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Immunization Awareness Month

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Vaccinations get a lot of bad press. Yet approximately 40-50,000 adults in the United States die from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases (or their complications) each year.

Because influenza is so highly contagious, one sneeze can infect everyone in the immediate area. The American Lung Association promotes protective actions like:

  • Stay away from crowds and large indoor gatherings.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • If you are sick, stay away from others.
  • If others show symptoms, stay away from them!

Just don’t “sneeze” at the wisdom of getting vaccinated. Yes, the influenza virus changes constantly. Every year, scientists work together to identify the virus strains they believe will cause the most illness. As a result, a different vaccine gets created every year.

Some people, like older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic medical conditions are more susceptible to flu. They need the most protection. And even people in robust health benefit from vaccinations.

Give yourself the best protection and get vaccinated as soon as it becomes available in the fall of each year.

Learn more at American Lung Association | 800.586.4872 | www.lung.org/flu Twitter: @LungAssociation

 

The Eyes Have It!

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The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) designates the month of August to increase awareness of common eye problems in children. Here are some of the more prevalent problems that once diagnosed – can be treated at home:

  • A black eye may only need an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
  • Pink eye (Conjunctivitis) is caused by either bacteria or a virus. Because each is treated differently, get a proper diagnosis and treatment from a doctor.
  • Eye allergies cause eyes to be red, itchy and teary. Again, testing may be needed by a physician. Once the source is identified, limit exposure as much as possible. Sometimes, all that’s needed are artificial tears to wash allergens away.
  • A stye looks nasty but is usually harmless and goes away within a week.

Other problems that cause conditions like nearsightedness are prevented with early medical intervention. Join AAO this month to familiarize yourself with how to give your children the best eye care possible.

For more information, visit AAO | 415.561.8534 | www.aao.org/eye-health  Twitter: @AcademyEyeSmart

Cost of Diabetes – Insurance, Insulin Prices and Complications

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Diabetes is an expensive disease. Americans diagnosed with diabetes have healthcare costs that are 2.3 times greater than those without the disease, according to a study released this year by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).[1]

Between hospital and doctor visits, prescription medications and supplies, the cost of treating diabetes in the United States is $327 billion annually, a figure that’s risen by 26% in the last five years.

If you’re at high risk for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, have been recently diagnosed, or have a loved one coping with the disease, here’s what you can expect in terms of its impact on your finances.

Getting the Diabetes Diagnosis

The term diabetes actually refers to several diseases caused by excess sugar in your bloodstream. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions that are diagnosed with one of these blood tests done in your doctor’s office[2]:

    • The simplest and quickest test, called the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test, indicates average blood sugar for the last two to three months. This type of test is often used in free diabetes screenings at hospitals and pharmacies, too.
    • The fasting glucose test involves a fast for eight hours before your blood test is performed.
    • The oral glucose tolerance test involves several blood tests over about a three-hour period. During that time, you drink a liquid with glucose mixed in, and have your blood tested at regular intervals.
    • The zinc transporter 8 autoantibody (ZnT8Ab) blood test is used specifically to determine if you have Type 1 diabetes.

 

The Cost of Diabetes

The ADA’s recent study indicates that people diagnosed with diabetes spend an average of $16,752 per year on medical costs.[3] About half of that (57%) is related to treatment, including the cost of diabetes medication.

Insulin therapy is a common treatment for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but insulin prices have skyrocketed in the last several years.[4] Diabetes Management’s digital edition reports that the cost of insulin has increased from $100 to $200 per month to $400 to $500 per month, depending on the brand.[5]

Diabetics with no insurance must pay those costs entirely out of pocket.

Getting Diabetes Medication Costs Under Control

If the cost of diabetes medication has become out of reach for you or a loved one, try bringing your medical expenses down with these strategies:

    • Check with your doctor about an alternative if you currently use one of the newer manufactured insulins. Human insulin is an older type of medication that can be less expensive.
    • If you take a diabetes medication other than insulin, ask your doctor about a generic alternative.
    • Explore any prescription drug programs at your pharmacy which offer reduced prices for a low monthly fee.

What EXACTLY is Hepatitis?

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Ask around to see what people think hepatitis is and you’ll probably find out most of us don’t know. Overall, hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver, the largest solid organ and gland in our bodies. We need to keep our livers healthy because they perform over 500 essential tasks.

In general, livers “clean” out toxins while they help digest food and absorb essential nutrients. Understanding hepatitis in its numerous forms (A, B, C, D and E) is the best way to prevent contracting these potentially fatal diseases.

Estimates show that 30 million travelers a year visit destinations considered high-risk for hepatitis A and B. Both are vaccine-preventable.  Hepatitis C and D are usually spread through contact with infected blood. The E form is uncommon in the United States and rarely results in chronic hepatitis, but that doesn’t make it harmless.

World Hepatitis Day is a global effort to raise hepatitis awareness.  The Hepatitis Foundation Organization’s site (www.hepatitisfoundation.org) shows you how to prevent, diagnose and treat hepatitis as early as possible. Only through education can we control and eliminate hepatitis altogether.

Safe Camping

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Camping is a favorite option for Arizonans since we have several beautiful national and state parks nearby. It’s a great family activity. Camping also gives you the rare opportunity to “disconnect” from our technology world. There are some safety precautions to be aware of while you’re camping. Read more here.

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