Tag Archives: health insurance

Business of Medicine, Health Plans, Healthcare, Healthcare Services, Healthcare Solutions

Providing Personalized Service to Clients in Need of Health Insurance Solutions

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Loyal Leafâ„¢ is in the business of providing tailored, personalized service to clients in need of health insurance solutions. They take pride in being insurance guides who provide one-stop, last-stop service by offering a complete range of products and professional service.

Their newly designed website has been reinvented in order to serve their client base better by providing a comprehensive assortment of insurance packages under one roof. It is designed to provide information, tools and education to those in search of health insurance. With an easy interface and improved navigation Loyal Leaf has created a naturally comfortable environment for the consumer. It is vital in the ever changing world of the health care industry that all information be current and viable and clearly stated. Loyal Leaf through its brand new website is doing its part to demonstrate their professionalism with their improved online presence. The inclusion of an information filled health-related blog rounds out the presentation.

Loyal Leaf’s insurance agents continue to have an advanced toolbox with which to compare both prices and products from a wide selection of top tier insurance carriers. They are very well versed on the latest Obama Care regulations and the advent of new and exciting product options for their client offerings.

Via EPR Network
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Fitness, Health Plans, Healthcare, Healthcare Insurance, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Public Health, Society

Save Money on the Cost of a Brand New Bike in Time for National Bike Week 2013

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As the nation gears up for National Bike Week 2013, leading health cash plan provider UK Healthcare offers discounts for policy holders on the cost of a brand new bike.

As National Bike Week returns for another year, a leading health cash plan provider UK Healthcare, is reminding policy holders that they can save money on the cost of a brand new bike thanks to their plan.

National Bike Week 2013 runs from Saturday 15 June until Sunday 23 June, with cycling events taking place throughout the UK. From local authorities and community groups to charities and cycling groups, bike fans up and down the country will take part fun cycles, city rides, heritage cycles, bike races and much more. There is an event for everybody young and old, and all are encouraged to get involved with a local event and rediscover the love of cycling.

Whether commuting or enjoying a weekend trip, cycling is a fantastic way to get some exercise and enjoy some fresh air.

In addition to providing comprehensive personal and corporate health cash plans, UK Healthcare champion a healthy active lifestyle, and policy holders can take advantage of a range of special offers, which includes discounts off a selected range of brand new bikes from Halfords.

With personal and corporate health cash plans from UK Healthcare, policy holders can claim back the cash spent on a wide range of medical services from dental checkups and eye tests to hospital stays, health screenings and much more. Cover is available from as little as 28p per day and 100% cash back is available on a wide variety of treatments and prescriptions up to generous policy limits.

For more information about the many benefits of a personal or corporate health cash plan, or the special offers available to the policy holder, visit the official UK Healthcare website today.

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PruHealth and Daley Thomson launch ‘Walk the Tube’ app

PruHealth, the UK’s fourth-largest health insurer and provider of the Vitality wellness programme, the world’s longest-standing incentive-based health improvement solution, has teamed up with Daley Thompson to launch a free ‘Walk the Tube with Daley Thompson’ app.

While the tube map app will enable commuters and tourists in London to avoid the crush of the London Underground during the particularly busy summer period, it more importantly provides an accessible and cost-effective mechanism for Londoners to make a longer-term commitment to their health by establishing a precedent of walking. This is particularly important when considered in light of the generally low physical activity levels in the capital, and the strong link that exists between walking and improvements in health.

While simple and intuitive, the app provides an array of information related to the journey, plus activity and behavioural motivators, including:
– Step-by-step walking routes with an at-a-glance tube map showing the number of steps between stations
– Built in pedometer that provides a real-time overview of the number of steps, length of time and calories burned on each journey
– Motivational messages from Daley Thompson throughout the journey
– An ability to save regular journeys and maintain a record of walking history to provide a summary of total distance covered, number of steps taken and calories burned
– Real-time alerts that provide updates on the tube service, and allow an assessment to be made on whether it will be quicker to walk or wait for the train.
– Enables users to share details via Facebook

Daley Thompson, a PruHealth Vitality Ambassador said: “It’s a well-documented fact that overall levels of physical fitness do not tend to improve and people are not generally motivated by seeing amazing athletic accomplishments at the Games. This is a handy tool that can be easily incorporated into people’s lives that could translate the current wave of national pride into personal action to make small changes to every day routines. Not only is it great exercise helping you tone up during the summer, but for visitors and Londoners alike it gives you the opportunity to try new walks, beat your own best times – all whilst discovering the capital’s landmarks you would miss while stuck underground.”

Neville Koopowitz, CEO at PruHealth added: “PruHealth launched the very first ‘Walk the Tube’ map seven years ago and this new app is the next logical step to meet the needs of how people now access and use information. Ideally we should all be walking 10,000 steps each day to keep ourselves healthy and we hope this app will show commuters how easy it is to do that at any time of the year and beat travel hotspots at the same time.”

The app is available for both iPhone and Android phones and is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Via EPR Network
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Health 2.0, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Insurance, Healthcare Services, Public Health, Society

Bupa Launches Series Of Cancer Support Booklets For Children

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Bupa has launched a series of booklets to support children when someone close to them has cancer. The booklets are free and available to all and have been developed through consultation with children and the advice of specialists, including Bupa’s cancer experts.

Child psychologist Professor Tanya Byron has today said that more emotional support is needed for families dealing with cancer, highlighting the difficulty of helping children to understand the illness. She said: “When we as adults receive information that is devastating to deal with, it’s almost harder to tell our children than it is to hear it ourselves. But research has shown that by not talking at all, in order to avoid the painful truth, many parents may be causing excessive levels of anxiety for their children when there are simple steps to manage this.

“Up until now there has been little advice available to help with this problem, which is why these new booklets, available now, are such an important initiative.”

The series of four booklets, called ‘I Know Someone with Cancer’, are aimed at 7-11 year olds. They explain cancer and treatments in a simple and sensitive way, using language and visuals that children can relate to. They also offer children ideas for dealing with their feelings and helping their family in small ways, as well as activities to occupy them at home or at hospital. They can be read independently by the child or used as a guide for discussion.

The initiative is also supported by actor Stephen Mangan, who has been personally affected by cancer and has young children of his own.

Stephen Mangan said: “My family has been affected by cancer and I’ve seen how hard it is to talk about the illness with loved ones. Now I have two young children I have wondered what I would do in that situation. These booklets are a wonderful tool to help with a very difficult conversation, to help children understand what the adult with cancer is going through and how to cope with their feelings about it.”

Dr Katrina Herren, medical director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing, said: “It can be very confusing and frightening for a child to find out someone they love is ill with cancer. We have set out to create something that children can understand and read in their own time and share with their friends and family.”

Bupa’s dedicated Oncology Support Team takes over 10,000 calls per month from people with cancer and their relatives, who often seek advice on the many emotional, physical and practical difficulties associated with cancer.

Bupa has been providing expert cancer care for over 60 years, funding treatment for over 23,000 people per year and follow-ups and support for an additional 20,000 cancer survivors who have been treated for cancer in the past.

The ‘I Know Someone with Cancer’ series can downloaded from www.bupa.co.uk/iknowsomeonewithcancer.

Via EPR Network
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PruHealth Reveals Brits Are Eating Less Healthily Due To Rising Living Costs

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PruHealth has announced that, according to its recent study, every one in five Brits (22%) is eating less healthily due to the rising cost of living.

With the UK dipping back into recession and food inflation on the rise, new data from PruHealth, the health insurance provider that rewards healthy behaviour, finds the continuing rise in cost of living means that 10.6 million Brits are not eating as healthily as they would like to and over half (52%) believe their health has suffered as a result of the recession.

The study, which ran at the start of the financial downturn in 2008 and again this year, highlights the nation’s health is sinking further into the doldrums in terms of its eating habits.

Over the last four years 75% of Brits have changed their eating and shopping habits and 85% of these stated the recession and or rising food prices as the cause for the change.

The ‘five-a-day’ mantra is one of the most high profile Government health campaigns, but the number of Brits struggling to reach the recommended target has increased by 26%. Three fifths (59%) admit they are currently finding it a challenge compared to 47% at the start of the recession in 2008

More than two thirds (68%) of Brits say healthier foods tend to be more expensive. One in six (16%) respondents said they’re buying as much as they can that is ‘reduced to clear’ and one in ten (11%) only buy foods that are on special offer. Worryingly, around one in four (24%) Brits say they regularly take vitamin supplements because they are unable to eat as healthily as they like or to supplement their diet.

Naturally most parents want to put their children’s health first and ensure they have a nutritionally balanced diet, but almost one in five (18%) are doing this at the expense of their own health. One in ten (9%) are even skipping meals so their children eat well.

Dr Dawn Richards, Head of Clinical Service at PruHealth, commented: “We can clearly see how people’s healthy eating habits have been affected, with the picture having got significantly worse since the start of the economic downturn. People are only too well aware of the need to eat healthily, but financial constraints are making it difficult, resulting in people’s health being negatively affected.”

Via EPR Network
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Bupa Launches Its First Dental Insurance Product

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Bupa is introducing a consumer dental insurance product for the first time, in response to high demand from customers.

Dental Cover 10 and 20 from Bupa allow customers to choose whichever dentist they want to visit. Dental Cover 10 offers customers a full refund for NHS treatment* and market-leading oral cancer cover up to £15,000 per person per year**.

Dental Cover 20 allows customers with a privately registered dentist to claim up to £150 a year of dental insurance for routine treatment such as check-ups, dental x-rays and scale and polish. For more expensive, non-cosmetic treatment such as fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns, bridgework and dentures, customers can claim up 75% of each bill, with up to £700 paid back per year. Cover also includes emergency dental treatment and treatment for dental injury***.

With no underwriting or pre-enrolment checks required****, set-up is quick and easy for the customer.

Previously Bupa dental cover was only available to individual customers as an option with the healthcare group’s adaptable health insurance product, Bupa By You.

Sue Moore, Marketing and Customer Development Director, Bupa Health & Wellbeing said: “Having listened to our customers, we have designed a product which gives people extensive cover when they visit the dentist, whether NHS or private. We know that our customers will value the peace of mind that this gives them.”

To obtain a quote, consumers can call 0800 600 500 or visit www.bupa.co.uk/dentalinsurance.

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PruHealth Finds The Nation Believes People Should Take More Responsibility For Their Own Health

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PruHealth has revealed new research that shows a third of Britons want people to pay for ‘self-inflicted’ health issues, two thirds believe the nation is unhealthier now than ten years ago and half expect the range and quality of NHS care to decline over the next few years.

Two thirds (66%)* of Britons believe the nation is unhealthier now than it was ten years ago, and taking more personal responsibility (69%) could be the best foot forward.

The latest findings from PruHealth, the insurer that rewards people for engaging in healthy behaviour, found respondents to be in line with Cameron’s ‘Big Society’. More than two thirds (69%) of the nation believe people should take more responsibility for their own health, while just 19 per cent feel it should lie on the shoulders of the NHS. Nearly a third of Britons (30%) even go as far as believing those with ‘self-inflicted’ health concerns caused by smoking, alcohol abuse or being overweight should pick up the bill themselves.

While half of respondents (50%) feel the NHS currently offers a good level of care, many believe the range (67%) and quality (49%) of services are likely to decrease in the next few years.

Dr Katherine Tryon at PruHealth said: “People have realised that the nation’s health is worse than even a decade ago and now the issue is whose responsibility is it to change this – which is particularly crucial at a time when there is increased pressure on healthcare finances. The key for both the public and private sector will be to remove the barriers to healthy living – for example, increasing access to healthy activities and providing stronger motivation through both financial and non financial incentives.”

What Brits consider as the nation’s problems are not necessarily ones they would class as their own. For example, over half of respondents (52%) state obesity and being overweight as the greatest risk to the UK. According to 2008 data from the latest Health and Social Care Information Centre report** a quarter of adults (25% men, 24% women) are obese, and 42% and 32% of men and women are overweight, yet in this nationally representative survey less than one in ten (9%) of respondents consider it a personal healthcare concern.

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Bupa Reveals the Average Brit is Cutting Life Expectancy by 12 Years

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Bupa has revealed that the average Brit is at risk of cutting more than a decade off their life through unhealthy lifestyle habits. This is according to new research from the leading international healthcare group.

The Bupa study assessed lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, alcohol intake, diet and exercise as well as other factors, in nearly 5,000 adults across Britain to calculate the nation’s average Health Age, which is the impact that lifestyles are having on Briton’s life expectancy.

The results showed that on average, Brits have a Health Age 12 years older than if they adopted healthy habits. Worryingly, more than one in eight people are at risk of cutting their life short by 20 years or more.

Being married or in a long-term relationship has a positive impact on Health Age across all age groups, increasing potential life expectancy by more than four years.

Women in their 50s had some of the unhealthiest behaviours, being more inactive and overweight than women in other age groups. Men in their 50s and 60s were also more inactive and overweight than other men.

Dr Annabel Bentley, medical director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing said: “We all know that bad habits such as smoking and drinking too much alcohol damage our health but these findings show the real impact of our habits and the number of years we’re knocking off our lives unnecessarily.

“But it’s never too late to make a change for the better. Whether you’re in your twenties or in your seventies, you could add years to your life by making lifestyle changes.”

A link between happiness and healthiness also showed that nine out of ten of the healthiest people (91% – those within 6 years of their ideal health age) thought they were as happy as or happier than other people, while less than 7 in 10 of the least healthy people (66% – 25 or more years away from their ideal health age) thought so.

Even making one change to lifestyle can have a significant impact on life expectancy. For example, a 25 year old female who drinks 20 units a week (ten standard glasses of wine), could add up to three years to her life by drinking three fewer glasses of wine a week.

Users can discover their health age by completing the health age calculator at bupa.co.uk/findhealthy.

Via EPR Network
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Health Reform, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Insurance, Healthcare Services, Public Health, Society

The Impact of Health Reform Industry

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The HealthInsuranceFinders.com News Center reported that under the rules and stipulations outlined in the new health reform law, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be tasked with not only revamping current health coverage policies and procedures, but also restricting costs for health plans and ensuring that health insurance for individuals as well as for families is easily attainable. As our lawmakers begin this overwhelming task of streamlining health plans, it is critical for them to keep in mind the overall impact their actions will have on the health industry, children and e-health and patient care.

Health Reform Industry Impact

With all the changes and red tape surrounding the new laws, one might wonder if the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries will be affected during the transition. In the early 90’s, the pharmaceutical industry displayed some stiff resistance to restructuring and reforming America’s health plans and health insurance for individuals. However, in modern times, the sector has embraced and even encouraged the widespread reshaping of health coverage in this country. While motivating these changes, the industry also exercised a little self-preservation by outlining the terms of a deal for protection during the reform.

The medical technologies sector will experience a hybrid of new opportunities as well as never before experienced difficulties throughout the revamping of the current policies. In order for future medical progress to remain current and relevant, new payment methods and procedures must be implemented to streamline the process.

Children and Insurance Coverage

Results from recent studies really solidify the need for policy restructuring in an effort to best protect minors through Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid. These efforts must be in place as soon as possible to ensure a more seamless transition as we prepare to extend health insurance to individuals that have previously been uninsured.

Children currently covered under a private policy will often lose benefits within 90 days of a parent losing a job. This number is 6.5% higher than children who have parents that continue to stay employed. To eliminate this dilemma, Gerry L. Fairbrother of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, maintains local and federal officials need to eliminate waiting periods and eligibility restrictions to these children when their parents lose their jobs.

Also, despite being eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, approximately two million children enrolled in these programs still lost coverage in 2008. Benjamin D. Sommers of Harvard University noted this trend in his analysis spanning 2002 through 2008. He also made note that while retention rates for children in publicly offered plans have gone up, new matriculation has gone down.

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Quoteboffin.co.uk Urges Health Providers To Maintain Momentum In Light Of Improving Cancer Survival Rates

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Survival rates for some cancers has doubled since the 1970s. Now health and life insurance comparison site, QuoteBoffin.co.uk, is calling on health organisations to continue their good work.

Following research by leading organisation Cancer Research UK, it has emerged that survival rates for some cancers including bowel, breast and ovarian have doubled over the past four decades.

Comparisons between survival rates for those with cancer in the 1970s and people with the disease in the late noughties show vast improvements in the number of patients expected live more than ten years with the disease.

Breast and bowel cancer have seen remarkable improvements in survival rates with the number of people living at least ten after diagnosis years jumping from 40% to 77% and 23% to over 50% respectively.

Despite the improvements, health organisations and cancer charities are still calling for more work to be done to improve cancer patients chances of survival.

A spokesperson from QuoteBoffin.co.uk joined the calls for further research, with cancer treating drugs high on the agenda:

“It’s encouraging to see such a stark improvement in cancer survival rates in such a short space of time.

“As technology improves so does our ability to detect and treat cancer earlier and earlier and this brings with it its own set of problems.

“No longer is cancer treatment about prolonging a patient’s life, it’s about completely curing the disease altogether so now we must put more and more money and time into crafting and fine tuning a range of drugs and treatments that can be applied to the disease at any stage.”

Via EPR Network
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Switch Off Social Networking Regularly To Avoid Compounding Loneliness, Says Health Insurance Comparison Site Quoteboffin.co.uk

As increases in technology see the UK becoming ever more switched on to personal computers, online communication and social networking, a new report has appeared claiming that Britain is suffering from an epidemic of loneliness.

The report, from the Mental Health Foundation, found that more than one in ten British people often feel lonely and that many work long hours, live alone and socialise online rather than seeing friends and family in the flesh.

More than 2,200 adults were questioned for the study and it was found that while adults of all ages seemed to be being affected by loneliness, women tended to suffer from the feeling more than men.

Some have blamed the growth of social networking sites as a potential cause for this epidemic of loneliness and health insurance comparison site Quoteboffin.co.uk says that, like most pleasures, social networking sites are best enjoyed in moderation. A spokesperson for the company explained:

“While this is distressing news, we think that it’s important for people to take a long look at all aspects of their life and not just the amount of time they spend on social networks, if they are suffering from loneliness.

“Socialising online can be a positive experience for many people, so it’s important to identify all of the areas which could be a problem – including working long or unsociable hours – and addressing these. The most crucial thing to remember about social networking, is that it should be being enjoyed in moderation.”

It was found that more women than men claimed to be suffering from loneliness (47 per cent), but the number of men suffering was also significant (36 per cent) and almost one in five respondents said that they spend too much time communicating with friends and family online rather than in person.

However, the report suggested that it is too early to be able to determine whether technology is changing the way that people interact with each other in real life. It did find that online interaction is no substitute for the real thing though.

While loneliness is sometimes perceived as a mild form of mental discomfort, chronic loneliness can have a number of other effects on health – from unhealthy lifestyles to mental health problems like depression, alcohol or drug abuse and eating disorders.

Quoteboffin.co.uk added: “Loneliness is certainly a natural emotion, however it is when loneliness becomes excessive that it becomes a real problem – and this is when the threats to well-being start to multiply.

“From serious mental health issues to lifestyle changes that can damage physical health and push up health insurance premiums, loneliness could be at the root of many other problems – so people should make sure they heed warning signs and ensure they have a strong networks of support offline as well as online.”

Via EPR Network
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Quoteboffin.co.uk Encourages Heart Attack Survivors To Speak To Doctors About Sex Fears

A recent study has drawn attention to the large number of people who are scared of having sex following a heart attack, prompting Quoteboffin.co.uk to release a statement encouraging those with heart problems to speak to doctors to allay their fears.

Quoteboffin.co.uk Encourages Heart Attack Survivors To Speak To Doctors About Sex Fears

A team of US researchers questioned 1,700 heart attack survivors and discovered that around a third reported they were less likely to be having more sex a year on from the date of their attack. Many reported that the fear that sex could kill them was a major factor in deciding to abstain, the researchers told the American Heart Association.

The study was led by Dr Stacy Tessler Lindau, who explained that the chance of suffering subsequent attacks during sex were very small, as long as it is at an appropriate time in the recovery process – an opinion also backed by the British Heart Foundation.

Most patients should be able to resume sexual activity at the same time as they become physically able to partake in moderate exercise, such as climbing a flight of stairs.

The research also found that the patients who were not counselled in sex by their doctors were more likely to avoid it. This news has prompted health insurance comparison site Quoteboffin.co.uk to issue a statement encouraging patients to speak to their doctors about all of their concerns. It said: “While it may be the last thing on the minds’ of patients immediately after a heart attack, it’s natural for questions concerning sex to arise as recovery progresses.

“However, by this point, many people may feel they aren’t able to go back to their doctor, or be too shy to raise the question. It’s very important that people feel confident in seeking information and speaking to medical professionals about sex after serious health scares, and this study highlights the importance of doctors making sure patients are well informed of all of the facts from the outset.”

The study, which examined the sex lives of 1,184 men and 576 women in the year following a heart attack, found that patients who had been given a leaflet about sex when they were discharged from hospital were more likely to resume their sex life.

Via EPR Network
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Pruhealth Policyholders Sign Up To Local Hospital List

PruHealth launched its Local hospital list in January 2010 to help policyholders looking for cover to get a better price for receiving treatment locally f r o m a network of market-leading private hospitals, and has already seen a sign up level of 40% of new individual policyholders.

Pruhealth Policyholders Sign Up To Local Hospital List

As part of a suite of products built around quality hospitals, the Local hospital list covers 146 hospitals around the UK and includes BMI Healthcare and Spire Healthcare hospitals, the UK’s two largest private hospital groups.

Dave Mezher, Deputy CEO, PruHealth, said: “Traditionally hospitals and insurers have negotiated aggressively with each other, with policyholders often getting caught in the crossfire when there are disputes between providers and insurers. Policyholders have also not generally seen the full benefits in terms of higher quality services or lower prices. By working closely with some of the biggest and most respected private hospital providers in the country, we want to show that there are better ways of ensuring quality in private healthcare while keeping costs low. And the new way we’ve come up with aims to make things simpler and more beneficial for all involved.”

Adrian Fawcett, CEO, BMI Healthcare, added: “As the UK’s largest independent provider of private healthcare, we have focused on developing collaborative relationships with insurers in order to drive increased levels of innovation in the sector. The Local hospital list is a great example of this innovative collaboration, and we are delighted to support PruHealth in delivering their new solutions which ensure patient access to our premium network of over 70 hospitals and clinics nationwide.”

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Quoteboffin.co.uk Encourages Women To Take Vitamin And Calcium Supplements To Cut Breast Cancer Risk

Vitamin supplements have been in for a hard time in recent years, with some health professionals claiming they have little effect on overall health. However, a new study has found that vitamin and calcium supplements could help women cut their risk of breast cancer by up to a third.

Quoteboffin.co.uk Encourages Women To Take Vitamin And Calcium Supplements To Cut Breast Cancer Risk

The research, which examined the diet and health of 700 women, found that those with nutrients added to their diet were up to 40 per cent less likely to develop breast cancer. In a report from the Scotsman, lead researcher of the study, Professor Jaime Matta, made it clear that it wasn’t a case of immediate protection, but rather a long-term effect.

Health insurance site Quoteboffin.co.uk has stated its hope that the study will prompt an uptake in the consumption of vitamin and calcium supplements in women across the country. A spokesperson explained: “Breast cancer can be a devastating illness for sufferers and it’s very encouraging to hear news of this study from the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico.

“If a simple supplement can help women cut the risk of them developing breast cancer in the future then we strongly advise they think seriously about it.”

The study analysed 268 women with breast cancer and 457 healthy controls and discovered that vitamin supplements could cut the risk of breast cancer by up to 30 per cent, and that the danger could be cut by up to 40 per cent when combined with calcium supplements.

Via EPR Network
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Health Insurance Comparison Site Quoteboffin.co.uk Welcomes UK Mephedrone Ban

Mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant also known as Meow, Bubbles and MCAT, has been banned in the UK and a representative from Quoteboffin.co.uk has welcomed the news, claiming it will benefit the NHS and healthcare providers across the country.

Health Insurance Comparison Site Quoteboffin.co.uk Welcomes UK Mephedrone Ban

The representative explained that the laboratory-produced drug had the potential to prove a huge drain on the UK’s health resources, and that Quoteboffin thereby supported the recent ban.

While research into the drug – which is derived from cathinone, a compound found in a plant called Khat – is incomplete, the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs announced it a harmful substance and recommended the ban.

Producing a feeling similar to those experienced by people taking drugs of the amphetamine family, mephedrone has been likened to cocaine and ecstasy. The sensations it produces can include an increased heart rate, anxiety and a sense of euphoria. Associated effects include nausea, palpitations and vomiting, reports the BBC.

Up to 25 deaths have been linked to the drug although their connection has not been conclusively scientifically proven.

The drug and related compounds have been reclassified as class B drugs. This is the same category as cannabis and represents the second most dangerous kind of drug.

A Quoteboffin spokesman said: “Successful measures to cut down on illegal drug use have a wide-raging positive effect on the health care providers across the UK. Drugs such as mephadone can produce a huge drain on NHS resources as people who become ill through illegal drug can often need emergency or even long-term treatment. This can also have an effect on health insurance prices and can drive up the cost of policies for everyone.

“We welcome the ban and encourage people to think carefully about what they put in their bodies.”

Individuals and businesses known to be the selling the drug before the ban came into place were approached by the police, who asked them to voluntarily surrender their supplies. A number of websites that had been legally selling the drug as plant food also went offline.

Via EPR Network
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PruHealth Pronounces 24th March as Death of the Diet Day 2010

According to research from PruHealth, the health insurer that rewards members for being health, 24th March is expected to have been the day most Brits fell off the New Year health wagon, making it the 2010 Death of the Diet Day.*

PruHealth Pronounces 24th March as Death of the Diet Day 2010

But while the average person may succumb to temptation by the 24 March, the intention to make long-term lifestyle changes rather than opt for short-term solutions is certainly there for many. 66% said the main reason for starting their new wellbeing regime is to lead a healthier lifestyle, and 43% are still sticking to their regime now, seeing it as an ongoing and permanent lifestyle change, rather than a celebrity-inspired, quick-fix fad diet such as the cabbage soup and baby food diets.

When it comes to sticking to resolutions, resisting the lure of sugary snacks is the biggest challenge for sweet-toothed dieters, with 43% rating this as the hardest hurdle to overcome. A further 34% struggle to find the motivation to go to the gym, and for 27% cutting back on alcohol intake is the real difficulty. This past winter being the coldest on record for 30 years has not helped either – 17% physically weren’t able to get to the gym or exercise outside, and instead found comfort in hearty winter meals at home.

Izabella Siemicka, Communications Manager, PruHealth, said: “The Death of the Diet day 2010 may be upon us, but really the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is finding a way of incorporating a nutritionally balanced diet and regular exercise into your everyday life on an ongoing basis.

“It’s really encouraging to see so many Brits are taking steps to change their health for the long-term. The cause for concern has always been when people take drastic, quick-fix measures that in the end can sometimes do more harm than good – physically and emotionally. We all need the occasional treat, and this can help keep up the motivation.”

Getting into shape and looking good on the beach was a big motivator for 29% of Brits who started a new health regime, and for 12% of women it was all about squeezing into a specific outfit for a special occasion.

Worryingly, it took the shock of a health scare to inspire 19% to take action and embark on a new, healthier standard of living. Meanwhile, 16% found getting fit and healthy has helped them through the tough recession.

Nearly one in five (18%) of 20-somethings admitted to ‘cracking’ within a fortnight, in contrast to 31% of 50-somethings who’ve managed to stick to their regime for the long-term. Regionally, for the second year in a row, Welsh dieters fell off the wagon first, with 18% throwing in the towel in the first week.

Twelve per cent of women intended to follow a new health regime, but never managed to kick start it into action, compared to just eight per cent of men.

Via EPR Network
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End Of NHS Funded Homeopathy Could Leave Some UK Residents With No Other Choice But To Seek Private Medical Insurance

After examining the claims of homeopathy, the House of Commons select committee on science and technology has concluded that the NHS should no longer provide funding for the treatment.

End Of NHS Funded Homeopathy Could Leave Some UK Residents With No Other Choice But To Seek Private Medical Insurance

Homeopathy – a 200-year-old complementary medical practice – uses heavily diluted substances which are thought to cause similar symptoms to the illnesses they are being used to treat; thus triggering the body’s natural healing process.

Millions of patients across the globe swear by homeopathic treatments while others dismiss it as nothing more than a ‘placebo’.

Whichever side of the debate you’re on, life insurance comparison website – QuoteBoffin.co.uk – believes that every patient should have the right to seek medical care they feel is appropriate for them.

A spokesperson for QuoteBoffin.co.uk said: “Freedom of choice is something that Britain prides itself on. Removing homeopathy f r o m the NHS medical roster means a percentage of patients are being denied the right to choose a method of treatment they believe is most appropriate or may work better for them than other forms of medicine.

With health insurance providers still offering homoeopathy treatments via carefully selected homeopathic specialists, patients wishing to pursue this line of treatment may have no other option but to seek private health cover.”

Complimentary therapies and medicines are available via some of the UK’s biggest health insurance providers such as AXA PPP and BUPA.

Patients needn’t worry about paying through the nose for homeopathic treatment out with the NHS claims QuoteBoffin.co.uk: “The end of homoeopathy on the NHS doesn’t mean the end of homoeopathy full stop. Health insurance premiums start f r o m as little as £5 per month which is a small price to pay for peace of mind and first class healthcare which covers homeopathy and beyond.

With the rise and rise of price comparison websites that allow consumers to check insurance prices, there’s no reason why you can’t get a good deal on an insurance package that allows you to retain freedom of choice with regard to medical care.”

Via EPR Network
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NHS Struggles To Cope With Rising Levels of Obesity

Rising levels of obesity could see a substantial rise in the number of people applying for health insurance, money saving website Quoteboffin.co.uk has revealed.

NHS Struggles To Cope With Rising Levels of Obesity

With 20% of the population now classed as clinically obese and more people dying from weight related diseases than ever before, the UK’s obesity crisis is adding a heavyweight strain to the NHS that’s impossible to ignore.

At £2.6billion a year, the cost of obesity related NHS bills is asking tax payers to dig deeper and deeper into their pockets in order to cover the cost.

Causing most concern however is the effect that obesity is having on NHS resources and – in particular – waiting times which have begun to rocket as obesity related illnesses add even more patients to already crowded lists.

The fear of long waiting lists will be the main driver towards private medical insurance claims QuoteBoffin.co.uk: “With rising levels of obesity adding months, if not years, to already overcrowded waiting lists it’s no wonder that more consumers will begin turning their attention to private health cover in order to guarantee prompt and professional medical treatment.

Waiting lists can be especially frustrating for those who have strived to live a healthy lifestyle but could still find themselves at the end of a very long queue. Health insurance removes the unknown by guaranteeing peace of mind and first class medical care in equal measure.”

While Government and health organisations have strived to pepper the airwaves, internet and billboards with healthy eating campaigns such as 5-a-day and Milk Moustache, Britain’s obesity crisis shows little sign of letting up.

QuoteBoffin is calling for consumers to take note of current health trends and prepare for the future:

“Obesity in the UK is projected to grow by 10% every decade for the foreseeable future. Today’s social climate should encourage people to prepare for the future and view health insurance as an essential not a luxury. Quoteboffin.co.uk and its competitors allow consumers to compare the cost of insurance packages from market leaders; meaning preparing for future has never been so simple or affordable.”

Via EPR Network
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The Young Are Being Hit Hardest By The Strains Of Modern Life

PruHealth has revealed that the old adage of ‘being over the hill’ in later life may need to be revised as it seems the stresses and strains of modern life are hitting the younger generation the hardest.

The latest research from PruHealth, the health insurance provider that rewards policyholders for being healthy, has found that today’s 20-somethings feel three years older than their birth certificate states and the average 30-something feels their actual age, but the average Brit aged 40+ feels 11.5 years younger than their actual age.*

However, 20-30 somethings seem to have energy levels closer to those of retirees. More people in their 20s and 30s have a dip in their energy levels throughout the course of the day than any other age group, while 12% of 30-somethings don’t feel energetic at any point during the day at all – compared with only 6% of people in their 60s.

The research highlights how people in their 20s and 30s live unhealthier lifestyles than those in their 40s and 50s, which could be the reason for the younger generation’s sluggish energy levels and feeling older than their years. The top three reasons for lower energy levels were identified as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and not getting enough sleep. However, little action appears to be being taken to counteract this with only 47% saying they eat a balanced diet, 18% never exercise, and a quarter sleep for less than 6 hours a night.

The older generation tends to follow a more balanced diet, eats less unhealthy foods such as takeaways, and participates in a similar level of exercise compared with the younger generation. However, as the over 40s require less calories than the under 40s** this could be the key to their youthfulness.

Interestingly, people of all ages who feel younger than their real age are more likely to feel most energetic in the morning, while those who experience a peak in energy levels in the afternoon are more likely to feel older than their actual age.

Shaun Matisonn, CEO, PruHealth, said: “While it’s wonderful to see that the older we get, the better we feel, the energy levels of those under 40 clearly needs more attention. This age group need to get more exercise – and more sleep – eat healthily and follow more active lifestyles to help boost their energy levels.

“Finding time in your 30s to exercise and eat healthily can be especially difficult while you’re juggling a career and looking after a young family, but incorporating small steps in your daily routine, such as getting off the bus a stop early and snacking on fruit rather than crisps, can help make all the difference.”

Via EPR Network
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Alternative medicine, Business of Medicine, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Services, Medicine, Online, Society, Therapies

Compare Health Insurance And Explore The World Of Alternative Medicine

Many emerging alternative therapies such as reiki, hypnosis and crystal healing are not yet available on the NHS despite their increasing popularity. Various studies have shown people really do believe in the power of complementary medicine – of course some are still sceptical – and it seems our health service is not keeping up with demand. Private health insurance policies do cover alternative therapies and if you can find the right policy, at the right price, by comparing different health insurance providers using online comparison sites, you will be able to explore the various options available to you.

insurancewide

For those interested but with a lack of knowledge, alternative medicine can be an intriguing and perhaps confusing world – and while they may be keen to seek out some form of treatment for an ailment, they are unsure of what is the correct choice for them. It helps to know exactly what you will get when you put yourselves in the hands of an alternative therapist.

Compare Health Insurance And Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture involves placing needles into specific parts of the body, to treat the symptoms of pain as well as illness and disease. It originates from China and is perhaps the complementary therapy with the most evidence to suggest it works – research suggests it can be effective in providing relief from minor ailments such as headaches and backpain. It can also work well at relieving nausea caused by cancer treatment.

Reiki is used by practioners to channel a persons ‘life force’ by laying their hands on the patient to produce a healing effect. It used to treat mental and physical stress and devotees swear after a session they feel energised and back on form. As it is an ‘energy medicine’ some scepticism surrounds it’s effectiveness, with critics claiming patients are merely experiencing a placebo effect.

Shiatsu, meaning ‘finger pressure’ is a form of Japanese massage – the practioner uses massage to adjust the bodies physical structure and inner energies to ward off illness. It is used to treat conditions such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, back pain and skin irritations and can improve the nervous and immune systems – again sceptics point to the placebo effect but shaitsu massage has been proven to be effective.

Hypnotherapy involves placing a person in a relaxed state, almost a light trance, and then addressing their fears, addictions and worries. It is gradually being recognised as effective in this area – when a patient is placed under hypnosis their heart rate and metabolism slows and their mind is in a more suggestive state.

Not all private health care providers will cover every single alternative therapy available – there is still a great deal of suspicion surrounding the more ‘out there’ ones. If you are interested in having access to alternative medicine compare health insurance providers to find the right insurance for your needs.

About Insurancewide

Insurancewide, also known as Insurancewide.com Services Limited, is an online insurance comparison website offering insurance comparison tools which allow users to search the market and procure the best insurance policies and quotes. Insurancewide was launched in August 1999 as the first insurance comparison website on the internet.

Via EPR Network
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