation can be dangerous if the fluid is infected, cancerous, or extremely irritating. Also, in response to the injury caused by cystic fluid, surrounding tissues may produce adhesions (fibrous, scarlike material), which can further complicate the situation," said the editors of Consumer Guide's "Family Health Guide & Medical."

If a woman has no symptoms and is younger than 40 years, she should wait for a while for the cysts to disappear. If that doesn't happen, surgery is necessary.

"Cysts that are small, are not creating any problems, or are likely to disappear on their own require no treatment. If treatment is necessary, cysts may be removed surgically. Removal involves either taking out the entire ovary (called an oophorectomy) or taking out only the cyst (called a cystectomy)," Consumer Guide said.

To strengthen your body, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system.

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Weight loss is on everyone's mind. Being successful at weight loss is a combination of several things. In fact, it is kind of a gradual process. It’s often treated as a "quick fix" or short-term goal. But it is a simple concept, you need to burn more calories than you consume. A slow but consistent weight loss method is better than a rapid one. But most health experts agree that a fast result is a bad result. Quick weight loss is absolutely, positively, 100% guaranteed to result in residual weight gain. So, weight loss is not easy and not often successful.

Take control of your health guide. Start today, by doing something positive, just one small thing, toward your health and weight loss. Everything that you do to improve your overall health will help make weight loss more likely to occur. Learn what role these things can play in improving your health. Over time, your caloric needs may change based on your health risks, the rate of weight loss desired or needed, and your personal goals and preferences. It is thought that in some instances, health can heavily be improved by achieving some weight loss.

Use a guide to achieve healthy weight loss. This guide will help you through the process by explaining how successful weight loss really happens. The health guide even breaks down your daily calorie target into carbohydrate, protein, and fat needs. Many dieters prefer to have strict rules and regulations to guide them through weight loss.

Weight loss is a DECISION you make. The first step is setting a realistic goal. It is often treated as a "quick fix" or short-term goal. A slow but consistent weight loss is better than a rapid one. Actually, it is a gradual process. It is something almost everyone struggles with sooner or later. Experts agree that the best route to weight loss is by making adopting healthy diet and exercise habits that you can maintain for the long term. Weight loss is a simple concept, you need to burn more calories than you consume.

Here are some quick tips for weight loss. Check out the benefits of being active, how much activity is best for you, and get a few tips to be more active and for setting and meeting your weight loss goals. Do a search on the internet for some quick tips to help motivate yourself during a diet. Get online peer support, tips, and expert advice. Learn from others, share your tips, offer encouragement, and make friends. Consider the following 10 tips for fully enjoying the holiday season without gaining weight:

The 10 best tips for healthy weight loss are simple habits that can permanently fit into your daily routines. Keeping up all ten tips in the long term will help you lose weight and keep it off.

• Keep to your meal routine. Try to eat at roughly the same times each day, whether this is two or five times a day.

• Go reduced fat. Choose reduced fat versions of foods such as dairy products, spreads and salad dressings where you can. Use them sparingly as some can still be high in fat.

• Walk off the weight. Walk 10,000 steps (about 60-90 minutes of moderate activity) each day. You can use a pedometer to help count the steps. You can break up your walking over the day.

• Pack a healthy snack. If you snack, choose a healthy option such as fresh fruit or low calorie yogurts instead of chocolate or crisps.

• Look at the labels. Be careful about food claims. Check the fat and sugar content on food labels when shopping and preparing food.

• Caution with your portions. Don’t heap food on your plate (except vegetables). Think twice before having second helpings.

• Up on your feet. Break up your sitting time. Stand up for ten minutes out of every hour.

• Think about your drinks. Choose water or sugar-free squashes. Unsweetened fruit juice contains natural sugar so limit it to 1 glass per day (200ml / 1/3 pint). Alcohol is high in calories; try to limit the amount you drink.

• Focus on your food. Slow down. Don’t eat on the go or while watching TV. Eat at a table if possible.

• Don’t forget your 5 a day. Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

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What is Fasting?

The Miriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines fasting as to abstain from food or to eat sparingly or abstain from some foods. The practice of fasting goes back as far as we have written history. Fasting is practiced by many religions and is also practiced by many proponents of preventive medicine.

Fasting done correctly is the total elimination of food for a number of hours or days. Only water is taken in the body which allows the body to restore itself to optimal health.
You may hear people refer to "juice" fasts, where the only food taken in is fruit and vegetable juices but that is not a true fast. In fact the "Juice Fasts" should be called juice feasts as most proponents of juicing will take in nearly the same amount of calories as they would whole food during their regular nutrition schedule. No food is taken in during a true fast.

There are a significant number of people that practice "Natural Hygiene" where one of the major components is fasting done to cleanse the system of toxins and restore the body to health guide. Most fasting proponents will fast for short periods at least 2 times annually.

Scientists estimate that approximately 30% of your caloric intake is used in the digestion process. According to fasting experts when food is eliminated major beneficial changes take place in the body.

Once the initial stores of sugar contained in the liver are used up the body will use stored fat as fuel. The toxins that are contained in the fat are released as the fat is burned for fuel. No new toxins are being put into the body which allows the body to cleanse itself.

The fat levels are also reduced in the body and the bloodstream which will allow the blood to flow better because it will be "thinner". Since the blood flows better and is thinner it is able to better oxygenate the body tissues. Improved oxygenation of tissues along with less energy needed to digest new food during the fast is used by the body to regenerate cells, eliminate toxins and improve cell growth.

Many people will go through what is called a "Healing Crisis" during the first day or so during a fast. During this healing crisis people report symptoms similar to the flu or a bad cold. This is the body's way of telling you that it is getting rid of the toxins that have built up. These symptoms usually subside and get less with each subsequent fast.

Usually during a fast or just after the fast a person may notice a decrease in pain or possibly a total elimination of pain. After fasting many people say they feel better than they ever have.

A true fast where only water is used in place of food may not be suitable for everyone, especially those that eat a diet of mostly processed food. A juice fast may be best for these people. Water can cause a very strong detoxifying effect, which may be too uncomfortable for some people.

Short term fasts (1-2 days) can usually be done by the individual without any outside assistance. Longer term fasts which would be any fast longer than 3 days should only be undertaken with the advice and assistance of an experienced fasting supervisor.

Long term fasts which may last 30 days or longer are often used in the treatment of chronic disease. Long term fasts are often repeated several times with periods of healthy nutrition and exercise in between fasts. I have heard of fasts lasting as long as 300 days.

During the fast other therapies may also be use which help aid in the elimination of waste from your body. The use of exercise, colonics, sunlight, meditation, yoga stretching, tai chi, and Pilates as well as making sure the body gets plenty of rest are ways to assists the detoxification process.

Fasting has been reported to be effective in treating high blood pressure, headaches, allergies, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, psychological problems, obesity, high cholesterol, lethargy, and general malaise.

Some studies in Scandanavia have shown that fasting can be effective in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Fasting done properly is a low cost and effective therapy for a wide range of health guide related problems. Long fasts should only be undertaken with the aid of an experienced fasting supervisor.

Fasting supervisors may be physicians or health care professionals. You will find D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy), ND (Doctor of Naturopathy), D.C (Doctor of Chiropractic) and Nutritionists among the many healthcare professionals that provide fasting supervision.

Should you decide to try fasting you should attempt to find a supervisor that has had training and experience in the administration of fasts. It is usually best to find someone who has actually been through fasting. Most proponents of fasting have indeed been through fasts and do them regularly

Disclaimer: Nothing in this article should be regarded as Medical Advice. This is provided for educational and informational purposes only. If you are ill or need medical advice see a licensed healthcare professional ASAP.

For more information:

* American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (800) 206-7610

* International Association of Professional Natural Hygienists (305) 454-2220

* Northwest Naturopathic Clinic (503) 224-8083

* Revor Salloum, ND (604) 763-5445

References:

1. Burton Goldberg Group: Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Future Medicine Publishing, Puyallup, WA; 1994.

2. Inglis B & West R: The Alternative Health Guide. Alfred A. Knopf, NY, NY; 1983.

3. Kastner MA: Alternative Healing: The Complete A to Z Guide to Over 160 Different Alternative Therapies. Halcyon Publishing, La Mesa, CA; 1993.

4. Sifton DW: The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines and Healing Therapies. Three Rivers Press, NY, NY; 1999.

5. Woodham A & Peters D: Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies, 1st ed. Dorling Kindersley, NY, NY; 19

Jerry Goodwin has been certified as a Medical Technologist since 1977. He is also certified as a Personal Trainer, Cardiovascular Trainer and Medical exer-therapist. He is a Veteran of the US Navy having served during the Viet Nam era. Jerry also served in the Army National Guard in Ohio, Texas, Kansas and Georgia as a field medic with Infantry, Armored Cavalry, Artillery and Mechanized Infantry Units. He has earned several medals including the Army Commendation Medal.

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Hydrotherapy is an inexpensive and infallible method for treating major and minor diseases. Water has countless remedies properties to relieve us from pain and several ailments. This article will discuss two commonly used hydrotherapeutic procedures - spinal bath and wet or dry fomentation with hot water.

Spinal bath -

The spine is a very important part of our body. The spinal bath strengthens, stimulates and nourishes the spine, thus indirectly benefiting the whole nervous system and the entire body.

Requirements for spinal bath - A spinal bath tub, a bath towel and a blanket. A tub specially designed for the spinal bath is marketed. The tub is wider at the top than at the bottom.

Method of spinal bath -

1. Fill the tub to a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm).

2. Lie down in the tub with the arms and the legs outside the tub. In this position, the entire spinal column with the exception of two or three vertebrae of the neck will be under the water level.

3. Wet the bath towel, fold it lengthwise, and place it as a support for the neck and the head on the slanting wall of the tub. When the head is allowed to rest on the towel, the whole spine will come in contact with water.

4. After taking up this position, cover the whole body except the head with a blanket, to protect the body from the outside draughts.

5. The bath should last for about 10 to 15 minutes in winter, and 15-20 minutes in summer.

Wet or dry fomentation with hot water -

Fomentation is very useful for relief of localized pain or for improving the circulation in a part of the body where for some reason the circulation has become sluggish.

Requirements for wet or dry fomentation - Hot-water bag or bottle

Method of wet or dry fomentation -

1. Cover the painful region with cloth dipped in hot water.

2. Subject the region to the action of steam from a special kettle, or apply heat by means of a hot-water bag or bottle. This results in sedation of the muscles, improvement in circulation and reduction of swelling. As a consequence, pain is relieved.

3. After the fomentation, the part subjected to the treatment must be wiped with a cloth soaked in cold water.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health guide professional before embarking on any health program.

Visit an extensive List of Healing Herbs at Home remedies guide - a health guide to make you and your family live better, fit and healthy. Also know various Herbal Remedies.

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A healthy lifestyle will always attract lower health insurance rates.

The quality of your diet will eventually affect your health insurance rate. You will do well to stick with the right diet for you if you want to live a healthy life and pay lower health guide insurance rates.

Apart from your diet, your commitment to regular exercise will help you live better and also eventually get you lower health insurance rates.

If you drink then your health insurance rates will be higher than a similar profile that doesn't. Heavy drinking makes you a bad risk and therefore gets you higher health insurance rates. Many health guide conditions can be traced to drinking.

How much alcohol would be harmful to you as a person? I can't really say as there are people who can take a bottle of dry gin and still be okay while some will take just half a glass and things start going wrong.

But here's what I'm sure of: Staying away from alcohol totally will do you a world of good. For those who can't abstain totally, do your best to drink responsibly.

It's just that for most people drinking responsibly is even more difficult than total abstinence. There are organizations that are out to help alcoholics and heavy drinkers quit drinking. Just ask about them.

You will lower your health insurance rate by a huge margin if you can shop around using quotes sites and do proper comparison. Visiting not less than three quotes sites raise the chances that you would make more savings. This is because offers not represented by one site will be represented by another.

And because the likelihood of receiving lower health insurance quotes has to do with the range of quotes you receive, the more insurers you obtain quotes from, the brighter your chances. This offers you a broader basis for doing more thorough comparisons thereby increasing your chances of getting more for less.

Here are my favorite pages for health insurance quotes...

InsureMe Health Insurance Quotes

Health Insurance Quotes

Publishers can get unique versions of my articles by following any of the links above. Click on "To Use My Articles" when you get to my site.

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For small businesses, group health insurance covers are the most appropriate option. The group health plans are suitable for organizations that employ from 2 to 50 people. Due to the rising costs of health care in the US, group health plans have become essential.

This rise in health care costs creates a challenge for small businesses that need to provide health insurance is affordable to their employees. By offering an attractive health insurance benefit you will not only attract new talent, but will ensure that you retain the existing.

Options of Group Insurance Plans:

Diversifying the financial risk amongst the members, is the objective of the group health plans. This results in premiums for members of the group that are below those of individual plans for the same cover. The factors that determine the premiums are health status, occupational hazards, age and many more to a lesser extent.

There will be variations from state to state and service provider to another. The basic cover is generally the same for everyone, but for a slightly higher premium you may improve your cover by negotiated add-ons.

These health insurance policies for small businesses are available under many programs, like, fee-for-service, HMO, POS and PPO. The popularity of managed care plans over the group indemnity plans is the affordability of the premiums.

Designing Your Health Plan:

Ensure that you a very clear objective when you decide to get a health insurance package for your small business. Do a lot of research to ensure that the health insurance plan you select will meet both the requirements of the employees and that of the business.

You will need to provide the insurance service provider with the type of service required and the health and age profiles of the members. The exactness of the information will provide the service provider will decide the accuracy of quotes. The quotes provided will enable you to choose the payment options and the type of policy required. The employer meets from 25% to 50% of the premiums of each employee.

You may want to cover the spouses and children of the employees as well in which case you will be meeting part of the premiums although this is not a legal requirement.

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