Take Charge of Your Health Care February 23, 2008

take charge of your health care - February 23, 2008
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Welcome to the February 23, 2008 edition of take charge of your health care. February is heart health month, so read through some of our diet and fitness, consumer directed healthcare, and alternative medicine selections to help you stay fit and healthy.


If you are a U.S. resident, and are interested in a career in the health benefits industry, see my article “The AmeriPlan Business Opportunity” which is posted below. This month, AmeriPlan, the discount medical and dental benefits company that I am a Senior Regional Sales Director for, has an excellent promotion going on. You can start your own health benefits business for just $25.00. There are still a few days to take advantage of this opportunity.


Again we received many quality posts this month. I do accept about 80% of the submissions because they are generally quite good and on topic. If you submitted more than 2 posts, you will find that I have posted your 2 articles most relevant to this carnival. Feel free to resubmit your post to next month’s carnival.


Happy reading and stay healthy.

health insurance

Raymond presents How To Avoid A Major Cause Of Bankruptcy By Getting Basic Health Insurance Coverage posted at Money Blue Book, saying, “Currently, unpaid medical bills due to unforeseen and catastrophic medical related ailments compete with debt mismanagement and credit card bills as the number one contributor to personal bankruptcy.”

Helene Zemel presents Finding an Affordable Dental Plan - Questions to Ask posted at Health Plans Plus, saying, "Seven out of 10 Americans do not have dental insurance. A discount dental plan may be an affordable alternative. Here are some questions to ask when searching for an affordable dental plan."

D.A. presents What You Need to Know When Choosing Dental Insurance posted at Dental Aggregate. This post provides some excellent advice for selecting a dental insurance plan plus an explanation of insurance terms you should know.

Health Chaos presents The wheel goes round and round posted at Health Chaos. Editor’s note: An interesting commentary about the problems caused by a lack of health insurance.

save money on health care

Helene Zemel presents The AmeriPlan Business Opportunity Get Started for $25 posted at Health Plans Plus, saying, "For a limited time only, you can start your AmeriPlan business for just $25.00 for the first month. This promotion begins on February 1, 2008 and ends February 29th, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. This is an excellent opportunity to try a new business and see if it is right for you with minimal financial risk."

Pinyo Bhulipongsanon presents Health Insurance, Medical Expenses, and Unscrupulous Doctors posted at Moolanomy. Editor’s note: The author makes the good point that it is important to question your healthcare provider about all procedures, medications, and tests.

Raymond presents Deadline Approaching To Use Up Your Flexible Spending Account - Use It Or Lose It Money Blue Book posted at Money Blue Book. Editor’s note: This post has excellent information regarding flexible spending accounts and is a reminder to max out your flexible spending account by the end of the year.

TheNourisher presents Forgotten tooth decay cure : heal your cavities and prevent root canals posted at Nourished Magazine, saying, "Contrary to popular belief, cavities aren't avoided by brushing your teeth, and you don't need a dentist to prevent tooth decay. In his search for a cure for his one-year-old daughter's cavities, Rami Nagel came across the work of Dr Weston A Price, a dentist who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, discovered the true cause of dental decay." Editor’s note: This informative article is a real eye opener and should help those of us who suffer from an above normal amount of tooth decay.

Walter presents Living Healthy Isn’t Cost Saving, It’s Cost Effective posted at Highlight HEALTH, saying, “The value of healthy-living is reduced yearly healthcare costs earlier in life and increased life expectancy. Isn’t that what it’s all about?”.

alternative medicine

Mitch McDonald presents All Natural Home Remedy for Acne Breakouts posted at FYI About.com. Editor’s note: Some good information on acne is posted here.

Christian Goodman presents How Being Overweight Increases the Risk of Hypertension Christian Goodman posted at Christian Goodman, saying, "Hypertension and obesity are the two most serious health threats we face."

Christian Goodman presents Tired? It could be Fibromyalgia posted at Christian Goodman, saying, "Fibromyalgia has no known cause. Doctors all over the world suggest several catalysts for the syndrome, some conflicting with each other. Others even think it’s all in the mind. But simple exercises can heal Fibromyalgia."

Joe Lasiter presents Arthritis: Home Remedies posted at Natural Pain Relief, saying, "Soaks, Rubs, Teas and supplements have been used for centuries to reduce the pain of arthritis, here are a few you may not have tried."

Michael H presents Deodorants, Antiperspirants and Your Health posted at ControlYourImpact.com. Editor’s note: Thanks for informing us of the dangers of antiperspirants. I’m so glad that my father, many years ago, believed that stopping perspiration was very unnatural.

Joe Lasiter presents Herbal Home remedies posted at Natural Pain Relief, saying, "Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to provide healing before western medicine as we now know it with its manufactured pills and chemicals."

Spencer Jones presents Why Take Colloidal Silver? posted at Colloidal Silver Secrets, saying, "One of the easiest ways to take charge of your health is through the use of colloidal silver for boosting immunity and fighting infection."

Ellen Landauer presents Nutritional Supplements for Depression and Anxiety posted at Health Freedom Coaching. Editor’s note: Thanks for the great information on nutritional supplements that can aid in depression and anxiety. These supplements are certainly a much better alternative than the expensive drugs with their dangerous side effects which are pushed by the pharmaceutical companies.

Kavit Haria presents Facial Yoga - Get rid of your wrinkles faster posted at Wellness Junction by Kavit Haria. Editor’s note: This is certainly much safer than either Botox or cosmetic surgery and attending classes has social benefits too.

consumer driven health care

James Chambers presents Hyperhidrosis Treatment Advice and Options posted at Hyperhidrosis. Editor’s note: Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis can be problematic. Here are some treatments to look into.

James Chambers presents Hyperhidrosis Causes posted at Hyperhidrosis. More on hyperhidrosis.

Alvaro Fernandez presents Brain Plasticity, Health and Fitness Books posted at SharpBrains, saying, "Enjoy this list of 20 great books on the brain, learning and healthy aging."

MT presents How To Protect Yourself From Bird Flu Or Avian Flu? posted at MT Herald Dot Com. Editor’s note: Some good information especially if you are traveling to a country where there have been bird flu cases.

Alvaro Fernandez presents Brain Fitness/ Training Newsletter: January Wrap-Up posted at SharpBrains, saying, "A selection of articles on cognitive and emotional training, focused on implications on health and wellness."

Mitch McDonald presents Maintain The Basics Of Elderly Personal Hygiene posted at FYI About.com. Editor’s note: This is good information for anyone who must care for the elderly.

Joyce Dowling presents Solution to TMJ! & should reduce tinnitus, too - why didn't I know? Everyone should know! posted at UU Mom, saying, "Not sure if that category totally fits, but I didn't give up until I found a solution to my health problem & even my holistic doctor missed the right diagnosis. Now I know the cause, the solution is soon to come. People need to know they don't need to suffer like this."

Aparna presents Can a shampoo session at a beauty salon trigger strokes in the elderly? posted at Beauty and Personality Grooming, saying, "Shampooing hair at a salon can prove to be dangerous and even fatal to the aged. Ever heard of the ‘Sink Shampoo Syndrome (SSS)’? During a shampoo session at a beauty salon, the head is bent backward over the edge of a basin and if this position is maintained for a long time it can trigger strokes in elderly persons." Editor’s note: I never would have thought of this danger, but it certainly makes sense. Thanks for informing us of this hidden danger

Tip Diva presents Top Ten Tips - Preparing For Medical Tests posted at Tip Diva, saying, "Most people have to take medical tests at some point in their lives, whether one-off or recurring. Here’s how to make preparing for these medical tests easier." Editor’s note: excellent information on preparing for medical tests.

FruitfulTime presents Are you sleeping enough? posted at FruitfulTime Blog. Editor’s note: Thanks for reminding us of the repair benefits of sleeping.

Daniel Lafleche presents A fascinating clip from the film Malaria Parasites posted at Film and Video Marketplace Blog, saying, "Why is it that 30 years ago malaria in Africa was no more serious than the flu? This 5-minute video provides an overview on what has happened, and pointers to help solve this health problem."

diet & fitness

Joshua Seth presents Weight Loss Tips posted at Joshua Seth Blog, saying, ""‘I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of all the misinformation from the weight loss industry causing people to waste their time and money on fad diets that only end up making them fatter! The CDC reports that over 120 million Americans are overweight and the problem is just getting worse. Together we can do something about it."

Mike Remer presents Oh, Oh! Here Come the Holidays and the Cold Weather My Path To Fitness Blog posted at My Path To Fitness Blog. Editor’s note: It’s several weeks past the holidays, but these Winter fitness tips are great for those of us in colder climates.

James D. Brausch presents Does The Switch Diet Work Long-term? posted at Weight Loss Dude. Editor’s note: What a good idea switching diets! Most diets don’t work because people get bored with the same eating plans. People might even look forward to their new diet each week.

James D. Brausch presents Bathroom Scales posted at Weight Loss Dude. Editor’s note: A humorous commentary on modern bathroom scales.

Joshua Seth presents Your Weight Loss Mindset posted at Joshua Seth Blog, saying, ""Answer these four questions to start improving your health today. By doing so you’re taking the steps to do something good for yourself, as well as the people who love you. You’re taking charge of your health and your life. The greatest gift you can give yourself and those who love you is good health. Why wait any longer?" Editor’s note: It certainly makes sense to focus on your mindset for success with dieting rather than on diet pills or drastic diets.

Jose DeJesus MD presents Chronic Neck Pain Patients - Danish Study Describes Effective Treatment posted at Physician Entrepreneur. Editor’s note: Good article on the effectiveness of strength training and exercise for chronic neck pain.

Tiffany Washko presents Raw Food is Easier on the Budget posted at Raw Food Blog. Editor’s note: Raw foods are not only beneficial to your good health but can help reduce your food budget.

Roger Haeske presents I'll Be Eating At A Steakhouse Tonight posted at Raw Food Diet, Bodyweight Fitness and Peak Performance Living. Editor’s note: A very interesting post about the author’s experience in attending a friend’s restaurant party while adhering to his raw diet plan.

MT presents New Year Health Care Resolutions posted at MT Herald Dot Com. Editor’s note: It’s not too late to make New Year’s resolutions concerning your health.

Frederic Patenaude presents 24-Hour Special for Lightning Speed Fitness Program posted at Frederic Patenaude Talks, saying, "This is a blog entry for a program which makes fitness easy (with some effort) and affordable. No more fancy equipment or expensive gym memberships....for the average "joe" who wants to stay in decent shape, these exercises help you to use your own body weight to achieve fitness. The exercises can be done anytime, anywhere, within roughly 15-20 minutes. Convenient and efffective!"

Mike Remer presents Celebrating! My Path To Fitness Blog posted at My Path To Fitness Blog. Editor’s note: Thanks for your inspirational message about exercising.

Daniel Lafleche presents Sell Sheet Sampler: Fascinating clip from documentary 'Shredded' posted at Film and Video Marketplace Blog, saying, "5-minute clip that provides a unusual glimpse into the problem of body-image for teenage males, and warns about steroid use."

Randy Powell presents Good Fats! posted at Eating-Veggies.com: Alkaline Diet blog, saying, “The long term effects of an alkaline diet and consumption of healthy fats and oils will improve the quality of life for these people long into their adult years and help them bypass some of the health problems experienced by our elders.”

Anmol Mehta presents Free Online Hatha Yoga Poses Galleries posted at Mastery of Meditation, Enlightenment & Kundalini Yoga, saying, "Free online e-book of illustrated Hatha Yoga poses and exercises to help you start or deepen your Yoga practice."

Karl presents Self Hypnosis: Handle Stress with Self Hypnosis posted at SELF HYPNOSIS: Weight Loss, Quit Smoking Self Hypnosis!. Editor’s note: Some good tips on the use of self hypnosis for stress reduction and relaxation.

Frederic Patenaude presents Staying a Step Ahead of Aging posted at Frederic Patenaude Talks, saying, "As we age, increasing one's fitness levels is imperative to succeed with youth, vitality, and weight loss goals."

Alfa Mercado presents 40 Ways To Lose Weight Fast? And Keep It Off posted at Wellness Junction by Kavit Haria. Editor’s note: Here are some excellent tips for losing weight.

Alfa Mercado presents Five awesome ways to improve breakfast posted at Wellness Junction by Kavit Haria. Editor’s note: You’ll be hungry for breakfast after you read this article.

miscellaneous

Sagar presents Online Nursing Degree Directory » Blog Archive » 10 Terrible Patients You’ll Find In Every Hospital …And How To Deal With Them posted at Online Nursing Degree Directory. Editor’s note: A humorous look at various patients that you will come across as a healthcare provider.

Rebecca Suzanne Dean presents How To Research 5 Times Faster posted at Rebecca Dean. Editor’s note: Some good information on the value of speed reading.

Rob Moshe presents Live Your Best Life By Serving Others posted at Rob Schaumer, saying, "This is not necessarily a fitting post for your carnival. Once the project starts, each day I will recognize a fellow blogger that "Helped""

Joshua Wagner presents Focus on One Thing at a Time (Diversity is Death) posted at Total Possibility, saying, “If we lose our focus and diversify our life so much that we spread ourselves thin, all we are going to be able to do is to stare at someone when they need a response.”

jozy presents Asbestos can be fully removed - invention from Poland. posted at Mesothelioma Survivor Portal, saying, "Great invention."

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 - December 22, 2007

Take Charge of Your Health Care

December 22, 2007

Special Holiday Edition

Welcome to the December 22, 2007 edition of take charge of your health care. First of all I want to wish all of our readers a Happy Holiday. This is truly a time to spend with your family and closest friends. My best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Since this is our Holiday and New Year’s edition, I will begin this edition with our diet and fitness section. Again, I was very impressed with the quality and content of the submissions, and know that you will enjoy reading this edition as I did editing it. Happy Reading!

fitness & diet

Shamelle presents

Staying Motivated When We Don't Loose Weight, The Way We Want! posted at Enhance Life. The author provides some very practical and down to earth tips for staying motivated while dieting.

Sagar presents

Negative Calorie Foods: 15 Foods That Actually Burn More Calories Than They Contain posted at Bootstrapper. The author suggests some low calorie and delicious fruits and vegetables which can keep hunger at bay while adding vitamins and minerals to our diet and jumpstarting our metabolism.

As a complement to good diet, Helene Zemel presents Family Fun and Fitness posted at Health Plans Plus, saying, "The author remembers a time when families ate dinner together and children engaged in healthy outdoor activities instead of spending countless hours playing video games, surfing the web, watching 300 plus television programs, and talking on cell phones. These sedentary activities have led to an increase in lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The author suggests a family fun night to bring back family togetherness and increase physical activity noting that the "family that plays together stays together."

Helene Zemel presents

Gift Ideas for Mental and Physical Fitness posted at Health Plans Plus, saying, "Whether you are shopping for holiday gifts or a gift for a special occasion like a birthday or graduation, why not choose a gift that has real educational value—a gift that promotes physical and mental fitness. These gifts will be appreciated by both young and old alike."

Peter25 presents

Stay Fit at Home posted at Small Business, saying, "It is possible to get fit even if you lack enough time to visit your local community center or gym. To achieve physical fitness under a tight schedule, you could opt for home fitness regimes."

Jose DeJesus MD presents

Behavior change to healthier living habits opens opportunities in physician entrepreneurship posted at Physician Entrepreneur. The author stresses the role of health care providers in addressing behavioral issues such as poor diet, poor exercise habits, and stress which can and do affect health.

Alvaro Fernandez presents

Jogging our Brains for Brain Vitality, Healthy Aging-and Intelligence! posted at SharpBrains, saying, "Commentary on several recent articles on the importance of cognitive exercise to improve willpower, memory, and brain health." Editor’s note: This blog post points out the importance of exercising our minds to stay sharp and fit.

Alvaro Fernandez presents

Robert Emmons on the Positive Psychology of Gratitude posted at SharpBrains, saying, "can we enhance our happiness and health by nurturing gratitude?"

Marcus Ryan presents

An Super Anti Aging Diet That Will Make You Look 10-20 Years Younger posted at Wrinkle Creams Review, saying, "This is a fantastic diet and lifestyle that's great for longevity and prevention of health problems common in Western society - the Okinawan diet. It's called one of the healthiest diets in the world." Editor’s note: Some very good anti-aging tips here plus a great recipe for Miso soup.

Steve Pavlina presents

Why Vegan? posted at Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog. The author recounts his experience in going vegan and how it led to more energy, more mental clarity, more vitality, and more endurance.

Roger Haeske presents

Having Trouble Staying Raw, It May Not Be Your Fault posted at Raw Food Diet, Bodyweight Fitness and Peak Performance Living. Editor's note: This blog post is must reading for those of you who want to follow a 100% raw diet.

Doug Ragan presents

E3 Success Blog » Blog Archive » Cleansing for Weight Loss posted at E3 Success Blog, saying, "According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated 66 percent of U.S. adults are overweight. 32 percent are obese. A new study by researchers at RTI International and the Centers for Disease Control estimates that U.S. obesity-attributable medical expenditures reached $75 billion in 2003 and that taxpayers finance about half of these costs through Medicare and Medicaid. Some estimates claim that obesity contributes to over 300,000 deaths per year in the U.S. and has surpassed smoking as the #1 killer."

Dan-O presents

Have You Benefited from the Revolutionary Magic of Internet Self Help? posted at Danogo.com - Discover. Inspiring . Media, saying, "Highly informative article about how the Web has changed self help and a huge resource of online personal development information."

SJ Yee presents

How to live each day and get from where you are to where you want to go posted at Personal Development for the Book Smart. The author states: “Are Olympics athletes who come in last place failures? No… as long as they complete the race, they are winners. As long as you do it and give the best of yourself, you are never a failure. “

alternative medicine

Aparna presents

Drumsticks for health posted at Beauty & Personality Grooming, saying, "Drumstick or Moringa Oleifera is named so for its long bean-like fruit. Just about the whole plant is edible. The roots, flowers, leaves, pods are used in curries, salads and soups. The leaves are the most nutritious of all, and hence worth including in one’s diet. However, for maximum benefit, it should be consumed raw or in raw form. Don’t be put off by that characteristic aroma of the leaves. Just take a look at their nutritional value and then decide for yourself. Nutritional value of drumstick leaves * Seven times more vitamin C than oranges to fight many illnesses including cold and flu....." Editor’s note: Interesting post about the nutritional and medicinal benefits of this herb. I look forward to seeing this herbal supplement in the U.S.

Mitch McDonald presents

Chemotherapy vs. Natural Alternatives posted at FYI About.com, saying, "Are you suffering from cancer? Maybe you know that chemotherapy is one of the most common cancer treatments. Also, do you know that you won't come out healthier after you've had chemotherapy treatments? In most respects, you will come out of it worse than before you started the chemo." Editor’s note: This idea is certainly controversial as it goes against what the medical establishment recommends. At the same time, there is growing evidence that many alternative therapies do work without poisoning and aging the body.

Chris presents

Energy Medicine Becomes Front-Page News posted at Martial Development, saying, "Last year, I predicted that Qi Gong and energy medicine therapies would become big business over the next decade...Sorry to say, I was right. Read on about two victims of "energy medicine" quacks."

Pat B. Doyle presents

How We Can Find Healing in Nature posted at Barton Pond Feng Shui saying, “Think about ways that you can bring nature into your life, whether by going out and doing things in nature or by bringing some of it into your home.”

Jose DeJesus MD presents

Stem Cell Breakthrough - New Possibilities in Breast Reconstruction and Augmentation posted at Physician Entrepreneur. Editor’s note: An interesting post that shows the importance of stem cell research.

Anmol Mehta presents

Kapalbhati Yoga Breathing Exercise for Optimum Health & Healing posted at Mastery of Meditation, Enlightenment & Kundalini Yoga, saying, "One of the best Yoga breathing exercises for optimizing health and promoting self-healing."

Raj presents

How Often Should You Deworm? MT Herald Dot Com posted at MT Herald Dot Com. Editor's note: Good practical advice especially if you live in an area where this problem is prevalent.

DavidR presents

Herbal recipes for shampoo. posted at All Natural Magazine. Editor’s note: This is an interesting herbal recipe although the ingredients may be difficult to find in the States and Canada.

Rod BeDuhn presents

Fish Oil Benefits posted at Rod BeDuhn's How to Stop Pain Tips & Techniques Blog. The author discusses the benefits of fish oil in reducing inflammation and pain in the body.

save money on health care and health insurance

cashmoneylife presents

Where to Find Inexpensive Flu Shots posted at Cash Money Life, saying, "This article is about some great places to find inexpensive flu shots, which is very important this time of year!"

Doris Chua presents

On Health Insurance posted at Doris Chua: Organics & Your Health, saying, “With the rising costs in health and medical care, health insurance should be looked into in a more serious light.” Editor’s note: And here in the States, we need to make this vital insurance accessible to all.

Silicon Valley Blogger presents

Of Black Holes And Insurance Claims posted at The Digerati Life. Editor’s note: A humorous but true account of dealing with the insurance bureaucracy here in the States with some advice for navigating the system.

Health Chaos presents

Do We Really Need These Drugs? posted at Health Chaos. The author asks the following: “As a health professional, I have encountered patients/clients/members who are on as many as 21 medications each day. This is incredible. Who is monitoring this regimen? How can people keep this straight? How do you do this? And what is really necessary? And what interacts with what other medications? Contraindications? And what are the side effects?”

consumer directed health care and everything else

Health Chaos presents

More About Diagnoses And Pharmaceuticals posted at Health Chaos. The author suggests better health habits as a means of avoiding problems like restless leg syndrome, constipation, and insomnia which the pharmaceutical industry would rather have you take a drug for.

Doris Chua presents

Healthcare in the Air posted at Doris Chua: Organics & Your Health, saying, “Isn’t it nice to know that you can be treated anywhere with the facilities available with air ambulance services? “

Jose DeJesus MD presents

Improving Patient Satisfaction and Patient Compliance posted at Physician Entrepreneur, saying, “Many of today’s patients want to play a more active role in their health care, say two new studies monitoring physician communication."

Health Chaos presents Shingles Virus posted at Health Chaos. An informative post about Shingles which is caused by the same varicella virus that causes chickenpox.

Abdulrasool Sumar presents

Surviving Lung Cancer - Thoracic Surgeons Roll Out New Tumor Removal Procedure posted at Mesothelioma Cancer, saying, "Every year, 170,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer. Surgery performed to remove these lung cancer tumors require patients to stay in the hospital for weeks after weeks, and can be very expensive. However now, Thoracic Surgeons have pioneered a new procedure called thorascopic lobectomy where surgeons make three incisions or cuts into the chest and use new tools to reach into the lungs. A specialized camera helps them see the tumors that have developed around the lungs and these are removed through a bag. Thorascopic lobectomy is a lot less painful than compared with other tumor removal procedures such as pleurectomy where the surgeon opens up the patient's chest and removes tumor from the surface of the lung."

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.

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.