Take Charge of Your Health Care - March 23, 2008

take charge of your health care - March 23, 2008

Welcome to the March 23, 2008 edition of take charge of your health care. As you gather with your family this weekend, may I wish all of my readers a happy and healthy holiday. Spring is the season of renewal and hopefully these health tips will help your family stay fit and healthy and also save money on your healthcare.

We get some excellent, high quality submissions to this carnival. I do accept about 80 to 85% of all submissions. If you submitted more than 2 posts, I have chosen your 2 best or most relevant posts. I have also eliminated any posts that are duplicates from the last edition or that are not relevant to healthcare. Please feel free to resubmit any posts that were not included to the next issue of Take Charge of Your Healthcare Carnival.

health insurance

Helene Zemel presents Affordable Dental Plans posted at Affordable Dental Plans, saying, "Good dental care is so important to your family’s good health and well-being. Who can underestimate the importance of a pleasant and attractive smile and the good health benefits that come with that healthy smile? Yet over 7 out of 10 Americans lack affordable dental plans. Discount Dental Plans can provide an affordable alternative to costly dental insurance and offer benefits not provided by insurance policies."

Wenchypoo presents Universal Health Care Blues: Patient Stacking posted at Wisdom From Wenchypoo's Mental Wastebasket. Editor’s note: An interesting perspective on some of the problems with universal health care.

Shaheen Lakhan presents Are Insurance Copayments Unethical? posted at GNIF Brain Blogger, saying, “A large-scale study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who are required to pay $10 or more for a mammogram are significantly less likely to have the examination on a biannual basis when compared to individuals whose insurance plans provided complete coverage.”

John Cogan presents State efforts to increase health coverage come with a price--higher income taxes posted at Regulating Health Insurance, saying, "In an effort to increase health insurance coverage, many states have passed laws to increase the maximum age limit for young adults to stay on their parents’ health insurance policies. Whether you are in favor of these coverage mandates or not, there’s one hitch to such laws that isn’t often mentioned: the tax consequences for parents keeping their twentysomething children on the family's employer-based health insurance coverage." Editor’s note: One must weigh this cost versus the probably higher cost of obtaining a separate health insurance policy for the grown child. With the economic downturn, there aren’t a lot of entry level jobs for people fresh out of high school and college which would offer decent benefits.

Raymond presents How To Avoid A Major Cause Of Bankruptcy By Getting Basic Health Insurance Coverage posted at Money Blue Book. Editor’s note: as the author notes, having adequate health insurance can help you avoid bankruptcy provided you can afford health insurance and are not turned down due to pre-existing conditions.

Jose DeJesus MD presents Usual and Customary Charges Artificially Rigged posted at Physician Entrepreneur, saying, “Out of network health insurance claims and claims paid through indemnity based health plans are settled based on a percentage of the “usual and customary” or “reasonable and customary” charges prevailing in the area where the service is performed. Physicians and patients have long felt that these rates were understated, which leaves patients with a much larger share of healthcare costs than they should actually bear.”

save money on health care

Helene Zemel presents Great News! AmeriPlan $25 Business Opportunity Extended to March 31st posted at Health Plans Plus, saying, "Great News! Our $25 new business promotion has been extended to March 31, 2008. Now you can start your own business as a benefits consultant for just $25." Editor’s note: If you are interested in a home-based business in the health benefits field, there are just a few days remaining to take advantage of this opportunity.

Alex M presents What Everybody Should Know About Secured Medical Loans Within Employment Benefits posted at eloanex.com. Editor’s note: Some good information here on employee benefits.

Jose DeJesus MD presents Discouraging Frivolous Malpractice Lawsuits posted at Physician Entrepreneur. Editor’s note: Frivolous lawsuits are definitely a factor in increasing the cost of healthcare.

alternative medicine

Rickey Henderson presents Aaaargh, Rickey's Back! posted at Riding with Rickey. Editor’s note: Some good advice on sciatica in the comments on this blog.

David Richeson presents Beginning my Detox from Toxic Mercury Dental Amalgam Fillings posted at 360 Degree Success, saying, "Why dental amalgam fillings are so toxic, and how to safely detoxify your body." Editor’s note: Thanks for bringing attention to the dangers of amalgam fillings. Most people do not realize that the silver amalgam used by dentists contain mercury which is highly toxic.

Lovelyn presents Self Massage: Trigger Point Therapy posted at The Art of Balanced Living. Editor’s note: Some excellent information on performing self massage to relieve discomfort at trigger points.

Amy S Quinn presents The Top 50 Alternative Medicine Blogs posted at Online Nursing Degree Directory. Editor’s note: A comprehensive list of alternative medicine blogs.

Deb Serani presents Understanding Research: Antidepressant Data posted at Dr. Deb, saying, "This post looks at how one needs to consider "research" when making healthcare decisions." Editor’s note: Some good information on anti-depressant medications can be found in this blog post.

Lori Jewett presents Yes Virginia - There is a Perimenopause posted at Between Us Girls, saying, "What you should know about perimenopause that your doctor may not be telling you."

Burton Kent presents Legal Drugs Kill Far More People Than Illegal Drugs! Acupuncture Marketing for Clinics posted at Acupuncture Marketing for Clinics, saying, "Discusses how healing can only come from the body's natural healing processes. Attempting to bypass or repress these processes just makes things worse."

Ellen Landauer presents Stress from Electromagnetic Fields: Natural Solutions posted at Health Freedom Coaching, saying, "Stress from electromagnetic field (EMF) pollution is more significant than most people know. Simple tips can help you feel more happy and relaxed at home, and minimize deleterious effects when you are out and about."

Chris presents Tai Chi Ruler: The Cure For a Sore Lower Back posted at Martial Development, saying, "Learn this simple Tai Chi form to cure and prevent back pain. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels."

consumer driven health care

Jose DeJesus MD presents Doctors Get Bonuses for Raising the Bar posted at Physician Entrepreneur. Editor’s note: Dr. DeJesus discusses how some insurance and health management companies are paying a bonus to physician’s who emphasize preventative care.

Rachel Walden presents Tips for Savvy Medical Web Surfing? - A Critique posted at Women's Health News, saying, "This post is my critique, as a medical librarian, of CNN's recent "Tips for Savvy Medical Web Surfing" article. Another's commentary on this article is linked in the post."

Eric Cech presents Essential Oils for Aromatherapy from Synergy Essentials posted at Synergy Essential Oils, Aromatherapy for Professionals and Enthusiasts. Editor’s note: You will find some excellent descriptions and good information on various essential oils on this site.

Pete Quily presents Top 10 Ways to Manage Adult ADHD posted at Adult ADD Strengths. Editor’s note: Very informative article listing various alternatives for dealing with adult ADD.

Aparna presents Correcting a gummy smile posted at Beauty and Personality Grooming, saying, "A gummy smile is one where the gums outsize the teeth, making your teeth appear shorter and the gums more prominent. Or it could be that the gum line is not symmetrical with the teeth. If you have a gummy smile you may feel self-conscious to smile or laugh freely with others. You need not live with it. So if it’s bothering you, ask your dentist about the corrective techniques."

Aparna presents Sleeping for long hours is not good for health posted at Beauty and Personality Grooming, saying, "Insomnia is by far the most talked about and discussed sleep disorder. Tons of information is available on this topic and countless remedies are suggested by all and sundry to overcome this problem. Comparatively, excessive sleep and its effects on health rarely get so much attention and this issue hardly finds a place in the conversation of laymen."

Charles H. Green presents Who(m) Do You Trust? posted at Trust Matters, saying, "Trust in your doctor isn't just a matter of knowing he's skilled, but in knowing he will listen to you, not just dictate to you."

Raymond presents My Experience With Lasik Eye Surgery - Thoughts About Laser Vision Correction - Is It Worth The Cost and Risks? posted at Money Blue Book. Editor’s note: Very informative post about Lasik eye surgery. This is certainly a viable and safe alternative for people who want freedom from contact lenses or thick eyeglasses.

Silveral presents Celebrity skin care – secret to perfect skin posted at Celebrity News, and Gossip. Editor’s note: Good information on skin care and celebrity skin care products.

diet & fitness

Sagar presents 20 Simple At Your Desk Exercises For Web Workers posted at Online Nursing Degree Directory. Editor’s note: Some great exercises that can be easily performed right at your desk.

Mike Remer presents Celebrating! My Path To Fitness Blog posted at My Path To Fitness Blog. Editor’s note: This post will help motivate you to start exercising again.

Mike Remer presents Wish Exercise wasn’t so Hard? My Path To Fitness Blog posted at My Path To Fitness Blog, saying, “When you were a kid, what did you do when you went out to play? Right, you ran around, climbed trees, jumped rope. You were moving and called it ”play.” What physical activities can you add to your life or increase today — or at the very latest tomorrow -and call it play?”

Life. Money. Development. presents Diet Tips for Preventing High Cholesterol Levels posted at Life. Money. Development., saying, "A neat collection of diet tips for keeping cholesterol in recommended levels."

Alex Blackwell presents 45 Tips for a Happier, Simpler and More Productive Life posted at The Next 45 Years, saying, “Every now and then we need a nudge, a little extra help. Life can be challenging and sometimes it can test our resolve.” determination and faith. When Life surprises us with a pop-quiz, it’s good to know where we can find some of the answers.” Editor’s note: 45 tips to help you stay mentally fit and happy.

Anwar Daniels presents Eat Healthier. Try Black Eyed Peas. posted at cannedfitness.com, saying, "A great write up on the benefits of black eyed peas and how they can help you with your goals of living a healthier life."

Joshua Seth presents 10 Reasons Why Weight Loss Diets Fail posted at Joshua Seth Blog, saying, ": "Did you know that over 90% of people actually gain weight within 6 months of dieting! Here are the top 10 reasons why...""

James D. Brausch presents Is Your Keyboard Making You Fat? posted at Weight Loss Dude. Editor’s note: I have to admit that I am guilty of eating at the computer, but actually the no eating at the computer rule can help you stay fit.

James D. Brausch presents This Week's Supplement: Calcium posted at Weight Loss Dude. Editor’s note: James Brausch reports here on his experience with various supplements and weight loss results.

Kavit Haria presents Easy weight loss by counting your calories posted at Wellness Junction by Kavit Haria. Editor’s note: Some good advice on using calorie counting as a weight loss method.

Kavit Haria presents Top five tips to healthy meal planning posted at Wellness Junction by Kavit Haria, saying: “A common reason many people don’t eat healthy is because “they don’t have the time”. By carefully planning your meal in advance, you set yourself up for a healthy week as well as saving time and money when you go shopping. “

Louis presents Learn To Dance Like The Stars And Lose Weight At The Same Time! posted at "Finally, You Too Can Master Ballroom Dancing Easily From Dancing With The Stars' Louis van Amstel", saying, "Who says losing weight can't be fun?"

The Push Up Coach presents Pros And Cons Of A Personal Trainer posted at The 1000 Push Ups Club, saying, "1000 Push Up Club will help you stay motivated as you do every push up and help you reach your goal - whether it is 50, 100, or 1,000 push ups."

Neelakantha presents 100 Weird Facts About the Human Body posted at Bootstrapper. Editor’s note: Some very interesting facts about the human body posted here. A good read.

Neelakantha presents The Webmaster?s Guide to Better Health ? 101 Tips and Resources posted at WHDb. Editor’s note: Well researched list of resources and articles on various health matters.

Anmol Mehta presents Free Online Yoga Videos Launched posted at Mastery of Meditation, Enlightenment & Kundalini Yoga, saying, "Free online yoga videos to help you achieve physical, emotional and mental mastery."

Wenchypoo presents The "No-Label Diet" One Year Later posted at Wisdom From Wenchypoo's Mental Wastebasket. Editor’s note: This diet will help reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol. Good low calorie salad dressing recipe in the comments section.

Ellen Landauer presents Insomnia: Better Sleep Can Be Yours posted at Health Freedom Coaching, saying, "A wealth of sleep-optimizing tips, including the recipe for my special supplement nightcap, diet tips for better sleep, and details on a number of other natural ways to get better sleep."

Randy Powell presents Cardiovascular Health posted at Eating-Veggies.com: Alkaline Diet blog. Editor’s note: Some very good dietary advice that we can all follow.

Miscellaneous

Ariah Fine presents What If We Wiped for Our Great, Great, Great, Great Grandchildren? posted at Trying to Follow. Editor’s note: Sometimes small steps can make a big difference when it comes to conservations. Thoughtful article about conservation.
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James Chambers presents Combat Hyperhidrosis with Botox posted at Hyperhidrosis. Editor’s note: Good information on a possible treatment option for excessive sweating.

James Chambers presents Natural Deodorants Do They Stop Sweating? posted at Hyperhidrosis. Editor’s note: Some good information on natural deodorants that can help if you suffer from hyperhidrosis.

zerg presents Suffering in Mesothelioma posted at Mesothelioma News Blog, saying, "Some information on how to treat and what actions take when somebody suffers from mesothelioma - how to find best lawyer."

Asbestos presents Suffering in Mesothelioma posted at Mesothelioma News Blog, saying, "It is possible to live well with mesothelioma."

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of take charge of your health care using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: take charge of your health care, blog carnival

Take Charge of Your Health Care - 2nd Edition

Take Charge of your Health Care - October 21, 2007



Welcome to the October 21, 2007 edition of Take Charge of Your Health Care. Although this is only the second month of publication for Take Charge of Your Health Care Blog Carnival, we received close to 40 submissions. Most of these submissions were well-written, quality blogs that addressed important health care issues. We will publish our next edition on November 20, 2007, but beginning with our New Year’s edition, we will start publishing on a bi-weekly basis.


This month I would like to celebrate Al Gore’s winning of the Nobel Peace Prize. On Friday, October 13, 2007, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded jointly to former Vice President Al Gore and the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a group of international scientists dedicated to climate research, for their role in spreading awareness of the danger of man-made climate change and the need to come up with solutions to solve this problem which threatens our environment. Environmental pollution is definitely responsible for birth defects and an increase in cancer rates and autism and climate change will be responsible for even more health concerns. For more about the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize read:


Helene Zemel presents Al Gore - A Man of Vision posted at Health Plans Plus, saying, "Al gore has truly been a man of vision in protecting our environment. The danger of climate change will affect the health of present and future generations."

Save Money on Health Care

The main purpose of the Take Charge of Your Health Care carnival is to feature quality blog posts that address various health care issues. Over 47,000,000 Americans do not have any medical insurance. Here are some blog posts that address this issue:

Jimmy Atkinson presents Comparison: Presidential Candidates on Major Healthcare Issues NOEDb posted at NOEDb: Nursing Online Education Database. This is a must read article for people in the United States. The article introduces various healthcare issues and summarizes each of the Presidential candidates views on these important issues.

Staying with the topic of Presidential politics, Ian Welsh presents Questioning the Hillary Health Care Plan posted at The Agonist, saying, "Hillary Clinton's health care proposal isn't universal health care, it's universal insurance -- and that's an important distinction." Nice picture of Hillary too!

Let’s not forget the importance of good dental care for keeping you and your children healthy. Helene Zemel presents Affordable Dental Plans posted at Health Plans Plus, saying, "This article discusses the fact that 7 out of 10 Americans do not have a dental plan, and even among those that do have dental insurance, most are underinsured. Discount Dental Plans are mentioned as a means of providing individuals and families with affordable dental care."

Matthew Paulson presents Minute Clinics Open Nation Wide, Provide Additional Healthcare Choices to Consumers. posted at Getting Green. These inexpensive walk in clinics in big box stores are an interesting concept for providing affordable health care to those who might other wise not be able pay for a private physician.

Shaheen Lakhan presents The Inherent Problem with Health Insurance posted at GNIF Brain Blogger. Read this physician blogger’s October 3rd blog post to see how the private insurance sector places an emphasis on their bottom line at the expense of insuring everyone.

Health Chaos presents No Health Insurance posted at Health Chaos. This is an interesting commentary on the control that the insurance industry and big pharmaceutical companies have on our health care.

Anthony presents The Lives and Times... of Anthony McCune: They Call It Customer Service At The Health Plan posted at The Lives and Times... of Anthony McCune. The author recounts the difficulties that he had with an HMO.

Ian Welsh presents Old Folks Is the US Unhealthier than Europeans. A LOT Unhealthier The Agonist posted at The Agonist, saying, "The key to better, affordable health care lies in better government healthcare policy." Good information in both the blog and the comments to the blog.

For a different perspective on saving money on health care: Wenchypoo presents Affordable Health Care on Every Corner posted at Mental Wastebasket. This article emphasizes the importance of good nutrition and prevention for saving money on health care.

For an opinion on President Bush’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP): Madeleine Begun Kane presents SCHIP Haiku posted at Mad Kane's Political Madness.

Jimmy Atkinson presents Top 100 Health and Wellness Blogs NOEDb posted at NOEDb: Nursing Online Education Database. We can always count on Jimmy Atkinson to provide us with well researched resources.

Alvaro Fernandez presents 10 Highlights from the 2007 Aspen Health Forum posted at SharpBrains, saying, "Check out this overview of the Health and Science trends discussed in this recent policy event."

Phil B. presents Cancer versus Terrorism « Phil for Humanity posted at Phil for Humanity, saying, "About 13% of all deaths worldwide are caused by cancer, however less than 1% of 1% of all deaths are caused by terrorism." Phil questions why so much more money is spent on fighting terrorism than on finding a cure for cancer which causes far more deaths.


Consumer Directed Health Care – Mental Health

Helene Zemel presents Ritalin - The Truth about ADD posted at Health Plans Plus, saying, "ADD and ADHD may be a trumped up diagnosis so doctors can write more prescriptions for drugs like Ritalin, Adderall or Concerta enriching the pockets of the big pharmaceutical companies. This article points out some of the dangers involved."

Tiffany Washko presents The Vaccine Issue - My Son’s Story posted at Natural Family Living Blog. Can vaccines contribute to autism and minimal brain damage in children? The author recounts her experience with her son.

TherapyDoc presents Secrets and Therapy posted at Everyone Needs Therapy. Good advice on children and secrets by a doctorate in social work.

Karen Halls presents Types of Alcoholism Treatments posted at Addiction Recovery Blog, saying, "Once you’ve acknowledged that you have a problem with alcohol, it’s time to start finding ways to treat the problem in an ideal and effective manner."

Kilroy_60 presents Things I Think I Learned ...from You Do It Our Way posted at Fear and Loathing - The Gonzo Papers, saying, "Have you had a look at the Gonzo Blog Carnival Series?" This blog presents mental health therapy from the patient or client’s point of view.

Here is some good mental health advice: Robinson Go presents Start Everyday With A Smile posted at The Robinson Go Blog, saying, "Take charge of your health care with this often overlooked AWESOME tip."

Alternative Medicine

Anmol Mehta presents Introducing Ayurveda- Alternative Medicine for Self Healing posted at Mastery of Meditation, Enlightenment & Kundalini Yoga, saying, "The workings of this comprehensive science for Self Healing are discussed here." Good explanation and definition of Ayurveda.

Aparna presents Kapalabhati Pranayam posted at Beauty & Personality Grooming, saying, "‘Kapalabhati’ Pranayam breathing exercise is an excellent way of maintaining good health and fighting diseases. ‘A regular practice of Kapalabhati for 10-15 minutes everyday will give you a tight forehead sans wrinkles for many years to come. Why resort to botox injections and other expensive chemical or surgical procedures to get rid of your age lines, when there is such a simple and natural alternative available to you in the form of ‘Kapalabhati’."

Anna presents Essential Oils and Pregnancy posted at Our Family Village, saying, "When I got pregnant, I had this epiphany that I could cure most pregnancy “symptoms” with essential oils and bypass the icky phase entirely."

Petra Ioni presents Omega 3 Reduces Childhood Diabetes Risk posted at Medopdedia. Omega 3 oils have many health benefits, the author gives evidence in its role as a Type 1 diabetes preventative.

Food & Fitness

Paying attention to what you eat and staying fit can keep illness at bay and as a result help reduce health care costs.

MT presents How To Keep Heart Healthy? MT Herald Dot Com posted at MT Herald Dot Com. Good advice on how to keep your heart healthy.

FitBuff presents Lose Belly Flab, Earn Cash: Would you drop 10 pounds for $350? posted at FitBuff.com's Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog, saying, "Many people don't realize the best way to save money on health care is to keep yourself healthy! But, you have to be motivated, so what would it take for you to get your butt in gear? How about $350?"

Wenchypoo presents Food for the Grist Mill posted at Wisdom From Wenchypoo's Mental Wastebasket, saying, "Tells a story of how a wheat-and-gluten-allergic person (me) delved into the fiber realm and came out with an answer." For some additional information on nutrition see: Wenchypoo presents The Return of NNR Food Scores (L-O-N-G) posted at Mental Wastebasket, saying, "Tells how to find the most nutritious foods while shortening the shopping list--a BIG money-saver, let me tell ya! We are bombarded with way too many choices of food--even in the produce aisle. Free trade is costing us in more ways than one."

Wenchypoo presents Book Review: Healthy At 100 posted at Wisdom From Wenchypoo's Mental Wastebasket, saying, "A d-i-y primer on how to live longer and healthier with minimal doctor interference."

Health Tips and Advice

Here are some more tips and advice for staying healthy and reducing your health care costs.

With the holidays coming up, The Career Counselor has some good advice at: The Healthiest Habits for Office and Seasonal Snacking posted at ask the Career Counselor.

Tristan Loo presents How to Power Nap for Optimal Productivity posted at The Synergy Institute, saying, "In this article, Life Coach Tristan Loo, explains how to use a short 20-minute power nap to maximize personal effectiveness, increase productivity, reduce stress, while promoting good health and vitality." Good advice for us busy folk.

Strabo presents This could save your life. The best wrist mounted blood pressure monitor. posted at Kosher Wisdom, saying, "Discusses how you can monitor your blood pressure with a simple and cheap home device."

Kevin Surbaugh presents Need New Shoes! - Exploring My Options posted at Becoming & Staying Debt Free. Good advice on orthopedic shoes.

Save Money presents How to keep your Skin Clear posted at How I Save Money.net. Great skin care tips.

Holly Ord presents The Male Pill posted at Woman Tribune. News on a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill.

Vanalli presents Testosterone replacement therapy posted at Nick, saying, "Is testosterone replacement for you?”

This post is a bit off topic for our site, but some of you blog writers might be interested. Submit your travel writings to this contest for a chance to win prizes. For more information see: Michael@TSM presents Fall TSM Travel Writing Contest: Win $125! posted at Traveling Stories Magazine.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of take charge of your health care using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: take charge of your health care, blog carnival.

Take Charge of Your Health Care Carnival - 1st Edition - September 21, 2007

Welcome to the September 21, 2007 edition of take charge of your health care.

This is our first monthly edition of Take Charge of Your Health Care. This month we have 10 articles focusing on various healthcare issues such as the high cost of medical and dental care, ways to save money on health care, alternative medicine, consumer directed health care, and current issues in health care.

Good Information Resource

First, I would like to thank Jimmy Atkinson for presenting 100 Web Resources for Medical Professionals NOEDb posted at NOEDb: Nursing Online Education Database. This blog post presented in the Nursing Online Education Database contains 100 web resources for both medical professionals and patients alike. Sources include hospital and physician directories and information sources on nursing, dentistry, oncology, psychiatry, pediatrics, obstetrics & gynecology, and job databases for medical professionals.

Save Money on Health Care

The focus of our first edition of Take Charge of Your Health Care Blog Carnival is on ways to save money on your health care benefits.

Alanna presents Health Coverage: Finding the Right Fit BBB Consumer Education posted at BBB Consumer Education. This article in the Evansville Better Business Bureau blog starts out by stating: “Oh, the ever-daunting topic of health coverage! It’s intimidating for everyone, and for good reason. The kind of health coverage we have dictates the kind of health care we get, it’s often the one big “Unknown” in our budgets, and unexpected medical bills directly cause around half of all U.S. bankruptcies!” This blog provides 5 helpful hints on how to find the best health insurance benefits to suit the needs of your family.

Helene Zemel presents What Are Discount Health Plans? Part 1 posted at Health Plans Plus, saying, "Discount health plans are one alternative to helping individuals and families save money on their medical and dental care costs." This discussion of discount health benefits is continued in What Are Discount Health Plans? Part 2 also posted at Health Plans Plus. These articles explain how discount health plans work and how they can be used as stand alone plans for people that don’t have health insurance, as supplemental benefits to fill in gaps in coverage, and how businesses can save money by combining a discount health program with a high deductible health savings account.

Consumer Directed Health Care

Health Chaos presents Research Results, Including HRT posted at Health Chaos. Written by a health professional, this blog post raises questions and concerns about Hormone Replacement Therapy and the need for honesty by pharmaceutical companies and researchers.

Tiffany Washko presents What Did You Think? Autism on Oprah posted at Natural Family Living Blog. Tiffany Washko reports a guest appearance by Jenny McCarthy, author of Louder than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism. Although the medical establishment claims that autism cannot be cured, Jenny McCarthy was able to cure her son of autism through the use of a gluten-free, dairy free diet. The connection between autism and vaccines was also made in this show.

Alternative Medicine and Healthy Living

Carole Fogarty presents Design your own health and well being affirmation: posted at THE HEALTHY LIVING LOUNGE, saying, "Everyone has their own very personal health and well being affirmation whether they realize it or not." This blog post stresses the importance of positive thinking on physical health. Why not create a positive affirmation like: “I am now growing younger with more energy”

Phil B. presents 9 Suggestions for Exercising More « Phil for Humanity posted at Phil for Humanity, saying, "We all want to be healthy and fit, yet we really don't want to exercise. Do we?" I am one of those people who needs to exercise more. Thanks Phil for the tips on working exercise into your daily schedule and having fun while doing so.

TherapyDoc presents Paranoia posted at Everyone Needs Therapy. This is a very informative article about paranoia written by a mental health clinician. Advice is provided on how to help someone that you are close to who suffers from this disorder get into treatment.

Rickey Henderson presents Guess What Rickey Isn't Doing Anymore? posted at Riding with Rickey. Ricky reports about his decision to stop smoking with good humor. Good luck Rickey.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Take Charge of Your Health Care using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: take charge of your health care, blog carnival.

Welcome to Take Charge of Your Health Care Carnival

Welcome to Take Charge of Your Health Care Carnival. Access to good health care, especially in the United States, has become quite costly in the last 10 to 20 years. With big pharmaceutical companies and health maintenance organizations in charge of our health system, things are not likely to get any better until some changes are made. The purpose of Take Charge of Your Health Care is to blog about the high cost of health and dental care, suggest ways to save money using the present system, focus on consumer directed health care where patients can make choices for their best interest, expose attempts by the big pharmaceutical companies to lower acceptable blood pressure and cholesterol values so they can sell more expensive medications or drug our children for made up mental disorders, and seek alternative medicine solutions to health problems.

The carnival will publish each month so we are looking for article submissions on various healthcare issues such as the high cost of medical and dental care, ways to save money on health care, alternative medicine, consumer directed health care, and current issues in health care.

Our first edition will be published on September 20, 2007, and we will publish around the 20th of each month. If you would like your blog article to be published in the next edition, please submit no later than September 19th. For more details visit: www.blogcarnival.com.