Category: Health & Fitness

Saving money on independent health insurance can change your life for the better, especially when it saves you money! Although the hunt for a cost-saving plan can be a tiring one, it is well worth the energy.

Whether it’s a covered Fresno resident or an LA native, finding the right independent health insurance plan doesn’t always mean it has to be the most expensive.

There are a number of ways to save money on independent health insurance. Here are some of the most effective:

Do the Research

Don’t just settle for Google searches or chat forums. It’s so important to talk to friends, relatives and trusted third parties. Listen to their experiences and gain insight that will benefit your search for the best plan.

There is no better resource for finding the right independent health insurance than people in your network who may require the same care you do.

If you have a good relationship with your primary care physician, don’t hesitate to take the conversation into their office. Receptionists, nurses, and doctors are all people, too. And, they might have insider tips to help you save more money!

Shop Around

Go a step further by chatting up insurance agents from different companies. Keep notes about each provider, and be prepared to compare differences in coverage and cost.

If coverage from one provider is the same as another but has a bigger price tag, talk about it! Ask questions, and see if there are other options that can match or reduce the cost you’re looking at.

Keep notes about each provider, and be prepared to compare differences in coverage and cost.

If coverage from one provider is the same as another but has a bigger price tag, talk about it! Ask questions, and see if there are other options that can match or reduce the cost you’re looking at.

Cut Costs Even More

Using these tips, you can save beyond the price of independent health insurance.

Non-insurance options

These types of discounted plans can be offered by banks to customers or unions and nonprofits to their members. Contact a representative to find out what the qualifications are.

Find a local dental program

Schools and dental academies are always looking for patients to practice on. And don’t worry, everything is supervised by professional educators. The cost of these services is extremely low, and the quality of the service can sometimes be better than a regular dentist office.

Visit clinics instead of the ER

Trips to the emergency room can rack up a lot of money. Unless the situation is an actual emergency (if it is, go to the emergency room!), opt for an urgent care clinic instead.

Use free screening services

Use the state website to find low-cost or free preventative screening services. Find out the ones closest to you here.

Keep tabs on medical bills

Sometimes the administrative personnel at hospitals or doctors can make mistakes. Watch bank account statements to ensure that you are not overcharged for visits and services.

Mix it up

If someone doesn’t need medical, dental, and vision insurance, weigh different options. Maybe medical and vision are crucial, but dental work will be sufficient with dental school visits. There are always options. Weigh them, and pick the best combination for the lowest cost.

One of the key takeaways is to always ask questions. Ask insurance agents any and everything that comes to mind.

After all, the more someone knows, the more they can save!

Check out more beneficial tips here at our blog!

There’s never been a better time to focus on great health. Science has made it easier for all of us to find an exercise routine that works well for our individual needs.

And new research and advances in nutrition are allowing each of us to get the nutritional help we need from unexpected sources.

The negative side effects of poor nutrition include heart disease, hypertension (or high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. In addition, many of us know firsthand that nutrition is tied into having healthy energy, positive emotions, and overall well-being.

But did you know that hemp protein may just be the dietary solution for women’s health issues? Everything from calcium to protein is supplied with hemp protein.

Here are some great reasons you may want to add hemp protein to your nutritional plan:

Hemp Protein Is a Complete Protein

Many of us recognize the importance of protein in our nutritional plan. Adults need 60 to 80 grams of protein a day on average for their nutritional requirements.

With more evidence against eating red meat, hemp offers an alternative. You’ll get the protein you need without the health risks.

Lose Weight and Look Great

If you have been stepping on the scale and not loving the feedback then there are other reasons hemp protein may be perfect for you.

Research has shown that hemp helps subjects lose weight and gain muscle. If you have a sweet tooth that won’t quit there is some good news for you in hemp.

Hemp protein has been reported to reduce sugar cravings as well. When you make a list of great foods to start your day don’t forget to add hemp seeds or hemp oil.

Plus, the fiber content in hemp also makes it a great aid for losing weight.

A Great Source of Fiber

Fiber is a key component for losing weight for many people. But you also need fiber in your diet to promote overall well-being and great health.

Your digestive health depends on fiber which in turn helps all components of your dietary needs and nutritional plan. Fiber relieves constipation as well.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

If you watch the news then you know that omega-3 fatty acids are one of the keys to a healthy heart. The fats found in this nutritional component allow your heart to beat at a steady clip and promote positive heart functions.

Heart disease remains one of the leading cause of death in America. Hemp protein provides Omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent heart disease.

In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of a second heart attack in patients.

Reduce PMS Symptoms

If you struggle with PMS every month you are not alone. There are many symptoms that are awful to contend with when it comes to PMS.

These symptoms include:

• depression
• breast tenderness
• irritability
• swelling
• bloating from fluid retention

GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid, has been shown to reduce every one of the PMS symptoms listed above. One of the other reasons that hemp protein has unique benefits for women is the ability to reduce PMS issues.

Hot Flashes and Menopause

If you are struggling with hot flashes it’s time to give hemp a try. The omega-6 fatty acids in hemp are shown to reduce hot flashes in patients as well.

Pregnancy

The requirements of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in women’s diets extends to your nutritional needs when pregnant.

A diet with hemp included in seeds or oil may help your mental ability and processing ability. But for pregnant moms, you will be doing your child a favor as well.

Your children could have lower IQ’s, dyslexia, and behavior problems if they don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acid from sources like hemp.

This absorption starts during pregnancy so make sure your diet is helping both you and your baby.

Beautiful Skin

You may not know that hemp is probably a part of your beauty regimen already. Many beauty products use hemp oil in some form because of its positive effects on your skin.

If you have dry skin or eczema then hemp protein could help the condition of your skin in ways other dietary changes cannot.

Researchers note that hemp oil relieves atopic dermatitis in case studies. Itching, dryness, and other symptoms are greatly improved by introducing hemp oil.

Calcium

While everyone needs to get a recommended daily allowance of calcium we all know that women especially are susceptible to disorders like osteoporosis.

It’s estimated that 8 million women have osteoporosis and another 44 million have reduced bone mass. This issue puts nearly half of all Americans who are over 50 at risk for broken bones.

The women I know all want to look their best and lose weight to be healthy. But you definitely don’t want to lose bone density and mass.

Calcium can help keep your bones strong. Hemp milk can actually provide more calcium than cow’s milk.

While the variety of hemp nutrition varies between hemp seeds, hemp protein, and hemp milk, the calcium in hemp can be a big boost to your diet.

Plus, if you are allergic to soy, hemp is a great alternative.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

There are many scientific studies that show due to the nutrients involved and dietary benefits hemp protein can help people live healthier lives. But women’s health issues are unique for a number of reasons and hemp can also address those specific needs.

Historical studies of cannabis have shown the plant to be a treatment for women’s health issues for hundreds of years. The herb has been used to provide safe anesthesia for child birth, treatment for pain and bleeding, and a variety of other gynecological applications.

Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

Women especially will see that adding hemp as a source of protein and nutrition can help nearly every aspect of their health. Hemp also reduces the pain associated with arthritis and treats ADHD, diabetes, and MS.

Make sure you are using hemp to promote every part of your healthy lifestyle.

Not sure where to begin? It’s easy– just substitute some hemp seeds or hemp oil for other ingredients in your favorite recipes.

Why don’t you start with some of my favorites? Click here now for a list of frugal recipe ideas you can try at home.

It’s never a better time to be a tea drinker. Far from the days of drinking stale bags of twinnings from your grandmother’s shelf, tea fans today can enjoy the benefits of an industry that finds teas around the world.

Why is tea becoming so popular? Maybe it’s because we’re starting to realize the variety of health benefits you can associate with different types of tea. While we all know green tea is healthy, not a lot of us know how.

Take a look at the wonderful health benefits of this variety of teas!

Healthiest Teas Around The World

It can be hard to find the right teas. Some are tasty and healthy, others are not. These teas are some of the healthiest you’ll find in the world tea directory.

Genmaicha: Slim Down

While it may seem strange to mix a combination of green tea and rice, there are a variety of benefits you can find in a cup of genmaicha. One of the most prominent is that this tea has been known to help people reach their weight loss goals!

If you want to slim down, you should head to the tea aisle of your local supermarket. Or better yet, find a local artisan tea producer.

Ashwagandha Tea: Relax

You need to calm down! Stress is literally killing you, and if you fail to do something about it, you’ll die far too young.

One of the best ways to do it is with a relaxing cup of tea. Drinking Ashwagandha tea has been proven to help you relax. It’s tasty, easy to drink, and can go a long way towards improving your life.

Oolong: Boost Your Metabolism

A lot of us raise our fists to the sky and curse our metabolism. How can we burn calories if our food stays in the same place for days?

Oolong tea is a solution: it’s one of the best teas around the world for kicking your metabolism into gear! A scientific study even showed that it can boost both energy metabolism and fat oxidation!

Ginseng: Kick Up Your Immune System

Along with being a delicious tea, ginseng is extremely popular as a form of alternative medicine. One of the reasons why is the tea’s ability to boost your immune system!

Kick back and enjoy a delicious cup of ginseng if you want to kick yourself into high gear.

Peppermint Tea: Calm Your Stomach

Nobody likes calling in sick. If you wake up with a stomach ache but still need to get into work, you can heal using peppermint tea!

On top of that, it’s also delicious: who doesn’t like the cooling and Christmasy taste of peppermint! For you tummy and taste buds, you’ll need to enjoy a cup of this one!

More Health Tips

Drinking tea is one of the best things you can do for your health. But it’s also highly important to stay on top of all of the health and fitness tips out there.

Keep reading this health blog to follow all of the fitness tips you can: from one mom to another.

Back pain is a common nuisance in the lives of many Americans. In fact, 80% of all Americans will experience some sort of back pain during their lifetime. Back pain can have significant effects on the life of a person, especially a mother.

Forget the actual pregnancy, mothers are continually picking up their children and picking up after their children. It’s no surprise that chronic back pain is prevalent in mothers.

The good news is there’s a free solution that you can use on a daily basis to give your back great relief from pain: yoga.

With gentle movement through certain yoga poses you can increase the stability and agility of your back. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and have compiled a list of the best poses to try:

Downward Dog

This may be one of the most basic and beginner yoga poses, but it can be an excellent pose for helping you get rid of neck and back pain. Keep your feet hip-distance apart and hands shoulder-distance apart. Don’t let your back arch more than it needs to.

Keep your heels pressed to the ground and press your back through the inner and outer parts of your legs with equal pressure. Pull your spine and head forwards to your hands. Keep your shoulders and back pulled tight as you press through your fingers and arms.

This stretch can provide a whole-body realignment. Take many breaths as you perform this pose.

If you aren’t experiencing any relief from this pose, you might want to ask yourself “Where is the best chiropractor near me?”, and then head swiftly in for an appointment.

Child’s Pose

Child’s Pose is the ultimate pose for back relaxation. Keep your knees wide and bring your knees together for a fantastic neutral stretch.  Let your head fall to the floor and put a yoga block or towel under your forehead for comfort.

Breathe slowly as you reach forward. This pose brings energy to the entirety of your spine as you release parts of the lumbar and vertebrates. The tension in your back will dissolve as you breathe through the pose.

If you need some guidance, many yoga studios have coupons and discounts for their classes! Yoga for back pain is easy to do in groups or in a solo setting.

Wall Plank For the Best Yoga For Back Pain

Stand in front of a wall at arm’s length, reach forward and plant your palms on the wall. Keep your spine long as you walk your legs back and fold at the waist. When you get to an L-shape, reach through your tailbone and legs towards the floor while you move your back and head towards the wall.

Holding this pose for a few minutes with deep exhales can give your lower back great relief. When it comes to yoga for back pain, this is one of the easiest and most beneficial!

Relief

Back pain can be painful and annoying. But yoga will not only give you physical relief, it can also center your heart, mind, and soul. As a mother, you deserve some extra self-love and care on a regular basis.

For more tips on yoga for back pain, health, and fitness, contact us today!

Are you ready to finally get in shape?

With all of the fitness programs out there these days, it can be difficult to find the right one for your body and your life.

But don’t worry, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to choose the best fitness program for you!

Read on to find out more.

Check in with Yourself First

Before starting any fitness program, have a little check-in with yourself about what’s going on in your life and with your body. This will help to ensure that you are finding the best fitness program for yourself at this stage in your life- and one that you’ll stick with!

Here are some questions to ask yourself before perusing your options.

How Much Time Do I Have to Devote to Fitness?

It’s important to be honest with yourself here.

Do you have a job, a family, friends or hobbies that take up a ton of your time? Answering this question correctly will help you figure out how much time you can devote to a new health and fitness regimen.

What Are My Fitness Goals?

Do you want to tone up your muscles? Concentrate on flexibility? Work toward running a marathon? All of the above?

Whatever your personal fitness goals are, they should be reflected by whichever routine you choose for the best results.

What Kind of Exercise Makes Me Happy?

It’s undeniable- you’ll stick with a fitness program that is fun for you.

Do you like the aggression of kickboxing? The relaxation of yoga? The structure and results of a 12 week shred?

Everyone is different, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Check in with yourself and figure out what you enjoy to ensure that you will have success with your new fitness regimen.

Focus on One Goal at a Time

After you’ve checked in with yourself about your fitness goals and how you can achieve them, make sure that you don’t try to do everything at once.

If you focus on both fat loss and muscle building at the same time, your exercises and nutrition may be working at odds with each other. For example, if you want to lose weight, you need to be burning more calories than you’re eating. But if you want to build muscle, you need to be eating more calories than you’re burning.

Focusing on one goal at a time will no doubt lead you to the best fitness program for the results that you want.

Experiment to Find the Best Fitness Program for You

If you’re unsure of what type of exercise will be the most enjoyable and effective for you, that’s okay.

Before landing on the fitness program that you’ll stick with, try some new things and stick with them for a couple of months at a time. See what you like, and what seems to be working. And when you find it, stick with it!

It’s Time to Get Started!

Now that you know how to choose the best fitness program for you, it’s time to get out and break some sweat. And if you have any questions or thoughts you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to reach out.