February is Heart Month, sponsored by the American Heart Association. This month, focus on reducing your stress, which can improve your heart health and lower your risk of heart disease.

Did you know that the heart and brain have a significant connection and impact on each other in your body?

Due to this, mental health can have a dramatic effect on heart health, and vice versa.

When you experience stress, which is a response in your brain, the body responds by increasing:

·      Blood pressure

·      Respiratory rate

·      Heart rate

·      Oxygen consumption

·      Blood flow to skeletal muscles

If you experience frequent stress, you are putting your body at an increased risk for heart disease.

How do you combat stress? There are many strategies and techniques for reducing stress in your life:

·      Meditate. Try sitting down in a quiet, comfortable room, and focusing your attention on one word, phrase or image in your mind. Repeat this thing over and over, refocusing if your mind wanders.

·      Read a book or listen to calming music.

·      Exercise. Getting your blood pumping is an excellent way to relieve stress, and is also great for your heart.

·      Eat nutritiously—don’t turn to junk food, alcohol or tobacco. Healthy food will energize you, while other options have negative effects on your body.

·      Confide in a loved one.

·      When feeling overwhelmed, plan and prioritize instead of trying to tackle everything at once. Also try taking a break from the situation.

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NEW YORK, NY, December 6, 2011 — IBD Insurance Services has been selected for the 2011 Best of Raleigh Award in the Health Insurance Agency category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

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Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s bring to mind thoughts of family, friends, fun and food. However, each year, millions of Americans struggle to maintain their waistlines during the holidays while surrounded by tempting holiday treats.

Holiday Parties

By following the healthy tips below, you will be on your way to enjoying all your holiday parties, while also staying in control of your eating. For example:

·   Do not leave the house on an empty stomach – it promotes overeating.

·   Avoid standing near the food table, a sure-fire way to overindulge.

·   Make socializing your top priority; conversation will keep you occupied and away from the food.

·   Limit your drinking; alcohol increases hunger and lowers willpower.

·   Offer a low-calorie alternative; for example, if you have volunteered to bring a dessert, bring fruit rather than a cheesecake.

·   Listen to your stomach; reduce your portion sizes and stop eating when you feel satisfied rather than stuffed.

Cooking and Baking

If you are the one hosting, use that to your advantage – it puts you in control of what will be served. For example, substitute high-fat or calorie-laden ingredients with more healthy choices, such as using an egg substitute rather than a whole egg. There can also be a downfall when it comes to hosting: the temptation to sample the food while you are preparing it. To help you resist the urge to snack while cooking:

·   Keep your mouth occupied with a piece of sugar-free gum or sip tea to reduce your urge to sample while you cook.

·   Prepare foods on a full stomach. You will not be as tempted to taste what you are making.

Cocktails and Beverages

Before you reach for the eggnog, remember that some mixed drinks may have as many calories as a dessert. It’s okay to indulge in some holiday spirits, but keep the following suggestions in mind:

·   Pace yourself; drink water or seltzer between drinks. The more you drink, the more the temptation to snack increases.

·   Try ice water with lemon or non-caffeinated soft drinks.

·   Consume mixed drinks with diet soda, club soda or tonic when possible.

Don’t abandon health habits or feel pressured to eat and drink more than ususal just because of the holidays. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, exercise and plan your meals ahead of time. It will help you make it through the holidays feeling satisfied and in control.

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Eating healthy on a limited budget may seem impossible, but with a little time, planning and strategic shopping, you can eat healthier and stay within your means.

Importance of planning

Planning your meals for the week is the best place to start. Planning will help you make sure you are including foods from each food group – pay special attention to serving enough fruits and vegetables in family meals. Also, it helps you achieve a healthy balance – for instance, if you plan to serve a food higher in fat or salt, you can plan low-fat or low-salt foods to go with it.

In addition, planning saves time and money. Making a shopping list helps you know what food you already have, and what food you need – and helps avoid pricey “impulse” buys. Plus, planning your meals means fewer trips to the grocery store and helps you make use of leftover food and ingredients.

      Planning tips

·         Build the main part of your meal around rice, noodles or other grains. Use smaller amounts of meat, poultry, fish or eggs.

·         Add variety to family favorites and try new, low-cost recipes. There are many online resources for finding healthy recipes.

·         Try new ways to cook foods, such as a slow cooker or crock-pot, to make meals easier to prepare.

·         Make use of leftovers to save time and money. For instance, if you make a pot roast, serve half of it and freeze the rest to use later in a casserole.

Tips for shopping

·         After planning your meals, make a list of all the foods you need (don’t forget to check the kitchen first!)

·         Look for coupons for the foods you plan to buy.

·         Avoid convenience foods (fancy baked goods, frozen meals, etc.) – you can usually make these at home much cheaper, and can control the nutritional value as well.

·         Try store brands. They cost less and generally taste as good and have equal nutritional value.

·         When buying produce, buy what is in season. Compare fresh, frozen and canned to see which is cheapest.

·         Buy only the amount of a food that your family will eat before it spoils, to prevent waste.

·         Read food labels and choose foods with less fat, sodium or calories, and more vitamins, minerals and fiber.

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On June 10, 2010 the President signed an Executive Order creating the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council. The National Prevention Council, chaired by Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, is charged with providing coordination and leadership at the federal level and among all executive departments and agencies with respect to prevention, wellness and health promotion practices. With input from the public and interested stakeholders, the National Prevention Council is charged with developing a National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy (National Prevention Strategy). The National Prevention Strategy was released on June 16, 2011.

The National Prevention Strategy provides an unprecedented opportunity to shift the nation from a focus on sickness and disease to one based on wellness and prevention. It will present a vision, goals, recommendations and action items that public, private, nonprofit organizations and individuals can take to reduce preventable death, disease and disability in the United States. To view the National Prevention Strategy click here.

IBD will continue to keep you informed about developments in healthcare on the State and Federal level. Contact us with any questions.

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On May 17, 2011, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released IRS Notice 2011-32, which makes changes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) effective for calendar year 2012. The notice makes changes to:

•    Annual contribution limitations for single and family coverage; and

•    Maximum out-of-pocket employee expense for single and family coverage under a high deductible health plan.

This article provides a summary of IRS Notice 2011-32.

2012 HSA CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

An employee must be enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP) in order to qualify for an HSA. Under IRS Revenue Procedure 2011-32, an individual with single coverage under an HDHP may make up to $3,100 in deductible contributions to his or her HSA, up from $3,050 in 2011. An individual with family coverage under an HDHP may make up to $6,250 in annual deductible contributions, up from $6,150 in 2011.

2012 OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE LIMITS

The maximum out-of-pocket employee expense under an HDHP, including deductibles, will increase next year to $6,050 for single coverage, up from $5,950 in 2011. For family coverage, the maximum out-of-pocket employee expense will increase to $12,100 next year, from $11,900 in 2011. The out-of-pocket expense does not include insurance premiums.

DEDUCTIBLES

The deductibles under an HDHP must be at least $1,200 for single coverage and $2,400 for family coverage. These deductibles were not increased from the 2011 requirements and will remain the same for the 2012 calendar year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

These new limits are effective for calendar year 2012.

MORE INFORMATION

For a copy of IRS Notice 2011-32, see www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-11-32.pdf.

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On April 5, 2011, the Senate voted to repeal the Form 1099 tax reporting requirement that was included in last year’s health care reform law. The Senate passed the Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (H.R. 4) by a vote of 87-12, showing overwhelming support for the repeal. The House of Representatives previously passed H.R. 4 on March 4, 2011, by a vote of 112-15. The repeal measure was supported by the White House and is expected to be signed by President Obama. 

The repeal of this unpopular provision is the first successful effort to roll back part of the health care reform law. Business groups opposed the requirement and its expected administrative burden, which led to both Republicans and Democrats targeting the provision for repeal. 

Background

The Form 1099 tax reporting requirement was created by Section 9006 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Although not directly related to health care, it was originally designed to raise money for the health care reform plan as well as improve tax compliance.

Specifically, the mandate required businesses to file a Form 1099 for any company from which it bought more than $600 in goods or services in a single year. This requirement was scheduled to go into effect in 2012. It was anticipated to increase both paperwork and accounting costs for businesses and landlords. Repeal of this tax provision is now expected to save time, money and resources.

Covering the Cost

Although both parties have been trying to repeal the Form 1099 provision for several months, previous attempts were unsuccessful because Congress could not agree on how to pay for the repeal. Eliminating the Form 1099 reporting requirement is estimated to cost $22 billion in lost revenue.

Congress has agreed to make up for the shortfall by adjusting health insurance tax subsidies for middle-income individuals provided by PPACA. H.R. 4 will now require greater repayment of subsidy amounts for families whose income unexpectedly exceeds applicable thresholds.

IBD Insurance will continue to update you on developments related to the health care reform legislation.

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While the winter months typically provide some relief for allergy sufferers, spring is here – and so are the allergies associated with this seasonal change. Mold growth blooms indoors and out with spring rains. As flowers, trees and grasses begin to blossom, allergies will follow. And spring cleaning activities can stir up dust mites, so here are some tips:

·         Wash your bedding every week in hot water to keep pollen under control.

·         Shower before going to bed, since pollen and other allergens can accumulate in your hair throughout the day.

·         Wear a painter’s mask when cleaning or vacuuming to limit dust and chemical inhalation.

·         Change air conditioning and heating air filters at least every 3 months.

·         Limit the number of throw rugs in your home to reduce dust and mold. If you do have throw rugs, consider washing them once a week or vacuuming twice a week.

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Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI) are extremely vital in determining whether you are at risk for developing major illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes. If you know your numbers are out of the healthy range, you can take measures to get yourself back into good health.

Cholesterol
An unexpected heart attack may be caused by years of living with high cholesterol and extra fat stored in the body. Total cholesterol should be 200 or less. You should also ask your doctor what your HDL cholesterol (good) and LDL cholesterol (bad) levels are. Having high total cholesterol, high LDL, or low HDL can put you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Since there are no symptoms of high cholesterol, it is imperative that you know your numbers!

Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the amount of force that it takes for your heart to pump blood through your body. High blood pressure, known as hypertension, increases your risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. It can also cause damage to your brain, eyes and arteries. Blood pressure should be 120 over 80. Much like cholesterol, there are no symptoms of high blood pressure, so knowing your numbers is key to good health.

Blood Sugar
Glucose is sugar that is stored in the blood as your main source of energy. If your glucose levels are too high or too low, you can develop diabetes. The normal range for blood sugar is 80 to 120. Since diabetes can strike anyone of any age, it is essential that you know your blood sugar number. This is especially true if you experience any of the following symptoms of diabetes: frequent urination, extreme hunger, thirst, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue or blurry vision. If diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, blindness, amputation of the arms or legs and/or kidney disease.

Body Mass Index
BMI measures your weight in relation to your height. This measurement indicates whether your weight falls within a normal, healthy range. Your BMI should be less than 25. A BMI over 25 indicates that you are overweight and a BMI over 30 indicates that you are obese. Carrying extra weight can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions. To figure out your BMI, use the calculator at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi.

Knowing your numbers can reduce your risk of developing sometimes PREVENTABLE conditions. By taking control of your health, you will reduce your risk of developing illnesses, and will increase your chances of living a long, healthy life.

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It is a common misconception that generic versions of brand-name prescription drugs are inferior. In fact, the FDA requires that generic drugs meet the same standards as their brand-name counterparts. The difference involves the research, development and marketing investment that went into producing the original brand-name drug. 

When generic equivalents become available, they have the same active ingredients and chemical purity as the brand-name drugs they imitate. Other ingredients including tablet fillers, coatings, flavors or colors may differ. And because their development costs are significantly less, generic drugs are often much cheaper.

Next time you receive a prescription from your doctor, ask if there is a generic version of the drug available. Many health plans charge a lower copay for generic drugs. Contact us today for more information.

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