CalCPA ProtectPlus

This Sunday many of us are going to be hosting or attending a Super Bowl party. The main thing people are thinking about besides the game will be about the food that will be surrounding them. Below is a delicious recipe from Eating Well that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.  This chili recipe can serve as the main course during the Super Bowl, but click here to view some healthy choices for appetizers and desserts to complete your game day menu!

Ultimate Beef Chili

From EatingWell:  January/February 1999, The Essential EatingWell Cookbook (2004)

Offer garnishes, such as reduced-fat sour cream and grated Cheddar cheese (about 1 tablespoon each per person), chopped scallions and chopped fresh tomatoes. Serve with warmed corn tortillas and a green salad topped with orange slices.

12 servings, 1 cup each | Active Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 3 1/4 hours

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef round, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 3 onions, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 12 ounces dark or light beer
• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 8 sun-dried tomatoes, (not packed in oil), snipped into small pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 19-ounce cans dark kidney beans, rinsed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Preparation

1. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, 2 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with another 1 1/2 teaspoons oil and remaining beef.
2. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to the pot. Add onions and bell peppers; cook, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Add garlic, jalapenos, cumin, chili powder, paprika and oregano. Stir until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
3. Add beer and simmer, scraping up any browned bits, for about 3 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, bay leaves and reserved beef. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beef is very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4. Add beans; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

• For a hot, smoky chili, add 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

Nutrition

Per serving: 235 Calories; 5 g Fat; 1 g Sat; 2 g Mono; 24 mg Cholesterol; 31 g Carbohydrates; 17 g Protein; 11 g Fiber; 496 mg Sodium; 582 mg Potassium

Nutrition Bonus: 52 mg vitamin c (90% dv), 38% dv fiber, 35% dv vitamin a, 4 mg iron (20% dv).

Carbohydrate Serving: 1 1/2

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 1/2 vegetable, 2 1/2 lean meat

[Information Source, Image Source]

A recent study, published in The Lancet, shows that in order to get an accurate blood pressure reading, doctors should take the patient’s blood pressure in both the right and left arm. The findings showed that there was a difference in systolic blood pressure between the two arms – about 15 milimeters of mercury (mm Hg). This difference in the blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) which is a condition where there is a narrowing of the arteries, especially in the legs and feet. The 15 millimeters difference of mercury in the two arms means the individual is 2.5 times more likely to have PAD and the risk of cerebrovasular disease is 1.6 times higher. It was also associated with a 70% greater risk of dying from heart disease.

The Lancet study brings out the fact that there already is an existing guideline for doctors showing that they should always take blood pressure readings from both arms. Dr. Christopher Clark, the lead author in the study said,  ”Recommendations to measure both arms exist in both British and American blood pressure managment guidelines.” He goes on to say, “This is out there as guidance, but it’s guidance that isn’t regularly followed.” A difference of just 10 millimeters was enough to raise the risk of peripheral vasular disease so having the difference of 15 millimeters should be enough to make more doctors pay attention to the guidelines.

Why would there be a difference in readings between the two arms? The authors of the study hypothesized that it could be the narrowing or hardening of a person’s arteries, especially on one side of their body.

Dr. Clark said, “If we don’t know to measure both arms, we’re not going to make the right diagnosis and the right treatment choices for our patients.” Since many doctors only measure one arm, the next time you visit your doctor, make sure to remind them to take your blood pressure readings in both arms. By doing this you are ensuring that you will receive the most accurate readings and more likely a correct diagnosis.

[Information Source, Image Source]

The Medicare.gov website provides a wealth of information to those that need help understanding the many facets of how Medicare works. On occassion we post helpful information from Medicare’s website. Below you will find two charts – one that provides an overview of Medicare monthly premiums and one that provides the costs of Medicare Part A costs in 2012. Over the next couple of weeks we will share information from the Medicare website regarding Medicare Part B (medical insurance) costs as well as Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) premiums. We hope you find this information beneficial. To find more useful tools from Medicare, click here to visit their site.

 Note: If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, costs vary by plan and may be either higher or lower than those noted above.  Review the Evidence of Coverage from your plan.

Banyan Administrators continues to provide us with beneficial information about several different aspects of the Health Care Reform and how it affects us. Over the next months and years, employers will be faced with numerous changes, many of which require regulatory clarification. Banyan will continue to keep us up to date and on target with decisions that affect our plans.

The following information is from Banyan Administrators:

News

W2 Reporting IRS Releases Notice 2012-09

On January 2, 2012, the IRS released Notice 2012-09 which updates and amends Notice 2011-28 regarding the reporting of employer-sponsored group health plan on the 2012 W-2 Forms as required by the Health Care Reform Act.  Notice 2012-09 does not change the reporting requirement for employers, but, does provide additional guidance and clarification on certain topics.  Some highlights of the new Notice includes: 

• Clarification of the interim relief reporting requirement for employers filing fewer than 250 Forms W-2.
• The cost of coverage for employee assistance programs (EAP), wellness programs, or on-site medical clinics do not have to be reported if the employer does not charge a premium with respect to that type of coverage provided under COBRA to a qualifying beneficiary.
• Employers may include the cost of coverage for benefit programs, such as Health Reimbursement Accounts, that are excluded from the reporting requirement and clarification on how to calculate the cost.
• Clarification on other unique situations such as if a pay period extends over the end of the tax year on December 31^st, if a composite rate is charges for active employees but not for COBRA qualified beneficiaries, if certain related employers are not using a common paymaster, etc. 

To view IRS Notice 2012-09, please click here.

Health Care Reform W2 Reporting Interim Final Rules

What You Need to Know Now About: W-2 Reporting

On March 31, 2011, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released the 19-page Interim Final Rules on the Health Care Reform W-2 reporting requirements. The IRS is still taking comments on the rules for the next 60 days. 

1.       What needs to be reported on the W-2 form?

Employers must report the costs for a group health plan. This does not include dental and vision plans unless the plans are integrated in the group health plan. Disability and long term care plans are also excluded from the reporting requirement.

2.       How do I determine the cost for the group health plan?

The cost includes both the employee contribution and employer contribution. Employers with fully-insured health plans should use the monthly premium rate. Employers with self-funded health plans should use the COBRA premium equivalent rates less the 2% administrative fee. Employer contributions into Medical Savings Accounts (MSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) and, in most instances, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are excluded.

3.       Where do I enter this information on the W-2 Form?

The information is entered in Box 12 on the W-2 form using code DD.

4.       Will the amount be included as taxable income for my employee?

No it will not. The first page, first bullet of the IRS Interim Final Rules state, “This reporting to employees is for their information only, to inform them of the cost of their health care coverage, and does not cause excludable employer-provided health care coverage to become taxable.”

5.       When do I have to be ready to comply with the new W-2 reporting requirement?

If you issue more than 250 W-2 forms for tax year 2011, you are required to comply with the new requirement for the 2012 tax year W-2 forms that are distributed to employees in January, 2013. You do have the option to comply earlier, if desired. However, remember that a terminating employee in calendar year 2012 can ask for an early W-2 so, in reality, you will need to be ready to comply as early as January, 2012.

Employers that issue 250 or fewer W-2 forms for tax year 2011 can receive “transition relief” from this requirement until January, 2014.

[Information Source]

The following information is from the American Heart Association and explains how to understand blood pressure readings which is very important if we are to monitor our health. It is especially important to understand these numbers if we suffer from high or low blood pressure as well as other health conditions.

Step 1:  About High Blood Pressure – Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

What do the blood pressure numbers mean?

Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers, written as a ratio like this: 117/76 mm Hg (read as “117 over 76 millimeters of mercury”.

Systolic

The top number, which is also the higher of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts).

Diastolic

The bottom number, which is also the lower of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood).

What is the AHA recommendation for healthy blood pressure?

This chart reflects blood pressure categories defined by the American Heart Association.

* Your doctor should evaluate unusually low blood pressure readings.

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

Your healthcare providers will want to get an accurate picture of your blood pressure and chart what happens over time. Starting at age 20, the American Heart Association recommends a blood pressure screening at your regular healthcare visit or once every 2 years, if your blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Your blood pressure rises with each heartbeat and falls when your heart relaxes between beats. While BP can change from minute to minute with changes in posture, exercise, stress or sleep, it should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg (less than 120 systolic AND less than 80 diastolic) for an adult age 20 or over. About one in three (33.5%) U.S. adults has high blood pressure.

If your blood pressure reading is higher than normal, your doctor may take several readings over time and/or have you monitor your blood pressure at home before diagnosing you with high blood pressure.

A single high reading does not necessarily mean that you have high blood pressure. However, if readings stay at 140/90 mm Hg or above (systolic 140 or above OR diastolic 90 or above) over time, your doctor will likely want you to begin a treatment program. Such a program almost always includes lifestyle changes and often prescription medication for those with readings of 140/90 or higher.

If, while monitoring your blood pressure, you get a systolic reading of 180 mm Hg or higher OR a diastolic reading of 110 mm HG or higher, wait a couple of minutes and take it again. If the reading is still at or above that level, you should seek immediate emergency medical treatment for a hypertensive crisis.

Even if your blood pressure is normal, you should consider making lifestyle modifications to prevent the development of HBP and improve your heart health.

Which number is more important, top (systolic) or bottom (diastolic)?

Typically more attention is given to the top number (the systolic blood pressure) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50 years old. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term build-up of plaque, and increased incidence of cardiac and vascular disease.

[Information Source, Image Source]

YIELD: 12 servings (serving size: 1 wedge)

COURSE: Desserts, Pies/Pastries

Ingredients

• Streusel:
• 3/4 cup regular oats
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Dash of salt
• 2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• Filling:
• 3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled Anjou pear (2 large)
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Remaining ingredient:
• 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pastry shell

Preparation

Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Living

[Information Source, Image Source]

Cooking Light NOVEMBER 2007

The following information is from the American Heart Association and it explains what high blood pressure is and helps us to understand how our body works and how we can take care of ourselves no matter what our blood pressure levels are. Since 76.4 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is important that we take the time to learn about this disease and know how to help prevent and treat it.

Over the next few weeks we will provide further information regarding blood pressure conditions that can help us to be more aware of the symptoms, the precautions we can take and solutions to fight the disease.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as HBP or hypertension, is a widely misunderstood medical condition. Some people think that those with hypertension are tense, nervous or hyperactive, but hypertension has nothing to do with personality traits. The truth is, you can be a calm, relaxed person and still have HBP.

Let’s look at the facts about blood pressure so you can better understand how your body works and why it is smart to start protecting yourself now, no matter what your blood pressure numbers are.

By keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range, you are:

• Reducing your risk of your vascular walls becoming overstretched and injured
• Reducing your risk of your heart having to pump harder to compensate for blockages
• Protecting your entire body so that your tissue receives regular supplies of blood that is rich in the oxygen it needs

Blood pressure measures the force pushing outwards on your arterial walls.

The organs in your body need oxygen to survive. Oxygen is carried through the body by the blood. When the heart beats, it creates pressure that pushes blood through a network of tube-shaped arteries and veins, also known as blood vessels and capillaries. The pressure — blood pressure — is the result of two forces. The first force occurs as blood pumps out of the heart and into the arteries that are part of the circulatory system. The second force is created as the heart rests between heart beats. (These two forces are each represented by numbers in a blood pressure reading.)

The problems from too much force.

Healthy arteries are made of muscle and a semi-flexible tissue that stretches like elastic when the heart pumps blood through them. The more forcefully that blood pumps, the more the arteries stretch to allow blood to easily flow. Over time, if the force of the blood flow is often high, the tissue that makes up the walls of arteries gets stretched beyond its healthy limit. This creates problems in several ways.

• Vascular weaknesses
  First, the overstretching creates weak places in the vessels, making them more prone to rupture. Problems such as strokes and aneurysms are caused by ruptures in the blood vessels.
• Vascular scarring
  Second, the overstretching can cause tiny tears in the blood vessels that leave scar tissue on the walls of arteries and veins. These tears and the scar tissue are like nets, and can catch debris such as cholesterol, plaque or blood cells traveling in the bloodstream.
• Increased risk of blood clots
  Trapped blood can form clots that can narrow (and sometimes block) the arteries. These clots sometimes break off and block vessels and the blood supply to different parts of the body. When this happens, heart attacks or strokes are often the result.
• Increased plaque build-up
  The same principle applies to our blood flow. Cholesterol and plaque build-up in the arteries and veins cause the blood flow to become limited or even cut off altogether. As this happens, pressure is increased on the rest of the system, forcing the heart to work harder to deliver blood to your body. Additionally, if pieces of plaque break off and travel to other parts of the body, or if the build-up completely blocks the vessel, then heart attacks and strokes occur.
• Tissue and organ damage from narrowed and blocked arteries
  Ultimately, the arteries and veins on the other side of the blockage do not receive enough freshly oxygenated blood, which results in tissue damage.
• Increased workload on the circulatory system
  Think of it this way: In a home where several faucets are open and running, the water pressure flowing out of any one faucet is lower. But when pipes get clogged and therefore narrow, the pressure is much greater. And if all the household water is flowing through only one faucet, the pressure is higher still.

When the arteries are not as elastic because of the build-up of cholesterol or plaque or because of scarring, the heart pumps harder to get blood into the arteries. Over time, this increased work can result in damage to the heart itself. The muscles and valves in the heart can become damaged and heart failure can result.

Damage to the vessels that supply blood to your kidneys and brain may negatively affect these organs.

You may not feel that anything is wrong, but high blood pressure can permanently damage your heart, brain, eyes and kidneys before you feel anything. High blood pressure can often lead to heart attack and heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health consequences.

Take the time to learn about what the numbers in your blood pressure reading mean.

[Information Source, Image Source]

This delicious recipe is from Cooking Light.com and it is perfect for the holidays! Enjoy!

This pie’s strength lies in the amalgamation of many different textures and flavors. Crisp pear and tart cranberries are held in an ooey-gooey brown-sugar filling, topped with a crunchy, nutty streusel. Using a premade crust means there’s almost no work involved. Assembly takes maybe five minutes―throw it in the oven, and you’re done.

If you can’t find fresh cranberries, use thawed frozen ones. A prepared pie shell yields a stellar dessert with little effort. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

YIELD: 12 servings (serving size: 1 wedge)

COURSE: Desserts, Pies/Pastries

Ingredients

Streusel:

• 3/4 cup regular oats
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Dash of salt
• 2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• Filling:
• 3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled Anjou pear (2 large)
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Remaining ingredient:
• 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pastry shell

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare streusel, combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal.

To prepare filling, combine pear, cranberries, 2/3 cup brown sugar, and cornstarch in a large bowl; toss well to combine. Spoon pear mixture into pastry shell; sprinkle streusel over pear mixture. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until bubbly and streusel is browned. Cool at least 1 hour on a wire rack.

Nutritional Information

Amount per serving

• Calories: 240
• Calories from fat: 31%
• Fat: 8.2g
• Saturated fat: 2.4g
• Monounsaturated fat: 3.1g
• Polyunsaturated fat: 0.8g
• Protein: 1.6g
• Carbohydrate: 41.5g
• Fiber: 2.4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Iron: 0.8mg
• Sodium: 118mg
• Calcium: 27mg

Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Living

[Information Source, Image Source]

Open Enrollment

It’s open enrollment season again and the Group Insurance Trust has taken the opportunity to strengthen its offerings with two new medical plans that give members even more flexibility in fine tuning their coverage through different levels of deductibles, co-pays, and premiums. Protect 40, a new co-pay plan, features a higher deductible and a higher $40 co-pay than the popular Protect 35 plan but lower than the Protect 45 copay plan. Protect HSA 3,500, a new HSA-eligible plan, features higher deductibles and lower member-paid coinsurance than the Protect 1500, 2500 and 2850 HSA plans with premiums approximating those of the Protect 45 copay plan.

As in previous years, the annual open enrollment period—continuing this year from November 1 through December 16—allows CalCPA-member firms a variety of options. Firms can offer employees the Trust medical, dental, and vision plans as a new benefit, while employees who had previously declined coverage can also enroll at this time. Current subscribers can take advantage of this opportunity to review their insurance needs, consider the new plans, and/or make any changes they have contemplated during the year. Finally, keep in mind that while most employers offer a single plan, your firm may elect to offer a combination of ProtectPlus co-pay, ProtectPlus HSA and Anthem Blue Cross HMO plans.

Choosing the Right Plan

While reviewing all the available choices might seem a daunting task, a new set of video presentations featured on the ProtectPlus website has just made it easier—even a little entertaining. Using the Video Toolbox feature on the homepage, you can get a video summary for each plan. The videos are segmented into topics such as coinsurance and deductibles so you don’t need to watch the whole presentation to get the information you are looking for. New videos are being added weekly, so be sure to check back frequently. Of course, you can still access plan information in written form. The 2012 EZ Guide is available online as an easy-to-read Summary Plan Benefits Comparison Chart. Once you’ve selected the plan or plans you’re interested in, you can get quotes based on the demographics of your firm using the Get a Quote Tool. If you have questions click on Ask the Expert and submit your query to the Trust staff. While they promise to get back to you within two days, you often receive an answer within the hour.

New Pharmacy Benefit Manager

Beginning January 1, 2012 ProtectPlus co-pay and HSA plan pharmacy benefits will be serviced by Medco rather than Express Scripts. (Please note that this change does not affect HMO participants.) Current subscribers who aren’t making any changes in their coverage should receive a welcome packet in the mail from Medco in the middle of December. Included in the mailing will be a welcome letter describing Medco services as well as your new pharmacy benefits ID card, which you will need to obtain your prescription drugs.

Between now and January 1, 2012 you can access the Medco open enrollment website to look up the cost of your prescription drugs pre- and post-deductible under the Medco pharmacy plan. After January 1, use your new Medco ID number to register at Medco.com to access the Medco mail order pharmacy and your personal prescription drug records. Although copays and coinsurance levels are not changing, differences between the old and new prescription drug formularies may result in an increase or decrease in your out-of-pocket costs.

Members who currently use specialty prescription medications for complex conditions will receive a letter introducing them to Accredo, Medco’s provider of specialty drugs. The letter will include information on contacting Accredo’s specialty pharmacists and nurses toll-free, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. There is also an explanation of procedures for transitioning your specialty prescriptions and for scheduling regular deliveries.

World AIDS Day began in 1988 and is observed December 1 each year with the purpose is to raise awareness of the AIDS caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is recognized by political figures and health officials worldwide. On November 8th, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke about her goal for an “AIDS Free Generation”. You can view this speech by visiting PEPFAR or by clicking here to go directly to the video. Since 1995, the President of the United States has given an official speech on World AIDS Day. To read the proclamation that President Barack Obama gave earlier today, click here.

This year the theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is ‘Getting to Zero’. According to unaids.org, this year the global community has committed to focusing on achieving 3 targets: “Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths”.  With stats like the following ones from unaids.org, it is crucial that we increase our awareness and seek out what we can do as individuals to help.

At the end of 2010 an estimated:

• 34 million [31.6 million – 35.2 million] people globally living with HIV
• 2.7 million [2.4 million – 2.9 million] new HIV infections in 2010
• 1.8 million [1.6 million – 1.9 million] people died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2010

On November 30, 2011, a report by the WHO, UNICEF and UNICEF and UNAIDS Global Report on the global HIV/AIDS response showed that having increased access to HIV services resulted in a 15% reduction of new infections over the past decade and a 22% decline in AIDS-related deaths in the past five years.

“It has taken the world ten years to achieve this level of momentum,” says Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of WHO’s HIV Department. “There is now a very real possibility of getting ahead of the epidemic. But this can only be achieved by both sustaining and accelerating this momentum over the next decade and beyond.”

The report highlights what steps have been working to combat AIDS:

• Improved access to HIV testing services enabled 61% of pregnant women in eastern and southern Africa to receive testing and counseling for HIV – up from 14% in 2005.
• Close to half (48%) of pregnant women in need receive effective medicines to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) in 2010.
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which not only improves the health and well-being of the infected people but also stops further HIV transmission, is available now for 6.65 million people in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for 47% of the 14.2 million people eligible to receive it.

The report brings out what steps still have to be taken:

• More than half of the people who need antiretroviral therapy in low- and middle-income countries are still unable to access it. Many of them do not even know that they have HIV.
• Despite the growing body of evidence as to what countries need to focus on to make a real impact on their epidemics, some are still not tailoring their programmes for those who are most at risk and in need. In many cases, groups including adolescent girls, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, prisoners and migrants remain unable to access HIV prevention and treatment services.

Other sites to visit to learn more about World Aids Day and what you can do to help:

http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/

http://www.unaids.org

http://www.avert.org/world-aids-day.htm

http://www.youtube.com/theonecampaign

[Information Source, Image Source]

During this festive time of year many of us find it hard to resist all the delicious food that is in front of us while at work, at home and at social gatherings throughout the holidays. These situations can be very challenging for those with diabetes. Below you will find some useful information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how diabetics can enjoy the celebrations and stay healthy.

The following is from CDC.gov:

Having diabetes shouldn’t stop you from enjoying holiday celebrations and travel. With some planning and a little work, you can stay healthy on the road and at holiday gatherings with friends and family.

The most important step in managing diabetes during holiday travel and festivities is preparing. Know what you’ll be eating, how to enjoy a few traditional favorites while sticking with a healthy meal plan, and how to pack necessary supplies for a trip, and you’re all set to celebrate!

Feasts and Parties

Before you go, take these steps to make sure you stick to your healthy meal plan.

• Eat a healthy snack to avoid overeating at the party.
• Ask what food will be served, so you can see how it fits into your meal plan.
• Bring a nutritious snack or dish for yourself and others.

You don’t have to give up all of your holiday favorites if you make healthy choices and limit portion sizes. At a party or holiday gathering, follow these tips to avoid overeating and to choose healthy foods.

• If you’re at a buffet, fix your plate and move to another room away from the food, if possible.
• Choose smaller portions.
• Choose low-calorie drinks such as sparkling water, unsweetened tea or diet beverages. If you select an alcoholic beverage, limit it to one drink a day for women, two for men, and drink only with a meal.
• Watch out for heavy holiday favorites such as hams coated with a honey glaze, turkey swimming in gravy and side dishes loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese or mayonnaise. Instead, choose turkey without gravy and trim off the skin, or other lean meats.
• Look for side dishes and vegetables that are light on butter, dressing and other extra fats and sugars, such as marshmallows or fried vegetable toppings.
• Watch the salt. Some holiday favorites are made with prepared foods high in sodium. Choose fresh or frozen vegetables that are low in sodium.
• Select fruit instead of pies, cakes and other desserts high in fat, cholesterol and sugar.
• Focus on friends, family and activities instead of food. Take a walk after a meal, or join in the dancing at a party.

Traveling for the Holidays

Leaving home to visit friends and family means changing routines. Make sure you remember to take care of your diabetes while traveling. Check blood glucose (sugar) more often than usual, because a changing schedule can affect levels.

Remember Your Medication

• Pack twice the amount of diabetes supplies you expect to need, in case of travel delays.
• Keep snacks, glucose gel, or tablets with you in case your blood glucose drops. (continue reading…)

Today is World Diabetes Day and its purpose it to raise global awareness of diabetes. World Diabetes Day was started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and is celebrated on November 14th to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting, who along with Charles Best, played an important role in the discovery of insulin in 1922 which has been a life-saving treatment for diabetics. The campaign is in the spotlight each year on November 14th however, it works year round to help educate people on what the risks are and how to prevent diabetes.

WHO estimates that more than 346 million people worldwide have diabetes. Almost 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. The IDF issued a report that estimates that 552 million people could have diabetes in two decades’ time based on factors like aging and demographic changes. The group says that about one adult in 13 has diabetes.

Gojka Roglic, head of WHO’s diabetes unit, said the projected future rise in diabetes cases was because of aging rather than the obesity epidemic. Most cases of diabetes are Type 2, the kind that mainly hits people in middle age, and is linked to weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle. Roglic went on to say that a substantial number of future diabetes cases were preventable. “It’s worrying because these people will have an illness which is serious, debilitating, and shortens their lives,” she said. “But it doesn’t have to happen if we take the right interventions.”

The slogan chosen for this year’s campaign is: Act on Diabetes. Now.

Five key messages have been developed to inform the outputs and deliverables of the 2011 campaign:
• Diabetes kills: 1 person every 8 seconds, 4 million people a year
• Diabetes does not discriminate: all ages, rich and poor, all countries
• Diabetes can no longer be ignored: 4 million lives lost a year, 1 million amputations a year, millions lost in income and productivity
• Life-saving care, a right not a privilege: education, medicines, technologies
• Choose Health: demand healthy food and environments, keep active, eat well. You can make a difference.

Click here to view a  short video from the IDF.

[Information Source, Information Source]
[Image Source]

Last month we featured an article that discussed the Million Hearts national campaign that has the goal of preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next 5 years. In the article we mentioned we would feature articles to help educate readers on what heart disease is, as well as what cardiovascular disease and strokes are. We hope our readers will be able to learn what causes these conditions and what they can do to help prevent them. The following article is from the Million Hearts website and it discusses what things you can do to help prevent heart disease and stroke.

About Heart Disease & Stroke

PREVENTION

Heart disease and stroke are an epidemic in the United States today. The good news is that many of the major risk factors for these conditions can be prevented and controlled.

Remember Your ABCS

Keep the ABCS in mind every day and especially when you talk to your doctor:

• Appropriate Aspirin Therapy
• Blood Pressure Control
• Cholesterol Control
• Smoking Cessation

Talk to Your Doctor

Share your health history, get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and ask if taking an aspirin each day is right for you.

Control Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. One in 3 U.S. adults has high blood pressure, and half of these individuals do not have their condition under control.

Similarly, high cholesterol affects 1 in 3 American adults, and two-thirds of these individuals do not have the condition under control. Half of adults with high cholesterol do not get treatment.

If your blood pressure or cholesterol is high, take steps to lower it. This could include eating a healthier diet, getting more exercise, and following your doctor’s instructions about medications you take.

Eat Healthy for Your Heart

What you eat has a big impact on your heart health. When planning your meals and snacks, try to:

• Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Check the labels on your food and select those with the lowest sodium. Too much sodium can increase your blood pressure.
• Limit foods with high amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. You can find this information on the Nutrition Facts label.
• Cook at home whenever possible. This way, you’re in charge of the ingredients and you know exactly what you and your family are eating.

 

Get Moving

Obesity can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. To keep your body at a healthy weight and to fight high blood pressure and cholesterol, make physical activity part of your daily routine. Try to fit in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. For example, you could take a brisk 10-minute walk 3 times a day, 5 days a week.

Quit Smoking

Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you’re a smoker, quit as soon as possible, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. You can also support smoke-free policies in your community and try to avoid secondhand smoke.

[Information Source, Image Source]

 by Doug Hessel

Most Americans are financially unprepared to endure a health problem that renders them incapable of working. Strangely, surveys on the subject show they actually know they are unprepared. Evidently there is a denial habit at work here intertwined with concerns about the cost of long-term disability (LTD) insurance.

It’s important to keep in mind when approaching the topic that while the probability of becoming disabled is small, the potential loss is extremely large. Self-insurance is not a reasonable option, and yet, most people don’t act in their own interests, or, equally problematic, when they do, they overreact. A 2005 study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research reports that when the typical consumer does confront the potential implications of a disabling condition, he or she is often willing to pay a premium that far exceeds the actual risk. If you share these denial and overreaction habits, here are some helpful facts and options to consider.

The good news for CPAs is that a fairly easy fix can be found close at hand. Relatively inexpensive individual and group LTD policies are available to CPAs and firms that can go a long way toward relieving the financial burden of not being able to earn a living due to a disabling condition. (continue reading…)