Individual health insurance is a health insurance plan that you own rather than one purchased for you by your employer. An individual health insurance plan can be purchased for your entire family. Rates for individual plans vary based on the health history of the individuals for whom they are purchased. These rates are frequently higher than the rates for group plans. The major difference between individual and group insurance is insurability. People buying an individual health insurance policy must fill out forms and provide health records allowing the insurance company to assess their risk of illness. This is reflected in the cost of the insurance. Group insurance costs depend on the size of group that is insured. The cost of an individual who is ill will be offset by large numbers of healthy individuals.
When purchasing individual health insurance it is best to determine what benefits you want and then shop around. The cost can vary significantly depending on the company and the type of coverage you choose. Issues to consider include doctors and hospitals that you wish to use along with your current and anticipated future healthcare needs. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) offer comprehensive coverage with few choices. If you are young and have no children you can save money purchasing a catastrophic policy where you pay for all the minor expenses. Most plans have a deductible or the amount that you pay before your insurance coverage begins. The price of the plan is larger the small the deductible.
People who are unemployed, self employed or work for companies who do not provide health insurance benefits can purchase individual healthcare coverage for themselves and their families. It is important to shop carefully with attention to your needs as well as the services that each individual health insurance plan provides.
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If you’ve been to your doctor lately and have been told you need to lose weight and go on a low sodium, low fat diet, you’re probably dreading doing that. Yes, you know that for the sake of your heart and circulatory system you have to lower your blood pressure and reduce your cholesterol.
Visions of dried out fish and chicken with lemon juice, no butter thank you, dance in your head. It’s good for you, but about as exciting as eating shoe leather. What you should know is that a few simple changes and additions to your diet can make all the difference in the world in preventing heart disease, lowering your cholesterol and your blood pressure. This dietary magic can be summed up in one word – antioxidants.
Here’re some ways to make a significant addition of antioxidants to your diet and enjoy it at the same time.
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, – any kind of berry is a good source of antioxidants. Toss some together in a blender with a banana and some orange juice and you’ve got a drink than your cardiologist would love.
Dark green veggies like broccoli and spinach are in this antioxidant group. Lightly stir fry some spinach in a little olive oil and serve it with your fish. Not spicy enough? Throw in some of everyone’s favorite antioxidant – garlic.
Of course you can take garlic and roast it until it’s soft, chop some tomatoes and use it as a spread on some whole grain French bread. Another antioxidant winner.
There are several foods rich in antioxidants. We’ve just touched on a few – berries, broccoli, spinach, garlic, tomatoes and whole grain bread. We haven’t touched on a favorite antioxidant rich treat. Red wine and dark chocolate.
It’s amazing how something that tastes that good can be so good for you.
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