(NAPSI)—If you’re part of the soon-to-be-senior generation, it’s a healthy idea to learn all you can about Medicare, the U.S. government?administered health insurance program for seniors, before you’re eligible.

Supplementing Your Coverage

Medicare is similar to a major medical plan, but like other health insurance programs, it doesn’t cover everything. Combined with rising health care costs, this can lead to a financial burden, but one that may be eased with supplemental coverage.

Medicare Supplement is add-on insurance coverage that can help pay expenses not covered or only partially covered by Medicare, such as deductibles, co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses.

“Medicare Supplement plans generally work like major medical insurance,” says John Fauzey, national director of senior products for Combined Insurance, a leading supplemental insurance provider. “The supplemental policy helps make up the difference between what Medicare pays and what you are charged for care. For example, with hospitalization, Medicare will pay all but $1,132. A Medicare Supplement policy can be purchased to cover that $1,132.”

Finding The Right Protection

All Medicare Supplement policies are not created equal. It’s important to find the right coverage for your specific needs.

Fauzey offers these tips:

• Look for a policy that goes into effect the moment you qualify for Medicare.

• Be sure pre-existing conditions are covered immediately and that there is no waiting period or reduction in benefits.

• Find a policy that lets you choose your health care providers (as long as they accept Medicare).

• Look for an insurance provider that offers comprehensive customer service beyond a toll-free number.

• Take the time to assess your personal situation.

A knowledgeable professional can help you identify your needs and thoroughly explain what options are available to you. Once you understand your needs, finding the right policy is much easier. Visit www.combinedinsurance.com to get started.

Finding shoes to inspire confidence and comfort

(ARA) – It’s no secret that shoes can either make or break an outfit. But can uncomfortable shoes also affect your confidence?

According to a recent study, 94 percent of women say they feel good when their feet feel good. Stacy London, style expert and host of TLC’s “What Not To Wear,” has partnered up with the makers of Dr. Scholl’s For Her. She agrees that when it comes to shoes – women can look good and feel good at the same time.

“As a stylist, I know that finding a balance between fashion and comfort can sometimes be tricky. And chances are that most women have experienced “Fabulitis” – the discomfort caused by the decision to wear uncomfortable, yet fabulous shoes,” says London. “That’s why I use Dr. Scholl’s For Her insoles – because I can wear the shoes I want and feel comfortable doing it.”

Helping women get back on their feet

One of the most inconvenient times for women to face “Fabulitis” is during a job interview, especially since the right shoes are an essential component to feeling comfortable and confident. That’s why the makers of Dr. Scholl’s For Her are launching an interactive campaign to support Dress for Success Worldwide, a nonprofit organization that offers professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to women entering the workforce. The program will help empower women by contributing confidence-inspiring footwear and insoles to keep them comfortable while interviewing for jobs.

Stacy London’s interview wardrobe tips
London shares her tips for achieving fashion, comfort and confidence when tackling a job interview:

Comfort is key: Such a big part of achieving success is feeling comfortable in your own skin – and shoes for that matter. Go for heels and add a Dr. Scholl’s for Her insole for comfort.

Suit up: Suits (pant or skirt) are always appropriate. Pair suits with more feminine, colorful or textured tops to add flair.

Must-haves: Every woman should have a comfortable closed-toe heel for suiting and separates, a pencil or simple A-line skirt and a suit.

Walk the talk: Choose clothes and shoes that look and feel good for your body type, stand up tall and show your style with confidence.

To make a difference in the lives of women entering the workforce, consumers can visit www.facebook.com/drschollsforher to vote on the most confidence-inspiring shoe style from now until Aug. 26. Votes will help determine the style of shoes donated to Dress for Success Worldwide ($25,000 in value), and every pair of donated shoes will be matched with an insole. Additionally, for every purchase of a Dr. Scholl’s For Her insole product from July 11 to July 17, a 25 cent donation will go to Dress for Success Worldwide (a minimum donation of $25,000).

FREE! FREE! BUSINESS LISTING WAKE COUNTY NC

FDA approves new dose of FASLODEX in the fight against metastatic breast cancer
(ARA) – For the approximately 155,000 women in the US who are currently living with metastatic breast cancer,₁ an effective treatment option may offer more disease control. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new dose of a medicine called FASLODEX^® (fulvestrant) Injection for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer whose disease has spread after treatment with antiestrogren medicine. FDA approval is based on a clinical study that showed FASLODEX 500 mg delayed breast cancer progression by 20 percent compared to the previously approved 250-mg dose and had a comparable safety profile.₂

“For women with metastatic breast cancer, the treatment approach centers on slowing the progression of cancer,” said Gershon Locker, MD, Senior Medical Director AstraZeneca Medical Affairs. “FASLODEX 250 mg has been an option for some patients for some time, and now we know that FASLODEX 500 mg is better at delaying that progression.”_2,3

In some breast cancers, the presence of estrogen causes the cancer cells to grow.₄ Called hormone receptor positive, this type of cancer may be responsive to medicines called hormonal treatments, which reduce or block the effects of estrogen.₅ FASLODEX is a type of hormonal treatment for metastatic breast cancer that works by attaching to estrogen receptors and changing their shape, blocking estrogen from binding to the receptors. In addition, FASLODEX causes a degradation (downregulation) of estrogen receptors._6,7

The study supports the use of FASLODEX (500 mg) to treat hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has returned or progressed following treatment with prior hormonal therapy. A 250-mg dose modification is recommended for women with moderate liver impairment.₂ Women should talk to their doctor for more information about the dosing regimen for FASLODEX.

For information about FASLODEX and support information for women living with metastatic breast cancer, please visit www.faslodex.com.

Important Safety Information About FASLODEX^® (fulvestrant) Injection

You should not receive FASLODEX if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in FASLODEX. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to FASLODEX may include itching, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.

Because FASLODEX is administered directly into the muscle, you should tell your doctor if you have a blood disorder or are on anticoagulants (sometimes called blood thinners).

Also tell your doctor if you have liver problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. FASLODEX can harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about how to prevent pregnancy while receiving FASLODEX. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant while receiving FASLODEX.

The common side effects were: injection site pain, nausea, muscle, joint, and bone pain, headache, tiredness, hot flashes, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, cough, constipation, shortness of breath, and increased liver enzymes.

Approved Use For FASLODEX

FASLODEX is a prescription medicine used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause whose disease has spread after treatment with antiestrogen medicine.

FASLODEX is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.

For more information, visit www.FASLODEX.com.

310063 10/10
1 Data on File. 266478. AZPLP. Wilmington, DE. 2 Di Leo A, Jerusalem G, Petruzelka L, et al. CONFIRM Phase III trial comparing fulvestrant 250 mg with fulvestrant
2 Di Leo A, Jerusalem G, Petruzelka L, et al. CONFIRM Phase III trial comparing fulvestrant 250 mg with fulvestrant 500 mg in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive advanced breast cancer [published online ahead of print September 20, 2010]. J Clin Oncol. 2010. http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/doi/10.1200/JCO.2010.28.8415. Accessed September 21, 2010.
3 Beslija, S, et al. Second consensus on medical treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Annals of Oncology. 2007; 18:215-225.
4 Harrell J, Dye W, Harvell D, Pinto M, et al: Estrogen Insensitivity in a Model of Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis. Cancer Research, 2007; 67: (21) November 1, 2007.
5 American Cancer Society. Detailed Guide: Breast Cancer. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003037-pdf.pdf. Updated September 24, 2010. Accessed June 29, 2010.
6 Carlson, RW. The History and Mechanism of Action of Fulvestrant. Clinical Breast Cancer. 2005; 6(Suppl. 1): S5-S8.
7 Howell, A. Is fulvestrant (”Faslodex”) just another selective estrogen receptor modulator? Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2006; 16(Suppl. 2): 521-523.

Handcrafted Birdhouses & Bird-Feeders From Raleigh NC

Medicare Open Enrollment: It’s Time to Review Your Plan (369) (NewsUSA) – Every year, there are new prescription drug and health plan coverage choices available to people with Medicare. Open Enrollment is the time of year when current or newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, including people with original Medicare, can review their current health or prescription drug plans, compare the plans to other options and choose the plans that best meet their current needs. There’s never been a better time to check out Medicare coverage. With the new health care law, there are new benefits available to people with Medicare, including lower prescription costs, wellness checkups and preventive care. The new law also provides better ways to protect beneficiaries from fraud, making Medicare stronger for all of us and for future generations. Take advantage of Open Enrollment — November 15th through December 31st — and be sure to compare current plans with new plan offerings, as well as learn about the new benefits that are available. People with Medicare may find a way to save money, get better coverage, or both. Medicare has several ways to ensure people get the information to help in deciding what kind of coverage works best, including: * Visit www.medicare.gov, where you can get a personalized comparison of the costs and coverage of the plans available in your area. * Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24-hours a day/7 days a week to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. * Review the 2011 Medicare & You handbook. It is mailed to beneficiaries in October. * Get one-on-one help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Local SHIP contact information can be found online at www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.aspx and on the back of your Medicare & You 2011 handbook. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY, 1-877-486-2048). Medicare has a program to help pay for prescription drugs for those with a limited income. To find out if you qualify, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about the “Extra Help” program. More information is available at www.healthcare.gov, a new online portal made available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This message is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Free Business Listings, City5nc Business Directory

Six North Carolinians are being honored with the highest civilian award the state bestows.

The six will receive the North Carolina Award on Thursday at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh.

Among those being honored are Winston-Salem attorney Mike Leonard; High Point poet and author Carole Boston Weatherford; Greenville artist and teacher Robert Ebendorf; and Asheville painter and sculptor Donald Sultan.

Also being recognized are Margaret S. Newman of Winston-Salem, chairman of the board of directors of the N.C. Center for Nonprofits; and F. Ivy Carroll, a scientist in the field of medicinal chemistry.

The North Carolina Awards were created by the General Assembly in 1961 and have been presented annually since 1964. It recognizes contributions to the state and nation in fine arts, literature, public service and science.

Source:MYNC.COM

City5nc Free Premium Business Listing

(NAPSI)-One of the most frustrating experiences people have when they visit the doctor or are hospitalized is being asked to repeat their medical history over and over again every time a new person examines them. It’s a common experience but not life threatening. But what if your name was similar to another patient’s name and your charts got mixed up? What if someone simply couldn’t read your doctor’s notes?

Electronic health records (EHRs) are a promising solution for reducing medical errors and costs and improving patient safety, say health care experts.

For example, a health center called Urban Health Plan (UHP), Inc. provides much-needed health care to the underserved South Bronx neighborhood it has called home for 36 years. The clinic serves more than 37,000 patients who depend on the quality and consistency of care provided at this federally qualified health center.

“The implementation of our EHR system helped transform how we treat patients and track their outcomes,” said Paloma Hernandez, president and CEO of Urban Health Plan, Inc. “EHRs help us work toward improving the health of the communities we serve and will go a long way in aiding the elimination of health care disparities.”

Looking Into the Future

Hernandez explains that the health center has 105 patients with similar surnames. Using state-of-the-art iris recognition technology helps avoid confusion. UHP patients simply look into a lens and the correct health record is pulled up on a screen.

Financial Savings

UHP saved money by:

• Eliminating the search for misplaced paper records that could take up to 75 hours of staff time each month;

• Converting storage space for paper records to a Health and Wellness Center for use by patients and staff;

• Reducing expenses for supplies, staff and storage and related items; and

• Expanding time spent with patients and seeing 35 percent more patients.

UHP’s adoption of electronic health records in its network of clinics earned it the prestigious HIMSS Nicholas E. Davies Award of Excellence, in the community health organization category, for leadership in the implementation of electronic health record systems.

“The HIMSS Davies Award honors health care organizations that are leading the way in and improving patient care with the use of the electronic health record,” said David Collins, HIMSS Director, Healthcare Information Systems.

For more information on the HIMSS Davies Awards of Excellence, go to www.himss.org/davies or call (804) 310-0615.

Add your business to City5nc Business Directory

(NAPSI)-There is comforting news for the approximately 18 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes.

The Situation

Although diabetes is a serious disease, its complications–including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputation–can be delayed or even prevented with proper diabetes management, which includes regular blood glucose testing.

Unfortunately, though, for many people, the pain of lancing, which involves piercing the skin to draw a small blood sample for testing, can be a deterrent. In fact, of those people who quit testing their blood glucose each year, nearly one in six cite the pain of lancing as the reason for doing so.¹

A Solution

New tools, such as the OneTouch Delica Lancing System from LifeScan, may help patients lessen the pain of testing.

The device features a new, proprietary 33 gauge lancet that is 40 percent thinner than current industry standard 28 gauge lancets. In addition, the system’s Advanced Glide Control System precisely guides the lancet in a swift, straight motion that reduces vibration for a smoother lancing experience. It also features seven adjustable depth settings to allow for shallower punctures that may be less painful.

In a clinical study of nearly 200 people with diabetes, four out of five reported the new system was virtually painless and the most comfortable lancing device they had ever used.

“It’s important for people with diabetes to regularly test their blood glucose, particularly those using insulin, who typically need to test several times a day,” said Dr. Marc Steinberg, a diabetes specialist who himself has type 1 diabetes.

“A device like the OneTouch Delica System can significantly reduce the pain of lancing for many people. This can help them feel more comfortable about testing and can make it easier to get valuable information that can improve their day-to-day diabetes self-management.”

General Diabetes Management Tips

Changing lifestyle choices and habits to live with diabetes can be a real challenge. But taking care of yourself and your disease can pay off in the long run. According to the International Diabetes Federation, it’s important to:

• Eat a balanced diet: Healthy eating is important to help control blood glucose and cholesterol levels, maintain body weight, and reduce high blood pressure.

• Get regular physical exercise: Exercise helps to lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes and control weight. And, it’s not just about going to the gym. Activities like gardening, vacuuming and walking can all count.

• Reduce stress: Although the exact relationship between stress and diabetes is unclear, it seems that stress has a negative impact on blood glucose levels. Relaxing with family and friends helps people with diabetes manage their glucose.

• Stop smoking: By stopping smoking, you can improve your chances of preventing major complications associated with diabetes.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare professional to develop a diabetes management regimen that works for you.

Learn More

For more information on diabetes care, products and services, visit www.OneTouchDiabetes.com or call (800) 227-8862.

Join Our Affiliate

(NewsUSA) – During these tough economic times, as America continues to look at cost cutting options, many people will be shopping for a health insurance plan. It’s important to know that there are health plans that are affordable and are a fit for you and your family while still offering the coverage you need to protect your family.

Know your needs. What types of coverage are most important to you? Do you or a family member take a prescription regularly? Knowing how much coverage you need is important when deciding which health care plan is best.

Learn the lingo. Some insurers are working to use more consumer-friendly language. Learning how a high-deductible plan tied to a health savings account (HSA) that offers choice among physicians and hospitals and how it works best with your needs, is important.

Availability when you need it most. Many insurers are working hard to ensure customers have health-related information when they need it, such as:

* Use of understandable consumer-friendly language

* Access to customer call centers and nurse hotlines 24/7, 365 days a year, giving constant access to a nurse or person to help solve a claims issue

* Online tools to search for claims information and check for benefit qualifications, co-pays, and deductibles

* Tools to compare prices on the drugs you need, helping find the best prices available

Schedule that yearly appointment. Regular checkups can help prevent potential problems or catch conditions early, saving money.

Note to editors: The following states may find this story useful: CA, CO, AZ, TX, TN, FL, GA, NC, CT, SC

Look for “extras.” Many insurers offer discounts for programs such as smoking cessation, weight loss, fitness club memberships and other services already being used by an individual.

Quality matters. Feel confident about choosing the right individual plan for you. Check out report cards for different plans on the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s Web site, available at http://reportcard.ncqa.org/plan/external/plansearch.aspx.

For information about individual health products from CIGNA, visit www.cignaforyou.com/hctips.
City5nc Business Directory Wake County NC

Ads By CbproAds

(NewsUSA) – Facing cancer on a daily basis takes an extraordinary amount of courage and support on the part of cancer patients, healthcare professionals, family and friends. Battling cancer itself is extraordinary, as are the unwavering support and tireless energy of the oncology nurses who support patients and their loved ones throughout their cancer treatment journeys.

Oncology nurses routinely go above and beyond the call of duty to help, heal, support and care for their patients. For the fourth consecutive year, CURE magazine announced the winner of the 2010 Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing during a special awards ceremony at the Oncology Nursing Society’s (ONS) 35th Annual Congress. Nearly 200 cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and peers submitted essays to this year’s contest, nominating their oncology nurses who have demonstrated exceptional compassion, expertise and commitment in their patients’ fight against cancer.

This year’s winner, Dorothy Wahrman, RN, OCN, of Nebraska Cancer Specialists, Omaha, Neb., was awarded the Extraordinary Healer Award in front of hundreds of her peers. Nominated by Valerie Bosselman, Wahrman cared for Valerie’s daughter, Megan, who lost her battle with adrenal cortical carcinoma, a cancer originating in the outer layer of tissue of the adrenal gland, in 2008. Wahrman was described in the winning essay as “the most remarkable woman” whose “ability to sense the every need of patient and family was the most beautiful and natural part of her character.”

“Valerie’s essay immediately rose to the top of the essays presented for judging in this year’s contest, as it was obvious that there was an intense emotional relationship created between nurse and family,” said Susan McClure, Publisher, CURE magazine. “While we know each and every oncology nurse is a healer and an asset to those on the cancer journey, when choosing a winner for this event, we look for those who go above and beyond the call of duty, and it is obvious Dorothy did just that.”

Additional finalists Annette Graham, NP, AOCNP, Virginia Cancer Institute, Richmond, Va., and Jackie Broadway, MSN, FNP-BC, MD, of Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, were also recognized at the reception.

“Since 2007, more than 600 nurses have been nominated for this award,” said Kathy LaTour, Editor-at-Large, CURE magazine. “It is a way to recognize the commitment of oncology nurses and the life-changing impact they make on their patients.”

For the third consecutive year, Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. has sponsored the contest and award reception as part of an effort to recognize the professionals at the very heart of oncology care — oncology nurses.

“Centocor Ortho Biotech is proud to once again sponsor this award,” said Robert Bazemore, President, Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. “The winner’s and finalists’ essays provide just a small window into the remarkable work that oncology nurses do every day to support cancer patients and their families, from helping to guide their medical treatment journey to providing unique educational and emotional support during a tremendously challenging time.”

The winning essay will be featured in the summer 2010 issue of CURE, a free, quarterly magazine for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. A podcast of all three essayists reading their nominations will be available on www.curetoday.com beginning June 16th, 2010. Additionally, the essays, photos from the event, and a Q&A with winner Dorothy Wahrman will be displayed on CURE’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/curemagazine.

Ads By CbproAds

Emerging careers in science and health care

(ARA) – Growth in technology is contributing to career options at an increasing rate. Many industries, from information technology to environmental science to health care, benefit from new and enriching career opportunities afforded by rapid advancements.

Ten of the 20 fastest-growing careers are health care-related, with 26 percent of all new jobs created falling into this category, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s “Career Guide to Industries, 2010-11 Edition.” New career possibilities are opening for individuals with vocational training, college diplomas and advanced degrees.

Growing demand for health care professionals

“In terms of health care, the speed of change is anywhere from two days to six weeks. Knowledge is doubling faster than in the 1990s when IT was producing software on average every few days,” says Micki Holliday, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – Kansas City, located in Lenexa, Kan. “In addition to knowledge expansion, research indicates that the aging population is pushing science and health care to the forefront in needs. New people, new habits and skills and new orientation to the world are bringing in new opportunities.”

The unique baby boomer population represents a large demographic that, despite growing older, is staying active longer. “It isn’t just young people jogging and exercising today. It permeates all generations. Technological advances in medicine are helping people stay active longer. We’re building bodies better,” she says, referring to the ability to replace hips, knees, and organs with more advanced technology. “The demand for a higher quality of life through technology drives innovation. Most things involving health care are considered a boom industry.”

While scientists and doctors are in demand, it is critical that health care facilities hire correctly trained support staff so that others can do what they do best. Doctors need others to provide care. Entry-level employment opportunities arise at hospitals, doctor and dentist offices, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and home health care companies, says Holliday. “Industry can’t move forward without trained professionals. They want to hire workers with education, knowledge and certifications.” Health care positions in growing demand include all types of medical and lab technicians, as well as insurance, financial and administrative professionals.

Advancements in science spawn new opportunities

Growth in the science and engineering sectors feed the health care boom. The biotech industry is huge and growing in every area, from operations and manufacturing to clinical research and quality control. This opens the door for a myriad of trained professionals to find employment. To learn more about health care career opportunities, visit www.brownmackie.edu.

“What type of people are needed to support biotech companies? Everyone from lab technicians and research associates to cabinet-makers who build lab-safety storage,” Holliday says. “One scientist I know of was about to culminate a two-year research project when a lab tech walked by with a test tube in hand and scratched his head. That single act negated the whole project. It is of the utmost importance for companies to hire people who are trained and certified in lab protocol.”

Biotech companies also need trained, entry-level people to fill positions in administration, billing and research. “You can contribute to this growing industry without becoming an engineer,” Holliday says. “The title isn’t new, but the work is new due to advances in technology.”

In all disciplines, health care and science industry employers need workers who are educated and are skilled in protocol. Schools provide the foundation for working in a specific environment. Companies and device manufacturers then provide additional training on the job. “That’s another career opportunity,” adds Holliday. “There is a growing need for trainers, too.”

Holliday’s father was a research assistant in the late 1940s. “Can you imagine what he’d think of today’s equipment? Tests taking minutes instead of weeks. Noninvasive surgery that enables patients to go home a few hours later,” she says. “Our students are contributing to these miracles of time and science by providing businesses with the manpower needed to run the experiments, provide the treatments and create the tools and remedies.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

New City5nc Local North Carolina Business Directory, Add Your Business and Website Now!