The California Health Exchange in Focus

In keeping the commitment to align with President Obama affordable health care reforms and initiatives, California will be the first to roll out a revolutionary and new kind of health care system, The California Health Exchange. Starting January 2014, all legal residents of California will be able to purchase different levels of health care from the exchange, or marketplace. Those without employer coverage entirely will also have different options available, mainly depending on income levels, to help keep health care affordable and available to individuals who need it. First and foremost, an essential health benefits plan including very basic health services such as emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and ambulatory services will be included in every plan available on the exchange. This levels the playing field for people requiring immediate and emergency medical attention. This requirement serves to recognize that the overall and eventual costs associated to treating individuals without any kind of health coverage can add up to cost much more in the long run. If individuals classify as low income or do not have an income, they may become eligible for tax benefits and cost-sharing subsidies not currently offered. In addition, these benefits and cost relief measures carry over to plans for families.

For working individuals and families and all other groups of individuals, different tiered plans will be available to choose from and adapted from the precious metals model, being platinum, gold, silver, and bronze. Individuals are families opting to purchase the highest level of coverage available will pay more monthly, but upfront costs become substantially less when medical care is required. These are the main advantages associated to the platinum or gold levels of health care. The California Health Exchange also includes mid-range coverage to help balance budgets with various health services that are required. These plans are reported to be the most appealing to middle income individuals or families looking to balance budget with assurance with comprehensive health coverage. Alongside employer provided health care plans, the exchange offers the opportunity to possibly gain coverage for services previously unavailable. Catastrophic coverage is available for individuals under 30 years of age, attempting to recognize the specific needs of particular age groups.

Attempting to find better balance in health care costs, the California Health Exchange will be the first in the U.S. to try and hit that mark. Finding better ways to assist those who cannot afford health coverage, help to provide working families a break, offering premium plans to those with the means to pay more, and recognizing the different needs of age groups within California are all slated to take effect early next year. Comprehensive information is already widely available to help make the decision process regarding coverage easier and to help people plan earlier. Researching and asking questions regarding the various options, and the different levels of coverage and inclusion regarding plans are likely the best way to ensure there are no surprises when the new plan rolls out. First and on the frontline of changes to health care, California will make great waves come January, so ride it well by staying informed.

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Encourage Healthy Lifestyle For Kids

Watching television is a national pass time. As it appeals to all genres across all ages, adults and kids are hooked on to it regularly. Television is also an important source of mass media across the world; however, it does come with its fair share disadvantages. More often than not it's used in a way which is not at all beneficial for anyone. Excessive TV viewing is discouraged due to many reasons. The content on the TV, mostly, is not educational for kids. It wastes a lot of time that could have used productively. It is also said to affect people's personality leading them towards anti social behavior. If this was not enough than the much needed technology - the internet - has started affecting people's life as well. Can parents control their kids' TV viewing and internet browsing timing?

TV has become a substitute for a busy family member. If both the parents work all day, children are bound to follow a sedentary lifestyle in most cases. Excessive viewing can lead to abnormal eating orders and may lead to obesity in kids. As we know obesity is the cause of many other diseases later in life. Instead of watching television, children should be asked to go out and play or read to remain active or slightly older kids should be asked to exercise or go to the gym or take part in extra curricular activities, etc. Parents should limit the TV viewing of their kid by a significant number of hours. If they have weekends off, then parents also shouldn't just sit at home instead go out to any theme park, have a picnic in the city's main park or simply go for shopping. These habits will help kids have a better view on life and they also live a healthy life as compared to others. Parents can also teach their kids how to cook simple dishes or make a healthy sandwich so that they can make some of their own in their parents' absence and not order junk food from outside.

The same goes for the internet browsing as well. Instead of giving a laptop to their kids, parents should have a common computer in the living room where the browsing should be allowed only to assist in doing homework. Children shouldn't be encouraged to play games on it or download movies or song as it could mean spending hours in front of the computer. Spending copious amount of time in front of the computer also makes one addicted to different social networking sites. Inculcate healthy eating habits and encourage an active life for your kids for their better future. It always makes sense to prepare for the uncertainties of the future.

While you can do your bit to keep your kids healthy, it is also imperative that you a proper medical insurance plan in place. You can now buy medical insurance online which will save you time so that you can get a cover for you and family and help minimize financial risks in cases of medical emergencies.

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Health Care Insurance - Run For Your Health And Buy

There is always a dilemma which beginners face before a work out - whether to run or not to lose weight? A popular form of physical activity, running is appealing because of many reasons - it doesn't cost to run, you can do it anytime of the day, it's refreshing and you can work it out according to your schedule.

Benefits of Running
Running is a form of sport and has several benefits associated with it. One can lose significant weight if running is undertaken properly and regularly. This is a cardiovascular exercise and one burns calories quickly. Hence, it improves the functions of cardiovascular and respiratory health - thereby less related ailments. One can achieve higher amount of cardiovascular fitness with low cholesterol level. Studies have also suggested that running strengthens the immune system of the body as well. A recent study has also revealed that effective running tends to slow down the process of aging as well.

Individuals who strive towards losing weight can start running according to their schedule. They can also stay in shape and improve their body composition as well. Running has also been associated with increased metabolism as well. However, like any other form of exercise, the effects of running take time as well. Initially, you may lose weight slowly but it will happen eventually. One has to be consistent with your running schedule, speed and distance. Also, make sure you understand how your body reacts to running initially. If you are doing it for the first time, you may get a runner's feet which means your feet may get soar. To ward off this issue apply cold water bag to the affected region. Also, make sure you stretch properly before and after your run. This will help relax your muscles and there will be less chances of soaring. Also, if you feel out of breath within the first few minutes, try to slow down, brisk walk, regain your breath and continue.

People often overdo running which may lead to serious injuries as well. Also, if you are over the age of 40, are overweight or have any chronic illness, it is best that you speak with your physician before starting out the running program. Do not start with running if you haven't exercised in a very long time. You can start with jogging and move along the process as your body starts to get used to the change. You may also start with brisk walking. Take a sip of water while running; it ensures proper oxygen supply to the blood flow. Do not run every day during the week. Give yourself 1 or 2 days' rest. It is important that you tweak your diet accordingly. Try to increase the fibre intake, have plenty of fluids and avoid junk food.

While it is important that you stay in shape, there are cases where a medical emergency may befall you. Buy a health insurance plan to minimise financial worries under such cases. From a lot of medical insurance companies in India, chose the one that gives you the policy that suits your needs and gives you maximum benefits.

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Living A Healthy Life

Knees are very important part of the body. A knee is made up of fluid, ligament, cartilage and bone. The knee moves with the help of tendons and muscles. If any of the aforementioned parts receive a shock or suffer a disease or get hurt, you will have knee issues. It is very important that you know what kind of knee problems exist because they can happen to people of any age - contrary to the popular notion that it happens to only old people. Should you suffer with any knee issue you may suffer a great deal of pain and difficulty in walking.

If you have a knee problem, you must know that it can interfere with your daily activities. You will find difficulty in walking, running or even getting up from a chair or your bed. There are some common knee issues that you should be aware of to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common knee problem people face. It is a form of arthritis and causes pain and swelling of the knee thereby reducing motion in your joints. It's not limited to the knees only and may affect any other joint in your body. It slowly breaks cartilage - which covers the bone ends of the joints and helps absorb any sort of shock. If this cartilage breaks, your breaks rub together and this may cause severe pain, reduce movement and may even permanently damage the joint.

Another common issue is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which is related to ligament and tendon. If you suffer a sudden twist of the movement, your tendon may tear leading to the ACL. Also, if you are overweight, this may put a lot of pressure on your knee and cause severe and constant pain. People who tend to over exercise may also suffer from knee inflammation where the tendons may suffer a tear.

Another common yet underrated knee issue has been the minuscule injuries. The menisci of the knee can be injured or ruptured due to carrying excessive weight, sudden twist, sudden jerk, etc. A simple fall from the stairs, etc. can also cause this problem where a partial or total tear may occur on the upper part of the leg where the foot remains stable. Affected people may feel pain when they straighten their leg. In most cases the physician may recommend a surgery to repair the affected area and it may take several weeks to recover.

As you can see there are many issues that one can suffer as far as the knee is concerned. From your end you can try to be in shape, stay healthy, walk properly and not suddenly. Try not putting any pressure on the knee and follow a healthy lifestyle. Although a medical emergency can occur anytime and can happen to anyone in terms of knee of any other body part, it makes sense to buy an affordable health insurance. If you search online you can find affordable health insurance plans that suit your requirements and budget. So make a little investment and worry less about the financial risks of medical emergencies.

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Protect Yourself With Medical Insurance

With a rise in the purchasing power and growing economy of the country, comes along many setbacks as well. Due to many reasons people lead a sedentary life with moderate or no workout and hog onto junk food. Not only does it affect the youngsters - the working population but the kids as well. The shocking reality mirrors the apparent rise in the number of lifestyle related diseases - both in men and women. Incidentally, Indian cities are at the receiving end of this vicious cycle where health has taken the backseat.

According to some notable Physicians of the country, not only does the hectic schedule contributes to the lack of physical activity but less and less fiber intake is also responsible for many cardiovascular diseases which are on the rise. Some of the lifestyle diseases that plague our population are discussed below -

Diabetes - We lead in many things; among them diabetes tops the chart. With 61.3 million affected people, India is leading the world of Diabetes. Doctors suggest we are consuming more calories now and our day to day diet has transformed from the homemade food to processed food. Apart from this, smoking and alcohol also contribute to the menace. According to a study approximately 10.8 women and 11.1 Indian men suffer from Diabetes. Also, people suffering from diabetes and obesity are more likely to suffer from liver diseases as well.

Heart Ailments - Heart attack, stroke and high cholesterol levels contribute to deaths related to heart diseases every year in India. Doctors suggest a minimum of 15 - 25 minute of intense daily workout in the younger years regularly to ward off the problem.

Obesity - Due to the present day work culture where men and women remain desk bound. Even at home, when housewives have maids to help with the chores; obesity substitutes much important physical activity. According to a survey 13% of women and 9% men suffer from obesity. Doctors suggest working people to move around a lot and take the stairs instead of elevators and a brisk walk to the office if they can. Housewives must not depend on maids to complete all the house work and remain physically active to reduce the chances of getting obese.

Entertainment - TV and Internet viewing catches people young. When kids prefer to watch television or play games on the computer over playing in the parks, sedentary life starts to set in. Parents should control eating habits of their kids and also teach them how to make healthy means in their absence so that they don't order food from outside.

Diseases that can affect you are aplenty. You must keep a balance between work and personal life and inculcate a healthy lifestyle to live better. However, it always makes sense to be prepared for any eventuality and for that make sure you invest in a medical health insurance. A medical insurance protects you and family in medical emergencies and doesn't let you break your bank during a medical crisis.

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