Rapid Covid Testing – Options for the Masses!

Rapid Covid Testing – Options for the Masses!

It seems that the world has gone mad with Covid confusion! We can now add Covid-19 testing to the general conversation of whether we go up or down, or down then up.

Last week, a young adult relative returned to the office. On day one, he returned with handfuls of rapid Covid-19 test kits. Always curious, I asked about that process. He knew no more than to repeat the directions received at work: If you at any point are at home and not feeling well, or feel that you have been exposed to someone with a positive result, just complete the rapid test before leaving home for work, and if a positive result for Covid infection is indicated – time to stay home. And stay there for the next ten days.

Always curious, I had a slew of questions:

Confusing and Predatory Hospital Billing!

Confusing and Predatory Hospital Billing!

Are there any large hospital bills looming over you in your life? This recent article from Axios (How America’s top hospitals hound patients with predatory billing/https://www.axios.com/hospital-billing/ ) caught my eye as it speaks to the reality of how insane hospital medical billing processes can be. It is a real pressure cooker for those caught in the crosshairs.

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month

According to the National Center for PTSD, the disorder (post traumatic stress disorder) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. During this kind of event, you may not have any control over what's happening, and you may feel very afraid. Anyone who has gone through something like this can develop PTSD.

June is National Men's Health Month

June is National Men's Health Month

June is National Men’s Health Month and a time to encourage all men to take care of their mind, body, and their spirit. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to raise awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart conditions, and mental illness. Many men feel they are invincible and are unaware of health issues, lack health education, and feel they must “man up” when they are sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the leading causes of death for men in the U.S. are heart disease, cancer, and unintended accidental injuries.

Seven health issues that may occur as men age:

Will New Drug Bring Hope for Alzheimer's Patients?

Will New Drug Bring Hope for Alzheimer's Patients?

This past Monday, June 7, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first new Alzheimer’s drug in nearly two decades. The drug, Aduhelm is manufactured by Biogen, Inc. and its action is to reduce the sticky protein substance in the brain called amyloid, which is associated with the cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. This drug offers hope to millions of people affected by this dreaded disease and to their caregivers as well.

Save That Down Payment for your House - Not Your Hospital Bill!

Save That Down Payment for your House - Not Your Hospital Bill!

When is the right time to pay your hospital bill….anytime but at the hospital!

This has been a tough time for a HealthLink Advocates client with a chronic medical condition and a rather long list of physicians. A general practitioner, many specialists, and an ongoing treatment plan is in the mix for this client to live a pain-free life. While the physicians have been able to make progress with some of the medical situations, looming in the background are the host of medical bills that are ever-present. A big question to ask: How much better can you feel when you have your pain under control, but are under mental stress and pressure, knowing that you owe thousands of dollars for that medical care?

Hospital In Your Home?

Hospital In Your Home?

On May 13, 2021, Mayo Clinic and Kaiser Permanente announced they have invested $100 million in Medically Home as they map out a blueprint for complex in-home care as reported in Modern Healthcare. They have piloted this program where nurses, physician assistants, and community paramedics deliver in-person care with the help of a 24/7 command center staffed by clinicians and an integrated care team. This model can treat routine infections, chronic diseases, emergency care, cancer, acute COVID-19 cases, infusions, lab and imaging tests rehabilitation, behavioral health, and transfusions.

Can Meditation be the Foundation for Mental Health?

Can Meditation be the Foundation for Mental Health?

Mental Health is such a vital part of our overall health and wellness. A healthy mind sets the tone for our attitude and outlook on life. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and a good time to take stock of how we are maintaining our own mental health. The previous year of 2020 brought so much anxiety and tension on a national level related to the Covid-19 pandemic and social unrest.