Struggling To Pay Medical Bills?

People all over the U.S. struggle to pay medical bills. The unpaid hospital bills will pile up quickly from an unexpected illness. Due to the lack of medical insurance, you may have received a minimum level of treatment and were discharged with a recommendation of going to see another doctor. How do they expect you to see another doctor when you can't afford to pay their medical bills?

This is the sad reality of the medical industry in the United States. While the current administration promises a resolution, what do you do in the mean time? There are options, however none are absolute. Americans neglect their own health issues until their body won't let them anymore and sometimes it is too late by then. Waiting makes the issues worse yet many cannot afford the preventative measures and checkups necessary. Your health should be a priority, but the expense of medical bills sometimes makes that impossible.

Medical assistance is available through state and federal programs for some people. Those that are offered medical insurance through their employer sometimes can't afford it or they have it and it is not as effective as it should be. The rates of insurance are high, the deductibles are high, the co pays are high and the percentage the insurance covers is low. For those who do have insurance these numbers still equal needing help to pay medical expenses.

Medical advocates can help with unpaid hospital bills; however their assistance is limited too. They can find errors in billing and negotiate the numbers, but in the end you still have to find a way to pay medical bills. When there is nothing left to rob from Peter to pay Paul, it is time to consider a different approach to resolve your medical expenses.

Many have not considered bankruptcy to alleviate the stress and financial burden of medical expenses, however many are forced into bankruptcy due to unpaid hospital bills. When you do not have the means to pay medical bills, consult with a bankruptcy professional to help you make the best financial decision.

Lithium Is Important for Everyone

Lithium is a trace metal that belongs to the family of alkali chemical elements. This is about using low dose over the counter lithium aspartate and lithium oratate. These are natural forms found at the health food store.

Can everyone tell the side effects of lithium lack?

Most clients describe to me a "flat line blah" feeling in their brain. They become easily angered when things don't go their way. They find it tough to enjoy or get excited over anything. Even when life is good they cannot figure out why they are not happy.

Is Lithium only for someone that has manic depression or bipolar issues?

The effects of Lithium are necessary for everyone. It is usually found in drinking water, yet some areas are extremely deficient. The effects of Lithium are not just for Bipolar or manic depressive issues. Sometimes the natural vitamin form of Lithium aspartate or oratate works where high dose prescriptions have given a bad reaction.

Lithium dosage explained:

Those utilizing low dose lithium aspartate or oratate feel that they are not depressed but lack pizazz in their lives. They see color but not its' vibrant attraction. They have a great life but don't really enjoy it. To me, that signals a trace mineral deficiency of Lithium that helps mild depression symptoms.

Over the counter natural lithium aspartate or oratate forms do not usually exceed a total of 20 mg. per day and are used for those that have had bad reactions to an anti-depressant, post natal depression symptoms and very low doses for the Blah Feeling and lack of enthusiasm towards life.

Therapeutic prescription lithium dosages can range around 300 to 2700 mg per day. They are used for manic depression and Bipolar and often cause a lithium toxicity level.

The higher intake amounts of Lithium, may want to check iodine levels as it helps the spreading of iodine evenly throughout the body. Keeping tabs on your Thyroid function is always a good thing especially when working on an Anti-Aging Program. Make sure you work with someone knowledgeable in the use of supplements or a Board Certified Anti-Aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine MD.

What are the effects of Lithium in low doses?

Recent research has shown that low doses of Lithium preserves and renews our Brain Cells. Lithium aspartate and oratate are generally marketed as a dietary supplement. Low lithium dosages are used to help conditions such as:

• Stress


• Depression


• Alcohol Use


• ADD/ADHD


• Aggression


• PTSD


• Memory Problems


• Mood Swings


• Gout

Lithium dosage may increase brain function when taken on a daily basis. Lithium Aspartate can also be used as a natural treatment to help Thyroid problems. Lithium may sometimes be used as a parallel to any medication prescribed for anxiety, mood or depression. It protects against unwanted lithium toxicity effects and brain cell death.

The working hypothesis that researchers think is reasonable is that Lithium is turning on some of the Brain's growth signaling pathways and reversing some of the damage. Lithium is capable of increasing gray matter in the brain by 3% in just over 4 weeks of use (this from a Study at Wayne State University).

The need for small amounts may put back the vibrancy in colors and allow you to enjoy the life you have made for yourself. It is known to work rather quickly even in such low doses. If you feel you have more serious problems, consult your physician.

Tips For Getting Pregnant - Foods to Help Fertility

If you are looking for tips for getting pregnant then there is also a chance you are starting to question whether you are actually fertile. Very few that question themselves actually end up being infertile but are simply not as fertile as they could be.

One way of increasing your fertility is to eat certain foods which contain antioxidants, calcium and various vitamins which all work as fertility enhancers. Here then is a short list of foods which can help.

Tea

Green tea and orange pekoe tea (just tea to most of us) both work really well as fertility enhancers because they contain high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants help us to keep our immune system healthy and research has revealed that females that drink tea on a regular basis have a greater chance of becoming pregnant.

Foods Containing High Levels of Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a reproductive hormone regulator and can be found in tuna, bananas and roasted chicken breast just to name a few.

Foods Rich In Vitamin C

Vitamin C boosts the immune system which helps in aiding a healthy conception but research has also shown it increases fertility as well, especially in men. Vitamin C is found in fruits with citrus fruits being the best at increasing fertility.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is taken to prevent birth defects but needs to be taken before pregnancy and in the early stages. This is because folic acid helps the development of the babies neural tube which becomes the babies brain and spinal tube. Folic acid can be taken as a supplement or found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and in orange juice.

Water

Water is needed to grow a baby so it is good to get into the habit of consuming lots of water before even becoming pregnant. Try to drink at least 6 and 8 cups of water a day.

The 4 Top Tips To Help You Get Pregnant Naturally!

Are you confused about why you don't seem to be able to get pregnant? Are you searching for ways to get pregnant naturally? Are you, in fact, desperate to get pregnant? Are you worried that others are able to get pregnant when nothing is happening in that department for you?

Well you have come to the right place! If you want to get pregnant naturally, just read on and follow the simple guidelines.....I have listed below the top 4 tips for you to follow if you want to get pregnant naturally.

The list is by no means an exhaustive one and is presented purely as a guide for those who unfortunately are finding it difficult to conceive and really want to get pregnant naturally. There could be numerous reasons why you have not yet fallen pregnant. Don't despair and certainly don't immediately jump to the conclusion that there is something wrong with either you or your partner.

1. Staying Healthy and What about that Cup of Coffee?

Well we have to get this one out of the way first. It's pretty obvious that you need to get as healthy as possible prior to getting pregnant - then you need to stay as healthy as possible during your pregnancy. It is always prudent to ensure that you are keeping to a healthy and nutritious diet. Vitamin C is worth special consideration however. Taking some vitamin C supplements when you are trying to get pregnant would be a sensible move. Just don't overdo it since too much vitamin C could hinder the process of conception by causing the cervical fluid to dry up. Now we do not want that to happen.

So what about that cup of coffee?

This is an easy one. If you are really serious about having babies then stop drinking coffee whilst you are trying to get pregnant. Simple as that! I know it sounds a bit harsh, especially if you are hooked on your shot of coffee but it is sound advice. Unfortunately it is difficult to find definitive evidence one way or the other about the problems associated with drinking coffee and getting pregnant.

The debate goes on. However, there are many authoritative studies that claim drinking coffee whilst trying to get pregnant could delay the process in some women. On that basis there is enough evidence to support the view that the best way forward for any woman trying to get pregnant is to quit drinking coffee. Not a great sacrifice to have to make - is it?

2. Timing Is Everything - or Is It?

You will have heard about trying to "time" your sex to increase your chances of getting pregnant. You know, taking temperature measurements and predicting ovulation so as to have sex the week prior to ovulation. Also there is the one about the woman being "on top" during intercourse. There are loads more of these "old wives tales" and some will have more validity than others. All it seems to achieve is an element of confusion and even stress and anxiety. My advice is not to get "hung up" by all these theories and go with the old adage that the more sex the better!

The aim is to avoid stress so have as much sex as you can without causing stress to you or your partner. Be mindful of the fact that stress can be a detrimental health factor and there is evidence that it can decrease fertility - more on stress later. Therefore you and your partner need to put a bit of constructive thought into how you can keep the sex interesting and enjoyable. I'm sure I can leave you to sort that one out. However as soon as the sex becomes a chore for either of you the stress levels will become elevated and that is what we are trying to avoid

3. Sorry but We Need to Get a Bit Technical Now!

Let's talk lubricants and I'm not talking about car maintenance! Many of you will be using lubricants during intercourse and indeed I'm sure many will be thinking that by doing so it will help the process. Well, unfortunately this is not always the case.

Some over-the-counter lubricants are not conducive to getting pregnant and will, in some instances, damage the sperm. This must not happen. Make sure that when you purchase the lubricant you read the label carefully and ensure the product is specifically formulated and designed not to be harmful in any way to the sperm.

Whilst we have touched on the subject of the sperm we need to make a few things clear. You should be taking some simple but effective measures to nurture and protect the sperm! Make him wear boxers so as to keep everything nice and loose! You know what I mean. Make sure he takes showers and avoids hot baths from now on in. Actually you need to ensure he keeps heat away from his groin region so his MacBook resting on his lap is not recommended. We are trying everything possible to avoid instances where the sperm count could be lowered in any way at all.

4. Don't Get Stressed!

Easier said than done - I know! I am not one of those annoying people who glibly tell you not to get stressed or not to worry. Of course, from time to time we all get stressed out and there will often be anxiety and worry about not being able to get pregnant naturally again this month! All this is normal.

My advice is to minimize these stressful episodes as much as possible. Perhaps the best way to deal with these types of problems is to recognize and acknowledge that they do happen and are a normal part of life. Having recognized the problem you must set about a pro-active regime of coping with any of these issues as they arise. Take time out to relax, you could start by listening to more music, reading one of your favorite books again (a kind of comfort thing) or even watching an old film with your partner. In essence you need to set aside more time for yourself and your partner. It is often called - me time.

Any of these activities will help you to manage stress, anxiety and worry but it will only happen if you are positive in your approach. Don't let worry and anxiety creep up and hijack you!!!

I suspect you have done quite a bit of research on this topic of trying to get pregnant naturally. You will understand the tips I have given to you are not new or unique, you may have heard about them or seen them written down somewhere else. However they are a genuine offering to anyone unfortunate enough to have had problems getting pregnant. I understand your frustration and confusion, my wife and I have been there just like you. In your darker moments, when you think there is no chance that you will ever get pregnant, do not despair. We felt the same way, but we were lucky enough to discover help that actually worked for us and my wife was able to get pregnant naturally almost immediately.

Fertility Diet - Can Food Help You Fall Pregnant?

There is much talk lately of whether eating certain foods can increase your chances of conceiving, but is it true?

Recently I've been reading about Harvard's research into the link between diet and fertility and it has shown that, yes, diet and exercise DO play a role in your chances to conceive.

So let's have a quick look at the overview of what foods are good to eat:

Carbs

Specifically the difference between good and bad carbohydrates can impact on your fertility significantly.

Bad carbs - White bread, potatoes and sugary drinks do disrupt the balance of hormones needed for reproduction.

Good carbs - Wholegrain pasta and breads that are rich in fiber can improve your chances of conception by balancing your blood-sugar and insuline levels (which in turn balance your hormones).

Fats

It is already well known that women who restrict fat from their diets altogether can have trouble ovulating or may even stop menstruating altogether. Fats carry building blocks of hormones and cell renewal.

That's not to say your should start gobbling down lots of fatty foods though. Bad fats such as Trans fats actually increase the likelihood of developing ovulatory infertility.

Stick with the good fats and oils, like olive oil and fish oil. (Particularly fats and oils high in Omega 3).

Protein

Again it depends on the type of protein eaten as to how it will affect your fertility. One of the most significant studies shows that eating plant proteins (such as beans and nuts which are an excellent source of protein, fiber and other nutrients) can significantly improve fertility.

It therefore makes good sense to include more plant proteins such as nuts and beans into your diet.

Milk and Ice Cream

Now for some good news! Eating one or more servings of full fat dairy (such as yoghurt, milk, cottage cheese and ice cream) can help improve fertility.

So ditch the low fat milk from the fridge and replace it with the full fat version. Women who consumed low-fat dairy products were more likely to have trouble conceive than those who at full fat dairy products.

Now you don't need to feel guilty about having that icecream sprinkled with nuts - it's good for your fertility!

Weight & Exercise

Keeping yourself within a healthy weight range (not too big and not too small - just right ..) will help improve your conception chances by balancing your hormones. While we have all heard of this before, it does make sense that keeping your weight under control will help guard against high blood sugar and keep your insulin levels in check.

Exercise also improves circulation, and since your blood carries your hormones, better circulation means that you have an increased chance of getting your hormones to the right place at the right time, and improving the elimination of toxic substances from your blood.

Another great benefit of exercise is that it increases the body's natural stress relievers which is very beneficial when you are trying to conceive!

5 Top Tips For Avoiding Stretch Marks on Your Stomach After Pregnancy

Gaining weight, piles, a bad back, varicose veins and stretch marks are just a few of the many potential side effects of pregnancy. Combined with a massive change of body shape and the wobbly appearance of your stomach after pregnancy and it's no surprise that many women suffer from baby blues or full blown postnatal or postpartum depression.

Whilst many of these changes are inevitable and out of your control, there are some things you can do to alleviate a number of the potential problems of pregnancy.

Avoiding stretch marks on your stomach during pregnancy is one of the things you may be able to influence. Experts are divided on this issue, so there is no conclusive evidence on either side to say that stretch marks can or can't be avoided.

Basically it all boils down to caring for yourself properly at a time when you need to be as healthy and as strong as possible. The following tips will give you the best chances of avoiding stretch marks: -

• Make sure you eat a well balanced diet. If you minimise the amount of weight you gain during pregnancy you can help to offset the chances of suffering from stretch marks all over the body. This doesn't mean starting any type of diet, just simply following the usual rules of healthy eating. Eat well most of the time and allow yourself the occasional treat. Keep an eye on what you are eating, don't throw all consciousness of a healthy diet out of the window just because your shape is changing anyway.

• If you regularly moisturise your skin at least once a day using a cream containing vitamin A or vitamin E, applied by hand or using a massage glove you will help to improve the circulation and the elasticity of the skin. Applying the cream may help to stop the skin becoming too dry and therefore avoiding stretch marks forming.

• Drink plenty of water to ensure that your skin retains its moisture levels, experts suggest at least 2 litres a day. Dry and dehydrated skin has been shown to form stretch marks far more easily than well hydrated skin.

• Taking a multi vitamin or a vitamin formula specifically designed for pregnant women may help to cover any deficiencies you may have, again helping to improve the quality of your skin.

• Regular activity will also help to improve your circulation, which means the skin will be supplied with the nutrients it needs much faster and the increase in rich oxygenated blood from your lungs will also improve its quality. Exercise will also burn off any calories you don't need which would otherwise be stored as body fat that stretches the skin forcing stretch marks to appear. Not high impact exercise or anything that is too intense, but gentle activities such as walking and swimming are ideal.

Avoiding stretch marks may or may not be possible, but many women who haven't been affected by them swear it was the action they took during pregnancy that was the reason for them not getting them.

If you want to feel happy about your body and stomach after pregnancy then it makes sense to take any steps possible to avoid the many side effects your body is subjected to over the course of the nine months and beyond. Not only will you benefit but the health and well being of your new baby will also be improved dramatically.

The Safety of Omega 3 and Pregnancy - Using Omega 3 and Pregnancy

Being pregnant is exciting and wonderful. There are however, very valid concerns regarding the taking of medications, vitamins and supplements, and even some foods.
If you are like a lot of people, you don't necessarily think about essential fatty acids, whether they are Omega 3 or Omega 6.

New studies are coming out and are out that identify Omega 3's and its components like DHA- docoahexaenoic acid, EPA-eicosapentoic acid, and ALA-alpha-linolenic acid.
There is also Linoleic acid usually called Omega 6 and is found in oils such as corn, safflower, cottonseed and sunflower.

The benefits of Omega 3's have been widely studied and discussed. The use of Omega 3 during pregnancy is of course between you and your doctor but it has been described as very beneficial both to the mother and to the unborn child.

In general Omega 3's helps to support brain health and functioning, improving the synaptic connections between hemispheres. Retinal health is supported by improving the central vision thus helping with Macular Degeneration.

What this means for pregnant women is that using Omega 3's can help them during their pregnancies and the development of their child (ren). They help to develop nervous systems and form the retina. This can reduce the risk of problems for the baby.

For the mother, the use of Omega 3 fatty acids reduces the risk of preeclampsia a condition that develops later in pregnancy and causes abnormal weight gain, water retention, and high blood pressure. It also reduces the occurrence of postpartum depression and the chances of pre-term labor. The improved health of the mother can be passed on to the child.

Future benefits include increased attention spans of the children, better vision, and advanced over-all development. When compared to kids whose mothers did not take Omega 3's, these children are often advanced by at least three months or more, in development.

Since brain function is improved and brain development is supported, it would follow that a child's learning would be improved. With improved learning comes advancing development. A baby whose mother took Omega 3's (under her doctor's supervision) has a chance at having less health problems and greater academic success.

As a child develops s/he can be given Omega 3 supplements to improve their health as well. Conditions such as colds, the Flu, Arthritis, and Eczema are also treated with Omega 3. It has been reported that it can treat such problems as ADHD and improve the child's over-all behavior.

If you are concerned about the possibility that your fish oil supplements might have contaminants, read the label and be sure the Omega 3 fatty acids have gone through the process of Molecular Distillation. This is a purifying process that removes toxins from the fish oil creating a pure supplement and one that is safer and has greater potency. If you are still concerned look for supplements made specifically for pregnant women.