Health Insurance Services

To look your best wear clothing colors that will complement your skin. Wearing the wrong colors will make your skin appear sallow and lines and wrinkles will be more evident. The right colors will make you look more vibrant and healthy.

2. Wearing too much makeup

Too much makeup will make lines appear deeper and will create a harsh look. Keep makeup light for day and a little darker for evening. See a professional if you are unsure of makeup application techniques.

3. Wearing clothes that are too small

Wearing clothes that fit too tightly will make you appear larger. Wearing clothes that do not suit your body type will make you appear larger. Buy clothes that suit your body type — not someone else's.

4. Chipped nail polish

The idea of nail polish is to make your nails appear nicer. Chipped polish just brings attention to poor grooming.

5. An old-fashioned hairstyle or messy hair

Your hairstyle creates a first impression. From your hairstyle people will assume your education level, status, age, etc. This doesn’t mean the judgments are correct — they happen instinctively. Make sure it doesn’t happen to you. Visit your hairstylist regularly.

6. Messy shoes or wrong shoes for your outfit

Take care of your shoes — they complete your look. Also pay attention that they complement your outfit.

7. Roots that show

If you color your hair make sure you keep it maintained regularly.

8. Bras and bra straps that show

When wearing sleeveless tops make sure you wear a racer back bra. Don’t wear bras that fit too tightly or don’t have good support.

9. Mismatched hose

Match your hose with your shoes or with your pants or skirt.

10. Wearing inappropriate clothes

When in a working environment make sure that your clothes are not flashy (unless you are in a creative field), do not wear short skirts (more than 3 inches above the knee), sleeveless tops, plunging necklines, stilettos, too much jewelry, leather pants or skirts, or anything that shimmers.

About The Author
Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

Source: http://health.learninginfo.org

1.) Visit your dentist every six to 12 months to keep your mouth free of plaque build-up. It's also a good idea to tell him/her what medication you're taking, as some can cause bad breath.

2.) Quit smoking. It's not only hazardous to your health and those around you, but to your teeth as well. Smoking turns your teeth yellow by leaving sticky tar deposits which can also cause brown stains.

3.) Drink less coffee, tea and red wine. These drinks only add to the discoloration of your teeth.

4.) Watch how much garlic and spicy food you eat — but beware also of less obvious food offenders, like meat, dairy, onion and sugar. Keep a food log to identify what affects your breath.

5.) Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day. The best times to brush are after you've had breakfast in the morning and just before you go to bed.

6.) Floss once a day, preferably in the evenings. Flossing helps to remove plaque build up between the teeth and can also help to prevent under the surface stains. Flossing also helps to prevent decay between the teeth — a common place for it to form.

7.) Use a fluoride mouthwash with antiseptic ingredients and a minty flavor to help mask odor problems.

8.) Choose toothpaste that suits your needs. If you're a fan of organic, there are even organic toothpastes on the market.

9.) A white smile does wonders for your complexion and your self-esteem. Ask your dentist about a whitening treatment. While this process is very expensive, the costs may seem minimal when your smile is putting a hamper on your quality of life. The professional system takes about one hour and is generally done at your dentist's office. Alternatively, try an at-home kit, available from healthcare stores.

10.) Banish bad breath by drinking a mix of vanilla essence and milk, or eat sugar-free plain yogurt with live active cultures — it reduces hydrogen sulphide, the compound that contributes to smelly breath.

Source: http://health.learninginfo.org/perfect-smile.htm

When it comes to zits and finding the acne cure it can be quite a difficult task. Everyone claims their product to be the one, but are they? The acne cure is the product that works for you, and what works for you might not work for someone else.

So how do you determine the acne cure that’s right for you? Well, I wish I could tell you it’s very simple: just buy product A or product B. But the truth is you are going to have to experiment and try different products until you find the one that works for you.

I could fill you full of bull and tell you Neutrogena is the one or Proactive is the one. For some that would be true, for others however it would not.

When trying a new product, try to buy the smallest quantity available. Many acne products offer a trial size, which is perfect! If no trial size is available, then you’ll have to buy the next smallest size you can find.

Remember price has no bearing on what works. For some the cheapest acne products do the job; for others it’s the most expensive. Trial and error is the only way you’ll find out.

There are some general things you can do that help almost all sufferers to some degree.

• Increase the amount of water you drink daily. It should be at least ten 8-ounce glasses. Water helps flush your system and that includes your skin, which then can better move impurities and toxins out of the body.
• Increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables you eat.
• Exercise. Exercise helps boost the immune system, which can then better fight your acne outbreaks.
• Take a zinc supplement. Zinc has shown great results for many acne sufferers. If you want more information on zinc visit us at the acne cure center or do a quick search and you’ll find other sites providing valuable information.
• Reduce stress. Stress can trigger an outbreak, so try to keep your stress under control. I know this can be easier said than done, but there are many relaxation techniques available. Give one a try.

Contrary to the old wives tails floating around, acne is not caused by sugar or greasy foods. Although they don’t directly cause acne, they are overall not healthy for the body and can reduce the body’s ability to build a strong immune system, so you should consume in moderation. But cutting them out of your diet won’t make your acne magically disappear.

Many acne outbreaks are a result of hormonal imbalances. That’s why acne is so prone in teens. There are hormonal treatments available that you can talk to your doctor about.

There are also many other treatments available from your doctor or dermatologist. This is certainly a route worth exploring if you suffer from severe acne.

But for the occasional outbreak you can find the acne cure that works for you over the counter. So why not start now?

About The Author:
M.D. Stacener from The Acne Cure has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing valuable information to keep you beautiful and healthy. Visit www.acnel.com for more information.

Source: http://health.learninginfo.org

When traveling overseas there are many things that you should consider before departing, but with so many things to think about, it’s easy to overlook something. The majority of the best tips for traveling overseas have to do with your personal safety, as there really is so much to think about when you are far from home, and immersed in a culture far different from your own. While there are many things that you may need to get done, there are ten tips that you can follow in any order that will help you have the best experience overseas possible.

Tips For Traveling Overseas

· Make sure that you have a signed, valid passport and/or visa. Remember that it might take some time for these things to be completed, so as soon as you start to think about traveling overseas this should be your priority. Without your passport or visa, you will not be traveling.

· Research the countries that you’ll be visiting, and get specific in your research if possible. It’s also a great idea to read any Consular information sheets, travel warnings, and public announcements relevant to the areas in which you’ll be traveling in, around, or through. It’s a good idea to take down Consular or U.S. Embassy phone numbers, just in the event that you might need them.

· When you are researching, take note of local laws and customs of the areas you’ll be visiting. Many Americans forget that the United States constitution and laws do not follow them during their travels; you will be subject to the laws of the areas that you travel, regardless of how unconstitutional they may seem.

· Make two to three copies of your passport identification information and keep them in another location from your actual passport. Should you lose your passport, this copy will expedite the replacement process. Also, you might want to give friends and family at home a copy just in case.

· Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends and family so the know when to expect you home. Also, leave lodging information with friends or family so that you can be reached in the event that there is an emergency at home. Leaving this information is a good safety check because friends and family members will be able to track you down easily.

· Visit your doctor for a complete physical and any vaccinations you may need a couple weeks prior to your departure. Going ahead of time will allow you to recover from any ill effects that may be caused by vaccinations. Also, some vaccines must be given more than once, so be sure you leave enough time to have all scheduled vaccines completed before your departure.

· When you are traveling, do not leave your luggage unattended for any amount of time. And, remember that even when you are in another country, you should never accept a package from a stranger, regardless of what their explanation may be in giving it to you.

· Prior to actually leaving on your international travels, you should register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. Registration is the best way to make your whereabouts known so that family or friends may locate you in the event of an emergency. It’s important to note that the U.S Embassy will not give friends and family your contact information, instead they will attempt to contact you, and this is why you should leave a copy of your itinerary with friends and family members.

· Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or clothing when you are traveling overseas. You’ll find that many locals assume that tourists are very wealthy, and wearing expensive items may make you the target of crime. You should also carry a minimal amount of cash and credit cards, remember to use a hotel safe for money or credit cards you may not need on your person.

· When you exchange money for local currency, be sure that you are dealing with individuals or companies that are authorized to do such exchanges. Many Americans find themselves in legal trouble when they exchange money with people that are not qualified to do so.

· If you get into any type of legal, financial, or medical trouble, you should call the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible and they will help you make the best decisions for your specific circumstance. Carry the U.S Embassy contact information with you in your money belt is a good idea, as you never know when trouble is going to strike.

Traveling overseas is fun and exciting, and when you have a respect for the precautions you must take, it can be quite the carefree experience. Planning ahead and taking precautions will increase your enjoyment of other cultures and customs. Traveling overseas takes some preparation, but it’s usually well worth the time and effort.

Source: www.usaflightinsurance.com

When traveling overseas there are many things that you should consider before departing, but with so many things to think about, it’s easy to overlook something. The majority of the best tips for traveling overseas have to do with your personal safety, as there really is so much to think about when you are far from home, and immersed in a culture far different from your own. While there are many things that you may need to get done, there are ten tips that you can follow in any order that will help you have the best experience overseas possible.

Tips For Traveling Overseas

· Make sure that you have a signed, valid passport and/or visa. Remember that it might take some time for these things to be completed, so as soon as you start to think about traveling overseas this should be your priority. Without your passport or visa, you will not be traveling.

· Research the countries that you’ll be visiting, and get specific in your research if possible. It’s also a great idea to read any Consular information sheets, travel warnings, and public announcements relevant to the areas in which you’ll be traveling in, around, or through. It’s a good idea to take down Consular or U.S. Embassy phone numbers, just in the event that you might need them.

· When you are researching, take note of local laws and customs of the areas you’ll be visiting. Many Americans forget that the United States constitution and laws do not follow them during their travels; you will be subject to the laws of the areas that you travel, regardless of how unconstitutional they may seem.

· Make two to three copies of your passport identification information and keep them in another location from your actual passport. Should you lose your passport, this copy will expedite the replacement process. Also, you might want to give friends and family at home a copy just in case.

· Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends and family so the know when to expect you home. Also, leave lodging information with friends or family so that you can be reached in the event that there is an emergency at home. Leaving this information is a good safety check because friends and family members will be able to track you down easily.

· Visit your doctor for a complete physical and any vaccinations you may need a couple weeks prior to your departure. Going ahead of time will allow you to recover from any ill effects that may be caused by vaccinations. Also, some vaccines must be given more than once, so be sure you leave enough time to have all scheduled vaccines completed before your departure.

· When you are traveling, do not leave your luggage unattended for any amount of time. And, remember that even when you are in another country, you should never accept a package from a stranger, regardless of what their explanation may be in giving it to you.

· Prior to actually leaving on your international travels, you should register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. Registration is the best way to make your whereabouts known so that family or friends may locate you in the event of an emergency. It’s important to note that the U.S Embassy will not give friends and family your contact information, instead they will attempt to contact you, and this is why you should leave a copy of your itinerary with friends and family members.

· Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or clothing when you are traveling overseas. You’ll find that many locals assume that tourists are very wealthy, and wearing expensive items may make you the target of crime. You should also carry a minimal amount of cash and credit cards, remember to use a hotel safe for money or credit cards you may not need on your person.

· When you exchange money for local currency, be sure that you are dealing with individuals or companies that are authorized to do such exchanges. Many Americans find themselves in legal trouble when they exchange money with people that are not qualified to do so.

· If you get into any type of legal, financial, or medical trouble, you should call the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible and they will help you make the best decisions for your specific circumstance. Carry the U.S Embassy contact information with you in your money belt is a good idea, as you never know when trouble is going to strike.

Traveling overseas is fun and exciting, and when you have a respect for the precautions you must take, it can be quite the carefree experience. Planning ahead and taking precautions will increase your enjoyment of other cultures and customs. Traveling overseas takes some preparation, but it’s usually well worth the time and effort.

Source: www.usaflightinsurance.com

For many people, international travel is just not something you can fit into your schedule until you are older, maybe even retired. Unfortunately, when you are old enough to retire you are usually slowing down, and you may battle illnesses big and small from time to time. As we age, we usually require more medication, even more maintenance medications, and care, and so, special precautions need to be taken when traveling internationally. Just because you are slowing down or need medication doesn’t mean that you should decide not to go, or limit your traveling, instead it means that you just have to plan ahead and take care of yourself.

Prepare For Travel

When you were younger you might have been able to hop on a plane, do some sight seeing, and then hop back on a plane and go home without suffering too many effects. As you get older, you need more preparation time. In the days before your travels, don’t over do yourself; instead take extra special care of yourself. It’s not that you shouldn’t do the things that you want or need to do, but be sure to eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest, and take all of your medications as directed. If you’ve been feeling under the weather, be sure to check with your doctor. Also, get any vaccinations that you might need in advance of your trip to be sure that you will not have any adverse reactions.

In addition to pampering yourself and making sure you are well enough to travel, you should also consider what you might need while traveling. If you have health conditions that require you to take medications daily, be sure that you have at least as much as you’ll need for your trip, preferably a week or two more on hand so that you have extra should you need it, or be delayed at all in arriving home. Also, if you need special pillows or bedding to help you sleep, be sure to pack them so that you will be well rested on your trip as well. If you occasionally suffer from acid reflux or similar conditions, even if you don’t take medications for these items regularly, you should pack them just in case. Thinking ahead about the worse case scenario will help you prevent getting ill and missing out on your international travels.

In addition to packing your medications, it’s always a good idea to pack extra prescriptions should you lose your medication. While you might have a hard time finding your medications, you’ll have a much easier time if you already have a prescription with you. A prescription will also verify to any officials who may have concerns that you are in fact supposed to have medications on your person. Remember when you do pack medications to pack them in your carry on luggage so you don’t run into a problem if your luggage gets lost in routine to your international destination.

When In Flight

When you are actually traveling to your destination, try to be as relaxed as possible. Avoid rubbing your eyes and touching the surfaces in airports and airplanes excessively as airborne illness is alive and well in these areas. Antibacterial sprays, lotions, or gels should be used before and after eating to avoid contaminating yourself with any germs that are present. As you get older your immune system isn’t nearly as strong as it once was, so antibacterial substances and even facial masks are a good idea to help you avoid illness while traveling internationally.

When you are abroad

As tempting as little restaurants may be, you must be quite careful when dining out to eat only well cooked food. Many countries do not have food and beverage regulations like we do in the United States, so be sure not to eat foods that may look or smell odd. This may not save you from food poisoning and other issues related to food, but it will decrease the chance you have of becoming ill from ill prepared food. Also, ask about the quality of the water when you visit certain areas. Drinking bottled water may be a better idea, as you know that it is not contaminated and is less likely to cause problems.

After you do eat or visit places of interest, it’s a good idea to keep that antibacterial solution handy so that you can avoid contamination of germs. Remember that when you travel internationally there may be germs and bacteria present that your body is not used to defending, so you need to respond accordingly.

Because your immune system is not as strong as it once was, it’s important that when you go back to the hotel room every night you really rest. Also, be sure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and if you haven’t, try to make up for it when you rest at night. Water and rest will keep your body in the best condition possible so that you do not get sick and you can enjoy your trip, as well as make it home healthy, too.

A weakened immune system, illness, and being a “senior’ shouldn’t stop you from traveling internationally. If you’re retired and there is traveling you want to do, you should go for it, just prepare well, take care of yourself, and you’ll have a great time. Your age should never restrict you from doing the things that you want to do, and that includes traveling internationally.

Source: www.usaflightinsurance.com

Safety is a big issue for all international travelers, regardless of where they are traveling, their age, and how well traveled they are. Every time you travel internationally you are exposing yourself to the risks that are commonly associated with being a tourist such as theft, scams, and even fraud. Knowing where you are traveling, what the customs and risks associated with the area are, and planning ahead for your safety and security will help you enjoy your international travel as much as possible.

Research The Area You’ll Be Traveling To

When you are thinking about traveling internationally, you should learn as much as you can about the area. Libraries are great places for learning geography, culturally relevant information, and areas of interest, but the Internet is an outstanding tool for learning about the good and bad areas of the country or specific area you’ll be visiting. Reading the personal account of other people, tour guides, or people who specialize in the area you are going to will allow you to plan ahead for your safety, and stay in locations that will offer you the most security. The Internet will also address transportation concerns, good and not so good lodging, and the like. While both libraries and bookstores have great information available, you might be able to get more accurate and up to date information on areas by reading information on the Internet as well.

If you plan on using public transportation on your international travels, you’ll want to pay close attention to the information about security and safety in this area. Subways and public rail systems can be quite confusing, and tourists can end up being victimized because they don’t know where they are going, and there is often a lack of security in these areas. Know what you are getting into before you travel, so you can plan accordingly. Also, when you make hotel arrangements ask about security available and the safety of the surrounding areas, so you can decide whether it’ll be safe to go out on your own after dark and such.

If you are going to an area and you cannot find much information on it, you might want to check with your travel agent or the U.S. Embassy in that area for safety and security information. You can never be overly prepared for such concerns, so do your homework and know what you can about the area, as that will add to your safety.

Have A Plan For Safe Handling Of Money

It doesn’t matter where you travel, you should be careful with your money. When you are traveling internationally, you’ll find that many of the locals consider you wealthy. This assumption makes you a prime target for those who are in need of money, or who have a passion for theft. Wearing a money belt and keeping a limited amount of local currency on you at all times is a good idea. A purse isn’t usually a good idea, as something running by you can take your purse and be gone with your money and personal affects before you can scream. A money belt can be purchased at luggage stores as well as stores that specialize in traveling, purses, wallets, and the link.

When you do cash travelers checks or your currency for the local currency, be discreet about it. The more attention you draw to yourself and the amount of money you have on yourself, the more likely you are to be victimized. So, have a plan before you travel as to where you’ll keep your money, and the system you’ll use to exchange currencies, if applicable.

Know Your Resources

Most international travelers do not intend on getting into trouble when they are traveling, but it happens. A lot of the time, the trouble is innocent, but because of cultural differences Americans often break laws without knowing it. Before you travel, you should have U.S. Embassy or Consulate information for the area that you’ll be traveling to. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate can act on your behalf if you find yourself in legal trouble of any sort. Whether you need a lawyer or just help with clarifying the law, the U.S. Embassy will likely be able to help you. If your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll also need to report that to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Having this information with you will enable you to protect yourself should local laws or customs get the best of you.

Security And Customs

If you are traveling internationally you’ll likely have to go through the customs routine twice, one on the way out and on the way back as well. Have any documentation you need for your valuables to prove that you traveled with these items so that you don’t have to pay a tax or fee on them on your way back. As annoying as the customs process can be, remember that this process is one that keeps the public safe. In the end, the customs process is one that is well worth the irritating lines and sometimes lengthy process of coming and going from the country. Most likely, your experience with the customs officials will be brief and more than tolerable.

As you can see, most of the safety and security issues with traveling internationally can be planned for to make the process easier. Most of these issues are common sense, though many travelers forget that when they are in other countries there are just as many good and bad people and that you have to look out for yourself. Plan ahead, and be aware when you are traveling, and you’ll likely come home safe and secure.

By Brad Schardein

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Estate planning is how you make sure that your assets – your lifetime accumulations – pass to your heirs in a manner of your design. It's how you make sure your family is secure, and your assets end up where you want them. It's taking care of your family, your business – whatever is important to you.

Proper estate planning, whether through a will or some other vehicle, will make sure you, and not the state, decide where and how your assets are distributed after your death. Life insurance can give you options that make your planning an easier process. There are two basic ways in which life insurance can assist in your estate planning:

1. Estate Enhancement – primarily for younger families and those families with children. Adequate life insurance that protects a family from financial loss due to a premature loss of life can help pay for future college tuition, mortgage payments, medical bills, etc. Tax-free life insurance benefits can help the surviving spouse and children maintain their standard of living.
2. Estate Liquidity – primarily for older folks with somewhat larger estates. Those individuals who are worried about federal and state death taxes can use life insurance proceeds to help pay those taxes. Many times, people with significant assets have those assets in "hard" form – they are hard assets, meaning that they are not easily or quickly sold. Your home, jewelry, artwork, cars and other material possessions are some examples. If those assets must be sold quickly to pay taxes that are due a few months after death, chances are you are not going to get top dollar for those assets. Life insurance can remove that concern.

There are more advanced uses of life insurance, many of which are geared toward business owners. Some of those examples follow:

• Estate Equalization for Family-Owned Businesses – Family businesses operated by parents with one or more children are often in need of liquidity when the parents die, as a majority of the estate is "tied up" in the business. Life insurance provides a way to pass the business to interested heirs while being fair to those children outside the business.
• Buy-Sell Funding – Life insurance can be an indispensable tool enabling surviving co-owners of a business to own and continue the business without outside intrusion, while the deceased owner's heirs obtain debt-free assets from the estate.
• Key-Person – Business owners use "key-person" policies to help replace earnings associated with the loss of employees whose unique talents and knowledge made them valuable assets of the business.
• Credit Enhancement – Life insurance is often used to stabilize a business concern's financial position and serves as a valuable asset to pledge as collateral.
• Informal Funding for Deferred Compensation – An important ingredient in any deferred compensation plan that is "non-qualified" is life insurance. Such policies owned by and payable to the employer remain a primary building-block of all such plans.

Health is everything. It impacts the present, and the future. Therefore, acquiring good health insurance is important. With rising medical and healthcare costs it is the only way to insure proper medical treatment, when it is needed the most.

1. It will cover a good portion of the medical bills.
2. It will offer protection against a financially debilitating illness.
3. It will provide quality care now, as in years to come.
4. It will provide the insured a choice in health care providers – even "midstream."

Finding the Right Low Cost Health Insurance for You

One desired employment perk is health insurance coverage, where the employee pays all or part of the monthly insurance premium. But persons working for businesses that do not provide health insurance, and persons who are either unemployed or self-employed, need to acquire coverage on their own.

There are various online resources for finding low cost health insurance that offer adequate healthcare policies. One such resource is American Insurance Depot. It offers a link for finding various bargain insurance providers in your area, including health insurance providers. They also offer an alphabetical listing of the various health insurances available with direct links to their web sites.

3 Basic Options when Obtaining Health Insurance

You have three basic options when it comes to health insurance:

1. Spouse Coverage – as a general rule, obtaining coverage through a spouse whose employer provides group health insurance is less expensive and offers better coverage than what one could obtain on their own.
2. Individual Health Insurance – a good option if you have no pre-existing medical conditions. Your health and present physical condition will be a factor taken into consideration before you are accepted. Your health will also be the guideline used for rating your coverage.
3. Group Health Insurance – the main advantage of this type coverage is that you cannot be turned away because of health complications. Group health insurance is also a possible option for an individual with existing health problems, as many companies now offer health plans for "groups" of one.

How to Reduce the Cost of Health Insurance

In addition to shopping around for low cost health insurance, there are ways to reduce the high costs of health insurance in general. The hardest part of minimizing insurance costs is to determine which way of lowering the premium represents the least risk for your situation.

First, you can reduce your level of coverage. If you have no ongoing physical illnesses, and an annual trip to the doctor's office is the extent of your present healthcare plan, you don't need to pay higher premiums on insurance to cover each doctor's visit and prescription.

You can also obtain a policy with a higher deductible to save on premium costs. This might be a good option if you are reasonably healthy and don't require expensive medications. Increasing your deductible from $100 to $2,000 in many cases can cut your premium payment in half.

Paying your premium annually, instead of monthly or quarterly, will avoid service fees. Some health insurance policies also offer prepayment discounts, further enhancing the amount saved.

Other Ways to Save on Health Insurance Costs

Single persons, and those who are self-employed, can join an association that offers group insurance. The chamber of commerce, various trade and professional groups and small business associations sometimes offer its members discounted health insurance.

And, once again, the wonderful world of the web offers various resources for finding a low cost health insurance plan. And because there are no broker or agent fees, premiums are often lower.

Health Insurance Options for the Self-Employed

Many self-employed persons are provided the opportunity to save on the high cost of insurance under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This is done through a medical savings account (MSA).

It works like this. Health insurance premiums are reduced by replacing a low-deductible policy with a high-deductible one. The premium amount saved is applied as a tax-deductible contribution to the MSA.

These pre tax dollars can then be used to pay for medical expenses up to the limit of the deductible of the insurance policy. More information on this "double-dipped savings" for the policy holder can be found at the Institute for Health Freedom.

Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance is a good money-saving option for healthy persons in transition. For instance, if you are: temporarily unemployed, temporarily working part-time, graduating from college, an early retiree, or waiting for other health insurance to "kick in."

As the name implies this is a low cost short-term health insurance. It provides the holder with medical coverage for a limited time. Usually, for six months. Some plans offer coverage for up to 12 months.

With an application process simpler than standard health insurances, short-term health insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen accidents and illnesses. They do not usually provide coverage for preventative care or pre-existing medical conditions.

Because of its long list of limitations and exclusions, however, it is advisable to read the coverage guidelines carefully before signing on.

Health Savings Account

Passed by the U. S. Congress and effective January 1, 2004, Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are tax-favored accounts used in conjunction with a qualifying health insurance plan. HSAs provide more affordable healthcare while saving tax dollars.

Similar to IRAs, aspects of an HSA include:

• Pre-tax money deposited into the HSA can be withdrawn at any time. with no penalty or taxes to pay for qualified medical expenses.
• HSA funds that remain in the account earn tax-free interest.
• Even though the account belongs to you, your employer can contribute money to your HSA account.

A Word about Health Maintenance Organizations

Instead of health insurance, some persons rely on health maintenance organizations (HMOs) for their healthcare needs. Although some HMOs provide good service, this type healthcare plan is best for handling standard, well-known illnesses and other common health care problems in persons under 50.

Older persons and those with more complicated illnesses, or a combination of common illnesses, will benefit more from some other type healthcare plan. Why? The answer is simple.

HMOs' advertising thrust to seniors in the mid 1990s was, "Sign your Medicare over to us…you'll get unlimited care from our doctors." They guaranteed better care, and better coverage.

Despite their promises, however, over 2.5 million senior citizens have been dropped by HMOs since 1999, even though the government increased Medicare payments to HMOs during those same years.

The short of it is this: older persons with ongoing pharmaceutical drug and healthcare needs, and persons with complicated medical conditions, are not profitable for HMO purposes. Acquiring good health insurance coverage is essential, especially for these type persons.

By taking into consideration all these options, and with careful research and by shopping around, you can obtain a good healthcare policy. One with adequate coverage to meet your health needs, as well as your budget!

Source: www.freestuffplaza.com

Fruits

Apricots
Apricots contain Beta-carotene which helps to prevent radical damage and also helps to protect the eyes. A single apricot contains 17 calories, 0 fat, and one gram of fiber. You can eat them dried or soft.

Mango
A medium sized mango packs 57 MG of vitamin C, which is nearly your entire daily dose. This antioxidant will help prevent arthritis and also boost your immune system.

Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes contain 117 GG of vitamin C, which is almost twice the recommended dose. Half a melon contains 853 MG of potassium, which is nearly twice as much as a banana, which helps to lower blood pressure. Half a melon contains 97 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 2 grams of fiber.

Tomato
A tomato can help cut the risk of bladder, stomach, and colon cancers in half if you eat one daily. A tomato contains 26 calories, 0 fat, and only 1 gram of fiber.

Vegetables

Onions
An onion can help to protect against cancer. A cup of onions offers 61 calories, 0 fat, and 3 grams of fiber.

Broccoli
Broccoli can help protect against breast cancer, and it also contains a lot of vitamin C and beta- carotene. One cup of chopped broccoli contains 25 calories, 0 fat, and 3 grams of fiber.

Spinach
Spinach contains carotenoids that can help fend off macular degeneration, which is a major cause of blindness in older people. One cup contains 7 calories, 0 fat, and 1 gram of fiber.

Grains, beans, and nuts

Peanuts
Peanuts and other nuts can lower your risk of heart disease by 20 percent. One ounce contains 166 calories, 14 grams of fat, and over 2 grams of fiber.

Pinto beans
A half cut of pinto beans offers more than 25 percent of your daily folate requirement, which protects you against heart disease. Half a cup contains 103 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 6 grams of fiber.

Skim milk
Skim milk offers vitamin B2, which is important for good vision and along with Vitamin A could improve allergies. You also get calcium and vitamin D as well. One cup contains 86 calories, o fat, and 0 fiber.

Seafood

Salmon
All cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which help to reduce the risk of cardiac disease. A 3 ounce portion of salmon contains 127 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 0 fiber.

Weight gains of 7 - 10 pounds are common between Halloween and Christmas.

To make the holidays easier, these tips will help you with healthy eating through the season and not gaining weight.

Most traditional foods can be made low fat.

Turkey is very lean without the skin, and gravy can be made without any fat.

Potatoes that are served without butter can be very healthy.

The beloved pumpkin pie is nutritious, although it can be made into a fatty dessert with the adding of whipped cream.

Even though the holidays are in, don't forget about the exercise. Keeping weight off during the holiday season is burning off the extra calories.

You should plan a walk after meals, park farther from stores when you shop, and take a few walks around the mall before you begin shopping.

During holiday parties and at family dinners, feel free to sample foods although you shouldn't splurge. Decide on what you plan to eat in advance, then stick to your plan.

Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, low fat dressings, and slices of lean meats. Before you go to a party, eat a small snack to help curb your appetite.

If at all possible, avoid alcohol. Having too many drinks can cripple your will power, and also add excess calories to your diet. In the place of alcohol, drink water with lemon.

Water can help to limit your appetite and keep you from binging. Also make sure to avoid eggnog, as each glass can have up to 300 calories.

With healthy eating, you'll have energy all day, get the vitamins and minerals you need, stay strong for activities you enjoy, and maintain a healthy weight.

Below, you'll find tips designed to help you with healthy eating.

1. Don't skip any meals

Eating 3 meals with snacks in between is the ideal way to maintain both energy and a healthy weight. When you skip meals and get hungry, you're more than likely to choose foods that aren't very good for you.

If you are eating away from home, take food with you or know where you can buy healthy food from.

2. Learn about how to prepare foods

Instead of deep frying, try grilling, stir frying, microwaving, baking, and even boiling. You should also try fresh or even dried herbs and spices to add flavor to your food. Before you eat any type of meat, be sure to trim the fat and skin off of it.

3. Avoid a lot of sugar

Drinks that contain sugar are a major source of empty energy. What this means, is that the drinks contain a lot of energy that your body may not need, and it doesn't contain any vitamins or minerals. If you plan to drink sugary drinks, don't go overboard - limit yourself to 1 a day.

4. Avoid thinking about diets