7 Ways to Save Money on Vacation

Posted on May 15, 2013 by admin

Vacationing on a budget doesn’t need to involve six layovers and questionable bed linens. But unfortunately, you may need to be a little sneakier this year when it comes to saving on travel. This summer, prices for hotels and domestic flights are up four percent from last year, according to Hotwire.com’s recent State of Summer Travel Report.

Before you try to convince yourself that a stay-cation really is as good as a tropical getaway, use these tips to score the blissful trip you deserve:

Stay put in July
Sure, a Fourth of July vacation sounds ideal, but it may also cost you. According to reports by Hotwire and Priceline, June and August airfare will be slightly cheaper than packing up in July. And if you can swing it, planning your trip for right after Labor Day (September 2) will score you huge discounts, says Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group.

Avoid weekend travel
Flying from weekend to weekend may be the best option for your work schedule, but it’s the worst for your wallet. “Everyone wants to do that in the summer, and because the planes are already very full, your prices spike for those departures and returns,” says Bason. “If you’re willing to book weekday to weekday for a 7-day trip—preferably on a Tuesday or Wednesday—you can save about 10 percent over a weekend departure.”

Spend more time searching for flights
Airfare search engines are great, but they’re not foolproof—so don’t assume you can find the lowest fare with just one click. Always expand your search to include nearby airports, says Bason, since some lesser-known private airports are starting to offer commercial flights. “Half the time, you don’t even know these airports exist,” says Bason.

If you’re traveling with a few people, make sure to search for seats individually before you search for them together. If a flight only has three seats left at one price and you’re looking for four, they’ll bump you up to the next price bracket, says Bason. Plus, you might still be able to change your seats later on so you’re sitting together.

Book your hotel, then keep looking
You know you can save a ton by booking at the last minute, but you also don’t want to deal with the anxiety of possibly getting stuck in a bed bug-ridden, half-star lodge. Bason’s suggestion: Book a hotel online with a liberal cancellation policy (ideally, one you can cancel at no charge up to 24-hours before the reservation). Then take another look at the last-minute deals the week before your vacation. If you can cancel on the same day at no charge—or if you’re truly planning an impromptu trip—check out the Hotel Tonight app or Priceline Negotiator app. Both tools show you same-day hotel reservations at seriously reduced prices.

Don’t pay extra for bags
With many airlines charging $ 30 for the first checked bag, it may be worth it to skip packing that fourth pair of heels. “Before you fly, know what your airline’s baggage requirements are and stay under them,” says Brian Ek, travel expert for Priceline.com. Check the airline’s website for their exact size and weight dimensions since these can vary from carrier to carrier, and check your bag before you leave the house with your bathroom scale—if it doesn’t fit, just weigh yourself holding the suitcase and subtract your own weight.

Bundle your trip
Even if you’re traveling solo, you can get a deal by purchasing your flight, hotel, and car service together. The reason: most sites will only show you the total price instead of an itemized bill, and airlines and hotels are more comfortable giving steep discounts when you can’t actually see the final price. “They don’t want to be seen as discounting,” says Ek.

Consider heading someplace new
There are a few travel options that are going to be particularly cheap this summer. For a nearby trip, try Washington, D.C. Due to the recent budget cuts from the sequester, fewer business travelers are coming in for agency meetings, say Bason. As a result, the hotels are struggling to fill rooms and dropping prices. Another place hungry for travelers is Vancouver, which added resorts for the winter Olympics in 2010 and is seeing many of them go unused, says Bason. And if you’re heading to Europe, check out the rates in Berlin. They recently added thousands of new hotel rooms in anticipation of a new airport that has been delayed, says Bason.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

More from Women’s Health:
Save Money on Groceries
Sneaky Money Suckers
Quick and Easy Travel Tips

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7 Ways to Protect Yourself From Cancer

Posted on April 24, 2013 by admin

If there were a way to prevent cancer, you’d definitely try it, right? Turns out, there are plenty of ways to reduce your risk of developing the disease, which affects 1.6 million new Americans every year. The thing is, many people just don’t use them.

Researchers estimate that lifestyle factors—like smoking, eating poorly, not getting enough exercise, and being overweight—will contribute to nearly a third of the new cancer cases expected in 2013, according to an annual report recently released by the American Cancer Society (ACS). In other words, healthier choices could keep as many as 553,000 people cancer-free this year.

Changing your behavior sounds pretty simple compared to, say, finding a cure for cancer. And yet, Americans continue to make poor health decisions year after year.

“We pick up these behaviors during our younger years, when we aren’t really thinking about the consequences,” says Suzanne O’Neill, PhD, assistant professor and health psychologist at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University. “It’s difficult to connect them with outcomes that may or may not happen decades from now. And it’s easy to convince yourself that you can quit later.”

Worse yet, a lot of unhealthy behaviors–like smoking a cigarette or lying out in the sun—provide immediate rewards that reinforce the bad habit, says O’Neill. But healthy behaviors don’t always feel as great right away.

It might not be easy to end unhealthy tendencies, but it’s certainly worth the effort. Make these lifestyle tweaks ASAP to cut your cancer risk:

Stop smoking
Researchers estimate that 174,100 people will die from cancers related to smoking in 2013. If you currently light up, quit as soon as possible, suggests Vilma Cokkinides, PhD, strategic director of risk factors and screening for the American Cancer Society. The earlier you nix the habit, the longer you’ll live, she says. And don’t worry about ballooning as soon as you quit. Here’s how to stomp out the habit without gaining weight.

Manage your weight—starting NOW
Weight is a factor in as many as 20 percent of cancer-related deaths, according to ACS report. Of course, shedding pounds is easier said than done. Find out what your healthy weight is, then take action with these weight loss tips that don’t suck.

Wear SPF 15 or higher every day
It’s also a good idea to wear sun-protective clothing when you’re outside for extended periods of time—especially in the summer, says Cokkinides. And of course, never, ever visit a tanning salon. Thirty-three states now regulate the indoor tanning industry, and with good reason: Skin cancer is almost a sure thing for people who fake bake and burn, according to a 2010 University of Minnesota study. Find the best sunscreen for your skin type.

Cut way back on processed foods
Cokkinides suggests eating like your life depends on it because, well, it does. The fewer processed foods and fatty meats you consume, the less likely you’ll be to develop cancer. Load up on plants and lean proteins instead. You can get started with these seven ways to sneak more produce into your diet.

Move more
While researchers don’t know exactly how much exercise is necessary to ward off cancer, they recommend shooting for 150 minutes of hard-core exercise per week, or up to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity movement. Physical activity can reduce your risk of breast, colon, endometrial, and prostate cancer—and help fend off weight-related cancers, too, according to the ACS report.

Get the HPV vaccine
If you’re 26 or younger (the age until which the HPV vaccine has been proven effective), ask your doc about getting this. Since HPV contributes to 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, according to the ACS report, taking this step to protect yourself is a no-brainer.

Get regular health screenings
Unfortunately, even the healthiest lifestyle won’t make you totally immune to cancer. Early detection helps people maximize their odds of survival. The thing is, between breast exams, skin exams, pap smears, STD tests, mammograms, and colonoscopies, it can be hard to stay on top of the screenings you need. Bookmark this fool-proof guide to remember what needs to be checked when.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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5 Ways to Ease Sore Muscles

Posted on April 23, 2013 by admin

The day after a brutal workout, exercising more might be the last thing you want to do—but here’s why you should: Light activity can help ease soreness just as well as a massage, according to a new study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

For the study, Danish researchers asked 20 women to perform shoulder exercises. Two days later, the women received a 10-minute massage on one shoulder and performed 10 minutes of exercise (a lighter intensity version of the original moves) on the other. Turns out, participants felt equal amounts of relief in both shoulders.

While the study didn’t explore why exactly exercise can help ease muscle soreness, researchers believe that, since it increases circulation to muscles, physical activity may help speed up the body’s drainage of the metabolic waste and chemicals linked with muscle aches, says lead study author Lars Andersen, PhD, a professor at the National Research Center for the Working Environment in Copenhagen.

Previous research has also shown that increased blood flow speeds delivery of nutrients to damaged muscles, makes tissues more elastic, and increases range of motion—all of which can help ease pain and boost recovery.

Just remember that recovery workouts are supposed to feel quick and easy, similar to a warm-up, says Andersen. To get blood circulating to specific muscle groups, your routine should focus on similar moves to what caused the soreness in the first place—but at an easier intensity. Or, if you’re sore all over, do a light workout on an elliptical machine or in the pool, suggests Jaime Edelstein, DScPT, CSCS, a physical therapist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Of course, moving your muscles isn’t the only way to keep them pain-free. Try these other ways to ease aches:

Foam rollers
Similar to massage, foam rollers increase blood flow to your muscles through applied pressure—but without the hefty price tag, says Edelstein. And since you decide which muscles you work, you can make sure to focus on the areas that need the most TLC.
RELATED: Foam-Roller Workout

Acetominophen
Skip ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While they may make you feel better, they’ll also halt your body’s production of a group of lipid compounds called prostaglandins, which research shows help muscles heal. Acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) can help temporarily curb pain without preventing muscles from repairing themselves, says Edelstein.
RELATED: How to Choose a Painkiller

Stretching—after a warm up
Limbering up relaxes and lengthens tight muscles, says Edelstein. But since stretching “cold” muscles can cause injury, she recommends waiting to stretch until after you’ve done a light warm-up.
RELATED: Dynamic Stretching Routine

Heat therapy
Warm temps can increase blood flow to sore muscles big time, says Edelstein. Soak in a hot bath, or if the pain is isolated, apply heat directly to the spot that’s giving you trouble. Many peel-and-stick heating pads can stay in place for hours and are thin enough to wear under clothing.
RELATED: Take a Bath to Sleep Easier

Omega-3s
Taking a fish-oil pill once a day reduces soreness and eases inflammation 48 hours after a strength-training workout, according to research published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. Omega-3s—which are also found naturally in foods such as salmon, spinach, and nuts—may help boost circulation to sore muscles while also reducing inflammation.
RELATED: Guide to Omega-3 Fatty Acids

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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4 Ways to Get More Potassium

Posted on April 18, 2013 by admin

Want to protect your heart? You can start by pumping up your potassium intake. Consuming more potassium helps lower your blood pressure if you have hypertension, and it’s also associated with a lower risk of stroke, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal.

Researchers reviewed and analyzed 33 trials and studies on how increased potassium intake affects blood pressure, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and coronary heart disease. What they found: A higher potassium intake slashed stroke risk by 24 percent. In people with hypertension, it also reduced systolic blood pressure by 3.49 millimeters of mercury (the units used to measure blood pressure) and lowered diastolic blood pressure by 1.96 millimeters of mercury.

Those numbers might sound small, but they can lead to major results: If everyone in the U.S. lowered their diastolic blood pressure by about 2 millimeters of mercury, it could prevent around 67,000 incidences of coronary heart disease and 34,000 strokes each year, according to the study.

Potassium helps relax the walls of the blood vessels that lead to your heart. Relaxed blood vessels reduces blood flow resistance, and helps your body get rid of sodium—all of which helps regulate blood pressure, says Elena Kuklina, MD, PhD, nutritional epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and adjunct professor of nutrition at Emory University.

That’s why the World Health Organization now suggests that adults and children consume at least 3,510 mg of potassium each day (that’s about the amount you’d find in five to six servings of fruits and vegetables). The good news? Adding potassium to your diet can be really easy, says study author Nancy Aburto, PhD, a nutritional advisor at the United Nations World Food Programme and a former scientist at the World Health Organization. Beans and peas; nuts; vegetables like spinach, cabbage, and parsley; and fruits like bananas, papayas, kiwis, strawberries, and dates are all loaded with potassium. It’s also a good idea to stay away from processed foods, which contain less potassium than their unprocessed counterparts and account for around 75 percent of sodium intake in industrialized countries, says Aburto.

To add more potassium to your diet, start with these delicious potassium-rich recipes:

Peanut Butter Banana Shake

Photo: Mitch Mandel

Citrus-Avocado Salad

Photo: Mitch Mandel

Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Ginger-Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Photo: Mitch Mandel

Photo (top): iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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7 Ways to Make Meat Safer

Posted on April 17, 2013 by admin

Would you eat that turkey burger or grilled chicken if you knew it might be tainted with a souped-up version of salmonella or E. coli? Turns out, an alarming amount of store-bought meat is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant superbug bacteria, according to a new report released yesterday by The Environmental Working Group, a leader in environmental health research and advocacy.

Researchers analyzed data from the CDC, the FDA, and the USDA to evaluate the risks associated with buying meat from the supermarket. The scary results: They found evidence of contamination in 81 percent of ground turkey, 69 percent of pork chops, 55 percent of ground beef, and 39 percent of chicken breast, wings, and thighs.

Why the sudden rise of superbugs in supermarket meat? It’s not actually so sudden. The issue has been on the FDA’s radar since 1977, but studies have revealed an increasing number of superbugs in recent years and reignited the issue in the public’s eye. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, one of the major culprits is the increasing (and some say unnecessary) use of antibiotics in factory farming.

Nearly 80 percent of antibiotics produced in the U.S. are administered to food-producing animals, according to the Pew Charitable Trust’s Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming (farmers give livestock antibiotics to prevent disease in crowded conditions). That’s about 30 million pounds of antibiotics, compared to the approximately 7.7 million pounds that are given to humans each year. And while antibiotics in meat aren’t directly harmful to consumers, the routine use of antibiotics on animals can lead to the creation of antibiotic-resistant superbugs—a definite cause for concern, particularly if that bacteria finds its way to your plate.

Salmonella and campylobacter are some of the most common causes of food poisoning, and superbug versions are on the rise. According to a recent study by the FDA’s National Antimicrobial Monitoring System, 74 percent of the salmonella and 58 percent of the campylobacter detected in tainted food are resistant to antibiotics. Normal versions of these bacteria might cause diarrhea, but illness from untreatable salmonella can lead to arthritis, and campylobacter can trigger an autoimmune disease that results in paralysis, according to the CDC. Seriously scary stuff.

The CDC also estimates that nearly one in six Americans get food poisoning every year (that’s roughly 48 million people total). Of those, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from adverse effects. So what can you do to protect yourself? You don’t have to swear off meat altogether—just follow these seven steps.

Go organic
USDA guidelines prohibit organic farmers from treating animals with antibiotics or growth hormones, and a 2011 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that this noticeably decreases the incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in certified organic meats.

Keep meat separate
Meat is most dangerous in its raw form—even at the grocery store, when it’s all wrapped up, says Dawn Underraga, MS, RD, the principle author of the EWG’s report. So when you’re in the meat aisle, bag anything you pick up separately before it goes in your cart. This will help to avoid contact with other food. In the kitchen, use a separate cutting board for raw meat to prevent cross-contamination with produce, and be sure to clean it thoroughly after every use.

Wash hands frequently
With raw meat, you should be washing your hands before and after handling to avoid spreading bacteria. This is particularly important to do before you go to the bathroom since studies show 16 percent of turkey is tainted with a superbug that can give you a urinary tract infection, says Underraga.

Store and thaw carefully
Chill meat in the fridge or freezer immediately after purchasing, instead of running extra errands after hitting the supermarket, suggests Underraga. Make sure your fridge and freezer are set to safe temperatures (40˚F or below and 0˚F or below, respectively) to prevent bacterial growth. In your refrigerator, store meat on the lowest shelf to keep any juices from dripping onto other foods, especially produce that may be eaten raw. Thaw meat in the fridge (ditto on the lowest shelf) or in cold water—never on the counter, where it is apt to foster bacterial growth.

Never wash meat
Splashing water from washing meat is a prime way to spread bacteria in the kitchen. In fact, the FDA recommends never washing meat because some bacteria cannot be removed no matter how many times you wash it and other bacteria can easily splash off onto surfaces in your kitchen.

Cook meat thoroughly
The good news is that cooking meat to the proper temperature will destroy any harmful bacteria. The FDA recommends that cooked meat reach a minimum of 165˚F for poultry, 160˚F for ground meats, and 145˚F for all whole cuts of meat. A kitchen thermometer is your best bet for ensuring your food reaches safe temps. Underraga also suggests allowing three minutes of “rest time” after removing meats from the grill, oven, or stove since the meat will continue to cook during this time, which helps kill bacteria.

Be extra-careful with ground meat
Ground meats, particularly ground turkey, are the most commonly contaminated because more surface area is exposed to contamination during processing. Make sure to be vigilant about storing and preparing ground meats separately from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. You’ll also want to cook it thoroughly so that bacteria doesn’t end up on your plate.

photo: Hemera/Thinkstock

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7 Ways to Bliss Out Your Bedroom

Posted on April 9, 2013 by admin

Is your bedroom more of a hot mess than a healing oasis? You’re not alone—Only a quarter of women say they view their bedroom as a relaxing retreat, compared with about a third of men, according to a new survey by Leggett & Platt, a furniture and bedding manufacturer. Sure, it’s easy to let this room turn into everything from your sleep center to your home office—and everything in between. But at the end of the day, your bedroom is where you’ll go to recharge—so it’s crucial to keep it as stress-free as possible.

Here, seven ways to boost your room’s relaxation factor for a blissful, spa-like space.

1. Kick the clutter

photo: The Container Store

Those piles of papers are doing more than just collecting dust—they’re actually stressing you out, says Sally Augustin, PhD, an environmental psychologist and founder of DesignWithScience.com. So it’s no surprise that 49 percent of the women surveyed said their bedrooms needed better organization to become a real oasis. Even if you don’t have time for a total overhaul, you can start by picking up a few neat storage boxes (like these from The Container Store). Since even a stack of boxes gives your space some order, it’s more visually relaxing than seeing things strewn around haphazardly, says Augustin.

2. Do a little rearranging

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

You want to make sure your bed is positioned so that you have a clear view of your bedroom door when you’re in it, says Augustin. Why is this specific arrangement so relaxing? It has to do with how we’ve evolved: Being able to see who may be coming in and out is a basic safety thing, so it helps to ward off anxiety, says Augustin. If your room is pulling double duty as a home office, minimize stress by positioning your desk so that it’s not in the direct view of your bed, says Augustin.

3. Pick the right bulbs

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Super-bright lights may help you get up in the morning, but they’re the worst when you’re trying to chill. “Bluer light is great for cognitive work, and golden incandescent light calms you down,” says Augustin. Swap out your bedroom bulbs with ones labeled incandescent, warm white, or soft white rather than daylight or bright white, which can be a lot harsher. If you simply can’t live without strong overhead lights, make sure you have a bedside lamp with softer bulbs to switch on when you’re ready to relax.

4. Dabble in aromatherapy

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Score the same zen feeling you get from spas by bringing their go-to scent into your bedroom. Lavender essential oil has been shown to increase deep sleep and make you more refreshed the next morning, according to a study at Wesleyan University. And previous research has found that the scent can help lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and nervous system arousal—all of which are crucial to winding down. To get reap lavender’s benefits, keep a bottle of essential oil on your nightstand or place a few drops on your pillow.

5. Bring in only what you need

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Forty-two percent of women said the bedroom is their go-to spot for hiding clutter. But even though it might seem convenient to keep everything from your tax forms to your yoga mat in your room, experts say it’s a bad idea. You don’t want to bring in a lot of things that are going to increase your stimulation, says psychology expert Alice Boyes, PhD. So keep out anything that might get your mind racing, like an unfinished work project or even your workout clothes if they’re stressing you out.

6. Adopt a calming color scheme

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Certain hues can impact your mood, so it’s important to pick the right one when painting or decorating your space. “You want to use colors that aren’t very saturated but are relatively bright, like classic pastels,” says Augustin. A sage green is a great pick since the color has been associated with both relaxation and creativity. Plus, the light hue can make the room appear a little larger. And you might want to stay away from red comforters—the color is known to energize, rather than calm you, says Augustin.

7. Make it sleep-friendly

photo: photodisc/Thinkstock

The best way to turn your room into a serene space is to view it as just that—and not your office, yoga studio, kitchen, or storage unit. To do that, set it up in a way that promotes good sleep hygiene, says Boyes. That includes using light-blocking curtains, keeping the space at a comfortable temperature, and anything else that makes your space more snooze-friendly.

top photo: Hemera/Thinkstock

More from Women’s Health:
Are You a Hot Mess?
Get Organized
Sexy Bedroom Makeover

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7 Ways to Spend Less on Meds

Posted on April 9, 2013 by admin

No one wants to spend more money on medications. In fact, people under 65 are twice as likely as older Americans to skip their meds, according to a new Centers for Disease Control study. Why? To save money. You know this is a bad idea, but here’s what you may not know: If you fill your prescription at the wrong pharmacy, you could pay up to 447 percent more, according to a new study featured in the May 2013 issue of Consumer Reports.

To investigate drug costs across the country, secret shoppers called more than 200 U.S. pharmacies to price check 30-day supplies of five common genetic prescriptions: the diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone), the antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram), the cholesterol regulator Lipitor (atorvastatin), the blood thinner Plavix (clopidogrel), and the asthma drug Singulair (montelukast). Researchers then tallied the cost of all five drugs at each store and compared the bills.

Overall, Costco was the least expensive—and you don’t even need to be a member to fill your Rx there. Online retailers such as Healthwarehouse.com and Familymeds.com had reasonable prices, too. But according to the secret shoppers, CVS was the most expensive; the prescriptions cost a total of $ 749 more than they did at Costco. Prices at Rite Aid and Target weren’t much cheaper than at CVS. And while independent pharmacy and grocery store pharmacy prices varied widely, stores outside urban areas tended to charge less.

No matter where you shop, a little research can help you get the best price per pill. Ask your pharmacist these questions so you won’t pay a penny more than you have to:

“Is there a generic version that’s cheaper?”
When you invest in a designer bag, you probably want the real deal—not a knock-off. But unlike with accessories, most generic drugs are just as effective as their name-brand counterparts. Ask your doctor to prescribe the generic version of the drug you need, or if you don’t realize you’ve been given a name-brand Rx until you get to the drugstore, you can always ask the pharmacist for a comparable generic version. Most pharmacists will contact your doctor directly to confirm this change.

“Can you match the price I found at another pharmacy?”
While it’s smart to shop around for the best prices, you’ll want to buy all of your prescriptions from the same place so that your pharmacist can keep tabs on what you’re taking and advise against potentially dangerous drug combinations. To get the lowest price at the pharmacy of your choice, just ask: Independent drug stores will often match other pharmacies’ prices to keep your business, says Stephen W. Schondelmeyer, PhD, PharmD, a professor of pharmacy economics at the University of Minnesota. So if you don’t want to shop at Costco, you can still call them, ask what they’d charge for your meds, and use that to negotiate a better price from the mom-and-pop pharmacy you prefer.

“Do you give student discounts?”
Because secret shoppers in the study weren’t always offered the lowest price available up front, it pays to ask if you’re getting the lowest price. This question could prompt your pharmacist to disclose additional discounts: Some places offers student and senior discounts, for example.

“Is it cheaper to get a 90-day supply?”
For drugs you take every day, it’s more convenient and often cheaper to buy in bulk, (i.e., a 90-day dose instead of a 30-day one). Target’s pharmacy, for instance, offers more than 300 generic drugs that cost $ 4 for a 30-day supply, and $ 10 for a 90-day supply.

“What’s the price without my insurance?”
Just because you have health insurance doesn’t mean you should always use it. Check the retail price just in case your meds cost less than your prescription drug co-pay. For instance, generic Lexapro costs $ 7 for a 30-day dose at Costco. So if your insurance co-pay is $ 10, you’re better off paying the full price.

“Do you have a loyalty card or prescription program discounts?”
Many stores do. For instance, the CVS Health Savings pass ($ 15/year) offers card-holders a 90-day supply of more than 400 generic drugs for $ 11.99 a pop. The Walgreens Prescription Savings Club ($ 20/year) promises an annual savings up of up to $ 79.13 per 90-day supply of generic drugs. And Rite Aid’s free Rx Savings Program discounts name-brand drugs by 15 percent and offers certain generic drugs for $ 9.99 per 30-day supply, or $ 15.99 per 90-day supply.

“Do you accept any independent prescription discount cards?”
No insurance? No problem. Independent prescription discount cards are easy to find online—and they’re often free. To unlock discounts on more than 20,000 name-brand and generic drugs, print a Free Drug Card online and check the site to find a nearby pharmacy that accepts it. Then, flash your card when you pick up your prescription—you’ll save up to 75 percent.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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3 Ways to Get Better Healthcare

Posted on April 3, 2013 by admin

These days, people consult technology for everything from deciding which shoes to buy (gotta love RedLaser) to figuring out the name of that elusive song playing in the background (thanks, Shazam). So it’s no surprise that digital devices are also seeping into the world of healthcare: A new study analyzing data from the Pew Internet & American Life Project (which surveyed the impact of the Internet on 1,745 U.S. adults) found that, while 41 percent of people (mostly women) consult reviews and rankings of doctors and health facilities, just 15 percent write in with comments or questions, and even fewer (10 percent) post reviews. “The more people contribute, the more helpful and accurate the information becomes,” says study author Rosemary Thackeray, PhD, associate professor at Brigham Young University. “It’s the wisdom of crowds theory that makes it a valuable tool.” If only a fraction of the population weighs in, that usefulness diminishes. Of course, it’s understandable why you might not want to broadcast your health issues to the world—there are privacy concerns.

Online reviews are just one of several new high-tech forays into healthcare, though. Here, the advantages and drawbacks associated with the latest digital advances creeping onto the medical scene—so you know what you’re getting into.

Posting Online Reviews and Comments

According to a study conducted by the healthcare market research firm Manhattan Research, 73 percent of people use online health information and tools, and 54 percent say that info has influenced their choice of providers, treatments, and services.

PROS
“Contributing to the collective body of knowledge helps others make informed decisions,” says Thackeray. You do-gooder, you! But it also has a positive impact on you personally: Knowing that you have a forum to share your experiences gives you a sense of empowerment. And if MDs know they’re being held publicly accountable, that might prompt them to improve their services—say, by cutting down on wait times, or not rushing through visits. “In addition, posting on an online message board can give you a sense of community with people who are going through something similar,” says Thackeray. “You can discuss what’s worked for others and find comfort knowing you’re not alone.”

CONS
Although privacy is a big issue (you obviously don’t want everyone and their mother knowing you have stubborn hemorrhoids), Thackeray points out that there are plenty of anonymous forums, such as PatientsLikeMe.com, CircleOfMoms.com, and WebMD discussion groups. Another dissuading factor? It takes time to set up an account and jot down your thoughts … precious time that could spent watching cat videos on YouTube or doing one of our 15-Minute Workouts.

Emailing and Texting Your Doctor

Manhattan Research studies of more than 3,000 doctors found that in 2012, nearly one-third emailed with patients, and 18 percent texted them.

PROS
See ya, hour-long waiting room stints and being put on hold forever. Instead, you can communicate with your doc whenever and wherever is convenient for you. “You don’t have to make an appointment for something minor, like a quick question or a prescription refill,” says Michael Roizen, MD, chair of the Wellness Institute and chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic. It’s also a great option if you get sick during the weekend or while you or your doctor are out of town. Plus, Roizen points out that you can go back and reread an email. Unless you take excellent notes, you’re likely to forget some stuff your MD said during an office visit. An added bonus: If there’s something personal you don’t feel comfortable discussing face-to-face (for example, a weird down-there problem), it might be easier to bring it up via email.

CONS
There could be an increased risk of misdiagnosis. While there are lots of cool tools to help your doctor figure out what’s going on remotely (heart monitor, blood pressure, and blood glucose apps let you test yourself and send the results directly to your MD, for example), some info is still lost in translation if he or she can’t touch and examine you in person. Digital devices also lack nuance—your doc can’t assess your body language or the tone of your voice to help him or her determine your condition. It’s generally best to schedule an initial appointment in person and then use email and texting for follow-ups, says Roizen. Keep in mind that there’s a greater chance of miscommunication, too. “Your doctor’s words could be misinterpreted in an email, or spellcheck can skew his meaning,” says Roizen.

Skyping With Your MD

Manhattan Research also discovered that seven percent of doctors video-chatted with patients in 2010—a figure that’s on the rise.

PROS
Just like emailing, a Skype session is way easier to fit into your schedule—which means you’re less likely to put off getting the care you need. And in the past, seeing a long-distance specialist might have been out of the question. Now, you can set up a video chat with that renowned allergy expert out in Wyoming. Another thing: If you’re really sick, you can meet with your MD while lounging on your couch instead of having to make a drive. You’ll also avoid the germ-a-palooza in the doctor’s office—and you won’t expose other people to any bugs you may have.

CONS
Your wallet will take a hit. “Most video chat sessions are not covered by insurance, so you’ll have to pay more out of pocket,” says Roizen. And there’s also a chance that even after Skyping, your doctor will want you to schedule a face-to-face visit (for a shot, blood work, etc.). Finally, it’s impossible to make eye contact during video chats. That lack of connection can lead to a weaker doctor-patient relationship, which may result in poorer health outcomes.

photo: Hemera/Thinkstock

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The Best Ways to Beat Brain Fry

Posted on April 2, 2013 by admin

The next time you’re struggling to think coherently, skip your usual caffeine fix and take a quick walk instead: Being in a green space may help combat brain fatigue, according to new findings published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

For the study, researchers hooked 12 people up to portable electroencephalography (EEG) devices to record their brainwave patterns, which can be used to help gauge levels of excitement, frustration, engagement, arousal, meditation, and more. The participants then walked through Edinburgh, Scotland, on a specific route that took them through both busy city streets and a park. During the walk, researchers tracked participants’ brainwave activity, as well as their GPS location.

“Moving from an urban shopping street to green space showed reductions in arousal and frustration, indicating a reduction in stress levels,” says Richard Coyne, PhD, one of the study authors and a professor of architectural computing at The University of Edinburgh. As such, Coyne says that taking a walk in the park appears to reduce cognitive overload and may help you overcome that brain dead feeling.

Why might green space have this kind of restorative effect? One theory, says Coyne: Nature provides the perfect balance of being interesting enough to hold your attention—but not so overstimulating that it prevents you from engaging in reflective and productive thought.

No park near your office? The next time you feel like you’re suffering from a bad case of brain burnout, try out these tactics to help you refresh mentally:

Think happy thoughts
When you’re stressed, your brain has trouble sending information from the amygdala (basically your brain’s gatekeeper) to the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-level thinking, says Judy Willis, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Neurology. But focusing on something positive—like your upcoming vacation or a date that you’re looking forward to—can help lower stress levels and increase the flow of information to your prefrontal cortex, she says. Translation: You’ll actually be able to start thinking clearly again.

Hit YouTube
Research shows that humor has a similarly brain-calming effect, says Willis, so watching “Dave After Dentist” or the latest Jimmy Kimmel stunt can help. The videos won’t just get you laughing—brain imaging research indicates that they may also increase motivation and perseverance and decrease stress so you can regain control of your mental facilities. That’s two minutes well spent.

Get a hobby
Anything from learning how to crochet to running marathons works, so long as it satisfies two requirements: It has to be something you enjoy doing, and you have to be able to make clear, measurable progress while doing it. The kind of ongoing progress sends your brain a steady stream of the pleasure-inducing chemical dopamine, which will help make your mind more resistant to stress in general, says Willis. Plus, when you’re feeling brain dead, you can think about your latest accomplishment for a restorative effect, says Willis.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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5 Ways to Boost Good Cholesterol

Posted on March 18, 2013 by admin

Bummer alert: Aortic aneurysms, a dangerous swelling of the aorta, affect 1 to 2 percent of women and kill around 13,000 Americans each year, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. They can only be repaired surgically and often go undiagnosed, but a new study shows hope for a treatment: The research, published in the journal Atherosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, indicates that higher levels of HDL, or “good” cholesterol, can help protect you from developing an aortic aneurysm.

Researchers from St. George’s University of London gave a peptide called Ang-II to mice to increase their blood pressure and try to induce an aneurysm. They then injected one group of mice with HDL and another with a placebo. Researchers discovered that they were unable to create new aneurysms in the mice that received the HDL injections, and these mice also showed a significant reduction in the size of their existing aneurysms. “It’s good news for mice, but we do need to translate this,” says lead study author Gillian Cockerill, PhD, group leader of the Vascular Biology Research Unit.

That said, existing research shows boosting your HDL is good for heart health and may help prevent coronary disease, says Maja Zaric, MD, interventional cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and a Women’s Health advisor. “HDL is a type of cholesterol that actually cleans the blood vessels, as opposed to the LDL cholesterol (aka, bad cholesterol), which clogs them,” she says.

Here, she shares a few strategies on how get more of the good stuff.

Work it out: Since regular exercise helps boost HDL production, Zaric recommends logging at least 30 minutes of any aerobic exercise three to four times a week.

Quit the cancer sticks: Whether you’re a regular smoker or a “just one puff” kind of girl, it’s time to ditch the bad habit. “Smoking even in small amounts can actually suppress the HDL release from the liver,” says Zaric.

Drop some pounds: If your BMI is higher than 25, losing weight isn’t just all-around good for you—it can also up your HDL levels. That said, people who are at a normal body weight shouldn’t try to drop pounds just to increase HDL production.

Fill up on good fats: Consumption of monounsaturated fats has been linked to higher HDL levels. Get your fill by incorporating more avocado, salmon, sardines, olive oil, and olives into your diet.

Consider a cholesterol booster: If you’re generally healthy but have a low HDL count and a family history of heart disease, you might want to ask your doctor about OTC cholesterol-boosting medications, says Zaric. One thing to keep in mind: They can have the side effect of facial flushing or redness, which might last anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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Serving Jittery Joe's Coffee, Cecilia Villaveces, Cakes and Italian Gelato

Tag Archives: Ways

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