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ObamaCare is a health insurance policy introduced by the US government that enrolled approximately 6.5 million people by the end of 2014. There were 4.5 million auto-renewals and renewals, in addition to enrollments summing to 2 million. However, despite continued campaigns urging people to enroll under Obamacare, 1 million New York residents still lack medical coverage. The number is significantly higher in neighborhoods populated by immigrants. When such high numbers of people lack health insurance, especially for a city as populated as New York, then real consequences are inevitable for its inhabitants.

The most affected in the city is Woodside and Sunnyside in Queens, where 22.5% of the population have no health insurance. Queen’s neighborhoods such as Corona, Bushwick, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights lag behind with more than 22% of their residents lack medical coverage. Contrary, the lowest uninsured population is found in Upper West and Upper East Sides with 4% lacking coverage and Staten Island’s Tottenville recording 4.5%.

Majority of legal immigrants lack medical coverage due to:

• Inadequate knowledge about the signing up procedure

• Unawareness of the policy

• Ineligibility of undocumented immigrants to plans under federal law

• Some youngsters opt not to pay for medical cover since they assume they do not need it

To register more people to the Telemedicine program, the coordination and awareness team really have to do a better job. For instance, young people rarely have an opportunity to evaluate the need for a health coverage plan. Furthermore, to succeed in this noble endeavor, reaching the immigrant population is of great importance. The Health Insurance plans to kick-start enrollment under Obamacare this month and will last till the end of January. However, most immigrants cannot sign up, while some cannot afford premiums for plans they qualify. The perceived hindrance to the adoption of Telemedicine program is hence, the contentious issue of affordability.

Most people love eating vegetables and can even swear by them. To keep yourself healthy, you will find yourself consuming kale and other cruciferous vegetables. These include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and many other cruciferous vegetables. To get healthy, you end up harming yourself through eating these vegetables on a regular basis.

This is because it has been proven that consuming very high intakes of cruciferous vegetables can lead to hypothyroidism that is a condition where the body has insufficient thyroid hormone. The chances of one getting this condition, however, are higher if the person is also suffering from an iodine deficiency.

However, this does not mean that you stop eating them altogether. Eating moderate amounts of these cruciferous vegetables does not affect your health in any way. However, taking kale and the other cruciferous vegetables in large quantities can bring about health issues.

Kale has been seen to cause goiter in some cases. However, if you want to continue eating kale and other cruciferous vegetables, there are ways in which you can reduce the chances of being affected by them.

• For instance, cooking the kales reduces the goitrogenic properties and also cooking the other cruciferous vegetables. You should try cooking it as much as possible.
• You can also add seaweed or another iodine rich food into the diet since the effects are mostly experienced by those who have an iodine deficiency.
• Also, include Brazilian nuts to boost levels of selenium when blending your kale.
• Alternating between different vegetables has also been seen to help. This is by eating cruciferous and non-cruciferous greens alternately. This will ensure that you don’t overeat one of them.

If you do not have a thyroid issue, then kale and other cruciferous vegetables should remain as a part of your diet since they are healthy and provide a lot of nutrients. However, eat them with moderation and avoid eating them raw if you can as it is healthier to eat them when cooked.

The phrase ‘Adverse effects of herbal products’ may come as a shock but not after reading a recent report, published in The New England Journal of Medicine. A study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that, in the United States, there are more than 23,000 emergency room visits each year resulting from adverse effects of dietary supplements.

Their analysis of dietary supplement related ER visits in 63 hospitals over a ten year period, established that the visits majorly involved youths suffering energy or weight loss products- related cardiovascular complications, and older adults with micronutrients-associated swallowing problems. Out of the 23,000 visits, 2,154 were admitted for further treatments.

Bearing in mind that people who might have succumbed en route to the hospital were not included in their research, there is undoubtedly a compelling backdrop possibly attributed to the dramatic rise in the number of supplements. In a period of less than two decades, their numbers have increased by almost 14 times to approximately 55,000 from 4,000 products some years back.

As we speak, nearly half of the United States adults reportedly have used one or more dietary supplements in the past one month. With ever rising out of pocket expenditures for herbal products, the imminent threat they pose to public health can never be overlooked. It is high time that federal law governing the same is stepped up.

The current regulations based on the premise that all supplement products are safe. The new study will hopefully shed some light in supplement regulations in the US. While we cannot ignore the fact that some legislation and regulation acts have been enacted in recent years, we cannot ignore that the number of ER visits is ever on the rise, leaving a lot to be desired.

Every single life is precious. If you are a youth and you are taking these products for weight loss or boosting your energy, bear in mind that some of them can affect your heart. First consult your doctor before using them if you have a heart condition. Adults too should be aware that these products can cause choking, hence, use them with caution.

Better healthcare services have in the past improved and advanced to the level that is admirable and desirable to majority of the United States citizens. Telemedicine is one of the various ways through which the government has formulated and implemented for convenient and reliable healthcare services. Telemedicine involves the use of the technology and telecommunication to offer healthcare to the community from a distance mainly to bring medical services closer and more convenient. The introduction of Affordable Care Act commonly referred as the Obamacare has complicated the health care provision on the costs and whether it’s beneficial to the community.

According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research and the findings as published in the working paper, the majority of the non-poor who were formerly uninsured are worse off. The study was carried out and reviewed according to age, earnings, gender and location and concluded that indeed the ACA is costly to those who were previously uninsured middle-level class and rich. That is mainly because the value of the subsidies is lower and cannot offset the higher insurance premiums payable by the non-poor US residents. Another reason is the fact that they will be required to pay part of the cost whenever they have to see a physician.

Interestingly, the actuarial calculations only seem to have adverse effects on high-income earners as they are worse off than before the Obamacare was introduced. The study mainly focused on the non-poor population who were even eligible for premiums or cost-sharing subsidies but are ineligible for Medicaid. The non-poor uninsured population might prefer not to buy the coverage as they will be better off with minimal subsidies and payment of the penalty for violation of the individual mandate.

The law is contradictory on the way it was designed, and it’s not the fault of the healthcare insurers who now expects the healthy and non-poor majority to sign up so as to remain profitable. That is because when the unhealthy sign-up, they might drive up the claim figures high and that is bad for business in the insurance industry. Additionally, the upsurge in telemedicine options which is more convenient and reliable might make the non-poor population decide on staying uninsured and pay the penalties which are deemed as cheap. That will enable them to enjoy telemedicine services at cheaper cost instead of pricey ACA coverage that leaves them in a worse off situation.

Asthma treatment for Tucson Area School Children

University of Arizona researchers are using telemedicine to fight Asthma in Tucson. One might be wondering what telemedicine is. Telemedicine can be described as the usage of telecommunication and information technologies so as to provide clinical health care at a distance. It helps eliminate the barrier of distance and can improve access to medical services that would most likely not be consistently available in faraway rural communities. That has revolutionized the modern day practice of health care.

Using these technologies, researchers have taken it upon themselves to curb a respiratory ailment that has been the leading cause of absenteeism from schools in the United States of America, Asthma. It has been reported to affect a tenth of all the children living in the country. That is quite a large number. The costs, whether direct or indirect, which are incurred for asthma treatment are also very high.

This initiative is being carried out in the schools because for starters; the schools are very good at setting routines for the children. It is also vital to handle the issue at a young age before it gets out of hand later in life. Schools are believed they are going to instill a habit of taking medication. The affected learners report to the health unit in the school when they report in the morning. Using schools for the study also provides an opportunity to monitor the progress of the children and the effectiveness of the medication.

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute cover the costs of the medication and the upkeep of the doctors who are taking part in the study through a grant that gave out. The research is headed by Clara Ehrman, who is with the Arizona Respiratory Center. She is also data collector.

Despite being given the medication, the children are also taught on how to keep asthma under the control of Public Health students, who are trained in the Lung Association’s Open Airways program. The study is run by doctors who take some time off their daily schedules to visit the schools.

At the beginning of the study, ten schools were chosen at random to participate. This year, however, all the schools have participated. That can be attributed to the benefits that were established from the intervention. Some of the benefits of this initiative include improved adherence to the medication. That proved to be more effective, and it is a good outreach program.

With the onslaught of accessible Wi-Fi and affordable cellular services, – as well as the propensity of smart phones – telemedicine has become a reality for many patients. A form of telecommunication, telemedicine provides clinical healthcare at a distance. It is a form of information technology that is helping eliminate barriers, distances, as well as costs for patients. Telemedicine is projected to make more than $20 billion in the next decade.

There many individuals who suffer from inclement illnesses like asthma. Many asthma sufferers need to be close to their inhalers at all times in the case of an asthma attack. However, sometimes you forget it at home or you simply run out before your prescription is renewed. Telemedicine allows you to connect with a physician and explain your situation face-to-face. Then they will be able to write up a prescription and direct you to the nearest clinic that has your medicine in stock.

There many companies that are underlining the importance of telemedicine: American Well, Doctor on Demand, Teladoc, and Specialists On Call are interfaces that offer video consultations between physicians and patients. There is a myriad of apps that also allow patients to connect with an expert. Aspects of telecommunication make it a highly versatile feature, with telemedicine working closely with employers, insurers, hospitals, and clinics. For example, the University of California uses telemedicine to make their specialists available to network hospitals.

Telemedicine Marries with Artificial Intelligence: Robots are setting to become a reality, especially in specialties pertaining to neurology. Neurologists can help diagnose stroke victims as well as recommend medication with the help of robots. Phone apps can also help with eye exams and other screenings right from the patient’s home. Touchscreen dashboards allow therapists to gauge their patient’s moods.

Telemedicine can help cut off unnecessary barriers and costs. Transportation, processing, and waiting in long lines can be a thing of the past. In the next couple of decades, telemedicine is projected to save more than $40 billion annually, as well as cut up emergency room visitations by two-thirds.

$17,545; that is the average cost of employer health coverage for the year 2015. This is according to a new survey conducted by Kaiser Family Foundation in collaboration with Health Research and Educational Trust. The new figure represents a 4% increase from last year’s $16,834 which, of course, is a blow to American families. The family plan premium contributed by employees is 29% of the total which is the same as last year. When you look at the individual worker, you also notice a 4% increase in the average annual cost of employer’s coverage.

The slow pace of premium growth has been a catalyst for heated debate in the recent past with analyst indicating that Americans should brace themselves for higher health cost in the coming years. Economists have suggested that the slowed rate of increase is most certainly linked to recession and credit changes in the health care system such as higher deductibles. The last five years have seen an increase in the average number of deductibles. The average deductibles today are $1217 as compared to $917 five years ago.

The Affordable care Act is also a causative agent to the surging deductibles figure. This is because it is based on a relatively higher cost of coverage. Marsh and McLennan Cos’ recently released the results of a poll they had conducted on the Affordable care act. The results show that 41% of employers had already added a high deductible plan or acted in a manner to endorse such a plan. Another whopping 25% is considering a high deductible plan all attributed to the dubbed “Cadillac tax.”

According to the Kaiser survey, there is a smaller effect of the upcoming tax. Findings showed that 13% of large employers (those with 200 or more employees) and 7% revealed that they had adjusted their plans’ coverage to avoid triggering the tax.

The Kaiser poll showed little impact from aspects of the federal health law concerning employer coverage. 21% of firms with more than 100 employees said they had extended health-cover eligibility to new groups of workers with 5% indicating they had offered more comprehensive benefits to workers.Also, 3% of large employers changed job specifications from permanent to part time to reduce those eligible for the cover.

It is with no doubt that Affordable Care Act “Obama care” is responsible for skyrocketing costs increase in employer health coverage family plans. This has reduced the number of employees that have access to telemedicine in the country.

In the healthcare industry the physician-patient relationship relies heavily on communication. This is why many hospitals and clinics strive to improve their patient-physician interaction and communication by implementing secure messaging tools. This allows patients to get in touch with their doctors quickly and efficiently, without the risk of any privacy breaches. Although patient portals are the most common form of communication, mobile health tools can also allow patients to effectively meet their healthcare needs. It can also help physicians better manage their patients’ health and well-being.

Many healthcare providers rely heavily on patient portals to increase patient engagement and allow for easier access to their healthcare records. Hospitals and clinics are also concerned whether the implementation of Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs will restrict the patient’s ability to access their health care information. EHRIntelligence reports that patient portals are not the only path to ensuring that patients are able to access their health data.

It would be beneficial for physicians and healthcare providers to better understand the needs of their consumer base and meet their needs accordingly. Specifically, understanding their patients’ preferences when it comes to how they wish to access their health care information and their use of technology, will improve patient care and engagement.

“If they are using the portal, they are doing so on a mobile device. So why not develop software that is much more user-friendly, more integrated into the end-user? And rather than giving the end-user just access to a portal, why not make it so that it is procedure- or process-based? I want to schedule an appointment, press that. I want to get my lab results, press that. That is more intuitive for a patient than having to go into a portal and siphon through mounds of information or navigation whereas on a handheld I can just press what I want and immediately get that information.”, said Ed Martinez, Senior Vice President and CIO of Miami Children’s Hospital.

This new system is more interactive for the user and provides them with better control of their information. It can also help close the gap between urban and rural healthcare providers in terms of telemedicine and heath care data management. There is a wide array of mobile health care apps designed with telemedicine as the main concept, including EHR systems, mobile apps, wearable devices, and remote monitoring. This allows for the patient to be extremely satisfied with the care they are provided and more involved in their healthcare services. One of the goals of telemedicine is to effectively aid in the care of patients with chronic conditions and provide daily support in managing their illnesses.

A few weeks ago, NBA star Lamar Odom shocked the world when he was rushed to the hospital over apparent overdose. He suffered multiple strokes and was unresponsive when medical personnel arrived at the Las Vegas brothel Odom was staying. Doctors reported that they found “every drug imaginable” in his system, including cocaine, opiates, and herbal erectile dysfunction drugs.

The drugs reportedly in Odom’s system have been under intense scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as the pharmaceutical industry at large. These herbal performance enhancers are unregulated and have been found to include hidden drugs such as Viagra and Cialis. These powerful drugs, which require a prescription, react violently with other substances and can cause severe strokes and liver and kidney failure, such as that suffered by Odom.

A couple of weeks ago, the FDA issued a warning on these drugs, stating they had found 300 different herbal performance enhancers that contained dangerously high levels of Viagra and Cialis. One drug contained 31 times the prescription dosage of Cialis. These drugs, which increase blood flow to sexual organs, can be deadly to those on certain medications or with underlying conditions.

Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company that produces Viagra, has also issued warnings about the dangers of performance enhancers. They claim that many counterfeit medicines look very similar to Viagra, but can contain many unknown substances – including poison, talcum powder or high dosages of the drug in Viagra. Many people believe they are getting a deal on the medication or are avoiding the embarrassment of telling the doctor of their need for the drug. However, they are actually ingesting substances that are potentially lethal, as is apparently the case with Odom.

Odom’s reaction to the drugs proves that taking herbal performance enhancers is a dangerous endeavor. It’s impossible to know what one’s reaction to such drugs will be, so it’ wisest to steer clear altogether. If erectile dysfunction drugs are needed, see a doctor to ensure your safety and health.

Medical professionals and experts have come up with various ways to improve the healthcare services to the community. Telemarketing is one of the major aspects through which healthcare provision to the community has improved and made convenient enough without physically going to the hospital. However, legislatures in some seven states are considering joining hands in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). The primary course of this compact is to increase the number of physicians and improve technological advancement and usage in telemedicine industry.

There are different views and perspective that telemedicine industry professionals and analysts have if the IMLC is enacted. Renowned economists such as Michael L Marlow, Ph.D. put a light on the matter and advice that the compact will keep the medical fees at higher levels and create an obstacle for other medical physicians. Additionally, the competition will be kept at bay, and the telemedicine healthcare services provision will be at the hand of few licensed practitioners.

Marlow feels that the Federation of State Medical Board (FSMB) which is the main strategists behind this legislative and their agenda has little to do with quality healthcare provision. He explains that FSMB is primarily focused on controlling the telemedicine industry.

In a normal supply and demand aspect in healthcare service provision, the community in these states should not expect the fees to be cheaper because the number of physicians will be limited. However, the quality will be of higher standard because of the measures that will be applied for physicians to acquire the licenses. Additionally, the compact will maximize on patient protection practices that will ensure the patient will be on the hands of the most qualified and candid physicians.

There will be minimal cases of improper healthcare such as prescription of poor medication or incorrect diagnosis.

Licensing physicians is purely a good idea as long as all the necessary issues such as the quality and convenient healthcare provision to the community are addressed. Failure to address these issues and to focus on different agenda such as control and creation of a monopolistic system in offering telemedicine healthcare services will hurt the industry. However, telemedicine healthcare system can be very beneficial to the community when timely and efficiently provided with affordable fees despite the enactment of Interstate Medical Licensure Compact.