Stroke – Fighting the Stoke With All the Tools Available

Stroke is the second leading cause of death around the world. It is the leading cause of disabilities in the US. Those two facts are why having good health insurance in place is critical, especially if you or your family have a chance of having one. They happen when blood flow stops or diminishes drastically to the brain. When the blood doesn’t reach the brain, some parts of the brain can stop working properly. Many patients experience lose motion of limbs, speech impediment, or vision problems as a result. Often the incident focuses on one side or the other of the body. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

What can lead to a stroke? The underlying causes are usually a blockage in a critical blood vessel or a leak in one of them. But, what leads to those blockages and leakages are the real culprits. High blood pressure is a leading factor. This is often due to a poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle, and drug use. Another factor is diabetes. Patients with diabetes are up to three times as like to have a blockage or leakage than people without it. Other medical conditions may cause these attacks also. It is important for everyone to have enough medical coverage in place to help deal with these conditions.

Strokes incur more than just diagnosis and treatment costs. Many people suffer with an impediment in the speech, motion, or vision. These often require physical therapy for a period after leaving the hospital in order to regain function when possible. Patients also need follow up visits with their doctor and specialists to reduce their chances of developing another episode. Without follow up and physical therapy, many patients are permanently disabled and likely to suffer additional episodes which can lead to further problems. Good medical insurance is imperative in these cases for diagnosis, treatment and follow up.

People who smoke, are obese, or have lifestyle problems have a higher than normal risk of having a stroke. If you fit into one of these categories, it is very important to make sure your health insurance is ready to go. If you have an attack, the medical insurance can save your life since the doctors and hospitals will not hesitate to give treatments. Having medical insurance will give you, the best chance to survive and recover to the greatest extent possible.

If you need assistance in locating particular coverages at a pre-determined price, we can help you find a Free health insurance quote and save up to 50% on your monthly premium.…

How to Beat the Heat – Staying Cool During Summer Heatwaves

As temperatures heat up across the country and we find ourselves in a heatwave, it’s more important than ever to stay cool and beat the heat. Here are five tips you can use to make sure you and your family stay safe during the hottest days of summer.

Dress the part – Wear light clothing that breathes easy. Most experts advise on wearing cotton. There are new clothing products on the market that help to keep you cool and wick moisture away. Check out your local sporting goods store. Wearing light colored clothing helps to reflect the sun away. Stay away from dark color clothes which could make you warmer.

Take it slow – It is recommended that on really hot days that you limit your physical activity outdoors. Especially during the hottest times of the day. If you normally exercise outdoors, it’s wise on these hot days to move that to either early morning or very late in the evening. If you have to be outside, slow down and take your time.

Stay hydrated – Keep a bottle of water with you on those really hot days. You are going to lose a lot of water through sweating when temperatures rise. As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, freeze a bottle of water then keep it with you during the day. The ice will slowly melt leaving you ice cold water to enjoy.

Stay inside – If your house has air conditioning stay inside to keep cool. If you don’t have an air conditioner head out for the day, go to the mall, a movie, or you public library.

Eat less – Many of us accustomed to eating healthy already eat smaller more frequent meals during the day. During the hottest days of the year spread your meals out and eat less but more frequently. If you eat too much and then get hot you run the risk of getting sick, and then possibly dehydrating from being sick.

Heat related injuries happen when the body can no longer keep itself cool On really hot and humid days the body can really struggle to keep cool. The humidity will make it harder for the body to stay cool because sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly. Certain groups of people are also more at risk to heat related injuries such as the elderly, children, infants, and those with chronic illnesses. Be a good neighbor and check in on your neighbors during these hot days to make sure they are coping well.

According to the Red Cross there are three categories of heat-related illness.

Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness.

Heat Cramps – Heat cramps happen due to a loss of fluids and a loss of electrolytes. Symptoms of heat cramps involve muscle cramping and aching. This is an early sign that the body is having a hard time coping with the heat.

Heat Exhaustion – Happens during strenuous exercise or …