Treatments For Depression

By Leo Johnson

There are many different forms of depression. Many Americans are affected by depression and they don't even know it or they are not willing to accept it.

It is estimated that some 14 million Americans are affected by depression. It is also estimated that less than a third of those affected will ever seek treatment|Fewer than 4.7 million of those, about 1/3, will seek health check help|Unfortunately only a very small percent, less than 1/3, will go for treatment. What are the reasons? Maybe it's due to the fact that mental illness is considered a mental illness. Nobody wants that label applied to them.

It wasn't that long ago that society shunned those unfortunate enough to be categorized with mental illness. In many cases those with slight signs of depression were locked away in state institutions for the mentally ill. Times have changed now, thank goodness. But what hasn't changed are old stereotypes. This influences many Americans to keep their illness to themselves.

Many factors contribute to depression. Diagnosis isn't simple. Many things have to be considered such as genetics, biology and even outside influences. Depression can stem from drug or alcohol abuse, or even from simple everyday stress. These elements and more can lead to depression.

So what are some of the treatments and cures available for those that are inflicted? There are many options for treatment and even cure, just as there are many causes for depression.

These options are generally considered after evaluating the individual afflicted with depression

Many claim they have a cure for depression. A cure for depression is realistic when safe and effective treatments are considered. When considering which option is best there are a few considerations that must be examined.

Here are some of the factors considered when these options are examined. Has the method being considered been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of depression?

Is a prescription drug or herbal treatment being applied in the proper quantity to show results? Has the method been accepted in accordance with high quality control standards? Some of the most popular treatments deserve a look.

For years the typical treatment for many forms of depression has been prescription drugs and psychotherapy. SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are prescribed to treat depression.

First used in the U.S. In 1988, Prozac has become on of the most common. Drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Luvox as well as others are also used. Case history shows all of these to be effective. These drugs have a lot of side effects.

That's the reason natural treatments are gaining popularity. A popular herbal cure is St. Johns Wort extract. It must have between three and five percent hyperforin to work.

It has been proven to work as well as Prozac with fewer side effects. As important as it is to find a cure-it is impossible to do so if those who suffer do not seek it.

Seek medical care at once if you or a loved one suffer from depression.

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If you're looking for cures for depression or just want more information on cures for depression please visit my site. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

The Definition Of Alcoholism

By Ed Philips

When you see someone in the street drinking something out of a brown paper bag, you automatically assume that they are drinking alcohol, although it is difficult to pin point back to when it actually took off. We can though confirm that the ideology of alcoholism dates back to 1849 when Magnus Huss first linked the consumption of alcohol to serious health conditions.

The word (alcoholism) came to be recognized in the United States with the founding and growth of a support group in 1939 called Alcoholics Anonymous, or 'AA.' Alcoholics Anonymous does not place a definition on alcoholism, but compares it to an allergy and an illness, focusing on a team support method of accountability and responsibility.

It wasn't until Doctor E. Morton Jellinek from New England came along that problems being experienced by chronic alcoholics were actually first classified. He defined the problem as a person through excessive alcohol consumption developed serious health conditions both physically and mentally. An alcoholic would also encounter both domestic and economical problems as a result of persistent alcohol abuse.

He went on to add that this condition was in need of treatment and nothing has really changed since then apart from a few alterations in the definition by a series of medical affiliations. Today's American Medical Association refers to alcoholism as a particular chronic primary disease.

There are though let's say a minority in the medical profession who just will not accept that alcoholism is actually a disease, so critics like Herbert Fingarette and Stanton Peele only use the term heavy drinking in relation with the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

So the definition of alcoholism remains an uncertainty meaning that it is extremely hard to detect, especially as there isn't much to separate an alcoholic from a person who just drinks on regular basis. I am afraid that this debate will just have to continue and if you want to participate in finding a solution then you need to investigate what is going on over at the stopdrinking.org blog as this seems to be the only place which is putting an effort at all into finding the answer.

About the Author:

Find out how to Stop Abusing Alcohol by Ed Philips and Quit Alcohol Today.

Does Alcohol Abuse Lead To Domestic Violence?

By Ed Philips

You may find it hard to believe that being an alcoholic and having an alcohol abuse problem aren't the same condition. Somebody with an alcohol abuse problems is often referred to as a "functioning alcoholic", and they tend to drink excessively as well as suffering from certain health symptoms normally related to alcoholism.

Alcohol abusers usually have some resemblance of normality or have control over their actions. They set limits or only allow themselves to drink at specific times, but still consume way more than the average social drinker.

Alcoholics are unable to control their drinking at any point. They are physically, emotionally, and mentally addicted to alcohol. The consequences of alcoholism can be severe in regards to both mental and physical health, and how they function in the everyday world. Alcoholics, also known as those with alcoholism or an alcohol addiction, are unable to control their drinking at any time.

Getting to the stage of being alcohol free will take a different path as far as assistance is concerned for each of the previously mentioned cases. Alcohol abusers will need more emotional and psychological assistance but an alcoholic will suffer much more physically and will need help on that side of things as he is taken off alcohol.

Recent studies carried out in universities seem to suggest that the increase in domestic violent acts could be related to alcoholism, although others have stated that the relation with alcohol may be misleading to the facts.

What we really can't establish is whether these domestic violence incidents the result of alcoholism or is it domestic violence that causes the abuse of alcohol. Whatever the case may be the underlying fact is that alcohol is present and domestic violence is being experienced in too many family homes and daily. Another sad fact is that all of the family members can be the alcoholics as well as those who are on the receiving end of the domestic violence.

Alcoholism is an illness that comes with blinkers and won't allow you to see the reality of the situation, but the first step for a family to overcome these problems is by admitting that they exist in the first place. The ideal start would be able to sit around the table together and discuss the problem rashly, but make sure that alcohol is not part of the meeting as this can lead to a violent end.

You may be thinking that you know a family as we have just described or maybe it's your own family, but I hope this has opened your eyes and made you realize that it is wake up time. In order to assist people with alcohol abuse and domestic violence problems there are certain organizations that are more than willing to assist in getting people to face up to their problems and to help support in their recovery. Check out the following link at StopDrinking for ways in stopping alcohol abuse and domestic violence.

About the Author:

Find out how to Stop Abusing Alcohol Written by Ed Philips and Quit Alcohol Today.

Panic & Anxiety Attack Facts Reveled

By Rick McNew

Panic & anxiety attacks affects about 2.4 million adult Americans. The attacks most often begin during late adolescence and early adulthood. Attacks are twice as common in women as in men.

*Symptoms of a anxiety or panic attacks are:

*A feeling of labored breathing.

*Increased heart rate & pains in the chest.

*Intense feeling of fear.

*Sensation of chocking or smothering.

*Dizziness or feeling faint.

*Trembling or shaking.

*Sweating.

*Nausea or stomachache.

*Fingers and toes that are tingling or feel numb.

*Chills or feeling hot.

*A great fear that you are about to die and are losing control.

Although the exact cause of the attacks is unknown they are known to run in families. The attacks can be passed on by either one of the parents. Stress can bring on an event.

Psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications like Paxil and Zoloft are often prescribed. Xanax or Klonopin are used also. Drugs for an irregular heart beat can be prescribed which are called beta blockers.

There have been some resent breakthroughs in the all natural drug free treatment areas. Sadly some people will respond will to treatment only to experience panic or anxiety attacks later in life. With the right treatment about 90% of people that get treatment find relief. For some reason many people never seek treatment.

If you reduce your intake of caffeine which can be found in cola, coffee, chocolate & tea you can help with the symptoms of the attacks. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any over- the counter drugs or herbal remedies because they can have chemicals in them that can make the panic attacks worse.

I want to encourage anyone suffering from panic or anxiety attacks to seek help because they greatly affect your daily functioning and general quality of life.

My wife of 25 years has been struggling with the panic or anxiety attacks for her entire adult life along with some of her other family members. She has recently found relief with the non-drug all natural treatments that are now available. She has been able to stop the attacks cold. Thousands of people have been helped so far with this new technique that has been 10 years in the making. She has been able to enjoy her life a lot more now.

About the Author:

Rick McNew suggests if you want to learn more about the new all natural medication free technique that has helped 28,000 sufferers (including my better half) so far and increasing go topanic attack again that's www.panichelp.biz

Treating Intestinal Yeast Infections

By Jennifer King

Thousands of men and women are suffering from intestinal yeast infections without realizing this fact. The first signs are usually regular indigestion and gas, and then it can turn into something that is a lot harder to treat. Your energy can start to decline and other symptoms that effect your muscles and your concentration can occur.

A yeast infection in your intestines, at first, will just seem like a bout of indigestion and gas. To stop the indigestion most people attempt to cure their symptoms with antacids and indigestion remedies. Just like taking any other drug for an intestinal health problem the antacids are only masking your intestinal yeast infection by eliminating one symptom, and this is where more problems begin.

Hydrochloric acid is needed in your stomach so you can properly digest your food, and stop any bacteria that are not suppose to make it's way into your intestines. So by neutralizing your stomach acid more infection causing bacteria survive their way to your intestines, and this then makes your yeast overgrowth worse.

Once the Candida is being helped along by the antacids it will begin to flourish in your intestines. Once the Candida fungus starts to flourish in the intestines this then causes infections on other parts of your body. The Candida in your intestines will find its way to your vagina through your digestive and urinary tracts, and then set up home there. The Candida yeast loves warm moist places so the inside of a vagina is a perfect home, and this is the reason why so many yeast infections are in this area of your body.

Once the intestinal yeast infection has totally taken over your intestines it will start to perforate the walls of your intestines. Toxins and Candida will enter your bloodstream once the walls of your intestines have been perforated. As well as these toxins, small food particles will also enter your bloodstream. The rest of your body will start feeling the effects of all these things entering your bloodstream.

Simply indigestion will turn into

Tiredness Aching joints and muscles Recurrent/chronic vaginal fungal infections Mood swings Brain fog Concentration problems Skin disorders Toxic liver Food allergies And many more symptoms

Once you get to the stage of Candia yeast in your blood you can only treat the infection naturally. The only drugs that are available are oral anti fungals, and these only make infections worse, as they have not been created for intestinal infections. They make infections worse by killing the friendly bacteria in your intestines, and the drugs also suppress your immune system. Your immune system needs to be strong, and you need a healthy population of friendly bacteria to prevent any Candida mutating in your digestive tract.

Treating your intestinal yeast infection at the first sign of any symptoms with a natural cure can stop you suffering from all of the symptoms that can make your life unpleasant. Treating yeast infections naturally re-balance your intestinal flora, and strengthen your immune system.

About the Author:

To learn more about treating vaginal yeast infections and intestinal yeast infections visit Natural Cures For Yeast Infections

4 Tips on Managing ADHD

By Amy Nutt

Despite what people think, ADD (an acronym for Attention Deficit Disorder) is not a catch all phrase for a bunch of common behaviors nor it is a pseudo ailment. The reality is, scientist have been able to link ADD with certain malfunctioning neurological responses that are lacking in individuals who do not have this disorder.

Also called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) this condition affects a small population of children (roughly 8-10 percent) and a number of adults who may have missed being diagnosed when they were young.

Top symptoms of ADD/ADHD that can be found in both child and adult sufferers and often include: - Trouble focusing - Hyperactivity and inability to sit still - Impaired social interaction - Irresponsible behaviors - Moody and insulting - Extremely forgetfulness There is a segment of society that believes that ADD/ADHD symptoms can be easily controlled through will power. What they don't realize PET and CAT scans have uncovered circuitry abnormalities and lower metabolic activity in the part of the brain that controls our emotions and basic responses. The neurotransmitter dopamine is also severely lacking in the ADD brain.

Despite this knowledge, many parents refrain from seeking a diagnosis for their child and mature men and women feel ashamed and closet their impairment. This only serves to exacerbate the problem and clinical depression may even result.

Today, individuals with ADD need not suffer in silence.

Children and adults with ADD/ADHD can seek out the assistance of an experienced ADD doctor for analysis. The doctor will perform a series of diagnostic tests that will allow them to make an informed prognosis in regards to the condition and help them regulate it.

Once you are officially diagnosed with the disorder, there is a lot you can do about it.

1. Medication - slowed down and impaired neurons actually benefit from stimulants because they help to make the neurons fire correctly. Psychostimulants like Ritalin for children and amphetamines for adults are commonly prescribed to combat the many problems associated with ADD/ADHD. 2. Self management - this aspect may be a tab bit easier fro adults, but parents can help a child in this arena. Doing small things like making a to-do list, getting an organizer or planner, or planning to arrive someplace early as opposed to on-time may help you mitigate some of the more aggravating aspects of the disorder. 3. Talk with ADHD doctor - your doctor will be a veritable fountain of tips that can help you place you on the road to controlling your ADD symptoms. Be sure to ask lots of questions and take the acquired info to the internet for further study. Knowledge is power. 4. ADHD support Groups and behavioral therapy - At an ADHD support meeting you may learn valuable insights from people who know what it is like to deal with such a complex neurological problem. For instance, you could acquire from a host of dietary aids or holistic remedies that can help you get lower some of the more off putting aspects of your ADD behaviors. Behavioral therapy will also help as it can provide one-on-one counseling. A qualified therapist who understands ADD/ADHD psychology can retrain your thought processes so you recognize your ADD symptoms and learn how to control them by treating attention problems.

Combating ADD will take a multi-pronged approach, but with due diligence and proper education you should be able to gain control of your disorder and feel more in control of your own destiny. If you suspect you have ADD/ADHD contact a reputable doctor in your neck of the woods to get evaluated so you can be well on your well to greater health and a even better life.

About the Author:

ADHD doctor provides solutions for dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder. Treat ADD without medication at the Dr.Svec Institute of Psychological Services.

What are the Benefits of the Acai Berry?

By Gray Rollins

The Acai berry is an amazing superfood native to South America. This fruit of the acai palm, which grows in Brazil and Peru is 90% seed and 10% pulp; they also have a very high fat content, meaning they do not last long in their fresh state and are generally unavailable fresh outside of the areas where grown. However, the pulp can be frozen or freeze dried and powdered for export.

Both in powdered and frozen forms, the aci berry is packed with fiber, protein, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. Acai berry powder is a good source of antioxidants, having more antioxidant compounds than tea, orange juice or red wine. The antioxidant present in the acai berry (Anthocynanin) provides a number of health benefits - this fruit is the most nutritious edible berry in the world, according to the ORAC.

This amazing tropical fruit can help to improve your digestion and brain function. Its high fiber content also helps your body to naturally detox, helping you get healthier skin.

The acai berry also reduces your cancer risk, has more protein than eggs and benefits the circulatory system - it is even believed by many to boost the libido! Acai also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help manage diabetes.

Says Oprah Winfrey of this berry: "This little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It can often be found in juice form in health food and gourmet stores." With such an influential endorsement, no wonder everyone is interested in this amazing tropical fruit.

Since it is very rich in organic vegetable protein, it is an active fighter of cholesterol in the body. Acai berry synergizes the monounsaturated fat, phytosterols and fiber; it stimulates the cardio vascular and digestive tract. The fatty acids present in this tropical fruit are as good as those found in olive oil. This lowers the chances of heart disease. The omega three fatty acids help in cell regeneration and supporting the nervous system. Its vitamin E content also fights internal signs of ageing.

The best part of consuming the Acai berry is that it can be done in many forms. You can eat the berry as a fruit, or make it into a pulp or even have it in its powdered form. Acai berry can be used to make frozen yogurt, mixed with other fruits to make smoothies and even milkshakes with the powder.

The acai berry is high on energy and antioxidants due to which athletes swear by this berry. Another positive side of having this fruit is that it is economical instead of spending loads of cash on expensive protein shakes, energy supplement capsules and drinks you can easily opt for this natural power food instead. It is also more easily available than it was before.

About the Author:

Get your hands on the most powerful acai berry supplement by visiting AcaiBerryCreek.com

Mangosteen Juice Supplements: Are They Hazardous to Your Health?

By Julieanne van Zyl

Food supplements, nutrition supplements, Mangosteen juice supplements; name them whatever you will but they are plentiful and abundant all over the place. These additional supplements are supposed to give you the nutrition that you may not be getting from eating the essential everyday meal that you eat.

It is often recommended that people who are always on the go, to have a bottle of nutrition supplements that they can easily take as they go about their normal daily activities.

Because of the rate at which we all consume junk food, the best bet is to have something that replenishes the nutrients that we lack, and supplements are the best option for this. During the day, the body continually keeps getting rid of all the bad components -could be dead cells, could be the combating of ailments- and during this period, there are certain things that it needs to continually be in optimum shape. One of these things is the extra nutrients available to you in nutrition supplements.

You know, life has never been trouble-free and getting as healthy as possible is far more possible now than it ever was. Lately it is easier for you to spend probably $2 or $3 a day on beefing up your immune system. In the past, this was not obtainable and therefore, many people died as result of simple sicknesses and conditions like scurvy, which is very easily prevented or treated by frequently taking any Vitamin C rich fruit or supplement.

One question that has been bandied around for quite a while now, is whether it is advisable that parents expose their children to these vitamins at a very young age? As casual as this may sound, it is a question loaded with lots of meaning. How is this? Many parents would tell you that the reason they ask such questions is to make sure that there are no possible side effects on their children.

However, the answer to the question really is that it is wise that children get the highest amount of nutrition possible by all standards . In fact, the multivitamins that parents give their brood provides them with more nutrition and hence, better health.

For those who do a lot physical fitness and training, it is of extreme importance that nutrition supplements be part of their daily routine. Fitness experts continually reinforce the advice that supplements containing trace minerals like boron, macro minerals like magnesium, should never be far from anyone undergoing any form of physical fitness program.

Before picking up a supplement however, it is consistently better to consult with your physician just to be certain that you are getting a good quality mangosteen juice supplement.

About the Author:

Julieanne van Zyl operates a site about Mangosteen Juice which has current information about Mangosteen Juice. If you want to purchase the Vemma Mangosteen Juice, which is a whole fruit Mangosteen and the Mangosteen pericarp extract supplement , go here: Vemma Mangosteen Juice

Natural Liver Detox: Nutriceutical Counteraction

By Codi Heart

I did not particularly enjoy writing this article. As I relaxed and sat down at my laptop, with a deep ashtray close by. I conveniently located my over sized cup of very sugary coffee in close proximity to my headache medication. I looked online to learn more about liver detox.

My knowledge about medical information is sparse. Unlike so many others I do not remember to take medications and I never research every aliment that I am diagnosed with. Halfway through my coffee and puffing on my second cigarette, I learned that the two gallstones I have had for a while are actually solidified substances that were in the liquid bile secreted by my liver, probably because it contained too much cholesterol, bile salts or bilirubin. If they move, my medium-sized gallstones could block the flow of bile from my gallbladder. These could generate a gallbladder attack accompanied with lots of pain.

The situation above occurs when natural liver detox process is no longer able to filter the toxins that have accumulated as a result of cigarette smoke, environmental pollutants, unhealthy diet and the intake of large quantities of caffeine in combination with painkillers that contain paracetamol. I stopped reading and after a second cup of coffee I decided on the subject for this article.

Herbal detoxification, exercise to help blood circulation flow, and a liver-friendly diet are the ideal elements of detoxifying naturally. Everyone knows about exercise and liver-friendly diets are a bore to write about, but you can read about herbs that are beneficial to the functioning of your liver below. You will find that the herbs are not only easy to use, and affordable but you will not have a hard time locating them.

* The chemical cyranin enhances the liver's manufacture of bile as it fortifies the bile duct, this chemical is found in the leaves of Globe artichokes. Since artichokes can mobilize fat stored in the liver they are used for lowering cholesterol.

* By increasing bile production and flow is how Dandelion stimulates the livers detoxification function. As a chemical that tones and strengthens the liver, it also contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and significant amounts of choline. The roots are the most beneficial part of this herb and you can boil them to make a tea.

* Milk Thistle, Latin for Silybum Marianum L, is an herb recommended for liver function problems that are caused by drug and alcohol abuse.

* Eating rosemary will help with the functioning of your liver and minimize inflammation that may later cause liver disease because it contains to helpful acids caffeic and rosemarinic. It has been found that Rosemary extract can increase or accelerate the function of liver enzymes, and can flush toxins from the liver.

* There are numerous choices of spices, like Turmeric, that have liver cleansing properties. It contains oils such as curcuminoids, that help reduce any build-up of toxins in the liver by increasing the livers output of glutathione, a powerful enzyme that helps the liver rid itself of toxins. Turmeric is a slightly peppery root that gives a special flavor and a warm yellow color to rice, beans, vegetables, chicken and fish. It is a traditional mainstay of herbal therapy that is believed to shrink enlarged hepatic ducts, ducts that carry bile from the liver to the common bile duct leading to the small intestines and it may even be useful in the treatment of serious liver conditions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

* Chicory is a well-known coffee substitute. Bile production and liver cleansing are made possible by utilizing the components contained within its flowers, seeds and roots. You will find that in addition to reducing the work that is required on the liver, it also acts as a diuretic and laxative. An easy way to consume this herb is to add fresh chicory leaves to salads or to drink chicory tea or chicory coffee.

Herbs alone cannot help a natural liver detox. It must be combined with a healthy diet and life style, such as avoiding alcohol, drugs, smoking, and exercising regularily. With that I am going to end, I need to go inventory my kitchen cabinets and run to the store. I know I have Turmeric and Rosemary.

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Read more all about Home remedies for Liver Detox now and Get Liver Detox Diet Info.

Travel for Your Health

By David Loren Sullivan

I need to take a vacation! There might be more underlying this statement than most people realize. Recently, studies have shown that your health may depend on it.

The number of Americans who plan on vacationing within the next six months is near a thirty year low, according to the Conference Board, a private research firm. A general consumer survey by the same firm also suggests 39% of those people surveyed are not considering a vacation next year -- a figure that is at an all-time low since 1978. Consultants in the public health field feel this is a mistake.

Just when job insecurity and stress are at an all-time high, we could use a break. The Framingham Heart Study, an ambitious health research project, has been striving since 1948 to identify common risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease. Researchers of the project observed three generations of questionnaires filled out over a twenty year period. The data showed women who vacationed only once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary artery disease or have a heart attack.

The correlation between stress and way of life is evident. In 2000, the results of another study involving 12,000 men over a period of nine years had similar results. Men who did not travel on an annual basis were 33% more prone to dying from a heart attack and had a 21% risk of dying from other causes. Mental health is also indicated to be affected by travel. According to research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic of Wisconsin, the instances of depression increase as frequency of travel decreases.

This is real evidence that vacations are necessary to your physical health. It is time to rethink our vacation plans. As budgets tighten, it may be a good idea to consider all the options. The up-and-coming travel giant, MOR Vacations, recently announced a new product that may address the issue of family travel on a shoestring budget. Requesting the time off from work may be the only obstacle.

According to the BLS, one-quarter of Americans who work in the private business sector are not afforded paid vacation time. Further, there are 127 countries that do have mandatory paid vacation time. The U.S., however, is not among them. The editor of Take Back Your Time, John de Graaf, is lobbying for an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act that would guarantee three weeks paid vacation to anyone who has worked at a job for a minimum of one year. Although a tough sell, this arrangement is more tempting to business because vacation time is more predictable than sick time.

Economic indicators are still pointing downhill. Making up for the negative effects is necessary to our continued health. Allocating funds towards a lavish, tranquil vacation is even more compelling. We all have it coming.

A travel club lifetime membership could turn out to be a worthwhile investment. Stay away from timeshare rackets with recurring anniversary fees and long, drawn-out payments. Consider the options with a one-time, front-end fee and completely transferrable membership. Even more valuable is automatic VIP status for new members and free travel passes for unlimited guests. A travel product with these attributes will help balance your work-life responsibilities and squeeze every cent out of your travel budget.

About the Author:

David Loren Sullivan is an avid traveler and affiliate with MOR Vacations. Visit his web page for more ideas and solutions for luxury travel.

Managed Care Texas Health Insurance Plans

By Jordan FeRoss

There are many different types of health insurance in Texas. One of the most common is the managed care health plan, which contracts with a specific group of doctors, medical professionals and hospitals (a network) to provide care to their subscribers. These contracts enable insurers and health care providers to agree upon services offered and pricing for those services to keep costs manageable without compromising patient care. If a patient chooses to see a doctor or be admitted to a hospital that is out-of-network, the out-of-pocket costs increase considerably. While choice is limited for the patient, there is advantage of more affordable care.

The appeal of managed health care plans lies in the fact that they have lower premiums than other types of health insurance in Texas. This is largely due to the rates and fees charged for medical services agreed upon by the doctors and hospitals. They are chosen because they are willing to reduce their rates to work with the insurer. Expensive diagnostic testing and certain medical procedures are kept to a minimum or avoided entirely. In addition, managed care health plans offer wellness programs such as smoking cessation, so patients will stay healthier and require fewer visits to doctors and hospitals.

The managed care health system uses three types of plans:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) - With this plan, you can use doctors and other medical services that are within this network. It works the same way with health care insurance in Texas. An HMO has a primary care physician that you can select from the network. Members pay a set fee each time they visit the doctor.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) - This plan allows you to see any doctor you choose. The only disadvantage with this is that if the doctor is outside of the network, you will have to pay more. With health care insurance in Texas, it is strongly encouraged that people use a doctor within the network.

POS (Point Of Service) - This optional plan allows you to use doctors and other medical services outside of the HMO network. Also, you are not required to get a referral. Doctors and other providers used outside of the network will require you to pay more, even for health care insurance in Texas.

Even for those lucky enough to have an employer-sponsored health insurance plan in Texas, you'll most likely still need to pay a monthly premium. And, premiums aren't the only out-of-pocket costs for patients. Many insurance plans have high deductibles, which must be met before the insurer will pay any benefits to the insured, including emergency care. You'll want to compare plans and know your financial responsibility before choosing one.

Co-pays are another cost consideration for anyone choosing a health insurance plan in Texas. You usually need to cover your co-pays for every doctor and hospital visit and when filling prescriptions, even once you meet your deductible. With several managed care insurance plans (especially an HMO), there are limits to a patient's out-of-pocket annual expenses so costs do not get out of control.

Before choosing health insurance in Texas, it is important to know all the details of the plans you're considering to ensure you will be adequately covered and paying the lest amount for the coverage you need so that you won't break the bank while caring for your health.

About the Author:

If you are one of those seeking Texas health insurance then you can find the greatest deals on health insurance in Texas. Texas Health has great rates and resources to choose from!

Cover Florida Access Health Insurance Available On Jan 5, 2009

By Ethan Kalvin

The new Cover Florida Health Care Program goes into effect on January 5, 2009. Under the bill that Governor Charlie Christ signed in May of 2008, uninsured residents will be able to buy health care insurance. There are some restrictions to the program, however.

The Governor stated that the lowered premiums offered by the plans and the expanded access for coverage to those who otherwise wouldn't have been insured, were his primary goals. The plans will likely limit the number of hospital stays and also will be exempt from regulations mandated by the state.

It has been reported that there are six insurers who've signed on and agreed to provide 25 different plans to the citizens, and that the average plan premium will be approximately $155 per month. Christ stated that the plan was all about helping people and giving them freedom and choices regarding their health care, where they didn't have it before.

Higher deductibles are reported to be another catch to the Cover Florida plans. For instance, a family catastrophic plan would require a $3000 deductible. Though it is a small step, it is a welcomed one for many Floridians.

The Cover Florida plans will provide access to health insurance to more than 3 million who would otherwise never be able to find coverage in the individual market. Pre-existing conditions will not be a factor in getting coverage. The Florida health insurance plan is available for all residents between 19 and 64 who have not been covered for at least the prior six months.

About the Author:

The biggest and most respected resource for medical insurance information can be found at www.gohealthinsurance.com. If you are like 3 million others who are looking for Florida health insurance, be sure to check them out.

Feeling Fruity Why Not Try the Lesser Know Fruit the Tayberry

By KC Kudra

What happens when you put a blackberry and a raspberry together? Thanks to Scottish botanists, we now know that the answer is the tayberry. This berry is a very large, dark reddish to purple berry.

The tayberry was first developed in Invergowrie (right by the Tay River, thus the name) by David Jennings and David Mason, botanists at the Scottish Crops Institute. This raspberry-blackberry cross produces its fruit in July and August; and the berries are wonderful eaten fresh or cooked into a variety of foods.

It both tastes and smells just like a blackberry. Taking a bite into one, you may notice that there is a slight tart flavor to it. There is more then one way that you can enjoy this wonderful meticulously merged fruit.

Tayberries are perfect for a summer picnic basket or a late summer pie. If you are planning a picnic to your local park, tayberry jam and peanut butter sandwiches may be exactly what you have the taste for it makes a wonderful jam. Before heading to your picnic, you may want to prepare a tayberry pie the night before.

Tayberries are great in a bowl of ice cream or yogurt and are equally good in a fruit salad or mixed into jell-o. You can use tayberries just as you would use blackberries or raspberries. Even eaten as they are, they are a treat. Try them in cereal, scattered on top of a cheesecake or freeze them and add them to smoothies! No matter how you use tayberries, you are certain to enjoy them.

Tayberries are also used to make a wine. The wine features a brilliant ruby red color and a taste with just the right amounts of sweetness and tartness. It makes a great pairing with strong cheeses, red meat, and game. The wine makes a great gift and at only about $15 a bottle, a very affordable one as well.

The tayberry is not just rich in flavor, but has a lot of health benefits to offer. These two-in-one fruits contain a lot of vitamin C and bioflavonoids as well as being a good source of folate and fiber. The tayberry fruit and the leaves are a good home remedy for diarrhea.

There is another old home remedy and that is to chew on the leaves to help cure bleeding gums. They say that they have faithfully adopted this in Scotland over 2000 years ago. It is still common today as well.

Tayberries are a fruit with a large number of uses - food, wine and home remedies. This fruit is a little bit different, making it an exciting addition to your recipes. The tayberry is a real treat and the uses you can find for this delicious little fruit are limited only by the bounds of your imagination.

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