Tag Archives: Healthcare

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5 Breakthroughs in Healthcare in 2015

Medical Breakthrough2015 has flown by! Healthcare continues to develop in amazing ways. As 2015 comes to an end, one of our readers asked:

What are are some of the medical breakthroughs that happened in 2015? Here are our top 5:

1. “Cancer seeing” Technology

Medical imaging technology developed at the University of Lincoln, UK could revolutionize cancer treatment. The instrument is called PRaVDA (Proton Radiotherapy Verification and Dosimetry Applications) and uses proton beam therapy to localize treatment, which causes less damage to healthy tissue. This will hopefully become a viable treatment for cancer patients.

2. Optical Scanners

Hand-held optical scanners have been developed with the potential to offer breast cancer imaging in real time using a near-infrared laser diode. Hopefully these will be used by physicians in the future as part of regular visits. They are further being developed to be able to determine tumor size and depth.

3. Small 3-D Cameras for Brain Surgery

MARVEL (Multi Angle Rear Viewing Endoscopic tool) was designed as a camera to aid in brain surgery by producing 3D images from inside the brain. The camera is being developed at NASA’s Laboratory in California. It is 4 millimeters in diameter and 15 millimeters long. Use of the camera will lead to faster, safer minimally invasive brain surgeries.

4. Microchip Sensors Placed in Patients

The Mount Sinai Hospital has begun putting tiny microchip sensors in patients with advanced heart failure to better monitor symptoms and reduce chances of returning to the hospital. This allows early signs to be detected before symptoms arise. The device has reduced readmission by up to 37 percent.

5. Dissolvable Surgical Clips

Dissolvable clips were invented that are absorbed by the body after a certain period of time. It can reduce the rate of postoperative complications and minimize diagnostic imaging problems. As many as 30 to 40 clips may be used during a single procedure.

As 2015 comes to a close, we continue to watch healthcare grow and develop in exciting ways. I will continue to keep you updated on the healthcare issues that affect you the most. Happy Holidays!

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How to Keep Your Family Healthy this Holiday

Multi Generation Family On Countryside WalkLast Wednesday we held a webinar on 7 Strategies to Keep Your Family Healthy this Holiday. Thank you to everyone who attended. We are thrilled with your interest and participation.
We received a lot of great questions and, due to time limits, we were not able to answer all of them. So as we promised, here are some of your questions and the answers:
1. Do you have to go through your employer to get a Health Savings Account?
ANSWER: No, anyone can set up a Health Savings Account. To qualify, you must be under 65 years old and have high-deductible health insurance.
2. When should I get my flu shot?
ANSWER: Flu season runs from October to May, so the best time to get your flu shot is early fall.
3. What should I do if I think one of my relatives is depressed during the holidays?
ANSWER: Encourage them to see a therapist. Depression is a serious disease that should be handled by medical professionals. If you think your relative just has a case of the “holiday blues,” let them know you are there for them if they want to talk. Encourage them to exercise and get enough sleep. If they are stressed, offer to help in the kitchen, or help watch their kids, run last minute errands, and so on.
4.  How can I help my loved one in an assisted living facility celebrate the holiday?
ANSWER: There are many ways to celebrate with your loved ones in assisted living facilities. If they are unable to come to your celebration, bring some holiday cheer to them. Bring family photos and mementos, decorate Christmas cookies, watch their favorite Christmas movie with them. For my father, I had a special “small” Christmas tree decorated for his room. If the facility they live in is too far away, try Skyping or FaceTiming them and don’t forget to send a thoughtful Christmas card!
5.  How do I enroll in Medicare?
ANSWER: You may be automatically enrolled. If you are, you will get your red, white and blue Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. You will need to sign up if you are not getting Social Security or RRB benefits or if you live in Puerto Rico. Apply online at https://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/apply.html, visit your local Social Security office, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. 
Please continue to send us your questions. We will be scheduling more webinars soon. I’d love to hear from you!
To learn more about your healthcare, please subscribe to MyHealthSpin.com and receive a FREE copy of my toolkit which includes 2 free ebooks and lots of great information.
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Going Off to College: Parents’ Insurance or ObamaCare?

Health Insurance Safety Healthcare Protection Office Working ConUsually, the best choice is your parent’s health insurance plan.  

First, you are only eligible for ObamaCare Health Exchange insurance if you have no other health insurance options.

Additionally, it is often better to stay on your parent’s insurance because if they have a big group plan at work the cost of maintaining coverage for you is not very expensive. This is especially true if your parents are already covering other members of the family. You should ask your insurance company how much it will cost to maintain coverage for you while you are in college. Your parents’ plan will also often cover more healthcare items and have a lower deductible than many ObamaCare plans.

If your parents do not have a health plan through work, ObamaCare may be a good option. To find out whether you are eligible, log into the ObamaCare website www.healthcare.gov. After answering several questions, you will be able to see your options. Each state has different insurance companies offering plans in that state.

Are you planning on staying on your parents health insurance plan while in college? I’d love to hear from you!

MyHealthSpin helps you Spin Your Healthcare Your Way!

Check out how more information on insurance in our new book, Easy Healthcare: Choose Your Health Insurance.