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An Online Degree in Criminal Justice for the Dynamic Law Enforcement Agent
01 year ago
by admin
in Health Care Services
online law degree
www.infoaboutonlinedegrees.com Want to know more about online education? Visit us at http
Colorado Company Develops Sci-Fi Cancer Fighting Agent
01 year ago
by admin
in Health Conditions
Colorado Company Develops Sci-Fi Cancer Fighting Agent
Attacking the nucleus of tumor cells is showing promise as way to stop cell growth. It’s nanotechnology at work and heading into the clinical trial phase.
Read more on KMGH 7 Denver
What Role Does Your California Health Insurance Agent Or Broker Play?
01 year ago
by admin
in Health Care Services
First, what is the difference between a broker and an agent?
These terms are often interchanged in conversation. Officially, an Agent is an individual or company that acts on behalf of the carriers to market, sell, and service insurance. The Agent has a contract with the carrier in order to transact this business. A broker is person who also contracts with carriers but officially acts on behalf of the client. In practical terms, they are not that different when dealing with California health insurance.
For example, Goodacre Insurance Services is a California agent but our goal is to find the right plan for a individual or company across the major carriers. If Blue Cross has the right option and better pricing for a given person or company, then that’s where we will go. We are independent agents which is important because we do not have interest in pushing one particular company or plan. We do have knowledge from dealing with the carriers every day in terms of which companies are easier to deal with, more stable, or better priced. There are dozens of plans on the market so this can really be important. Just looking a rate quote and benefit summary is only half of the story when choosing health insurance. Some plans exclude certain benefits or apply caps to other types of coverage. We know the lay of the land and I would personally not want to purchase health insurance just based on a rate quote.
Some companies (though not the majors) use “captured agents”. This is a person who sells only one carrier’s insurance plans. They are essentially employees for that company. I would avoid such companies as they may not have the best interest of the client at heart. If a company cannot quote multiple carriers, beware. The major carriers in California are Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, Health Net, Pacificare, and Kaiser. Beyond these five, we do not feel very secure about the others.
How are agents or brokers paid? Agents are paid a commission by the carriers for policies issued and in force. The commission tends to be about the same from carrier to carrier. This commission does not affect the rate. The insurance rate you will get through an agent/broker is the same as you would get going directly through the carrier. The benefit of the agent relationship is that they navigate the carriers to expedite processing, help with service issues once enrolled, and act a third party. Again, a carrier’s main interest to keep you enrolled as policy subscriber but your interest may actually lie with another carrier or plan. An independent broker can help bridge the two at no additional cost to you. Also, the carriers are big companies. Some of the reps are very knowledgeable and others are. . . let’s face it. . . newer. By dealing with California health insurance daily, we are a wealth of information and guidance that you may not get by going directly.
What to expect from your broker/agent and especially Goodacre Insurance Services?
Goodacre Insurance Services provides service across three main areas.
California health plan selection.
This really is the most difficult part and it is the reason that people put off getting health insurance. There are many plans and the language is pretty technical. Most people glaze over when they see the brochures or instant quote results. Let’s face it. . . . health insurance is not a common purchase. Typically, people have not needed to shop health insurance in years. . . if ever. Goodacre Insurance Services has been dealing solely with California health insurance for over a decade now. I can guarantee that with a few targeted questions, the plan selections can be narrowed down significantly. We want you to be informed. On a daily basis, we hear from our clients that they wish they would have called earlier rather than try to navigate the volumes of information provided the plans. Let us help. We do not sell. We listen, advise, and then it’s up to you what you wish to do.
California application and enrollment.
The health application is one more reason that people procrastinate. There are sections in there are mandated by law but which are thoroughly confusing such as the HIPAA qualification. Small Group can be equally difficult in terms of qualification for Small Group health coverage in California. We are happy to walk you through the application once a plan has been decided on. This is also the time to ask about the process, payment options, cancellation options, time table for enrolling in coverage. Based on your situation, we can give you a benchmark of what to expect for a normal processing.
Health Insurance Service and Membership.
Once the plan is in effect, we are your point of contact for membership issues, claims, and future changes. We go in at the end of each month and make sure that faxed changes, additions, and requests have been processed correctly. The carriers are pretty good but 1 out of 100 requests do not show in the system. You do not want to be that one with such a critical issues as health insurance. We can also advise for ways to reduce costs when the rate increase occur based on your changing health insurance needs.
Keep in mind that you can always contact the carrier directly if you choose but why would you? Let us do the work for you since there is no additional cost to you.
Agents and brokers are required to have a license and continuing education by the California Department of Insurance. You can always research an agent’s history, carrier contracts, and other information through them. There are different types of licenses. The two most common are Life/Health which is used to transact California health insurance and Property and Casualty is used to transact insurance such as auto or home insurance. Some agents do both health and P&C but it is increasingly difficult to this well and keep up with the ever-changing industries. This is why we choose to concentrate on health insurance solely. We know the carriers, the plans, and changes in the market. This makes us invaluable to you.
As we say on the phone here at Goodacre Insurance Services. . . “How can I help you out”.
Dennis Jarvis is a licensed California broker with extensive knowledge of the Individual and Small Group health market in California. California health insurance.
Role of California Health Insurance Agent and How They Can Benefit You?
01 year ago
by admin
in Health Care Services
Officially, an Agent is an individual or company that acts on behalf of the insurance company to market, sell and service insurance. The Agent has a contract with the insurance companies in order to represent a specific insurance company. A broker is person who also contracts with insurance company but officially acts on behalf of you the client. All agent and agencies are compensated by the insurance companies and therefore are at no cost to you. The difference between agent and agency is that agent is individual contracted with insurance companies and agency usually has many agent working under umbrella of the agency. In most cases agents working under agency are employees.
Agents role is to find best possible and the most affordable option for your money. In most cases there is no incentive on the agent’s part of which company you decide to go with. How agents get paid by the insurance company is strictly regulated by the insurance commissioner. When looking for agency or agent make sure that they are brokers who represent as many health insurance companies as possible. There are dozens of plans on the market, therefore finding agent who can get you the best possible plan for your money will save you thousands long term. Just looking a rate quote and benefit summary is only half of the story when choosing health insurance. Some plans exclude certain benefits or apply caps to other types of coverage. Agents know the lay of the land and you would personally not want to purchase health insurance just based on a rate quote.
Some insurance companies have captive agent representing them. Captive agents can only represent one insurance company. They are essentially employees for that company. I would avoid such companies as they may not have the best interest of the client at heart. If a company cannot quote multiple carriers, beware. The major carriers in California are Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, Health Net, Pacificare, and Kaiser. Beyond these five, we do not feel very secure about the others.
How are agents or brokers paid? Agents are paid a commission by the carriers for policies issued and in force. The commission tends to be about the same from carrier to carrier. This commission does not affect the rate. The insurance rate you will get through an agent/broker is the same as you would get going directly through the insurance company. The benefit of the agent relationship is that they navigate the insurance company to expedite processing, help with service issues once enrolled, and act a third party. Insurance company’s main interest to keep you enrolled as policy subscriber but your interest may actually lie with another insurance company or plan. An independent broker can help bridge the two at no additional cost to you.
What to expect from your broker/agent?
This really is the most difficult part and it is the reason that people put off getting health insurance. There are many plans and the language is pretty technical. Most people glaze over when they see the brochures or instant quote results. Let’s face it. . . . health insurance is not a common purchase. Typically, people have not needed to shop health insurance in years. . . if ever. With a few targeted questions, the plan selections can be narrowed down significantly. With great agent you wish you would have called they earlier rather than try to navigate the volumes of information provided the plans. Most Insurance agent do not sell. They listen, advise, and then it’s up to you what you wish to do.
California application and enrollment.
The health application is one more reason that people procrastinate. There are sections in there are mandated by law but which are thoroughly confusing such as the HIPAA qualification. Small Group can be equally difficult in terms of qualification for Small Group health coverage. Insurance agents are happy to walk you through the application once a plan has been decided on. This is also the time to ask about the process, payment options, cancellation options, time table for enrolling in coverage.
Health Insurance Service and Membership.
Once the plan is in effect, agent is your point of contact for membership issues, claims, and future changes. Agents go in at the end of each month and make sure that faxed changes, additions, and requests have been processed correctly. The insurance companies are pretty good but 1 out of 100 requests do not show in the system. You do not want to be that one with such a critical issues as your health insurance. We can also advise for ways to reduce costs when the rate increase occur based on your changing health insurance needs.
Keep in mind that you can always contact the carrier directly if you choose but why would you? Let Insurance agent do the work for you since there is no additional cost to you.
Agents and brokers are required to have a license and continuing education by the California Department of Insurance. You can always research an agent’s history, insurance company contracts, and other information through them. There are different types of licenses. The two most common are Life/Health which is used to transact California health insurance and Property and Casualty is used to transact insurance such as auto or home insurance.
Jesse Segle – leading consultant for employer group and individual/family health insurance. For any additional information and assistance with all of your health insurance needs visit our websites California health insurance and Assurant health insurance
Triphala: The Natural Colon Cleansing Agent
01 year ago
by admin
in Health Care Services
Although we often don’t provide that much importance to our colon it must be understood that it is a vital organ of our body as it regulates the elimination of the waste matter from our body. If our colon is not working properly then these waste materials would accumulate and produce toxins that will get absorbed by the bloodstreams near the colon and circulated all over the body. It is amazing to know that an unclean colon can cause ailments like constipation, headache, sinusitis, weight problems, digestive problems and to some even vision problems. So it must be understood that taking proper care of our colon is of significant importance.
Having a clean colon can considerably improve our quality of life. With a clean colon working at its optimal levels, we can think quick, be alert, enjoy ourselves, and can even have better sex lives. With all such great benefits in store for us there is no sense in not having our colon cleansed. There are several methods and products which help us to clean our colons. One such product is the triphala an ayurveda ingredient.
Triphala gets its name from two words in Sanskrit ‘tri’ meaning three and ‘phala’ meaning fruit. Triphala is composed of three fruits the amla, harda and bahera. Since it contains bioflavonoids, along with linoleic oil and phospholipids and is also high in vitamin C content, it makes triphala a very effective colon cleanser. Triphala can work wonders in facilitating bowel movements. According to the ayurveda the triphala is considered to be the tridoshic rasayan. This is meant to balance the three vital elements the vata, pitta and kapha. And these elements are supposed to control the human life.
Triphala is nutritionally very high on contents and hence helps the body on that count too. Ayurvedic texts also talk about its effect as a blood purifying agent. It has been attributed further accolades by the claim that it facilitates bile secretion and hence keeps the liver also in its prime condition. Serum and lipid levels are also reduced by the intake of triphala.
Additional benefits of triphala would be to improve the blood circulation. Consequently it also is effective in persons having high blood pressure. Since the triphala cleans the colon and the liver and also improves blood circulation the skin also looks better. Triphala can help you live longer and live healthy.
Jason Uvios writes on the topic of “Triphala: The Natural Colon Cleansing Agent” to visit it :colon cleansing, dual action colon cleanse and colonics.
Nicotinic acid is good therapeutic agent in hyperlipidemic patients
0The incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in Pakistan is as high as in the western world. 1 In Pakistan 46% cardiac deaths are due to myocardial infarction and 23% are due to other subsets of ischemic heart disease. 70% of these patients die even before any medical help is made available to them. Major risk factors associated with the development of CHD include gender, age, cigrete smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. 13 A HDL-C level, independently of high LDL-C level, is also major risk factor for CHD. Moreover a substantial portion of patients with CHD have low HDL-C concentrations. 4, 19-20
There are various drugs which decrease total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and increase HDL-C in primary hyperlipidemic patients, but Niacin is the best HDL-C raising agent among the lipid lowering drugs. 11 Niacin inhibits the activity of hormone sensitivity lipase causing decrease in lipolysis and so decreased VLDL secretion from hepatocytes. 14 Factors responsible for decreased production of VLDL include inhibition of lipolysis with a decrease in free fatty acids in plasma, decreased hepatic esterification of triglycerides, and a possible direct effect on the hepatic production of apolipoprotein-B. Niacin also increases HDL-C by reducing its catabolism. It also decreases plasma fibrinogen levels and increase tissue plasminogen activator. All of these factors influence the process of atherogenesis and CHD. 13-15 Some recent studies also suggest that Niacin also decreases blood pressure. Possible mechanism is that Niacin causes vasodilatation due to production of prostaglandin-3. 9-12, 16
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This study was conducted at department of Pharmacology and therapeutics, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from January to July 2002. Forty patients of primary hyperlipidemia were initially enrolled in this study, selected from ward and OPD of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi. Newly diagnosed and untreated primary hyperlipidemic patients of either sex, age range from 17 to 70 years were randomly selected. Patients with diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer, renal disease, hepatic disease, hypothyroidism and alcoholism were excluded from the study by available laboratory investigation, history and clinical examination. After explaining the limitations, written consent was obtained from all study participants. The study period consisted of 90 days with fortnightly follow up visits. The required information such as name, age, sex, occupation, address, previous medication, date of follow up visit and laboratory investigations, etc of each patient was recorded on a proforma, especially designed for this study. Initially a detailed medical history and physical examination of all patients were carried out. All the base line assessments were taken on the day of inclusion (Day-0) in the study and a similar assessment was taken on Day-90 of of research design. After fulfilling the inclusion criteria patients were randomly divided into two groups, i. e. Drug-1(tab: Niacin 2gm) and Drug-2(placebo capsules, containing equal amounts of partly grinded wheat) groups. Patients of drug-1 group were advised to take Tab: Niacin (250 mg), half tablet thrice daily, after meal for 2 days, then by increasing the dose one tablet, TID, after meal for 2 days, then 2 tablets, thrice daily after meal for 2 days, then the maintaibnace dose of 3 tablets per day after meal, thrice daily, till end of the study period, i. e. up to day-90. This regimen of dose of drug (called titration of Niacin) was applied due to avoidance of it’s adverse effects produced by starting with higher doses of the Niacin. 17 Patients of drug-2 group were provided placebo capsules, i. e. one capsule, TID, after meal for 90 days. Patients were called every 2 weeks for follow up to check blood pressure, weight, pulse rate and general appearance of the individual. Drug compliance to the regimen was monitored by interview and counseling at each clinical visits. Serum HDL-cholesterol was determined by direct method, at day-0 and day-90, using kit # 303210040 by Eli tech diagnostic, France. Data were expressed as the mean + SD and “t” test was applied to determine statistical significance as the difference. A probability value of <0. 05 was the limit of significance.
RESULTS
Out of 40 patients, 37 completed the over all study period. Three patients withdrew from the drug-1 group (Niacin group) due to side effects of the drug like flushing, sensation of heat, urinary and headache. Tables showing base line and post treatment values are self explainatory. When results were summed up and test parameters were compared, it was seen that, after 90 days of treatment with Niacin, HDL-Cholesterol increased from 36. 41+1. 96 mg/dl to 43. 70+1. 81 mg/dl, which is highly significant (P<0. 001). Overall percentage change from day-0 to day-90 was 20. 02, as shown in table no: 1. In placebo group at day-0,HDL-Cholesterol level was 35. 50+1. 13 mg/dl,which increased to 35. 75+1. 07 mg/dl,which is non-significant(P>0. 05). The overall percentage increase in the parameter was 0. 70. The difference between mean values among placebo group and Niacin group is 19. 32 as shown in the table no:3. Mean systolic Blood pressure of patients on Niacin, reduced from 125. 88+3. 48 mm of Hg to 119. 70+3. 13 mm of Hg in 3 months, which is highly significant(P<0. 001). In percentage this reduction is 4. 90%,as shown in table no:1 and 3. In placebo group this reduction is 1. 62%(P<0. 01) and difference in mean values of these 2 groups is 3. 28. Niacin has shown reduction in diastolic Blood Pressure of hyperlipidemic patients. It reduced diastolic B. P at day-0, from 89. 11+1. 92 mm of Hg to 84. 70+1. 74 mm of Hg, at day-90, which is highly significant (P<0. 001). In percentage this reduction is 4. 94%. Placebo group has shown little effect on diastolic B. P, i. e. only 2. 67%, but this difference is significant (P<0. 01). Difference in mean values of diastolic B. P among 2groups is 2. 27
DISCUSSION
Among the lipid lowering drugs, Niacin appears to be the best HDL raising agent. In our study,HDL-Cholesterol levels raised by 20% in men and women with low HDL-C levels treated with a medium dose of Niacin(2 gm/day). The drug has another advantage of being inexpensive. Levels of HDL-C, not only raised by 20% but go maintained throughout 3 months of study period with the therapy. This finding coincides with the study of Martin-jadraque et al. 4 Treatment with placebo capsules for 90 days, HDL-Cholesterol was increased 0. 7% as compared to 3. 7% increase in a study by lipid Research Clinics. 18 7% increase in HDL-Cholesterol has also been quoted in another study by Rivellese et al. It was demonstrated by Miller et al5 that long distance runners have much high HDL-Cholesterol concentration than do more sedentary subjects. The rise in HDL-C concentration by physical training may be a consequence of enhanced catabolism of triglycerides rich lipoproteins (VLDL). It was observed by McKinney et al7, that high dose of crystalline Niacin increased 30% in concentration of HDL-C. This observation is in contrast with our observation, probably due to small sample size low dose of the drug. They used 6gm of Niacin in 80 patients for the period of four months. Drop out rate in our study was 15% and most of the patients discontinued treatment due to development of side effects like flushing, urticaria and sensation of heat in the body. Other patients were convinced for continuing therapy, by dose concentration regimen (titration) of Niacin or taking aspirin 250 mg OD, before taking 1st dose of drug at morning. Wilkin et al, have described the mechanism by which aspirin blocks Niacin induced flushing. 8 Stern et al has mentioned that tolerance is developed for flushing, urticaria and hotness in body, by dose titration of Niacin. Niacin produces Prostaglandin D-3, which causes vasodilatat, and decreases blood pressure.
CONCLUSION
From the results of present study and data from previously published literature it is concluded that niacin decreased the risk of CHD by increasing HDL-C and decreasing blood pressure, so it could be recommend that this drug may be used as monotherapy in patients of hyperlipidemia in whom HDL-C levels are low and who are prone to develop atherogenesis.
REFERENCES
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2. Samad A, Sahibzada WA, sheikh SA (1996). Guidelines for detection and management of lipid levels. PJC; 7:26-46.
3. Timmis AD (1991). Early diagnosis of MI. BMJ; 7:309-310.
4. Martin-Idraque R, Tato F, Mostaza JM, Vega GL, Grundy SM (1996). Effectiveness of low-dose crystalline nicotinic acid in men with low HDL-Cholesterol levels. Arch. Intern. Med; 156:1081-1088.
5. Miller NE, Rao S, Lewis B, et al (1979). HDL and physical activity. Lancet; 1:111
6. Kris-Etherton PM, Pearson TA, Wan Y et al (1999). High-monounsaturated fatty acid diets lower both plasma cholesterol and triglycerides concentration. Am. J. Clin. Nutr; 70:1009-1015.
7. Mckenny JM, Proctor JD, Harris S, Chinchili VM (1994). A comparison of the efficacy and toxic effects of sustained vs immediate-release Niacin in hypercholesterolemic patients. JAMA; 271:672-677.
8. Wilkin JK, Wilkin O, Kapp R, Donachie R, Chernosky ME, Buckner J(1982). Aspirin blocks nicotinic acid-induced flushing. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther;31:478-482.
9. Stern RH, Spence JD, Freeman DJ, Parbtani A, (1991). Tolerence to Nicotinic acid flushing. Clin. PharmacolTherap; 50:66-70.
10. Tato F, Vega GL, Grundy SM, (1998). Effects of crystalline nicotinic acid-induced hepatic dysfunction on serum LDL-Cholesterol and lecithin cholesteryl Acyl transferase. Am. J. Cardiol; 81:805-807.
11. Garg A, Grundy SM (1990). Nicotinic acid as therapy for dyslipidemia in non-insulin dependent DM. JAMA; 264:723-726.
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13. Qizilbash N, Jones L, Warlow C, Mann J, (1991). Fibrinogen and lipid concentrations as risk factors for transient Ischemic attacks and minor ischemic strokes. BMJ; 303:605-609.
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15. Roche HM, Gibney MJ (2000). Effect of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on fasting and postprandial triglycerolmetabolism. AM. J. Clin. Nutr; 71:232S-237S.
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18. Delong DM, Delong ER, Wood PD, Lippel K, Rifkind BM (1986). A comparison of methods for the estimation of plasma lowand very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. JAMA; 256:2372-2377.
19. Kanne W B, Castell W P, Gordon T, (2002). Cholesterol in prediction of atherosclerosis. New perspective based on Framinghan study. Ann. Intern. Med; 90:85-91.
20. Grundy SM, Denke MA (1999). Dietary influence on serum lipids and lipoproteins Lipids Res 1999(3): 1; 1149-1172.
21. Valverda MA, V. tolo MR, Patin RV,(1999). Changes in lipid profile in obese children and adolescents. Arch Lantinoam Nutr;49:338-343.
Shah Murad,Mehjabeen, Muhsin Turab,M Ashraf Memon,Ghulam Rasool Bhurgari,Sibghatullah Sangi
