Resources for help today, during The Great American Smokeout, and any day you decide to quit smoking

Today is The Great American Smokeout, a day when all smokers are encouraged to abstain from cigarettes for 24 hours.  Millions of Americans are participating, and it’s simple for you to participate, too.  All you have to do is not smoke during the 24 hours of the Smokeout.  This helps you understand that you can indeed quit smoking for a day—and help you learn that you’re not alone in your quest to stop smoking.  The Great American Smokeout may even help jump-start your efforts to permanently quit smoking—but even if it doesn’t, you’ll at least have experienced quitting for a day.

If you are interested in quitting smoking—whether for a day or permanently--below is a comprehensive list of resources that includes written information about tobacco cessation, online resources for help, smartphone apps, how to obtain individualized counseling, in-depth information about smoking cessation medications, and more.

Your employer
Your employer may be a great resource to help you quit smoking. Many employers offer tobacco cessation programs as part of the employee benefits package. One such program is Health Advocate’s Tobacco Cessation program. This 13-week program provides employees with unlimited one-on-one support from trained specialists. Check with your employer to find out if they offer Health Advocate’s Tobacco Cessation program or any other smoking cessation initiatives.  Also, ask your employer if they subsidize nicotine replacement therapies like nicotine gum or the nicotine patch (if they don't, check online--you may be able to find coupons to use on these products).



Your doctor
Mention to your doctor that you're interested in quitting smoking.  Your doctor can provide you with recommendations and resources that can help you quit.  (Don't have a doctor?  An advocacy service like Health Advocate or Health Proponent can help you find one who's in-network and local to you.)

Cancer.org
Click here for a ton of really cool resources, including a cigarette cost calculator (you may be shocked at how much money you’re spending on cigarettes over time), “desktop helpers” that can help you plan your quit day and deal with cravings, and more.

National Cancer Institute resources:
NCI Smoking Quitline at 1–877–44U–QUIT (1–877–448–7848) provides individualized counseling, printed information, and referrals to other sources.
View this NCI fact sheet, "Where To Get Help When You Decide To Quit Smoking": http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/tobacco/help-quitting

http://www.smokefree.gov/ is a Web site created by NCI’s Tobacco Control Research Branch; check out their Step-by-Step Quit Guide.
Get the Smokefree QuitGuide app for your smartphone: http://www.smokefree.gov/apps/

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GuidetoQuittingSmoking/index
Their website includes a guide to quitting smoking.
You can also call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/QuitSmoking/Quit-Smoking_UCM_001085_SubHomePage.jsp
1-800-AHA-USA1

BecomeAnEX.org
http://www.becomeanex.org/
This website features a free, online plan to help you quit smoking.

American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/
1-800-LUNG-USA

Other resources:
"Help for Smokers and Other Tobacco Users" is a free booklet created by the US Department of Health and Human Services packed with tips on how to quit:
http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/tobacco/helpsmokers.htm

"FDA 101: Smoking Cessation Products" is an article put out by the Food and Drug Administration that discusses the variety of approved products, both over-the-counter and prescription, that can help you quit smoking.
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm198176.htm

Has your child been abused? Here's what to do next

It isn't a fun topic to discuss, but unfortunately it's a necessary one: If your child has been abused, what do you do?  Hopefully you'll never have to deal with this type of situation, but if you ever do, it'll be an incredibly emotional time for you--so it's a good idea to understand now what your next steps should be rather than try to figure out what to do in the moment.

•    Call the authorities.  Abuse is a crime, and any abuse should be promptly reported to the authorities so that they can investigate.
•    Call your doctor.  It's important for the doctor to evaluate your child as soon as possible and take note of any signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.  Your doctor can also determine whether your child would benefit from counseling and can refer your child to a counselor who has experience in these matters.
•    No doctor?  Call your advocacy service.  If you have access to an advocacy company like Health Advocate through your employer, you can call them to have them help you find an in-network, local doctor who can quickly fit your child in for an appointment.  People who don't have access to an advocacy service as an employee benefit at their workplace can call Health Proponent, Health Advocate's consumer division, for help finding a doctor.
•    Be calm and reassuring.  You may feel angry, fearful, sad, or many other negative emotions during this trying time.  When you're around your child, though, do your best to remain calm.  Be sure to keep the lines of communication open with your child.  Ask your child if they want to talk, and let them know they can tell you anything without fear of being scolded or punished.  Ask your child if there's any way you can help them feel better.  If your child notices that you're angry or upset, reassure your child that you are not angry at them.

It's important for you to get the help you need during a situation like this, too.  It may also be a good idea for you to seek counseling in order for you to talk through some of your feelings in connection with this situation and seek advice on healthy ways to cope.  An advocacy service can also assist you in finding a counselor that can help you.  Also, you can turn to some helpful online resources for guidance and support during this difficult time.  Consider exploring Darkness to Light, Helpguide.org, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, or RAINN (the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network).

Dermatologists' top tips for healthy skin

November is National Healthy Skin Month, so now is an ideal time to take a look at your skin care routine and ensure that you are making the healthiest choices for your skin.  The American Academy of Dermatology offers a variety of tips and resources to help you keep your skin as healthy as possible.

What are dermatologists' top tips for healthy skin?

• Don't....  Smoke or use tanning beds.  These things can negatively impact the health of your skin.  Also, don't pop pimples or bite your nails, as these actions can transfer bacteria into your skin or mouth, respectively.
• Do...  Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Self-examine your skin.  Take note of any new or unusual-looking moles, spots, or lesions and have your doctor or dermatologist examine them.
• Always protect your skin from the sun.  Use sunscreen every day.  When you're outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and clothing that covers up your skin so that you can minimize your risk of sun damage.

What if I don't have health insurance?

• Be honest and open with your dermatologist.  Ask whether discounted bills are available for uninsured patients, and if you can't afford a prescribed medicine, be honest about it.  Your dermatologist may refer you to a local free clinic and/or may recommend that you seek assistance from one of several drug-assistance websites.
• Call your local hospital.  Many free health screenings are not widely promoted.  Call your local hospital and ask to speak to a social worker--social workers are familiar with when and where local free and low-cost screenings will be held. 
• Find local free screenings.  The American Academy of Dermatology offers free skin cancer screenings that are open to everyone.

How can I maintain a healthy skin care routine on a budget?

• Don't cut sunscreen from your budget.  Dermatologist recommend that you use sunscreen every day to fight against sun damage, which can cause wrinkles, age spots, and/or skin cancer.
• Use dual-function products.  Consider trying products like a sunscreen/moisturizer combo or a lip balm that contains sunscreen.
• Consider useful but inexpensive products.  You don't need to break the bank to have good skin care habits.  One tub of petroleum jelly, cost-effective and easily accessible at your local pharmacy or drugstore, can moisturize dry or cracked skin on the body, hands, or lips; help repair dry cuticles and peeling nails; prevent chafing when running or biking; and serve as a diaper ointment.
• Maximize your moisturizer.  In the winter, apply moisturizer as soon as you're done showering or bathing.  This helps lock the water into your skin for moisture that lasts.

Do you have questions or problems regarding your skin, hair or nails?  If so, you may want to consider visiting a dermatologist.  An advocacy service such as Health Advocate or Health Proponent can help you find a dermatologist who is in-network with your insurance plan and who is local to you, can help you decipher your insurance information so you understand what dermatological services and procedures are covered, help you obtain cost estimates of any treatments the dermatologist may suggest, and more.

Worried about big medical bills? Try these handy tips

As healthcare costs rise, many people are swamped with medical bills and other health expenses. While most have insurance, larger deductibles, copays and other costs can still add up to big bucks.

In a study conducted by the American Journal of Public Health, of the 83 percent of participants who had health insurance, nearly 27 percent of them said they had difficulty paying their medical bills.

Nowadays it’s crucial to be a smart and savvy healthcare shopper, especially in these tough economic times. What many don’t realize is that there are several ways to take control and lower your healthcare costs:

• Do your homework.  Costs for medical procedures can vary dramatically, depending on the facility where they are performed. You can research different hospitals and facilities to comparison-shop prices for procedures. Just reviewing and comparing costs is one important step in potentially saving money and making the best use of your healthcare dollar.
• Always stay in-network.  When possible, stick with a doctor under your insurance plan. Using an in-network provider will help you to avoid large out-of-pocket charges.
• Talk to your doctor.  Providers consider your financial status when recommending care. Let them know the costs are important to you. Discuss a payment plan with your physician. A whopping 61 percent of adults who asked their doctor for a discount got one.
• You got charged.  Insurance will not cover the entire cost of the medical procedure you received if the provider is not in your preferred network leaving you with large out-of-pocket expenses. Some providers will give you a lower rate if you pay in cash. You can also make arrangements with the billing department. They may discount what you owe or work with you to make monthly payment arrangements.
• Look out for errors.  According to Consumer Reports Health, 80 percent of medical bills have errors. Some common errors include: incorrect coding, wrong names, addresses, birth dates and social security numbers. Also make sure you are only being billed for the treatment you received.
• Don't give up.  Dispute any charges you think you should not have to pay. Work with the provider’s billing department until you come up with a resolution.
• Get a third party involved.  It doesn’t hurt to get help from a health advocate. They can help you talk to the insurance company and walk you through an appeal process if necessary.

The important thing to remember is to be an informed patient. If you find that you need help, you can always consult a Health Advocate Personal Health Advocate who can help you locate providers, negotiate on your behalf, identify errors on medical bills, compare costs for procedures, file an appeal (if warranted), and much more . If you are not a Health Advocate member, you can still get help. Just call and speak to an advocate through our direct-to-consumer division Health Proponent.

What is diabetes, and how can it be prevented and/or managed?

November is American Diabetes Month, a time when the American Diabetes Association focuses on communicating the seriousness of the disease and the importance of diabetes prevention and management. Let's take a look at what diabetes is, what kind of impact it's having on Americans, and what steps you can take to prevent and/or manage the disease.

What is diabetes?

• The American Diabetes Association defines diabetes as "a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin."
• The American Diabetes Association lists many things as possible symptoms of diabetes, including frequent urination, unusual thirst, blurred vision, and more.  But some diabetics have no symptoms.  Also, it's important to note that many other ailments have some of the same symptoms as diabetes.  If you suspect you may have diabetes, talk to your doctor, who can evaluate your symptoms and determine if you should be tested for diabetes and/or any other conditions.

Who has diabetes?

• Currently, 25.8 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes--that's 8.3% of the population.
• In 2010, there were 1.9 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed in people age 20 and over.
• The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed cases of diabetes in the United States is $174 billion.
• Since 2 out of 3 people with diabetes die from stroke or heart attack, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults, and also the leading cause of kidney failure, it is crucial that non-diabetics engage in proper preventative measures and that diabetics effectively manage their disease.  The American Diabetes Association believes that another 57 million Americans are at risk--and that, if current trends continue, one out of every three children will face a future with diabetes.

How can a diabetic person manage the disease--and how can a non-diabetic prevent diabetes?

• Don't use tobacco products.  If you already smoke or use other tobacco products, check into whether your workplace has a tobacco cessation program you can participate in.
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
• Be physically active--don't be sedentary.  Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is safe for you to do.
• If you have diabetes, look into getting a flu shot and a pneumonia shot (diabetics are more likely to die from pneumonia or influenza than non-diabetics), but first confirm with your doctor that it's OK for you to do so.  Also, talk to your doctor about how to maintain your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
• Diabetic or not, you should make sure that you have a primary care physician.  If you don't have one, consider reaching out to an advocacy service that can help you find a doctor that is in-network with your insurance plan and is local to you.  You may have access to an advocacy service like Health Advocate as part of your benefits plan; if you don't, Health Proponent is an advocacy service that individuals can use.

How can you get involved in efforts to stop diabetes?

• Take the American Diabetes Month pledge on Facebook to raise your hand to help stop diabetes.
• Attend an American Diabetes Month event (click here to find events local to you).
• Visit your YMCA.  The CDC and YMCA have partnered up to fight diabetes--as part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, they're offering classes that encourage healthy lifestyle choices like physical activity and moderate weight loss.  there are currently classes being offered at 178 YMCA locations nationwide.
• Get more information about diabetes by calling 1-800-DIABETES or by visiting StopDiabetes.com.

Are you too drowsy to drive?

This week is the National Sleep Foundation's Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.  Did you know that drowsiness can impair judgment, performance, and reaction times just like alcohol and drugs can?  The National Sleep Foundation says that studies have shown that being awake for over 20 hours can result in an impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08--the legal limit in all 50 states.

Some eye-opening statistics...

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conservatively estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes each year are caused by drowsy driving.
• Those crashes result in over 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and $12.5 billion in monetary losses.
• According to surveys run by the National Sleep Foundation, 50% of American adults reported that they consistently drive drowsy.  20% of survey respondents have reported that they've fallen asleep at the wheel.

Signs you're too sleepy to drive...

• Staying focused, keeping your eyes open, and/or keeping your head up.
• Yawning and/or repeatedly rubbing your eyes.
• Drifting from your lane, missing signs or exits, tailgating.
• Relying on turning up the radio or rolling down the car windows.
• Having a slower reaction time to things happening on the road.

If you are experiencing any of those signs, pull over at a safe place and consume caffeine, take a 15-20 minute nap, find a place to sleep for the night or, if you are not the only person in the car, switch drivers. 

Tips for safer driving

• Don't drive if you have consumed alcohol, if you know that you are sleepy, or if you are taking medication that could make you drowsy--before getting behind the wheel, check your medication labels and talk to your doctor and pharmacist about the side effects of your medications.
• Get a good night's sleep before a long drive.
• Get off the road if you notice that you're feeling sleepy.
• Drive with someone else--that way you can take turns at the wheel.
• Wear your seat belt.

The best way to avoid drowsy driving is to engage in good sleep habits, such as getting an adequate amount of sleep, on a consistent basis, and also to seek help for any sleep problems you're having.  If you are experiencing any sleep issues--such as insomnia, persistent grogginess, sleeplessness, etc--talk to your doctor.  If you don't have a doctor, check into having an advocacy service like Health Advocate or Health Proponent to get help finding a physician who's in-network in your insurance plan and whose office is in your area.


For more information on Drowsy Driving Prevention Week and healthy sleep habits, visit http://www.drowsydriving.org/ and http://www.sleepfoundation.org/.

Learn more about COPD...and breathe better, too

November is National COPD Awareness Month, so it's an ideal time to take a closer look at this disease to learn more about what it is, how it can be treated, and what improvements are being made to help people suffering from COPD.

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  It affects more than 12 million Americans, and it's the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.  COPD is a term that's used to describe the obstruction of airflow, and it includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Although COPD can't be cured, it can be treated.  Early detection and diagnosis can help people successfully manage the disease.  The American Lung Association created a new toolkit to help patients and their physicians work together to manage COPD.  The toolkit, which you can download here, includes a COPD Report Card and a COPD Action Plan that can help improve communication between patients and their doctors so that patients better understand COPD, can recognize the symptoms of the disease worsening, and know the appropriate steps to take.

In the United States, tobacco is a major factor in the development and progression of COPD, although exposure to air pollutants at work and in the home, asthma, genetic factors, and respiratory infections also play a role.  COPD is a preventable disease, and some steps people can take to prevent themselves from developing COPD include avoiding tobacco use and inhaling tobacco smoke and avoiding air pollutants in the workplace and at home.

If you suspect you may have COPD, talk to your family doctor, who can administer a simple test to measure your pulmonary function and detect COPD.  If you don't have a family doctor, consider using an advocacy service to help you find one.  A service like Health Advocate, which may be included in your employee benefits package at work, or a service for individuals like Health Proponent, can help you find a family doctor who is in-network in your insurance plan and is local to you.

Check out the links below for more information about COPD:

• The Breathe Better Network:  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/our-partners/index.htm
• The "Learn More, Breathe Better" campaign:  http://www.learnaboutcopd.org/