Getting To Grips With A Healthy Lifestyle
By Trish
In a perfect world we would all be eating the right food, exercising, sleeping well and just generally enjoying life.
In the real world most of us manage a percentage of the healthy lifestyle and muddle through as best we can with the rest of it. Part of the problem is we are encouraged to think, mostly by the media, that we should be doing everything possible towards a healthy lifestyle, all of the time. For most of us this is just not possible.
Constant concern about what we should or shouldn't be doing causes our stress levels to go up and that negates any good work that we've done. Yes, we should certainly try for a healthy lifestyle, but the two key words are "moderation" and "balance" By applying these criteria to achieving a healthy lifestyle we won't be beating ourselves up for failing another diet or dropping out of the latest exercise regime.
A common mistake that many people make when they decide to adopt a healthy lifestyle is to try to do too much too soon. They then give themselves a guilt complex when it all falls apart. It is also easy to be influenced by others, when we should only be adopting a healthy lifestyle plan to suit ourselves.
Ah! Did I say lifestyle plan? Do you have one, or do you just try the next thing that is in your magazine or Sunday supplement? By all means read these articles and take them into account as you plan how you want your healthy lifestyle to take shape.
Leading a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean you have got to run a mile before breakfast, eat seeds and think pure thoughts. Great if that's what you want, but for most of us "healthy" means being in reasonable shape, eating our fruit and vegetables and generally having a feeling of vitality.
Decide on your definition of a healthy lifestyle, and then plan a strategy that works for you.
As part of my health plan I decided I wanted to walk in the mornings before breakfast, but there was no way I wanted to get up at the crack of dawn to do it. So I planned a ten minute circuit that includes a short flight of steps and a not too steep incline. I power walked that route every day and felt really good. Sure l wouldn't make the City to Surf marathon, but I compromised and made it work for me.
Today, much is made of organic foods, but the reality is that organic food is generally more expensive and well out of the range for most budgets. Yes organic is probably the best option, but it doesn't mean that if you're not eating all organic you are not eating right. If you're concerned about general
produce, be a bit discerning when you shop. Look for fruit and vegetables that are fresh and unblemished. You should also buy product brands that you can trust. If you shop wisely, you can have a well-balanced healthy diet that won't break the bank.
Basically living a healthy life means looking at your lifestyle as a whole, it is not just about diet and exercise. It is not always necessary to make major changes. Most people know their weak spots, and are happy if they can make a few changes that show results.
A friend of mine was drinking several cans of soft drink a day. She was feeling tired and generally under the weather. When I read an article about the health risk of soft drink I copied it and gave it to her, whereupon she decided to give up the soft drink there and then. A week later she got back to me and said she couldn't believe the difference, her energy levels were up and she was feeling great. Just that one change was able to make a difference and she feels good about the healthy choice.
Sleep and leisure time play a big part in a healthy lifestyle, and for the most part people underestimate the value of good sleep. Our bodies aren't designed to operate at peak performance twenty four hours a day. Anyone in industry knows that machines that have to work continuously need a lot of maintenance. When we are sleeping our body is healing and regenerating itself and we should wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized.
We can go without sleep for extended periods, but we can't do it indefinitely. The amount of sleep an individual needs varies a great deal, and there is no such thing as the right time to sleep. Obviously most people sleep at night, but if you are one of those folk that comes alive in the small hours, you might need to catch up with your sleep during the day.
A big part of healthy living is being comfortable with yourself. Don't be pressured into trying to attain a certain look, or push yourself down a career path you are not suited to. Constant worry about what you are doing will only have the opposite effect on your health. Don't get paranoid about your diet, about what toothpaste you should use or about expensive exercise equipment you need to buy.
Allow a common sense approach to dictate when you are making lifestyle choices, and remember, there is nothing wrong with compromise if it means your healthy lifestyle plan will work for you.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Can Group Health Schemes Refuse Cover Because Of A Pre-existing Medical Condition?
Can Group Health Schemes Refuse Cover Because Of A Pre-existing Medical Condition?
By Donald
When considering group health insurance schemes there is usually confusion because, while a lot of people argue that group health insurance plans are not allowed to exclude you from cover because of your present health or your previous history, others contend that they are permitted to refuse cover for pre-existing medical conditions.
The reality is that you cannot be refused membership of a group health insurance plan solely as a result of you present health, including any disability that you may have, or as a result of your prior medical history.
However, employers and insurance companies are entitled to question you about any pre-existing medical conditions when you join a plan or, if you make a claim during your first year of cover, to look back to establish whether you have a prior history of the condition which gives rise to the claim.
Whenever a pre-existing condition is reported or discovered the employer or insurance company cannot simply refuse you cover under a group plan but is permitted to require an exclusion period for cover of that particular pre-existing condition. Having said this, there are federal and state laws that control the exclusions that employers and insurance companies are allowed to place on their group health schemes.
Group health insurance schemes are not allowed to apply pre-existing condition exclusions on the basis of pregnancy or genetic information. Further, exclusions are not permitted in the case of newborn babies, newly adopted children and children who are placed for adoption.
Generally speaking, pre-existing condition exclusions are only permitted for conditions that are diagnosed within the 6 months before joining a group health scheme and for which you have been given (or been recommended to have) treatment. This period is frequently known as the 'look back' period.
Where a pre-existing condition exclusion period is required it cannot usually be longer than 12 months and you have to be given credit for any previous continuous creditable coverage. In this case cover is classed as continuous when it is not interrupted by a break in excess of 63 consecutive days. The majority of private and government sponsored health coverage is considered to be creditable and this will include such things as Medicare, student health insurance, military health coverage, Medicaid, Indian health insurance, individual health insurance, foreign national coverage, VA coverage and more.
Where an employer requires a waiting period for individuals to enter a plan, or an HMO requires a similar affiliation period, these cannot be counted in determining a break in continuous coverage. Furthermore, any pre-existing condition exclusion period must take account of the waiting or affiliation period with the pre-existing condition exclusion period starting on the same day as the waiting or affiliation period.
If you are moving from one group plan to another then the administrator of the new scheme is permitted to examine your previous plan for the purpose of calculating any credit towards an exclusion period for your new plan. This may mean for example that if your new plan offers cover that was not provided under the previous plan then exclusion periods may be required for pre-existing conditions that were not formerly covered but that are covered under the new plan.
One more point worth noting is that you must be given appropriate written notice of any pre-existing condition exclusion period and the group plan administrator has to assist you in obtaining a certificate of creditable coverage for your old plan if you wish him to do so.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/
By Donald
When considering group health insurance schemes there is usually confusion because, while a lot of people argue that group health insurance plans are not allowed to exclude you from cover because of your present health or your previous history, others contend that they are permitted to refuse cover for pre-existing medical conditions.
The reality is that you cannot be refused membership of a group health insurance plan solely as a result of you present health, including any disability that you may have, or as a result of your prior medical history.
However, employers and insurance companies are entitled to question you about any pre-existing medical conditions when you join a plan or, if you make a claim during your first year of cover, to look back to establish whether you have a prior history of the condition which gives rise to the claim.
Whenever a pre-existing condition is reported or discovered the employer or insurance company cannot simply refuse you cover under a group plan but is permitted to require an exclusion period for cover of that particular pre-existing condition. Having said this, there are federal and state laws that control the exclusions that employers and insurance companies are allowed to place on their group health schemes.
Group health insurance schemes are not allowed to apply pre-existing condition exclusions on the basis of pregnancy or genetic information. Further, exclusions are not permitted in the case of newborn babies, newly adopted children and children who are placed for adoption.
Generally speaking, pre-existing condition exclusions are only permitted for conditions that are diagnosed within the 6 months before joining a group health scheme and for which you have been given (or been recommended to have) treatment. This period is frequently known as the 'look back' period.
Where a pre-existing condition exclusion period is required it cannot usually be longer than 12 months and you have to be given credit for any previous continuous creditable coverage. In this case cover is classed as continuous when it is not interrupted by a break in excess of 63 consecutive days. The majority of private and government sponsored health coverage is considered to be creditable and this will include such things as Medicare, student health insurance, military health coverage, Medicaid, Indian health insurance, individual health insurance, foreign national coverage, VA coverage and more.
Where an employer requires a waiting period for individuals to enter a plan, or an HMO requires a similar affiliation period, these cannot be counted in determining a break in continuous coverage. Furthermore, any pre-existing condition exclusion period must take account of the waiting or affiliation period with the pre-existing condition exclusion period starting on the same day as the waiting or affiliation period.
If you are moving from one group plan to another then the administrator of the new scheme is permitted to examine your previous plan for the purpose of calculating any credit towards an exclusion period for your new plan. This may mean for example that if your new plan offers cover that was not provided under the previous plan then exclusion periods may be required for pre-existing conditions that were not formerly covered but that are covered under the new plan.
One more point worth noting is that you must be given appropriate written notice of any pre-existing condition exclusion period and the group plan administrator has to assist you in obtaining a certificate of creditable coverage for your old plan if you wish him to do so.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Getting To Grips With A Healthy Lifestyle
Getting To Grips With A Healthy Lifestyle
By Trish
In a perfect world we would all be eating the right food, exercising, sleeping well and just generally enjoying life.
In the real world most of us manage a percentage of the healthy lifestyle and muddle through as best we can with the rest of it. Part of the problem is we are encouraged to think, mostly by the media, that we should be doing everything possible towards a healthy lifestyle, all of the time. For most of us this is just not possible.
Constant concern about what we should or shouldn't be doing causes our stress levels to go up and that negates any good work that we've done. Yes, we should certainly try for a healthy lifestyle, but the two key words are "moderation" and "balance" By applying these criteria to achieving a healthy lifestyle we won't be beating ourselves up for failing another diet or dropping out of the latest exercise regime.
A common mistake that many people make when they decide to adopt a healthy lifestyle is to try to do too much too soon. They then give themselves a guilt complex when it all falls apart. It is also easy to be influenced by others, when we should only be adopting a healthy lifestyle plan to suit ourselves.
Ah! Did I say lifestyle plan? Do you have one, or do you just try the next thing that is in your magazine or Sunday supplement? By all means read these articles and take them into account as you plan how you want your healthy lifestyle to take shape.
Leading a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean you have got to run a mile before breakfast, eat seeds and think pure thoughts. Great if that's what you want, but for most of us "healthy" means being in reasonable shape, eating our fruit and vegetables and generally having a feeling of vitality.
Decide on your definition of a healthy lifestyle, and then plan a strategy that works for you.
As part of my health plan I decided I wanted to walk in the mornings before breakfast, but there was no way I wanted to get up at the crack of dawn to do it. So I planned a ten minute circuit that includes a short flight of steps and a not too steep incline. I power walked that route every day and felt really good. Sure l wouldn't make the City to Surf marathon, but I compromised and made it work for me.
Today, much is made of organic foods, but the reality is that organic food is generally more expensive and well out of the range for most budgets. Yes organic is probably the best option, but it doesn't mean that if you're not eating all organic you are not eating right. If you're concerned about general produce, be a bit discerning when you shop. Look for fruit and vegetables that are fresh and unblemished. You should also buy product brands that you can trust. If you shop wisely, you can have a well-balanced healthy diet that won't break the bank.
Basically living a healthy life means looking at your lifestyle as a whole, it is not just about diet and exercise. It is not always necessary to make major changes. Most people know their weak spots, and are happy if they can make a few changes that show results.
A friend of mine was drinking several cans of soft drink a day. She was feeling tired and generally under the weather. When I read an article about the health risk of soft drink I copied it and gave it to her, whereupon she decided to give up the soft drink there and then. A week later she got back to me and said she couldn't believe the difference, her energy levels were up and she was feeling great. Just that one change was able to make a difference and she feels good about the healthy choice.
Sleep and leisure time play a big part in a healthy lifestyle, and for the most part people underestimate the value of good sleep. Our bodies aren't designed to operate at peak performance twenty four hours a day. Anyone in industry knows that machines that have to work continuously need a lot of maintenance. When we are sleeping our body is healing and regenerating itself and we should wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized.
We can go without sleep for extended periods, but we can't do it indefinitely. The amount of sleep an individual needs varies a great deal, and there is no such thing as the right time to sleep. Obviously most people sleep at night, but if you are one of those folk that comes alive in the small hours, you might need to catch up with your sleep during the day.
A big part of healthy living is being comfortable with yourself. Don't be pressured into trying to attain a certain look, or push yourself down a career path you are not suited to. Constant worry about what you are doing will only have the opposite effect on your health. Don't get paranoid about your diet, about what toothpaste you should use or about expensive exercise equipment you need to buy.
Allow a common sense approach to dictate when you are making lifestyle choices, and remember, there is nothing wrong with compromise if it means your healthy lifestyle plan will work for you.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/
By Trish
In a perfect world we would all be eating the right food, exercising, sleeping well and just generally enjoying life.
In the real world most of us manage a percentage of the healthy lifestyle and muddle through as best we can with the rest of it. Part of the problem is we are encouraged to think, mostly by the media, that we should be doing everything possible towards a healthy lifestyle, all of the time. For most of us this is just not possible.
Constant concern about what we should or shouldn't be doing causes our stress levels to go up and that negates any good work that we've done. Yes, we should certainly try for a healthy lifestyle, but the two key words are "moderation" and "balance" By applying these criteria to achieving a healthy lifestyle we won't be beating ourselves up for failing another diet or dropping out of the latest exercise regime.
A common mistake that many people make when they decide to adopt a healthy lifestyle is to try to do too much too soon. They then give themselves a guilt complex when it all falls apart. It is also easy to be influenced by others, when we should only be adopting a healthy lifestyle plan to suit ourselves.
Ah! Did I say lifestyle plan? Do you have one, or do you just try the next thing that is in your magazine or Sunday supplement? By all means read these articles and take them into account as you plan how you want your healthy lifestyle to take shape.
Leading a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean you have got to run a mile before breakfast, eat seeds and think pure thoughts. Great if that's what you want, but for most of us "healthy" means being in reasonable shape, eating our fruit and vegetables and generally having a feeling of vitality.
Decide on your definition of a healthy lifestyle, and then plan a strategy that works for you.
As part of my health plan I decided I wanted to walk in the mornings before breakfast, but there was no way I wanted to get up at the crack of dawn to do it. So I planned a ten minute circuit that includes a short flight of steps and a not too steep incline. I power walked that route every day and felt really good. Sure l wouldn't make the City to Surf marathon, but I compromised and made it work for me.
Today, much is made of organic foods, but the reality is that organic food is generally more expensive and well out of the range for most budgets. Yes organic is probably the best option, but it doesn't mean that if you're not eating all organic you are not eating right. If you're concerned about general produce, be a bit discerning when you shop. Look for fruit and vegetables that are fresh and unblemished. You should also buy product brands that you can trust. If you shop wisely, you can have a well-balanced healthy diet that won't break the bank.
Basically living a healthy life means looking at your lifestyle as a whole, it is not just about diet and exercise. It is not always necessary to make major changes. Most people know their weak spots, and are happy if they can make a few changes that show results.
A friend of mine was drinking several cans of soft drink a day. She was feeling tired and generally under the weather. When I read an article about the health risk of soft drink I copied it and gave it to her, whereupon she decided to give up the soft drink there and then. A week later she got back to me and said she couldn't believe the difference, her energy levels were up and she was feeling great. Just that one change was able to make a difference and she feels good about the healthy choice.
Sleep and leisure time play a big part in a healthy lifestyle, and for the most part people underestimate the value of good sleep. Our bodies aren't designed to operate at peak performance twenty four hours a day. Anyone in industry knows that machines that have to work continuously need a lot of maintenance. When we are sleeping our body is healing and regenerating itself and we should wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized.
We can go without sleep for extended periods, but we can't do it indefinitely. The amount of sleep an individual needs varies a great deal, and there is no such thing as the right time to sleep. Obviously most people sleep at night, but if you are one of those folk that comes alive in the small hours, you might need to catch up with your sleep during the day.
A big part of healthy living is being comfortable with yourself. Don't be pressured into trying to attain a certain look, or push yourself down a career path you are not suited to. Constant worry about what you are doing will only have the opposite effect on your health. Don't get paranoid about your diet, about what toothpaste you should use or about expensive exercise equipment you need to buy.
Allow a common sense approach to dictate when you are making lifestyle choices, and remember, there is nothing wrong with compromise if it means your healthy lifestyle plan will work for you.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/
The Cornerstones To Better Health
The Cornerstones To Better Health
By Mike
How would you rate your own overall health on a scale of 1-10 right now (10 being top marks, 1 being lowest)?
I can tell you personally after coaching with more than a thousand people the average is between 4-6. The lower of those scores being the folks with aches, pains, weight or other issues, running through to the higher grades that gave answers such as; 'I used to be really fit, but then I just got a bit lazy', or 'I know I should do something about this (pain/flab/headache, etc) but I never get around to it.
The big 'W' weight.
Above all, being overweight and unfit are the two biggest culprits that can then open the door to so many other conditions and illnesses. According to a report by the Royal College of Physicians, the Faculty of Public Health, and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health over half the UK population are either overweight or obese (with a body mass index of more than 30), which breaks down to 70% of men and 63% of women.
Currently, one in 5 adults and one in 20 children under the age of 16 are obese, and if current trends continue it is estimated that at least one third of adults & children will be obese by 2020 - and these figures are more or less similar in other developed or developing countries around the world. I'm not writing this simply to shock you, but to impress upon you the absolute importance of maintaining your body in as good a shape as possible.
People come to me in coaching to help them create a great business plan, to move forward in some area of their life, to stoke up their motivation in a project. Yet, the one most solid basis for any of that is to be as healthy as possible. In creating a healthy life plan, to be in optimum health, is the one sure-fire way of achieving that success. Most experts believe there are 4 basic areas to achieving a better quality of health.
* Belief systems.
* Food & eating habits.
* Exercise.
* Support.
Belief Systems.
Simply, what goes on in your head creates who you are and what you do with your life. That's wonderful if all is well. If however, something is not as you want, whether it is health, career, finance, etc, one of the first areas to look at should be belief, because what you believe you generally create.
Food & eating habits.
You already know this! There has now been so much information on nutrition, diets, slimming, weight loss, optimum health and the like published that unless you've been living on Pluto the last few decades you must have been aware of at least some of it. What those articles don't tackle however, is what might be right for you. We are all different; we all enjoy, and dislike different things. Therefore, taking an individual approach, one that works for you, is key to achieving success.
Exercise.
Exercise should be tailored to your own body, age and lifestyle. It's like saying 'everyone likes ice cream' sure, some people do, though even with those, some would prefer chocolate, vanilla or strawberry.
Exercise can be so much more than going to the gym. If you have a fabulous gym near you that fires your imagination, then that's great. However, if not, then ask yourself 'what would be a fun way for me to raise my energy with?' A couple of my friends bought inline roller skates and spend Sunday's rolling around the park. Another rents a bike and takes a day trip to the country.
What would it be for you, because if you do find the fun in exercise it's the one area that'll affect all others?
Support.
This doesn't mean someone doing all the work for you. It doesn't mean that if you don't have the support of your partner or best friend it can't be done, and it certainly doesn't mean that if you can't afford a personal trainer or nutritionist, better health & fitness are impossible.
What it DOES mean is that you can begin today to support yourself better and more systematically. Do whatever you need to do to take ownership of your own well-being and begin the journey to achieving better, more vibrant health for you.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/
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