How To Find A Good Primary Care Doctor

How To Find A Good Primary Care Doctor

Finding a good primary care doctor can be a daunting task, but it is essential for maintaining good health. A primary care doctor, such as Premier Primary Care Medicine, serves as the first point of contact for medical care and is responsible for coordinating all aspects of a patient’s health, from preventive care to managing chronic illnesses. Here are some tips for finding a good primary care doctor.

Ask for Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a good primary care doctor is to ask for recommendations from friends, family members, or coworkers. People who have had positive experiences with a doctor are often happy to share their recommendations. It’s important to ask for specific details about what they liked about the doctor, such as their communication style, the time spent during appointments, or their approach to preventive care.

Check Credentials

It’s important to verify that the doctor you are considering is licensed and board-certified. Board certification indicates that the doctor has completed additional training and has passed a rigorous examination in their specialty. You can check a doctor’s credentials through state medical boards or professional organizations.

Consider Location and Convenience

The location and hours of the doctor’s office are important factors to consider. It’s best to choose a doctor whose office is conveniently located to your home or workplace. The hours should also be convenient for you, especially if you have a busy schedule. Some doctors offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients’ schedules.

Look for Patient-Centered Care

A good primary care doctor should focus on patient-centered care, which means that they take into account a patient’s unique needs, preferences, and values. They should listen carefully to patients’ concerns and work with them to develop a personalized care plan that aligns with their goals. They should also be willing to answer questions and explain medical issues in plain language.

Check Reviews

Online reviews can provide helpful insights into a doctor’s practice. Patients can leave reviews on various websites such as Google, Healthgrades, or Zocdoc. While reviews can be helpful, it’s important to keep in mind that they may not always be reliable. Look for reviews that offer specific details about the doctor’s communication, bedside manner, and expertise.

Inquire about Insurance

Before scheduling an appointment, it’s important to check if the doctor accepts your insurance. This can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs. You can contact the doctor’s office or your insurance provider to verify coverage and inquire about any copays or deductibles.

Schedule a Consultation

Once you’ve identified a potential doctor, consider scheduling a consultation to meet with them in person. This can give you a chance to ask questions and get a sense of their communication style and approach to care. You can ask about their experience, training, and approach to managing chronic illnesses or preventive care. You can also inquire about the doctor’s availability and the process for scheduling appointments.

Finding a good primary care doctor is essential for maintaining good health. By asking for recommendations, checking credentials, considering location and convenience, looking for patient-centered care, checking reviews, inquiring about insurance, and scheduling a consultation, you can find a doctor who meets your unique needs and can provide comprehensive and personalized care. A good primary care doctor can help you stay healthy and manage any medical issues that arise throughout your life.

What is healthier coffee or wine? Real talk with Alexey Nаgibin

What is healthier coffee or wine? Real talk with Alexey Nаgibin

We know one man who has real expertise in this question – an ultra expert with more than ten years of experience – Alexey Nagibin.

To gain insight into this issue, we turned to a real expert in the specialty coffee market. Trained as a wine sommelier, as well, as a real ‘Robert Parker’ of the specialty coffee world, the author of the systematized method for evaluating coffee and the creator of his own training programs for baristas, Coffee Specialty Education Trust, founder the Coffee Collective brew bar – Alexey Nagibin!


This is a very good question because a lot has been said and studied about the benefits of wine, but coffee is still often classified as a harmful drink, which is primarily associated with low level of knowledge about its properties.


The most dangerous thing that scares people off in coffee is caffeine itself, though in many drinks, take tea, for example, its contents is a way more, but it does not have such a reputation. I have already been asked this question in lectures and I studied it in more detail, so let’s sort it all out at last! As a subject for comparison, let’s take a good biodynamic red wine, say, from Austria, and specialty coffee from Kenya.


What do we know about the benefits of coffee from scientific evidence?


There are certain studies that include information that those people who consume a moderate amount of alcohol are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases and may even have a longer life expectancy. We don’t know with absolute certainty, however, whether this is explained by the consumption of wine, seems more likely to be geographical peculiarities. Scientists have discovered that the substances contained in red wine can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strengthen the walls of arteries. Scientists from University of Iowa published that daily consumption of red wine, in particular, helps to improve mental activity, but, at the same time,
alcohol can trigger cardiovascular diseases, increase in blood pressure, which will lead to an increase in weight and in fat levels in blood and bad cholesterol.
One shouldn’t forget the fact that alcohol, wine included, allows to relax and reduces stress level. The fact speaks for itself: doctors directly assure that for people with diabetes no amount of alcohol is safe.
Excessive consumption of any alcohol accounts for the following health problems: damage done to liver cells, the possibility of oncological diseases: throat cancer, laryngeal or esophageal cancer, pancreatitis, psychological problems. What’s more, some people should not drink alcohol at all. Take pregnant women, for example.
We know for sure that resveratrol is a useful substance, but its content in wine is so little that it is dangerous for your health if you drink alcohol in the hope of filling your body with this antioxidant.
There are even special recommendations for alcohol consumption for adults in America: up to 2 and no more drinks per day for men and 1 for women, that is, we are talking about equivalent to 50-75 ml of red wine. And all the doctors say that less consumption of alcohol or its complete elimination is definitely better for the body than its consumption.
As for coffee, the considered harm must be from caffeine, which is can be really dangerous for humans, but to get a dangerous dose you need to drink approximately 40-50 cups of high quality arabica coffee in less than a couple of hours. It is unlikely that someone will manage to do it (you should not even try to carry out such an experiment). What is that good we know about the effect of coffee on humans? Consuming 2-3 cups of coffee per day may reduce the risk of heart failure (Study ‘Circulation: Health Failure’ published by the American Heart Association, 2021). Also, studies have revealed the most beneficial effect of coffee on the liver and a positive effect for those with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

We also know that coffee interferes with the absorption of calcium and washes it out because has a diuretic effect, so it is prohibited for pregnant women with weak bones, as well as for those who have a hyperactive fetus, as coffee stimulates the central nervous system.
So, drinking water is important both when drinking coffee and drinking wine, as alcohol dehydrates. Drink a glass of water for every glass of coffee you drink to replenish water balance. It seems that wine has been defeated, but I still would not say that it all has only one side. One shouldn’t go from one extreme to the other, it is also important to think about the tastes of these drinks for a man.


Despite the fact that coffee objectively turns out to be a very good drink, which has the benefits of all trending movements: it’s healthy, gluten-free, lactose-free, alcohol-free, and vegan, and this is one of the reasons for growth of its popularity and the reasons why I like it very much because I can indulge myself in smacking the tastes in the morning, while driving and even in the evening. I put forward a life perspective from the point of view of hedonism, and if we exclude all the above, then even a glass of good wine combined with gastronomy is, first of all, incredibly delicious and a cup of specialty coffee with an almond croissant or a brownie can raise the level of serotonin and give real happiness!
If you are healthy and do not have any addictions, you can allow yourself both drinks, the key point is to stick to the principles of conscious consumption and select a high-quality product.
Instagram @nagibinalexey 
LinkedIn Alexey Nagibin

Facebook Alexey Nagibin

A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers Battling Anxiety

A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers Battling Anxiety

Parenting a teenager is no easy task. As your child transitions into adolescence, they will go through a range of physical and emotional changes. One of the parents’ most common challenges is helping their teenager manage anxiety. Anxiety is a natural stress response, but it can interfere with daily life when it becomes excessive. As a parent, it’s important to understand how to support your teenager through this process. Anxiety is a common mental health issue affecting teenagers, and parents need to know how to help their children navigate it.

Here is a parent’s guide to helping teenagers battling anxiety.

1. Understand Anxiety

The first step in helping your teenager deal with anxiety is understanding what it is and how it affects them. Anxiety is a natural stress response, but it can become a mental health disorder when it becomes excessive. Anxiety symptoms include restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as sweating or rapid heartbeat.

2. Communicate with Your Teenager

Open communication is critical when it comes to dealing with anxiety. Ensure your teenager knows they can talk to you about their feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. Please encourage them to express their emotions and listen to them without interruption or judgment.

3. Encourage Healthy Habits

Encourage your teenager to develop healthy habits that can help manage anxiety. These habits include regular exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep habits. Encourage your teenager to find hobbies or activities that they enjoy, and that can help them relax.

4. Seek Professional Help

If your teenager is struggling with anxiety, finding a counselor to help is essential. A counselor can help teenagers develop coping skills and provide a safe space to discuss their feelings. Look for a counselor who has experience working with teenagers and anxiety. You can find a counselor by asking for recommendations from your healthcare provider or school counselor.

5. Develop a Plan

Please work with your teenager and their counselor to develop a plan to manage anxiety. This plan may include deep breathing, mindfulness, or journaling strategies. Encourage your teenager to use these strategies when they feel anxious, and make sure they know it’s okay to take a break when needed.

6. Be Supportive

It’s essential to support your teenager throughout their journey with anxiety. Remember that anxiety can be a long-term issue; you must show your teenager that you are there for them, no matter what. Encourage your teenager to take small steps towards managing their anxiety and celebrate their successes.

As a parent, helping your teenager navigate through anxiety can be a challenging task. It’s essential to understand anxiety, communicate with your teenager, encourage healthy habits, seek professional help, develop a plan, and be supportive. Remember that every teenager is unique, and their anxiety journey may differ. With the proper support and guidance, your teenager can develop the skills needed to manage their anxiety and live a fulfilling life. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a professional counselor with experience working with teenagers and anxiety.

Remember that managing anxiety is a process and may take time. Be patient and kind to yourself as you work on battling anxiety.

What to Do if You Get Hurt at Work

What to Do if You Get Hurt at Work

Every year, about 2.8% of the working population suffers an injury that requires medical care. Although this doesn’t seem significant, statistically speaking, a worker with a 40-year career is more than 75% likely to be injured at some point.

There are some industries that are significantly more (and less) dangerous, but on average, workers have a good chance of being injured eventually.

If you get hurt at work, your focus will probably be on getting better. In the meantime, you should take the following steps to ensure that you are taken care of properly and that you get back to normal as soon as possible.

Seek medical treatment

As soon as you get hurt, seek medical treatment. This is important because it’s the only way to make sure that your injuries are documented and assessed by a professional doctor. If you don’t seek medical attention right away, it can be harder to prove how serious your injuries were, and therefore, harder for your employer to compensate you for them later.

Get a doctor’s note stating that you were injured at work that outlines any necessary treatments. Ideally, this document should also include recommendations regarding what activities should be avoided until healing has occurred or is close enough to no longer be at risk of re-injury from those activities being resumed too soon (like lifting heavy objects).

Tell your supervisor or HR representative about the injury

If you get hurt at work, tell your supervisor or HR representative as soon as possible. They’ll help you figure out what to do next and make sure that you get compensated.

If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask them to write down what happened in case there’s any dispute about what occurred. This can help prove that it was an accident and that it happened when and how you are claiming.

Finally, if possible, take photos of the scene where the accident took place to show proof of how serious the situation is and why compensation should be given out accordingly.

File for workers’ compensation.

Once you’ve made your work aware of the accident, file for workers’ compensation. It doesn’t matter if you are full-time, part-time, insured, or a seasonal worker. Every employee is entitled to workers’ compensation.

You can file the claim yourself or use an attorney. Most states allow injured workers to file their own claims with their employers’ insurance companies as long as they have all relevant documentation on hand. If things are really complicated, or if multiple doctors, therapists, and other parties are involved, it could be beneficial to hire an attorney.

Keep detailed notes about your medical care for your employer

You should keep a detailed record of your medical care and progress. Write down your doctors’ names, what they said and did, and how long it took to get an appointment. Also include information about medications you’re taking and any side effects. If you have health insurance or an HMO plan, keep track of when payments were made for each visit or procedure. Keep these records in one place where they can be found by anyone who might need them.

Conclusion

Nobody ever wants to get hurt at work, and hopefully, it never happens to you. But if it does, it is important that you take these steps to ensure that you are taken care of in the best way possible.

5 Essential Things to Know Before Using Hemp Flowers

5 Essential Things to Know Before Using Hemp Flowers

Hemp flowers have recently gained popularity due to their versatile and natural properties. These small green buds come from the hemp plant and contain compounds such as CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids, offering numerous health benefits. The following are five essential things you should know before using hemp flowers to ensure that you are making the most of this amazing plant.

1. Distinguishing Hemp Flowers from Marijuana Flowers

It is important to understand that hemp flowers come from a different species of cannabis plant than marijuana, and they contain significantly lower levels of THC. THC is the compound in marijuana that is responsible for the “high” feeling. Hemp flowers contain less than 0.3% THC, making them non-psychoactive and safe to use. This is crucial to remember, as marijuana is still illegal in many parts of the world and may have severe consequences if used incorrectly.

2. The Versatility of Hemp Flowers

Hemp flowers can be used in various forms, offering a wide range of possibilities for consumption. Dried hemp flowers can be smoked for a relaxing experience, tinctures can be used sublingually for quick absorption into the bloodstream, and edibles can be infused with hemp flowers for a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional snacks. Hemp flower-infused beauty products, such as lotions and bath bombs, are also available, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. This versatility means that hemp flowers can be used to suit your individual needs and preferences.

3. The Health Benefits of Hemp Flowers

One of the primary reasons for the popularity of hemp flowers is their potential health benefits. Hemp flowers contain CBD, which has various health benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression, managing pain, and improving sleep quality. CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis. This interaction can help regulate various physiological processes and improve overall health and well-being. Additionally, the presence of terpenes and flavonoids in hemp flowers can enhance the benefits of CBD and offer additional health benefits.

4. The Environmental Benefits of Hemp Flowers

Hemp plants are incredibly resilient and require minimal water, making them an environmentally friendly option. This, combined with the fact that hemp can produce various products, including textiles, paper, and building materials, reduces the need for other resources that are harmful to the environment. By choosing to use hemp flowers, you are positively impacting the environment and supporting sustainable practices.

5. The Legal Status of Hemp Flowers

Hemp flowers are legal in many countries, including the United States, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. However, it is important to check the local laws in your area before purchasing or using hemp flowers to ensure that you comply with the law. In some regions, there may be restrictions on the use of hemp flowers, so it is crucial to be informed about the legal status in your area before making a purchase or using the product.

Hemp flowers are versatile and natural products with numerous health and environmental benefits. Whether you use them for their CBD content, as a natural alternative to traditional medicine, or for their environmental benefits, hemp flowers are a product worth exploring. Always check local laws before purchasing or using hemp flowers, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about their use. By understanding the essentials and benefits of hemp flowers, you can make an informed decision and use them to their fullest potential.

5 Reasons to Get an Outdoor Kitchen

5 Reasons to Get an Outdoor Kitchen

Do you want to get an outdoor kitchen for your property? Buying an outdoor kitchen means increasing your seating capacity and saving money on energy expenses. But there are other benefits you can unlock by repurposing your back deck into a more useable space.

One source says that outdoor kitchens ranked as the top kitchen trend of 2022. And once you learn how an outdoor kitchen can help you, you’ll likely want one for your backyard space.

Continue reading for five reasons why you need an outdoor kitchen if you don’t already have one.

1. Make the Most of Your Exterior Space

One reason you should consider installing an outdoor kitchen is that it’ll allow you to make the most of your home’s exterior space. It’ll almost be like adding to your home’s usable square footage. Many homeowners seek to create outdoor living spaces to enjoy every nook and cranny of their properties. Getting an online kitchen will help.

2. Enjoy the Benefits of Being Outdoors

Spending time outdoors has many benefits, including physical and mental wellness, since you can enjoy nature, which can lower stress, cortisol levels, heart rates, and muscle tension. Fresh air will also clean your lungs, boost your energy, and improve your digestion. So, there’s something to be said about spending as much outdoors as possible. An outdoor kitchen will provide the perfect time to spend with family and friends.

3. Provide Opportunities for Socializing

Another reason you’ll want to get an outdoor kitchen is that it’ll allow you to bring together family, friends, and neighbors. Perhaps you’re the sort of person who likes to have company. Whether you have the space inside your kitchen or not, gathering on the back deck can make a get-together even more fun. You can seat your guests on the back deck and then cook the meal in the outdoor kitchen. An outdoor kitchen can come equipped with whatever you want, such as a sink with running water, cabinets, countertops, a grill, and whatever else you fancy having.

It wasn’t that long ago that people were forced to stay home and avoid large gatherings. Now that those mandates are over, why not enjoy time outside with people you know and care about? Besides, meeting outside means you won’t be cooped up in your indoor kitchen.

4. Boost Valuation of Your Home

Yet another reason to get an outdoor kitchen is that you’ll boost the valuation of your home by so doing. How many homeowners do you know who have invested in equipping their outdoor living spaces with outdoor kitchens? While more and more people are going this route, that doesn’t mean every home has one. You can differentiate your property, make it more desirable to homebuyers, and increase its valuation by installing an outdoor kitchen. Whether you plan to sell or stay put, your residence will be worth more.

5. Keep the Cooking Smells Outside

Even if you cook the most mouth-watering meals, you don’t want the scents to linger for hours or even days after the meals. But that’s what you might face if you cook inside your kitchen. It’s one thing if it’s the aroma of fresh bread or oatmeal-and-raisin cookies. But it’s another thing if it’s the aroma of a garlic-heavy meal. You can avoid this if you cook in your outdoor kitchen. You won’t have to worry about lingering aromas that you don’t care to keep smelling after eating.

These are just a handful of reasons why it makes sense to have an outdoor kitchen. If you finally get one for your property, you’ll likely discover more benefits of having an outdoor kitchen.

The Benefits of Being Part of a Crohn’s Disease Support Group

The Benefits of Being Part of a Crohn’s Disease Support Group

There are many benefits to being part of a Crohn’s disease support group. You can get information, emotional support, and help with surgical treatments. In addition, you can even meet other patients with the same condition.

Information

Many support groups are available to help people living with Crohn’s disease. They may provide emotional support, information, and social opportunities. A crohn’s disease support group near me is a great place to find friends with the same condition.

There are numerous organizations and online groups to choose from. Find one that is right for you. Many nonprofit organizations are dedicated to educating patients and allowing them to meet other people with the disease. Some of the best online IBD support communities are those affiliated with professional medical organizations. These sites offer news, information about digestive disorders, and recent health innovations. In addition, many nonprofit organizations can be an excellent resource for people with Crohn’s. These organizations have volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, and chances to meet other people with the disease.

Several nonprofit organizations also offer an online support group.

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract to swell and become inflamed. It affects the small intestine and the large intestine and can cause complications. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramping. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can be anywhere along the bowel, but most people with the condition develop it at the beginning or end of the small intestine. In addition to the inflammation, the infection may also affect the bowel. This can lead to fistulas, which are a type of bowel blockage. Surgery can help remove these obstructions. Crohn’s can also cause mouth sores, which are ulcers that appear along the tongue or lower lip. They may appear as red, painful patches or as small tears. Taking a balanced diet and using mouthwash can help prevent them. Crohn’s disease can also cause bleeding. Anemia and low iron levels can result. Blood tests can be performed to determine the cause of these conditions. People with the disease can also develop a stoma, an opening through the feces. These fistulas can be a source of infection, so they must be treated. A surgical procedure can remove the stoma and widen the stricture. Getting treatment early is essential. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Surgical treatments for Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a digestive disorder that causes inflammation of the intestines. It affects people of all ages. However, it most commonly affects teenagers and young adults. The symptoms of Crohn’s can be very severe and include pain, bloody stools, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Surgical treatments for Crohn’s may be necessary for some patients. These treatments are designed to help ease the pain and inflammation associated with the disease. They can also prevent complications. Surgical treatment for Crohn’s typically involves removing a portion of the intestine. This can relieve some of the symptoms of the disease, but it does not cure it. In addition to surgery, medications are often used to treat Crohn’s. These medications work by reducing inflammation in the intestine. This reduces the symptoms of the disease and allows the body to heal itself. Surgery is often used for patients who have severe symptoms. For example, if the patient has an abscess, a surgeon might need to remove some of the diseased portions of the intestine. Surgical procedures are also necessary for patients who have fistulas. Depending on the patient’s disease severity, a doctor may recommend medications or alternative therapies. Some of the more common drugs are immunomodulators and biological agents. Biologic agents interrupt the signals between the immune system and the gastrointestinal tract.

Emotional support

Crohn’s disease is a gastrointestinal ailment that causes digestive tract inflammation. It affects people of all ages. Numerous treatments are available to help manage the symptoms, including surgery to remove part of the colon. For some patients, having a support group is a way to get emotional support. This could be an online forum or a group of friends. A study examining the efficacy of peer support interventions found that it had a small to medium effect on both short- and long-term outcomes. Peer specialist programs aimed at supporting individuals with IBD included one-on-one emotional counseling, tailored educational materials, and a variety of other resources. One of the aims of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of peer support interventions for IBD about the other commonly used magic bullets’. The other shots were education and clinical trials. A search for systematic review of the literature on these topics was conducted. In the end, the authors identified 5013 titles and abstracts. Of those, 75 were then selected for review. Only two studies focused on Crohn’s disease. However, researchers also identified peer support for other chronic conditions as relevant to IBD. Other sources of support include online groups for people with IBD, therapists, and employee assistance programs. While the efficacy of peer support interventions for other chronic illnesses was demonstrated, there is little evidence of their effectiveness for IBD.

Are You Stuck in the Meatrix?

Are You Stuck in the Meatrix?

What is the Meatrix, and are you stuck in it? Author Stuart Waldner explains why eating a plant based diet is eye opening and will change your life forever. Not only will your health improve, and the planet improve, but you’ll feel like you’ve taken the red pill and never look back.

Q. What’s one thing readers should know before they start reading your book? 

A. First and foremost, Escape the Meatrix is not a book of blame and shame, it’s an opportunity to discover the truth about our world. It’s a book of hope, empowerment, and invitation, which is why I wanted the cover to have a hand offering the reader a red pill. I hope readers will keep an open mind, understand the science, and remain curious while reading my book.

Q. Why do you think your book will convince others to stop eating meat?

A. Knowledge is power. I may be naïve, but in my heart, I believe most people are good and would prefer not to contribute to climate change and needless suffering for themselves, their loved ones, or animals. I show the science that proves how eating animal-based foods contributes immensely to climate change and environmental degradation. It explains how we’ll be healthier if we ditch animal-based foods. In fact, in 2016 Oxford University determined that by the year 2050, 8.1 million human lives would be saved each year if everyone adopted a plant-based lifestyle, and that food-related greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by 70%! Once a person learns the truth, I think they’ll make different and better choices in the grocery aisle.

Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?

A. Keanu Reeves because he played Neo in the Matrix film franchise and he’s an avid animal lover.

Q. Can you tell us three fun facts about you?

A. I learned to juggle on a nude beach in Hawai’i. I’ve travelled to every continent except Antarctica. I make up songs and sing them to my dogs.

Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world? 

A. I’m a recovering perfectionist.

Q What makes your book unputdownable? 

A. The timeliness of my book. Our earth is experiencing a 5-alarm fire from problems that range from climate change, emerging infectious diseases, mass extinction rates, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, our declining health, to the horrible return on investment of animal agriculture. The signs are all around us. Reading that might make you feel a bit overwhelmed. But the great thing I discovered while researching this book is the all the above and more are connected to the food on our plates and choices we make in the grocery aisle.

At its core my book is about how one small change, a plant-based lifestyle, can make a huge difference. When we look at our world, it’s easy to become cynical and lose hope that things can ever change. But my book is about hope and empowerment. Escaping the Meatrix brings very real and positive change. Climate change is here, now! All the Meatrix cares about is its bottom line and it exerts extreme influence over our government to maintain the status-quo. I think it’s foolish of us to believe things are going to change on a systemic level any time soon. But there is no need for us, as individuals, to wait. There’s something that nearly every one of us can do, right now, today, that can make a huge difference and that’s to escape the Meatrix and eat plants!

Q What is the most useless talent you have? 

A. I can curl my tongue.

Q. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?

A. I’m currently reading An Immense World, by Ed Yong. I find the diversity of life on our planet and how different species have evolved to survive utterly fascinating. I hope we humans, as a species, can rapidly evolve past our addiction to animal-based foods, while the earth can still sustain us!

Q. What’s your biggest pet peeve?

A. People talking loudly on their cell phone in public spaces.

Rapid Fire Questions and Answers

Q. Impossible Burger or tofu?

A. Both

Q. Wine or Beer?

A. Neither

Q. Pasta or salad?

A. Pasta

Q. Movie Night in or Movie Theater?

A. Movie night in.

Q. Football or Baseball?

A. Neither

Q. Beach or Camping?

A. Beach for sure!

Grab your copy on Amazon now. Intrested in more climate-change books, check out this interview with EA Smiroldo.

Healthy Ways to Release Frustration

Healthy Ways to Release Frustration

Healthy Ways to Release Frustration

One way to combat the effects of stress and frustration is by finding ways to release it. When you’re frustrated, it can leave a nagging feeling that keeps people up at night, so they end up not getting as much rest or sleep as their body needs. If this happens often enough, over time, chronic stress will lead to serious health and well-being issues like headaches and high blood pressure, among others.”

According to Raphael Sternberg, one way to combat the effects of stress and frustration is to find ways to release it. When you are frustrated, it can leave a nagging feeling that keeps people up at night, so they end up not getting as much rest or sleep as their body needs. If this happens often enough, over time, chronic stress will lead to serious health and well-being issues like headaches and high blood pressure, among others. Here are some healthy ways to release frustration.

1. Drinking Water

Sometimes, when feeling frustrated, people get stressed out. This is because the body can produce hormones that cause one to feel edgy and irritable when under stress. These hormones can make it hard to relax and calm down. Even if frustration is not causing stress, drinking water can help your body release the chemicals that cause stress.

2. Walking

Walking is one of the best ways to burn off stress. Studies have shown that walking for exercise can help people release worry, anger, and frustration from their bodies. It can also reduce blood pressure and heart rate by as much as 30 percent in just 30 minutes of walking. In addition, it helps people focus on their actions because it increases oxygen flow in their brains. “

3. Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are great activities that you can use to relieve frustration. Yoga is great because it focuses on stretching and strengthening your body, so when people lengthen and expand their muscles, they can relax the mind and feel more connected with themselves. Meditation is another excellent way to release stress since it helps one focus on breathing.

4. Physical Exercise

According to entrepreneur Raphael Sternberg, physical exercise is one of the best ways to release stress and frustration. It can also lower blood pressure and bring oxygen to the brain, making people focus better. Resistance training is also a good way to combat stress. You’re not only strengthening your body but inadvertently relaxing the mind when lifting weights.

5. Listen to Music

Music is a great way to release frustration, especially when you’re in a bad mood or feeling stressed out. Listening to music can help people develop a more positive perspective, mainly if they listen to upbeat songs that make them happy. Listening to your favorite music will also make you want to move around, which is an effective way to burn off stress and frustration.

Releasing frustration is an essential part of keeping your mind and body healthy. Try a few of these ways to release frustration and see which works best.

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams

Medicare doesn’t provide vision insurance coverage for eye exams or other eye-related procedures with a few exceptions for what is deemed medically necessary. For example, patients that have glaucoma, diabetes, or macular degeneration may have some procedures covered.

Medicare Part B covers exams for people with diabetes to test for diabetic retinopathy once a year. Only certain doctors are legally permitted to administer this exam from state to state. After the deductible is met for Part B, the patient is responsible for 20% of the approved amount.

Conventional routine eye exams cannot detect diabetic retinopathy. Dilated eye exams performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist properly licensed to give the exam can detect it and allow for the doctor’s diagnosis. Severe diabetic retinopathy, which requires invasive treatment, can only be performed by an ophthalmologist. Treatments may include injections, eye surgery, or laser therapy.

Glaucoma testing is available for specific groups under Medicare Part B. The tests are provided every 12 months for those deemed high risk.

According to Medicare, these patients are at higher risk of glaucoma:

• Hispanic men and women 65 and older.

• African American men and women 50 and older.

• Patients with a family member with glaucoma.

• Patients who have diabetes.

After the deductible is met for Part B, the patient is responsible for 20% of the approved amount for glaucoma testing.

Macular degeneration treatments and tests may be covered under Medicare Part B. Medicare may cover injected drug treatment and certain diagnostics if the patient has age-related macular degeneration. As with the other exceptions for vision care, Macular degeneration also carries a 20% responsibility for the approved amount after meeting the deductible.

Because prices for treatments and diagnostics fluctuate in different states and by different doctors, Medicare recommends that patients talk to their healthcare providers about costs. Factors that can impact price variance include:

• Where the patient gets the testing or service.

• The type of facility, doctor’s office, hospital, etc.

• If the patient’s doctor accepts the assignment.

• How much the doctor charges.

• Other insurance carried by the patient and what that covers.

Cataract surgery may also be covered by Medicare Part B. It can help cover the costs for corrective lenses required after the implantation of intraocular lenses. This can include glasses if lenses are not preferred.

Parts of Medicare and Approved Eye Exams and Procedures

Part A, considered hospital insurance, does not cover contact lenses, glasses, or routine exams. It can cover vision care for medically necessary procedures. This can include injuries or vision problems that require being hospitalized.

Part B, which is considered medical insurance, as mentioned, doesn’t cover eye examinations, save for a few exceptions. High-risk patients and those with glaucoma have 80% of some services covered. Medically necessary procedures related to cataract surgery may also be covered.

What is often referred to as Part C, Medicare Advantage, is a way to receive add-on benefits. This service can cover some of what Medicare does not in terms of dental, vision, and hearing.

Additional coverage from other providers often covers eye exams, glasses, and corrective lenses. Medigap, which is Medicare supplemental insurance, is a way to cover costs not covered by Original Medicare.

Vision providers that accept Medicare can be located on the Medicare.gov website. The database is accessible under the find care providers link.

Medicare Advantage plans are typically the way to go when looking for general vision care coverage. Several trusted institutions offer these programs, including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross BlueShield (Anthem,) Aetna, and Humana. Each plan has different coverages and costs. Medicare Advantage plans can be found on Medicare.gov with just a zip code.

One area in which Medicare does offer the most benefits is the services of ophthalmologists. These doctors are specialists in eye disease treatment and in surgical and medical concerns of the eyes. While Medicare will not pay for a routine exam, medical and surgical cases can be covered by an ophthalmologist. Prior authorizations and referrals may be required. It’s suggested to check with the Medicare.gov site or speak with a representative to determine what is covered.

Medicare does not cover eye exams. According to Medicare—and most other insurance companies—eye exams are not considered a necessary part of the health care routine for people 65 years or older. This means that if you’re 65 or over and need an eye exam, you will have to pay for it out of your pocket. Some might argue that this is unfair, given that age can significantly contribute to vision loss, and there are some exceptions.

However, Medicare is not the only source of health care coverage in the country. Vision services may still be covered if qualified for gap insurance like Medicare Advantage. So, if whether your eye exam will be covered under your current health care plan is a concern, speak with your doctor or insurance company to see if it’s a covered service.