Month: January 2019

2019-01-29T12:07:01

(BPT) – Are you 65 or older? While your primary care doctor may be an internist or general practitioner, have you thought about adding a geriatrician to your health care team?

A geriatrician can act as your health care “quarterback,” helping to ensure you get the specific care you need, as well as coordinating care with specialists.

“Our health needs often change dramatically in our later years,” said Dr. Efrem Castillo, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “The kind of care you deliver to an older adult is not the same as for a middle-aged person. The physiology of older people is very different from people in other stages of life.”

Those differences are significant enough that the medical community developed a specialty — geriatrics — to address the needs of older adults. Geriatricians are licensed physicians who have completed additional training in managing the care of older people. That training makes geriatricians uniquely suited to help older adults manage the complex demands of their health care needs.

One source of that complexity is chronic conditions. Older adults are significantly more likely than their younger counterparts to have a chronic condition such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. In fact, about 80 percent have at least one chronic condition, and 68 percent have two or more.

Given the prevalence of chronic conditions in older adults, they’re also heavier users of prescription medications than younger adults. About 90 percent of adults 65 and older take at least one prescription medication, and 40 percent take five or more prescription drugs.

Juggling multiple chronic conditions can introduce challenges for doctors and patients, with one condition sometimes exacerbating the effects of another. Moreover, treatments for illnesses can sometimes interfere with each other. That means the recommended course of treatment could look different in a patient with one chronic condition when compared to a patient with several.

Establishing the ideal treatment regimen for older adults with multiple chronic conditions can be further complicated by side effects unique to older adults. Some medications can be ineffective or even dangerous for older patients. Common over-the-counter drugs such as the allergy medication Benadryl, for example, have been linked to serious confusion in the elderly. Digoxin, a medication used to treat irregular heartbeat, can be toxic to older people when used at doses sometimes prescribed to younger adults.

Geriatricians are trained to understand how drugs uniquely impact older adults so they can appropriately customize their drug regimen to mitigate the risk of complications.

Decisions about how to customize a patient’s treatment aren’t necessarily black and white, requiring a doctor and patient to carefully balance risks and benefits. For example, some diabetes medicines can cause dizziness, meaning the doctor needs to focus not just on regulating the patient’s blood sugar but also on minimizing the risk of a fall, which is the most common cause of injury for seniors.

“A lot of what geriatricians do is determining which medications are more likely to cause harm than help,” said Castillo. “And the concept of shared decision-making is integral here — asking patients, ‘What trade-offs are you willing to take?’”

Sometimes, the trade-offs are purely medical in nature — weighing the pros and cons of taking a certain medication or undergoing a specific screening, for example. But more often than not, they also involve a person’s overall life goals. How important is it to maximize longevity? Comfort? How about independence? Each person answers those questions differently, and geriatricians are trained to use the answers to guide their treatment recommendations and care plan.

When should you seek out a geriatrician for yourself or a loved one? A significant change in health status could be a trigger for a visit with a geriatrician. But any time an older adult feels his or her care is becoming too complex or needs better coordination, a visit with a geriatrician could help.

Finding a geriatrician

With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the demand for geriatricians continues to grow. And despite a shortage of certified geriatricians as the demand increases, many geriatricians will see a patient on a one-time or as-needed basis and then make recommendations to the patient’s primary care physician.

The American Geriatrics Society offers information about how to find a geriatrician on its website, and many larger hospitals and university medical centers have geriatricians on staff that will see new patients. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to confirm whether a geriatrician you want to see is in your plan’s network and if your plan requires you to first get a referral from your primary care physician before a visit with a geriatrician will be covered.

UnitedHealthcare members can get help with those questions. From scheduling your next checkup appointment to helping you find a specialist to getting the treatment you need, it’s easier to get the right care at the right time.

* Check with your health insurance provider or Medicare about whether the cost of this new vaccine is covered under your plan. Whether it’s helping to schedule routine care appointments or checkups, UnitedHealthcare can help you navigate the health care system to get the care you need as soon as you need it.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plans contract renewal with Medicare.

2019-01-29T14:01:01

(BPT) – If your new home is among the one million or so being built in the U.S. this year, congratulations! You’ll have the chance to customize it to your dream home preferences.

One feature that should be at the top of your priority list is the best possible fire protection for yourself and your loved ones: home fire sprinklers. While choosing household systems may not be as fun as picking paint colors and carpeting, it’s even more important. And asking for fire sprinklers could literally save your life.

That’s because home fires today are hotter and faster than fires of the past. Homes with unprotected lightweight building material and flooring burn faster, failing quicker (often collapsing in a fire). Common synthetic furnishings and belongings burn hot and fast and produce toxic smoke. Larger, more open layouts enable faster flashover. That means they can become deadly to people and pets in as little as two minutes.

The tragic facts are that seven people die in U.S. home fires each day, while another 12,300 are injured. The residents aren’t the only ones in harm’s way; firefighters are constantly in danger of injury or death. Studies show they’re being diagnosed with cancer as a result of their occupation.

Home fire sprinklers are dependable. They not only save lives; they protect property and possessions (reducing fire damage by as much as 81 percent). Most insurers offer sprinkler discounts that lower your homeowners’ premiums.

“New homeowners have a great opportunity to ensure their houses are optimized for fire protection,” notes Lorraine Carli, HFSC president and vice president of outreach and advocacy for the National Fire Protection Association. “Start with working smoke alarms on every level, and prepare and practice a home escape plan. Create a complete system of fire safety by asking for home fire sprinklers.

Here are the basics:

* Your sprinklers will be customized for your home, ensuring proper protection for your unique layout. Usually the sprinklers are connected to the household water main. In areas where there is not a city water supply or well water, a tank and pump are typically used for water supply. Piping is hidden behind the walls and ceilings.

* There are several kinds of sprinklers made just for homes. Some can be hidden behind round plates. Some sprinkler companies offer custom painted sprinklers to match your décor.

* Each sprinkler is individually activated by heat, so the entire system does not activate. Each sprinkler has a temperature-sensitive glass bulb. If a fire starts, the high heat from it breaks the glass, allowing the water to flow onto the fire. That controls or even puts out the fire, allowing you and your family to escape.

* You need not worry about your sprinklers being set off by smoke alarms operating, burnt toast or cigarette smoke. They’re designed to operate from the high heat of a fire, usually between 135-165 F.

Your family’s fire safety is in your hands! Ask your builder for home fire sprinklers. The best time to install fire sprinklers is when the home is being built, while walls and ceilings are open and accessible.

Learn the facts about home fire sprinklers from the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, a non-commercial educational organization that offers free information and resources. Follow HFSC on Facebook and Twitter.

2019-01-29T08:01:00

2019-01-28T15:01:01

(BPT) – When you’re sick, the last thing that you want to worry about is how you’re going to pay for your critical medical treatment. Even if you have health insurance, you may find that the prescription drugs you need the most are out of reach due to high out-of-pocket costs — the deductibles, copays or coinsurance that are not reimbursed by insurance. Many people find themselves choosing between paying bills and buying essential prescription medications.

Nonprofit organizations like the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, an independent charitable organization dedicated to helping people with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications, can help alleviate some of that pressure. Dan Klein, president and CEO of the PAN Foundation, offers the following tips for relieving some of the stress and financial burden for people struggling to afford their prescription medications.

1. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist

Your healthcare team can help you find ways to manage your out-of-pocket costs. Skipping doses of medication or failing to fill prescriptions because they’re too expensive can make your treatment less effective. Doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare providers often have access to drug samples, coupons and information about organizations that can help you get the medication that you need at a price you can afford. While it can be hard to discuss your finances with your healthcare team, being clear about what you can afford can help them tailor your treatment plan effectively.

2. Ask your doctor to prescribe generic drugs

Generic drugs can be a great way to reduce your out-of-pocket prescription costs. Many name-brand drugs that are used to treat common conditions have a generic equivalent that is significantly cheaper, especially if the name-brand medication is an older drug. Generic drugs are safe and effective and are rigorously tested by the FDA to ensure that they are just as good as the brand-name versions.

3. Start using FundFinder

Sign up for FundFinder. This free web-based app developed by the PAN Foundation connects you with a charitable patient assistance foundation that can help pay the out-of-pocket costs for your prescription medications. Rather than having to monitor multiple charitable patient assistance foundations to see if they’re offering funding, the app checks for you and alerts you through email or text when the financial help that you need is available at PAN or another charitable foundation.

4. Shop around and use coupons

If your medication is more than you can afford at your usual pharmacy, check with other pharmacies in your area to compare out-of-pocket costs. For those with commercial insurance, don’t forget to ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any coupons or money-saving offers available for your prescription.

5. Learn more about assistance from your state

Many states offer pharmaceutical assistance programs or other health programs to help pay for the out-of-pocket costs of prescription medications. Contact your state’s department of health to find out about any assistance programs that are available and if you qualify. Your state’s health department can also guide you to other state and charitable resources that can help you access your medication.

6. Review your Medicare coverage options

If you have health coverage through Medicare, make sure that your plan meets your health and financial needs. There may be other options that will help you better manage your out-of-pocket drug costs. Find out from an expert if your current plan includes the prescription drug coverage that you need and how to search for a new drug plan if it doesn’t. You may also be eligible for other Medicare programs — like a Low-Income Subsidy or Extra Help — that can lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Living with an illness is stressful enough without the added worries about how to afford the out-of-pocket costs for your medication. You can learn more about patient assistance charities like PAN and the ways you can get help paying for your prescription medical treatments at panfoundation.org.

2019-01-28T14:03:00

(BPT) – Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers anymore. While we naturally want to show our significant others how much we love them on the sweetest holiday of the year, Valentine’s Day has become a wonderful day to celebrate everyone we care about, from your BFF to your furry, feathered and four-legged friends. In fact, last year the National Retail Federation reported that approximately 20 percent of Americans plan to buy Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets.

Here are some ways to share the love with everyone who is important to you this Valentine’s Day:

For him: For the special man in your life, put him in charge of capturing your special moments together with the nostalgic Fuijifilm Instax Mini Camera. Or for the gamer in your life, why not spend time playing Nintendo Switch? Maybe you’ll even let him win.

For her: For her, there’s nothing like setting a relaxing, romantic mood for a memorable evening together. Celebrate Valentine’s night with the help of a handmade Lavender Natural Soy Wax Candle infused with natural essential oils like lavender, orange, lemon and cedarwood. Then pour a glass of her favorite wine for both of you into All Purpose Wine Glasses and shower her with affection.

For your BFFs: Sometimes on Valentine’s Day, all you want to do is hang with your girls. Have your BFFs over for the perfect Galentine’s Day brunch. Get in the party mood with some great decor like a Glitter Galentine’s Day Banner and the perfect playlist from Prime Music, then prepare a waffle feast fit for the queens you are with a Heart Maker Waffle Iron. End the day by watching an awesome girl-power movie like “Miss Congeniality” or “Lady Bird” on Prime Video.

For your kids: Valentine’s Day is a great time for a festive family party with your kids. Decorate the house for your event together with a Light-Up Love Easel Sign and Valentine’s Day Paper-Kit Party Decorations. Share some sweet treats and favorite games as a family, followed by a fun creative activity using an easy-to-make Plush Craft Heart Pillow Kit.

For your furry friend: More pet owners than ever are showing their appreciation for their animal companions by giving them special gifts on Valentine’s Day. No matter what size your dog is, you can find a comfy sweat suit to fit them from Scheppend Adidog Pet Clothes, which come in 12 different sizes and 9 cute colors. Spoil your pooch while also watching their health with snacks from the Petco Treat Bar while you indulge yourself with some yummy Chocolate Covered Strawberries by Golden State Fruit.

It’s easy and fast to find the perfect gifts to share with all of the special humans — and animals — in your life on amazon.com/valentinesday, which has easy-to-search categories, as well as gifts for any budget. Curated gift choices include everything from chocolates and flowers to jewelry, apparel, electronics and more. There are even ideas to plan the perfect Date Night In. From risotto delivered through Amazon Restaurants to dancing to “your song” on Prime Music, it’s easy to plan the perfect evening in.

Waited until the last minute? Don’t panic. With Amazon Prime, a majority of Prime members in the U.S. have access to Free One-Day Shipping (or faster) on millions of items, as well as access to unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 100 million items. Prime Now even offers free two-hour delivery windows, reserved exclusively for Prime members in eligible areas, so you can still surprise your Valentine with jewelry, flowers or dinner.

2019-01-28T09:01:01

(BPT) – Headlines filled with news of opioid abuse, overdoses and reports that 90 percent of addictions start in the teen years could make any parent worry. Yet parents remain conflicted about opioids: While more than half express concern their child may be at risk for opioid addiction, nearly two-thirds believe opioids are more effective at managing their child’s pain after surgery or a broken bone than non-prescription medication or other alternatives, according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

“The survey results shed light on the country’s conflicted relationship with and understanding of opioids,” said ASA President Linda J. Mason, M.D., FASA. “Opioids may not always be the best option. It really depends on the type of surgery and how long they are required. It is important for parents to know that there are many alternatives available that are as — or more — safe and effective for pain management.”

During Physician Anesthesiologists Week (Jan. 27 to Feb. 2), ASA wants parents to know that a physician anesthesiologist can create an individualized plan to best address patients’ pain based on the condition or type of surgery and decrease the risk of opioid misuse and addiction.

Parents aren’t asking about effective alternatives

While opioids can help with pain management for a few days after surgery or injury, there are effective alternatives that do not have the side effects and risks of opioids. But the survey results suggest parents often don’t ask about alternatives, or aren’t aware of the range of options.

* 59 percent said they would talk to their physician about pain management options, but only 37 percent of those whose children were prescribed opioids actually did.

* 88 percent recognized non-opioid, over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and aspirin, are used to effectively help treat pain. However, few were aware the same applies to other non-opioid options, including steroids (23 percent), antidepressants (9 percent) and anti-seizure medications (7 percent).

Beyond medications, a number of non-drug therapies can help with ongoing pain, including nerve blocks, physical therapy, biofeedback, meditation, virtual reality, massage and acupuncture.

Parents are unaware that safe storage and proper disposal are key

More than half of people who misuse prescribed opioids get them from a friend or relative. That’s why safe storage and proper disposal of the drugs are important to help curb the epidemic.

* Only 50 percent said they stored or would store opioids in a safe and secure place.

* 60 percent of those whose children took opioids said they needed fewer than were prescribed and had leftover medication. But only 39 percent of all parents disposed or would dispose of leftover opioids as recommended, including taking them to a local pharmacy or health clinic, flushing them down the toilet or mixing them with dirt, kitty litter or coffee grounds before throwing them away.

* 61 percent correctly identified the ideal method of disposing leftover opioids, which involves taking them to a collection center at a local police station or drug disposal program at a pharmacy or health clinic.

Parents understand importance of communication

When a child is prescribed opioids, parents need to have an open and honest discussion about the potential side effects and risks — not only with the child taking the medication, but other family members as well.

* 74 percent said they have talked to their child about the dangers of abusing prescription and over-the-counter medications and 20 percent said they intend to have the conversation.

* 89 percent of those whose children have been prescribed opioids said they’ve had those discussions.

* 91 percent said they are confident their children know that prescribed and over-the-counter medications can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs.

Parents recognize naloxone saves lives

Naloxone (Narcan) is a lifesaving medication administered via nasal spray or injection that rapidly reverses the effects of an overdose. It’s important to know about naloxone because anyone who uses opioids may be at risk for an overdose.

* 71 percent agreed that having naloxone on hand is the same as having other life-saving medication available for people who suffer from conditions such as allergies, asthma or diabetes.

* 80 percent said they would be more comfortable having it at home if their child or another family member was taking opioids.

* 92 percent thought all first responders should carry it.

The 17-question Engine Caravan Omnibus Survey was conducted online Nov. 25 to Dec. 2, 2018, among 1,007 parents of children ages 13-24, one-third of whom had been prescribed opioids.

Visit ASA’s website for information about all aspects of pain management and to access an opioid overdose resuscitation card that provides guidance on symptoms of an overdose and how to help.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists

Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 53,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology. ASA is committed to ensuring that physician anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of patients before, during and after surgery to provide the highest quality and safest care that every patient deserves.

For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org. To learn more about the role physician anesthesiologists play in ensuring patient safety, visit asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount. Like ASA on Facebook; follow ASALifeline on Twitter.

2019-01-28T09:01:01

(BPT) – The power of music extends beyond just a good beat to listen to. It can be a source of inspiration for new ideas or serve as an instant confidence booster at times when you need a little push. Whatever the reason may be for pressing play, music can inspire you to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.

To get aspiring musicians and fans alike started with their musical explorations in the New Year, Total Wireless is sharing four tips on how to find total confidence through the power of music.

1. Learn a new instrument: Joining a music class with a friend is a great way to feel more confident about your new venture. Whether you’re picking up your first instrument or are already a skilled musician, challenge yourself to learn something new and push yourself out of your comfort zone. It can feel intimidating to know where to begin, so use your smartphone to do a little research before taking the next step.

2. Make a confidence-boosting playlist: When you’re having a tough day, use the power of music to give yourself an instant confidence boost. Using your favorite music-streaming app on your smartphone, compile a playlist of your favorite songs for a quick pick-me-up wherever you are! And with the new MEGA plan from Total Wireless, you can get 25GB of 4G LTE† data for only $50 so you’ll never have to worry about running out of data while listening to your favorite songs.

3. Discover new music: Diversify your song library and discover new music by using your smartphone to explore new artists and genres. Get started by searching for artists that are similar to a few of your current favorites, or select a random playlist on your favorite music streaming app and see what new artists are recommended for you. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take your music exploration a step further and check out a local band (or two!) at their next show.

4. Take the stage: Resolve to broaden your horizons and take that next big step to center stage. If you’re a longtime musician, aim to book a gig at the largest venue you’ve ever performed at, or if you’re new to the craft, find the courage to get up during an open mic and test out a new song. While this can be intimidating, just go for it and remind yourself that “you got this.”

Whether you’re an experienced musician or a playlist professional, remember to get out there and try something new when it comes to furthering your knowledge of music or exploring new musical interests! And while you’re at it, discover more on the latest devices and great rate plans from TotalWireless.com.

† To get 4G LTE speed where available you must have a 4G LTE capable device and a 4G LTE SIM card. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions of service at TotalWireless.com.

2019-01-25T14:27:28

(BPT) – A recent study finds that 52 percent of American households are at risk of not being able to carry their current lifestyle into retirement. This is an increase from an estimated 45 percent of households in a 2004 study. The estimated retirement savings shortfall amounts to roughly $6.4 trillion.

In many cases, this dramatic number is the result of a lack of financial education. Many adults today know little about retirement planning because they weren’t educated on the topic during high school or college. For example, many people don’t realize that an individual retirement account, continuously funded at $3,000 per year — starting at age 20 and based on an estimated rate of return of 8 percent — will yield $1.16 million when they retire at age 65. That same account — started at age 30 instead — will only yield $517,000 at age 65.

All of this underscores the importance of being smart with your retirement planning and adjusting your strategy based on your age. A good financial planner can help you do all of that. To find the right financial planner to help you prepare for retirement, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) offers these tips.

1. Look for a planner who is a fiduciary. Planners who are fiduciaries have a duty of loyalty to their clients and a duty of care. The duty of loyalty means they must always consider their clients’ interests above their own, even if that negatively impacts their own income. The duty of care means an advisor must care for clients as though they were loved ones and provide them with prudent advice. Look for a planner who is a fiduciary and put that duty of care to work for you. You can learn more about how to find a fiduciary advisor at napfa.org/financial-planning/fiduciary-101.

2. Focus on experience. Your retirement future isn’t something you want to leave to someone without the proper credentials. There are more than 100 professional designations in the financial services industry, but only a few of them truly indicate a professional’s ability to do holistic financial planning. Look for planners with the CFP(R) certification. This certification means a financial planner has met rigorous professional standards and has agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence.

3. Focus on financial planning. Your financial future will be dependent on a sound financial plan, so look for a professional who focuses on true financial planning. Ask your planner if they have ever written a financial plan and what the plan might look like for you. Holistic financial planning includes tax planning, education planning, estate planning, retirement advice and more.

4. Ask how your planner will minimize and disclose conflicts. Your planner is not just a professional entity, but also a person with personal interests and business dealings. This means that no matter which planner you select, there is a chance that your planner’s personal dealings could create a conflict with your financial decisions. That’s OK and normal. The key is to find a planner that will minimize conflicts and disclose any conflicts to you ahead of time. Ask potential planners how they will handle such a situation and don’t take “It won’t happen” for an answer.

5. Are they compatible with you? This last quality is certainly one of the most important. How comfortable does the planner make you feel? As you speak, do you feel the planner understands your goals and is a person you could trust long-term? Over the course of your relationship you will share plenty of personal information with your planner, and entrust them with your financial future. Listen to your gut and choose a planner you feel comfortable with.

Start your planner search today

Living the life you want in retirement is possible if you start planning for it now. The right financial planner can help you realize your goals, so don’t delay in finding the right planner for you. Visit NAFPA for more consumer resources on how to find the right planner for you today.