Health Briefs TV Explains How to Cut Medical Bills

save money on medical bills

Take charge of medical bills and payments with advice from Health Briefs TV. Reduce the amount by being your own health care advocate.

Open the envelope that the medical bill arrives in and pull the invoice out. Scrutinize it. Itemize all charges on the bill and take time to find out if the cost for each item in it is accurate. Be sure you are not charged for something you never got. Also, be sure the bill is accurate for you and your medical procedure, as sometimes patient names and IDs get crossed.

• Call the provider and insist on the itemized bill and a clear understanding for each charge. Request a hold on the bill, which delays the due date until all items have been clearly explained and all charges are accurate.
• Take charge and clear up the common medical billing mistakes:
• Upcoding – charging for a more expensive treatment than what was actually performed.
• Duplicate billing – charging for the same procedure multiple times.
• Unbundling – taking a service which is supposed to be packaged and billing for each item separately that is often higher than the package price.

• Ask for discounts and hardship applications.  Health Briefs TV knows that this is a humbling thing to do. But in order to be able to afford to pay the bill without breaking the checking account, it pays to ask.
• Negotiate – Always first try to negotiate a medical bill. Offer to pay a percentage of the whole bill. If that doesn’t work, set up a payment schedule and then set up automatic payments from checking accounts. Be sure to ask if that interest charges do not go up during the payment plan.
• It pays to be your own healthcare advocate. Take charge of medical and insurance bills and perhaps there will be some money saved.

Health Briefs TV Review Basic Eye Care Guidelines

Our eyes are paramount to seeing all the beautiful things in life. Health Briefs TV reviews the basic eye care guidelines to be sure they are always in good working order.

One of the most important guidelines for taking good care of the eyes is to have a regular vision exam.  Many vision care centers offer low cost check-ups that examine the eyes for viruses, cataracts and other eye-related issues.

If glasses are needed for distance or for reading, be sure to request an anti-glare coating on the lens. Glare from the sun and vehicle headlights can cause serious eye strain.

If taking contact lens instead of glasses, be sure to follow all of the guidelines for them. Don’t wear them to bed or to nap. Don’t wear them in the shower or swimming pool. Always clean them with the cleansing solution and not with tap water.

Health Briefs television show also suggests eating nutritious meals packed with vitamins and minerals to keep the eyes healthy.

Get plenty or rest.  Keep eyes moist with artificial tears, if needed.

Wear sunglasses when outside even on cloudy days to better protect eyes from the sun’s harsh glare. Choose Polaroid lens for better clarity.

Our eyes are needed so we can see everything that’s most important to us. Take good care of them.

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Health Briefs TV Reviews Misconceptions about Sugar

It is true that eating too much sugar can increase weight but raise the risk of developing diabetes. It’s just plain bad for us. From ice cream to berries, Health Briefs TV reviews misconceptions about sugar.

Remember the summer punch drink made with a gallon of water, a packet of dried juice mix and a whole cup of sugar? It didn’t seem like that drink was all that bad for us. In retrospect, it was. Consuming too much sugar can rot teeth, increase the risk of diabetes, add weight and advance the chance of heart disease. But it might also be good to know that there are natural sweeteners and added sugars.

Both natural and added sugars are not for us in small amounts. The added sweetener in ketchup is not unhealthful and won’t hurt anyone.  Natural sugar is found in fruits, vegetables and some dairy products. Again, consumed in small amounts and it’s not all that bad.

We get most of our added sugar from packaged foods and sugary drinks. Instead of those, Health Briefs TV suggests eating more whole foods, reducing the amount of sodas and packaged foods we eat and drinking plenty of water. Just keep in mind that most things consumed in moderation are better for us than when we feast on too many of them. Sugar – natural and processed – is okay.

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Health Briefs TV Brushes Up on Food and Drinks Bad for Teeth

Brush teeth after enjoying these BBQ ribs

Everywhere we look, people are sporting clean, white teeth. How do they manage to have such a perfect smile when we know some of them are eating and drinking things that stain teeth? Health Briefs TV brushes up food and drinks bad for teeth.

How we long for the perfect, pearly white smile.  Regular visits to the dentist’s office certainly help keep our mouths healthy. But what can we do at home, work and when out on the town?

Cold-pressed juices can contain more sugar than a can of soda.  Sugar is consumed by the bacteria in the mouth and converted into acid which wears the protective enamel off of teeth. Sip juices through a straw and wait at least 45 minutes before brushing teeth.

Even though this is the time of year when backyard barbeques are common, the barbeque sauce we love is a major stain maker – and not just on clothes.  That delicious sauce is full of sugar.  To prevent possible tooth decay and staining, rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly on teeth before eating anything with that sauce on it. Or brush teeth immediately after eating.

Health Briefs TV also notes that the acid in white wine can eat away at tooth enamel. We know that red wine can stain teeth too. But white wine is often overlooked as a stain maker. Eat cheese with a glass of white wine. It is chock-full of protein, calcium and phosphorus which can buffer the acids.

Something else to consider: follow the direction to the letter on tubes of whitening toothpaste, whitening gels and mouthwashes. Failure to do so can result in a less than sparkling mouth.

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Health Briefs TV Offers Insight into Medical Record Hacking

Medical record cyber hacking has become more prevalent than credit card data theft. Health Briefs TV offers insight into this type of data theft.

As recently as the first week of June 2015, a major U.S. government agency announced its database of personnel had been hacked by cyber thieves.  Security analysts believe the hackers were after the medical records of millions of government employees. Reasoning behind this thought is that medical information is possibly worth 10 times more than a credit card number.

Personal medical information can be used to create fake IDs in which the thieves use to buy medical equipment or drugs which are then resold. It is also speculated that they can also create a fake medical file using a combination of patient number, false provider number and fake made-up claims with insurers. They can then file false claims and collect money from it. 

Health Briefs TV learns that through a survey from a leading think-tank that more than 90 percent of healthcare organizations they surveyed had lost data –most to hackers.  Personal medical data is more valuable to hackers and their back-end buyers than credit card data, since the latter has flooded the underground market. 

Consumers should scour any health claim forms which come in regular mail or email to be sure there are no fraudulent charges on them. If something looks suspicious, contact the insurance company immediately. Make a copy of the claim or invoice and require the insurance provider to clear any fake charges and send confirmation.  Vigilance is the keyword in these times of digital record keeping for consumers and health care providers and insurers alike.

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Health Briefs TV Reports on Limiting High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup is in many diet sodas

There have been many reports on the effects high fructose corn syrup has on our bodies and health. Some good and some bad. Health Briefs TV reports on how to limit it in your diet.

High fructose corn syrup can be found in many food and beverages. From tomato ketchup, frozen treats and diet soda, it seems it is in most of the things we consume. Despite the recent medical finding that it can increase the risk for heart disease, there are steps we can take to limit the amount of high fructose corn syrup in our daily diets.

Avoid drinking diet soda or sugar-free drinks every day. These drinks have a higher amount of fructose corn syrup than other beverages such as iced tea or water.

Make homemade ice treats by freezing natural fruit juices in molds with popsicle sticks. They are easy and taste better than the store bought kind. If this is not convenient, read the nutritional info on the box and buy ones with a lower amount of high fructose corn syrup.

Avoid eating fast food which can contain a larger amount of high fructose corn syrup.

Skip condiments that have high fructose corn syrup in it.

The Health Briefs TV show suggests reading food labels and sticking to organic condiments which tend to not contain high fructose corn syrup.  To find more food and beverage products with little or no high fructose corn syrup, click here. 

Health Briefs TV Reviews Food to Reduce Stress

Food is often used as a means to make on feel better. Comfort food, like a cheeseburger or macaroni and cheese, comes to mind. However, there are better choices to make which can make one feel calm, relaxed and generally less harried. Health Briefs TV reviews which foods can help reduce stress best.

Green leafy vegetables contain folate which produces dopamine, a pleasure-inducing brain chemical that helps one keep calm. A 2012 study found that middle-aged and elderly people who ate more greens such as spinach had a lower risk of depression than those that did not.

Have a turkey breast sandwich. It’s true that the tryptophan in it can relax people. It is an amino acid which is found in protein-rich foods which helps produce the serotonin. This amino acid releases a chemical which stabilizes hunger and feelings of happiness.

Grab a cup of yogurt. The bacteria in the gut might be adding to stress, and yogurt contains probiotics, which reduces brain activity in the area that handle emotion and stress. Eat one of the flavored ones or doctor a small cup of Greek yogurt with honey and cinnamon.

Get a handful of pistachios. The rhythmic motion of getting one, cracking it open and eating it is calming and can reduce stress. It also takes longer to eat them so the little nuts are diet-friendly. The Health BriefsTV show knows they are also good for the heart.

Last but certainly not least is dark chocolate.  It contains cortisol which reduces stress hormones, and the antioxidants in cocoa can relax blood vessels.

Find a calming space to relax and let stress disappear with some of these goodies.

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Health Briefs TV and How to Avoid Processed Food at the Store

Processed and frozen foods are easy to prepare for any meal. They are already made and packaged and ready to heat and eat. But most of them contain more sodium than what is considered a healthy amount. Health Briefs TV offers suggestions about how to avoid the processed food at the store.

The easiest way to avoid processed food, or prepared food, in the grocery store is to shop along the sides. Start in the fresh produce section and stock up on all the healthy fruits and vegetables the family likes. Potatoes of all kinds are good meal fillers and sides since they pack a lot of fiber and vitamins. Most take a few minutes in the microwave to cook and can be spruced up with fresh salsa (also found in the produce section) low-fat cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt.

The Health Briefs TV show also suggests grabbing some frozen fruits and veggies since they are often packed when they are ripe. Walk along the back wall of the store where fresh chicken, meat and fish are sold. Grab a few small fillets of the freshest fish, and some organic chicken for a few healthy and nutritious meals without the added salt and chemicals.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Americans consume an average of 3,500 milligrams of sodium per day. This does not include the salt from the shaker on the table). We can avoid the extra sodium with planned, smart shopping. Make a list before heading out and stick to it. Spend at least half of the food budget on fresh produce, fish and lean chicken and meat. Make meals at home and invite children to help. Avoiding processed food may seem challenging at first. But with some pre-planning, everyone’s health will benefit from consuming less salt. 

Health Briefs TV Encourages Readers to Change Their MIND

What is the MIND diet and how can it prevent the onset on Alzheimer’s disease? Health Briefs TV reviews the plan and how it can be beneficial to everyone.

MIND stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet. It combines the best of two popular and very effective diets: the Mediterranean and DASH diets in its efforts to reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other mind-affected conditions.

The MIND diet recommends patients eat from five specific food groups, and avoid eating from 5 others. To gain the most benefit from this plan, people should consume:

Green leafy vegetables:  Think spinach, lettuce, kale, broccoli and greens at least two to four times per week. They contain vitamins A and C and other nutrients which benefit brain health.

Nuts: five small servings per week are recommended. Nuts contain healthy fats and fiber, and antioxidants to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Berries: Blueberries are also full of vitamins and antioxidants. They are easy to find year round and easy to eat. Strawberries are also good.

Beans and whole grains: Both of these groups include food which is healthful, low fat and full of fiber which are all recommended to main overall goo health. The Health Briefs TV show notes that three servings per week of each is also recommended.

Fish, which is a major part of the Mediterranean diet, is also a part of the MIND diet. Fish high in the omega-3 fats are especially good. Buy enjoy it once a week.

Eating for improved brain function is essential for anyone, and more so for those aged 40 and up. Alzheimer’s is a disease which many people at different ages. Stack the cards in your favor with a healthy diet every day. Always consult your doctor before beginning any diet or change in lifestyle.

Health Briefs TV and How to Get Ahead of Spring Allergies

Even though the first day of spring is here, the spring allergy season has already begun. Health Briefs TV offers advice on how to get ahead of spring allergies.

Spring has sprung and so have the allergen counts in the air. People who suffer from allergies can attest to the watery, itchy eyes, skin rashes, stuffed noses and continual sneezing and how bothersome it is. Those who have already been tested for allergies can take over the counter medicine to combat some of the symptoms. March is a good month to renew prescriptions for allergy season. Be sure to notify the pharmacy about when to auto re-fill the prescription.  In the meantime, try a non-drowsy antihistamines to lessen sneezing, runny noses, and watery eyes. Nasal decongestants and eye drops for allergy sufferers are also good OTC choices. A board-certified allergist can give people a test to determine what they are allergic too. Also, the FDA just approved a new drug –a tablet—that acts like an allergy shot. Call your allergist of physician to learn more about that.

Other ways to get ahead of spring allergies: switch to a HEPA filter for air conditioners, take a shower before bed to wash way any pollen stuck the hair and body, and wash pollen-laden clothing as soon as possible. As always, if allergy symptoms become worse, call the doctor. A reminder from the Health Briefs TV show to keep all medicine out of reach of small children and pets.

Health Briefs TV Examines How to Choose the Best Hospital

Hospitals are graded on several categories and by several different organizations. Health Briefs TV reviews how to find the best one.

The hospitals people choose has much to do about where their surgeon or specialist practices than the grades they get. If the best doctor for the medical need is affiliated with a specific medical center then that is where one will usually go. There have been more than 100 mergers and acquisitions in the medical care field since 2012. How does this affect the rating the hospital gets?

Basically, the patient or someone in their family might want to ask others they know about the facility and its services. Patients can ask the doctor if there is any other medical center they are affiliated with since some medical professionals are affiliated with more than one. One can also go online and search for reviews for the hospital. Often, this is best place for the most honest information about rooms, nursing care, food and services for the medical facility someone is about be admitted to. The Health Briefs TV show also knows that there are a few organizations which grade hospitals. But until they all agree on a standardized format, the inquiring patient may find different scores.  Patients with questions about specific health care institutions should address to them their medical care professionals. 

Health Briefs TV Examines the Low FODMAP Diet for People with IBS

Print and use as a grocery list

People who are affected by irritable bowel syndrome may find some relief from the Low FODMAP diet. But what is it? Health Briefs TV examines how this diet can spell relief for people with IBS.

FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharide and polyols. These are types of carbs which are difficult to digest and become fermented by bacteria which can cause bloating and discomfort. Nutritionists and doctors can guide someone with IBS on this diet.  Most of the people who are put on this plan report that it works better than a gluten-free diet.

Carbohydrates can be present in different forms in foods. They differ from being a long-chain carb, such as a starch, to simple sugars. These are usually well-digested. Fiber and resistant starch are long-chain carbs which are resistant to digestion. They are also important for stool formation.  An Australian group found through their research that short-chain carbs, or FODMAPs, can spell gastrointestinal trouble for some people who live with irritable bowel syndrome. When the FODMAPs are reduced in the diet, there are less IBS symptoms. The Health Briefs TV show also notes that this type of dietary change can be tailored to an individual’s lifestyle and eating habits. Those diagnosed with Celiac disease might want to discuss this plan with their doctor.

Why We Need the Turn the Volume Down from Health Briefs TV

Turn the volume down

Nothing sounds better than listening to a favorite song with ear buds or head phones on. Keep in mind though that we don’t have to amp up the volume.

The World Health Organization estimates that 1 billion people could possibly lose their hearing and most of those between the ages of 12 and 35. This is mostly due to cranking the volume up with ear buds in the ears or head phone use.  Forty percent of the above are likely to lose experience some level of hearing loss due to being in venues where the decibel levels are very high, such as concerts. And hearing loss is forever.

Below are some steps to prevent premature hearing loss:

Curtail listening to loud music from ear buds or head phones to no more than one hour per day.

Don’t spend more than eight hours per day in a job where the inside noise decibel is more than 85 decibels. These jobs are usually in bars, nightclubs or sporting venues.

Turn the TV volume to a reasonable listening level.

Watch children and teens to be sure they are not blasting music or games in their ears with buds or head phones. Headphones can be cranked up to 110 decibels.

The Health Briefs TV show reminds readers that hearing loss is permanent. There are no quick fixes. And hearing aid devices, no matter what the cost, do not restore hearing one hundred percent. In fact, hearing aids amplify ALL sound including background noise. Protect the ears always. 

Health Briefs TV and Why Hand-Washing Dishes Might be a Good Idea

Nearly every kitchen in America has a dishwasher in it. Most families use one to clean and sterilize dishes, glasses and utensils. However, some people prefer to hand-wash dishes. Health Briefs TV explains why this may be better.

Families with children who suffer from allergies may want to consider doing the dishes by hand rather than using a dishwasher.  Researchers found that kids were less likely to develop allergies if dishes were done by hand rather than by a dishwasher. Hand-washing usually leaves some microbes on the items which in turn are ingested during the next time used. These built up children’s immune systems which protected them from developing allergies.

The Health Briefs TV show learns that kids who parents hand-washed dishes had lower allergy rates than kids whose parents used a dishwasher. Although these study results seem promising, there is no recommendation to stop using a dishwasher. Seek the advice of a pediatrician or other health care professional if a child is struggling with the sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and stuffed nose that allergies cause. Keep homes clean and free from dust mites, mold and mildew. Get an allergy test early on to determine how to treat them. There are many options for children with allergies. 

Health Briefs TV Celebrates “Go Red for Women” Friday

Today, February 13, is National “Go Red for Women” Friday. Health Briefs TV joins the nation in bringing awareness to women and heart disease.

The Heart Association notes that heart disease is the number 1 killer of women. It kills one in three women each year. The Go Red for Woman campaign began in 2004 and since then, 275 women a day have been saved from strokes and heart disease.  A compelling fact for women and men to note is 80% of cardiac events is preventable through healthy living. This includes preparing healthier meals at home in smaller portions. It also means getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, not smoking and being sure to get plenty of rest every night.

Health living is easy to achieve. But one must be committed to maintaining it every day and make it a lifestyle change and not a temporary change. The Health Briefs TV show urges women and men to institute changes into daily lives for everyone in the family.  Invite children into the kitchen and teach them how to help make a healthy dinner.  Sit down at the table as a family and enjoy a good meal while catching up on each person’s day. Take an after dinner walk together and include the family dog if there is one.  Heart health is good for everyone. Wear red today and every Friday in February to demonstrate how important heart health is for women.

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Health Briefs TV with Lyme Disease Information

Lyme disease is a growing health concern in the United States. It can cost the country up to $1.3 billion dollars a year to treat.  Health Briefs TV explains some common facts about Lyme disease.

Someone can get Lyme disease from a tick bite. Ticks can come from pets that haven’t been treated for them. Ticks bites can also come from being outdoors.

To protect yourself from ticks, swear latex gloves when treating pets and use tweezers instead of fingernails to remove from pets and human skin.

If the signature target shaped rash appears, please visit a physician as soon as possible. There are treatments for it and there are certain doctors who know more about it than others. Lyme disease symptoms can reoccur. This is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome of PTLDS. Patients can feel fatigued, have nerve pain. Join pain, memory and thinking problems. And they are more than 5 times as likely to be diagnosed with extreme fatigue.  The Health Briefs TV show learns that there are an estimated 240,000 to 440,000 new cases of Lyme disease diagnosed every year.

Lyme disease can make a normal, active and lively person feel lethargic, despondent and hopeless. But there are treatments for it. Finding the best doctor to help you or someone you know with Lyme disease is imperative. Research local doctors online or through health care plans with experience in working with people diagnosed with Lyme disease.

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Health Briefs TV on Which Care Facility to Use

Where does a worried parent take a child with a sports-related injury? Where do adults go when they have a fever, body aches and congestion? Who can stitch a wound received when slicing tomatoes?  Health Briefs TV answers these questions.

Worried parents should take a child with a sports injury to the ER.  The emergency room is the best place to get CT scans, X-rays and immediate care if a child is knocked unconscious.

Adults with a fewer below 103 who feel they have the flu might want to go to a retail medical clinic such as the kind found in drug and discount stores.

A finger wound from slicing tomatoes which is not too terribly deep can be taken to an urgent care center where it can be butterfly stitched or stitched by a doctor. One can usually get in and out in about an hour.

Health Briefs TV also notes that urgent care centers are well-placed around the country where people live. They can perform a wide variety of services for less money and time than the hospital emergency room. However, if a fever spikes at 103 and up, or chest pain is felt, it is best to visit the ER. The operative word is “emergency”.  Don’t take chances with your life or anyone else’s.

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Health Briefs TV the Calorie Count during the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is a favorite American event which most people enjoy. What people eat during this fan event is astounding. Health Briefs TV takes a look at the calorie count during the Super Bowl.

A recent study states that the amount of food bought and consumed during the week of the event adds up to 6,000 calories per U.S. household. That’s the highest amount for one week in the year. The second highest calorie consumed week is the week before the Super Bowl. That’s more than people eat during Thanksgiving, another feast event.

This report does not include the amount of food purchased in bars and restaurants or from food delivery services. The data was taken from a study of more than 200 buyers in New York who shopped in the grocery store. While most people try to eat healthier meals and snacks, the Super Bowl is one day where all caution is thrown into the wind. The study does not include the amount of calories from alcoholic beverages.

Health Briefs TV suggests making and taking a healthier dish to a Super Bowl party. Hosts might want to set up a buffet style table and let guests put their offerings on it. Walk around the table first and plan what to put on a plate. Then choose a smaller plate instead of larger ones. Here’s hoping your favorite team wins this year.

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