Home Blog Page 140

Benefits of self-care in nursing

self-care-for-nurses

Self-care is just as crucial for nurses as it is for anyone else. Nursing can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, requiring nurses to care for themselves. The weariness and stress that come with the work can harm a nurse in various ways.

In addition to taking better care of their patients, nurses who practice self-care can lower their stress levels, enhance their health and live happier lives. 

What Is self-care in nursing?

Self-care is a habit nurses make to improve their health. Self-care techniques handle physical, mental or emotional problems that develop as a result of nursing. For example, nurses with back pain who practice self-care by working out and eating well may have less pain and more energy to care for their patients.

The best self-care tips for nurses help them tend to their patient’s needs and reduce their chances of getting sick or burnt out. Spring Arbor University appreciates nurses who play a significant role in establishing a better future in the health sector. The university teaches you more about celebrating who you are and prioritizing self-care. 

Why is self-care important for nurses?

Since nursing requires a lot of time and is stressful, many nurses may forget to practice self-care. Numerous nurses have suffered moderate to high stress levels, resulting in several easily avoidable health problems. Obesity, asthma, heart disease and premature mortality are some ailments that result due to insufficient self-care. 

What effect does stress have on a nurse’s patients?

Nursing professionals should prioritize their needs because it is more challenging to care for others when they cannot look after themselves. Nurses must maintain low stress levels to provide patients with the best care possible.

There is a negative impact on patient care when the nursing staff isn’t in excellent medical condition. Medication mistakes and low quality of care are more significant in nurses who do not care for themselves.

 10 Benefits of self-care for nurses

Stress is a crucial factor in limiting nurses’ work hours. Self-care can help nurses do their jobs better and decrease the chance of making mistakes. A nurse who is healthy and strong can be more effective than one who is getting less sleep or exercising too little.

Here are the advantages of self-care for nurses: 

Promotes high-quality patient care

When a nurse is exhausted and stressed, their patient care declines, as nurses who work beyond their physical limits make more mistakes than usual. By taking better care of themselves, nurses can provide better patient care.

Nurses who pay more attention to self-care will be more inclined to increase their engagement in detail with patients since it is difficult for a nurse who isn’t in good health to concentrate on caring for others. 

Reduces the risk of burnout

When nurses don’t earn enough time off and neglect their physical and mental health, they are more likely to experience burnout. Burnout is when a nurse becomes exhausted, stressed and cynical, resulting in complications in the workplace.

To prevent burnout and nurses from getting overwhelmed, hospital managers should establish a self-care plan that boosts employee wellness. 

Reduces nurses’ risk of illness

Nurses who don’t care for themselves are more likely to develop minor illnesses, resulting in hospitalization and lost wages, if they persist. Nurses with self-care habits are less likely to come down with any disease as long as they have normal levels of health and avoid stressors, such as overwork or burnout. 

Promotes optimal health

Being healthy is crucial for nurses to do their best job. Nursing causes health professionals to work extended hours and become physically exhausted from moving patients and walking throughout the hospital.

Without good self-care practices, a nurse is more likely to experience poor health and diseases, like hypertension. To maintain good health, nurses must practice self-care by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and getting adequate sleep whenever possible. 

Decreases stress

Self-care deteriorates mental health. Stress often causes nurses to develop anxiety and depression. By performing exercises and taking time to unwind, nurses will have more control over their minds, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

Self-care techniques, such as exercise, breathing, and meditation, effectively relieve stress. By practicing self-care techniques, nurses can break up their daily routine by taking time out of their workday to relax. When nurses learn self-care techniques, they experience less stress within themselves and those around them. 

Increases nurses’ motivation and work productivity

Self-care habits can improve nurses’ work rates through self-motivation and productivity. When nurses take good care of themselves, they develop a positive attitude toward working more effectively and demonstrating their dedication to patients. High motivation and productivity levels increase job satisfaction within the health facility. 

Leads to increased self-confidence

Nurses who are healthier and well-rested feel more confident about their job. Healthy nurses are more likely to look forward to coming to work and take pride in their work performance.

Nurses who know how to care for themselves will have greater self-confidence and feel less stressed out than those who do not practice self-care. If a nurse has low self-esteem, that can negatively influence them at work, which can cause problems for the patient. A nurse with low self-esteem may not provide adequate patient care or help the patients’ families through illness.

 Self-care is important for employer-employee relationships

Self-care helps nurses and employers foster better relationships by providing nurses with a positive state of mind. When nurses have positive work attitudes, they will demonstrate commitment and devotion to their jobs, resulting in higher job satisfaction.

Increased job satisfaction boosts the employer-employee relationship, as management and employees work together for the patient’s well-being. 

Promotes employee retention in nursing roles

Self-care promotes nurse retention. Nurse retention is the number of nurses who stay over a long period in a healthcare organization. When nurses do not practice self-care techniques and neglect themselves, they start looking for jobs that offer better pay, more benefits and more time off.

At this point, employers should recognize the importance of hiring healthy people and paying them well so they can take time off to take care of themselves and not quit their job. By keeping employees happy with positive self-care habits, employers will have a lower turnover rate in their nursing department. 

Promotes happiness in the workplace

Employers who want to increase employee morale and happiness should encourage self-care habits among their staff. When nurses take time to relax, they experience more positive emotions, making them more likely to be happy at work. Happy employees are productive and willing to give their best at work to benefit patients, employers and coworkers. 

Ways to get started with nursing self-care

Healthy habits help nurses avoid complications while improving their health and well-being at work. Here are some ways nurses can get started on their self-care journey. 

Mental self-care

Mental self-care teaches nurses how to reduce stress and anxiety in the nursing enterprise. You can practice mental self-care relaxation techniques, such as meditation, taking walks outside, riding a bike or practicing yoga.

Physical self-care

Physical self-care is a way for nurses to maintain their health, help their bodies heal from injuries and illnesses and overcome any physical issues, such as injury or disease, that can affect their job performance. Physical self-care includes various exercises, such as walking, swimming and running. 

Social self-care

Social self-care includes staying connected with friends and family while at work by talking regularly, catching up on personal developments and taking time out of the office during breaks to visit patients and their families.

You can also converse with someone you don’t usually talk to at work, ask your coworkers about their days, have lunch with someone new or celebrate coworkers’ birthdays and anniversaries.

 Emotional self-care

Emotional self-care teaches nurses how to enhance positive emotions and reduce negative emotions, such as anxiety and stress. Emotional self-care includes improving your diet, exercising regularly and attending support groups, conferences and seminars. 

Spiritual self-care

Spiritual self-care encourages nurses to take time to care for themselves spiritually through regular prayer, meditation, walking in nature or taking a break away from their job for personal-development sessions with a counselor. 

Professional self-care

Nursing professionals can assist themselves in remaining calmer amid potentially stressful work situations by maintaining organization in their professional lives. Nurses must treat themselves with the same regard as the patient care they offer.

You can list your professional objectives and a strategy for achieving them or assist your coworkers with their patients as your own professional self-care methods.

Personal self-care

Nurses should schedule time for their favorite activities. To assist them in feeling less pressured, nurses should take the time to develop their identity outside of being a nurse.

To take care of yourself, buy your favorite beverage, take up a new pastime, go on a day trip or take a staycation. 

Wrapping up

Self-care across the board significantly improves patient care quality. Nurses who take care of themselves are less likely to get ill, are more productive and make fewer medication mistakes than those who don’t have self-care habits in their workday.

Self-care measures improve employee morale, reduce turnover rates, develop healthier relationships between employer and employees, increase employee job satisfaction and retain the highest quality candidates.

An Ultimate Guide For Psychological Practice With Adults And Older Adults

care for older

Psychology is the scientific study of the human psyche and behavior. It is a broad field that covers everything from mental disorders and treatment to human development and social interactions. As our population ages, there is an increasing need for psychologists and nurses who specialize in working with older adults. We will explore the different ways a practitioner can provide care in the best way possible for adults with acute and complex needs. First, nurses can seek further education and keep learning on the job. Moreover, nurses can make adjustments to how they speak and see older adults provide the most compassionate care possible. Finally, we will look at what makes a great nurse.

nurse care

Seek Further Education

If you want to specialize in working with adults and older adults with acute and complex care needs, you can achieve this by seeking further education. These complex and acute needs tend to be due to complications such as cancer or psychological instability. This means you will need to have an excellent understanding of human psychology and physiology.

If you are an advanced-practice nurse practitioner (meaning you hold a postgraduate degree in nursing) and you are looking to develop your clinical expertise, you can do so by applying for Rockhurst University’s AGACNP online programs. Adding a Post-Master’s Certificate to your resume will make you more employable and desirable as a candidate, but it will also allow you to commit to continued learning in your work. The more you learn, the better you can provide compassionate care.

This type of post-master’s program will prepare you to work with patients who have acute psychological and physical conditions that make them vulnerable and dependent on your care. In addition, you will learn how to provide crisis intervention services. The scope of psychology is constantly expanding as we learn more about the human brain and behavior, so further training and learning are always beneficial.

Improve Your Practice

Acute and complex problems are best managed through a combination of medical and psychological interventions. However, your personal composure and attitude at work will also have a significant impact on your patients. So, consider your mindset, tone of voice, and behavior while you work with vulnerable patients.

If you can step back from the clinical view of your patients and recognize on an emotional level that the person in front of you is dealing with a difficult situation, you can provide more compassionate care. Do not underestimate how important it is to be supportive and understanding.

This will allow you to develop a plan with your patient to address their condition, taking into account their feelings about treatments. Remember that the adult or elderly person you are caring for should be able to retain their dignity and some sense of autonomy at all times during their care.

The Makings of a Good Nurse

A good nurse is someone who possesses a strong work ethic and is compassionate and caring. What’s more, a great nurse has excellent communication skills and is able to think critically and quickly in stressful situations. An advanced-practice nurses must be able to work long hours on their feet and be able to handle the tension and emotional baggage that come with the job. They should also be able to maintain a positive attitude even when things are tough to make sure patients are at ease and morale stays high.

This all sounds like a lot, but with a supportive team, a passion and love for what you do, and a commitment to be the best nurse you can be, this job is incredibly rewarding, beautiful, and essential for society. You will be an angel to sick people and their families and you can make all the difference to people who need it the most.

taking care of older

Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of how you can help improve the lives of adults and older adults with complex needs. Nursing and psychological practice with adults and older adults can be extremely rewarding. By taking the time to understand the unique needs of this population, practitioners can provide truly life-changing services. With the right approach, nursing practitioners can make a real difference in the lives of those they serve.

To achieve this, you can seek further education and training so you are aware of the latest advice and processes for caring for adults with complex needs. Moreover, you can adjust your demeanor and attitude toward patients to make them feel understood and protect their dignity. Finally, have a strong work ethic and always be compassionate.

What Are The Differences Between A Social Worker And A Psychologist?

Therapist

There is a lot of overlap between the roles of social workers and psychologists, but there are some key differences as well. Social workers typically have a more general focus, working with people from all walks of life who may be experiencing a range of issues. Psychologists, on the other hand, often specialize in one area or another, such as mental health or child psychology. Let’s take a closer look at the key distinctions between these two professions.

girl meeting her foster parents

Social Workers vs. Psychologists – The Main Differences

In the world in which we live, both social workers and psychologists focus on helping people become their best selves. However, these two professions have some key differences that we should not disregard. So, instead of making these grave mistakes, let’s try to understand the differences so that we can make informed decisions. While most social workers can go through online advanced MSW programs, psychologists must have a doctoral degree in psychology, which requires three to seven years of further education and training. In the beginning, we can see the crucial difference between these two professional types.

Social workers typically have a more general focus.

They work with people from all walks of life who may be experiencing a range of issues, such as poverty, substance abuse, housing instability, and mental health problems. Social workers provide counseling and other therapeutic services to help individuals cope with their issues. They also connect clients to resources in the community that can help them lead healthier lives. Because social workers often deal with various types of issues and clients, they often have a wide range of knowledge and skills.

Psychologists often specialize in one area or another.

Because psychologists offer more specialized services, those seeking to work with one of these mental health professionals need to do some research before picking one; this includes learning what kind of therapeutic method they feel would be best for them and then finding a professional who will offer these specific services. For example, when doing a quick “psychologist San Francisco” search, a would-be client will be faced with numerous options, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Learning the difference between these, such as what conditions they treat and what a typical session will look like, will ensure that both the psychologist and the client walks away from a therapy session feeling as if they have made progress.

Social workers typically require a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Social workers provide counseling and other therapeutic services, while psychologists specialize in the area of mental health and use a variety of methods to assess, diagnose, and treat psychological disorders. When it comes to the education of social workers and psychologists, there is quite a significant difference. To become a social worker, you would, logically, want to get a bachelor’s degree in the area of social work. While psychologists typically need to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology, which requires three to seven years of further education and training.

Psychologists require a doctoral degree in psychology.

Psychologists need to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology, which requires three to seven years of further education and training. This additional time allows psychologists to gain specialized knowledge in one area or another and be able to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat psychological disorders. When choosing a doctorate program, psychology students have the option to pursue either a Ph.D. or a PsyD. While both degrees are considered doctorates in psychology, they do differ slightly in terms of focus and practice. Ph.D. is typically a research-focused degree, while the PsyD is focused more on practice.

psychologist

Social workers are not required to have any specific licensing or certification.

Social workers are not required to have any specific licensing or certification; however, they must adhere to the ethical guidelines and standards set by the National Association of Social Workers. Furthermore, if you are seeking a career in social work, you may want to look into obtaining a certification in your particular field of practice. To do so, you will need to meet certain educational and practice requirements, such as obtaining an accredited degree in social work and completing a specific number of hours of supervised field experience.

Psychologists must be licensed in order to practice professionally.

To become a psychologist, you must meet certain educational and training requirements, such as obtaining a doctoral degree in psychology and completing a specific number of hours of supervised practice. In addition to that, psychologists must also be licensed by their state in order to practice professionally. Each state has its own licensing requirements for psychotherapists, so it is important to research these requirements before you begin your journey to becoming a psychologist.

In conclusion, there are some key differences between social workers and psychologists. While both professionals work in the field of mental health, they have different levels of education, certifications, and licensing requirements. Additionally, their scope of practice also differs due to the specialization that is required for a psychologist. However, one thing remains true: both social workers and psychologists are dedicated to helping people in need and providing valuable support and guidance to those facing psychological distress.

Awesome Things To Try If You’ve Been Single For Too Long

happy couple

Being single is no fun. Life is all about experiences. It’s hard to have meaningful and memorable experiences when you are on your own. Even if you have a huge circle of friends, as you get older your friends will find themselves in relationships with other people, and you will be alone.

If you have been single for a long time, then now’s the time to change that. Thanks to the internet, finding people to date has never been easier. All you need to do is follow this post’s guidance if you want a relationship.DancingHookup Sites

If you have been single for a long time, then you probably haven’t had much sex recently. Sex is an important part of a relationship. If you’ve been going through a dry spell, then you might need to brush up on your skills, so that you can satisfy your partner when the time comes. One of the best ways to have sex (quickly and with no strings attached) is to sign up for a hookup site. Find a site that offers hookups that work, or in other words, a site that’s active and filled with other singles looking for casual sex. One of the best ways to figure out if a hookup site’s worth using or not is to read its reviews and do a little bit of online research. You might even find somebody who’s interested in a casual relationship on a hookup site.

Online Dating

Online dating sites are not the same as hookup sites. A hookup site is a site that’s used almost exclusively by people who’re looking for sex, nothing more. An online dating site is a site that’s used by people who want to find relationships. There are, like hookup sites, many online dating sites available online. You need to do your research and try to find the one that’s most active in your country. Ideally, try to find one with the best reputation, too. A large user base does not always mean that a site’s good.

Video Chatting

Video chat sites can be a good way of meeting people too. One of the main problems with video chat sites is that the people that use them tend to be from all over the world, which makes it difficult to meet somebody local to start a serious relationship with. If you are fine with long-distance relationships (or if you’re open to traveling) then video chat sites are worth checking out. Video chat sites can also help you to brush up on your conversational skills, which might be needed if you haven’t had a date in a while.heartBar Crawls

Going from bar to bar looking for other singles can take a lot of time but can also be very fun. If you have any friends who’re single too, then you could all go out together. Make sure that you don’t drink too much when you’re going out looking for love. If you get too inebriated, then you won’t be in a fit state to judge the people you are meeting. You might give your number out to people who aren’t your type and you could even end up taking them back home and having sex with them.

Cold Approaches

Cold approaches are a very effective way of meeting people. However, cold approaches take a lot of confidence. When cold approaching you need to be polite and friendly. If you are not, then you could end up putting the people you are approaching off and make them not want to talk to you anymore. The best thing about cold approaches is that they are hardly ever done today. Cold approaching a woman could be an extremely effective way of showing them that you are confident. Confidence is a huge turn-on, especially at a time when men are being called ‘incels’ and do not have the courage to approach women.

Social Media

Finally, social media can be a good place to go to meet singles. When following people on social media with a view to dating them, first check out their page and make sure that they are single, then check if you have any mutuals. It’s usually a good idea to follow people with whom you have mutual. When you have a mutual with a person it is a good sign that you both live near to each other. Also, if you add or follow a person with mutuals they are more likely to accept your request than if you were just a stranger to them.

Finding somebody to start a relationship with doesn’t have to be as difficult as a lot of people make it out to be. If you’re single and looking for love, then consider the points and advice made here. Always be confident, bubbly, and funny, so people enjoy talking to you.

How Travel May Potentially Benefit Mental Health

travelling will make you more creative

The COVID-19 global pandemic has strongly impacted the field of traveling and tourism for two years. As the world strides toward the post-pandemic era, attempts to study the effects of the pandemic show that there seemingly is a connection between traveling (or the lack thereof) and mental health. 

Here, we take a look at how traveling offers certain health benefits that may also positively affect our mental and emotional well-being. 

Travel as a form of therapy

A recent joint study conducted by Edith Cowan University (ECU) Australia and tourism and health experts show that going on vacations may have therapeutic effects for people with fragile mental health. The study links travel experiences to certain therapies recommended by specialists for people with mental health problems such as dementia.

Additionally, a study conducted by the University of Surrey shows that UK tourists are at their happiest when they have a vacation planned. Another study also shows that the process of planning a trip, which includes searching for cheap flights and the most suitable hotels, may also potentially benefit our mental health. In short, the anticipation of an experience (like a trip) can increase a person’s happiness substantially—much more so than the anticipation of buying material goods. 

However, it’s also worth pointing out that there is no conclusive evidence linking the inability to travel to psychological and emotional distress. This is reflected in UCL’s latest findings which state that well-being actually peaked in June 2020 while the English population was still under strict lockdown measures.   

Traveling increases immunity

While travel was largely restricted precisely due to health-related concerns brought about by the pandemic, traveling has been largely attributed to increasing our immunity by exposing us to a variety of bacteria and getting us out of our protected bubbles. (1)

Travelling reduces stress 

The collective benefits of traveling are not limited to just improving our health but are also great moral boosters that have been proven to increase mental wellbeing. 

Nick Davies, a leading psychotherapist, and hypnotherapist in the UK, contends that our mood can be hampered by familiar surroundings as the brain gets used to things it sees regularly and slips into boredom which can turn into a low mood. Travelling creates a sense of adventure as we experience new sights, sounds, smells, and tastes, which create feelings of positivity and happiness.

Traveling increases creativity

Psychologists and neuroscientists have begun examining how spending time abroad may have the potential to affect mental change. As creativity is related to how our brains are wired, they are sensitive to change and greatly influenced by the environment. 

According to Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School, “Foreign experiences increase both cognitive flexibility and depth and integrativeness of thought, the ability to make deep connections between disparate forms,” on the connection between creativity and international travel. (2)

Travelling may also induce stress. 

The pros of traveling definitely outweigh the cons, but it is important to acknowledge that traveling can also be stressful and induce anxiety. 

The National Health Service (NHS) warns there is a wide range of risk factors that may potentially disrupt mental health during travel. Among them are:

  • unfamiliar surroundings and the presence of strangers
  • disruption of normal routines and travel delays
  • time zone changes and jet lag/sleep deprivation
  • culture shock and sense of isolation

While these risk factors may present a challenge for people with existing mental illnesses, the NHS also states that a history of mental health problems should not be considered an absolute barrier to travel. There are management strategies that can be adopted to minimize the chances of triggering depression, anxiety, and other symptoms for people during their travels.

Should I leave my TV on for dogs?

dog watching tv

If your dog is particularly close to you and has never experienced your absence, leaving them alone at home may be hard. It is especially true of strays or adopted animals being passed on about the household as family pets.

Many dogs with separation anxiety benefit from the soothing noise of a radio or television. Puppies think you’re the most significant thing ever while you’re around. They will follow you anywhere because they have become accustomed to you taking care of them. They are just trying to keep themselves engaged in your absence.

In contrast to humans, dogs only catch fleeting glances of TV screen images and lack the visual acuity required to follow fast-paced action. They don’t see a continuous stream of events but relatively short, sharp spurts. Dogs won’t pay as much attention to the TV as they would to real-world stimuli because of the lack of olfactory stimulation.

When the TV is on, does your dog get anxious?

It is a question that you can only answer after thinking about your dog.

Some dogs enjoy hearing human voices, even if they originate from the television, while others find it quite disturbing. Finding out which of these two options your dog prefers is a must for giving a definitive answer to this inquiry.

The best way to do this is to set up a camera system, such as a spy cam or a pet camera, and watch what they do when the TV is on and off. Instead of shelling out cash for a camera, you can always play around with different what-ifs to get a sense of the damage that it might do to your home.

Whether or not you should leave the TV on while at work depends on your dog’s reaction to the loudness. You should also keep dog insurance as an option.

Can a dog learn anything from the television?

The benefits of leaving the TV on for your dog go beyond mere entertainment. None of these advantages will help if your dog is terrified by the loudness.

Television can help drown out disturbing noises like construction, fireworks, thunder, or gunfire. The TV will be the sole source of noise in the room, so your dog won’t be frightened by anything else. Although a Thundershirt (a jacket designed to reduce anxiety in dogs) or medication may help with anxiety, watching TV is unlikely to have the same effect.

Another tactic for making it look like someone is home when they are not is to leave the television on. If potential burglars notice this, they might think twice before breaking into your home to steal your pet or other valuables. This way, the TV might be observed as a second set of eyes. (1)

Do I risk harming my dog by leaving the TV on?

As we’ve already mentioned, the main disadvantage is that it could make your dog more anxious than being left alone in peace.

Permanent hearing loss could be a result of the noise. Because dogs have excellent hearing, you shouldn’t leave the TV on at full blast while you’re gone. However, if it is played too softly, it will compromise its sound-masking properties. 

Is there a reasonable length of time to leave the TV on with my dog?

Rather than using the television to block out distractions or to keep your pet company, numerous experts advise that you should consider the television’s sound to be an alarm.

Similarly to how your dog could enjoy the sound of keys being twisted in a lock, you want your dog to enjoy the sound of the TV being turned on or the TV itself. If people expect something good to happen, they will likely find solace in the TV’s hum.

If you give your dog a treat whenever you turn on the TV, it may come to associate that sound with good things. Turning on the TV could become a source of reinforcement they look forward to.

It can help ease the transition into the day, and your dog will appreciate the same shows you enjoy.

What else can I do when watching TV to keep my dog comfortable?

The content that dog-oriented channels like DogTV choose to air is supposedly curated with the help of complex data about what dogs enjoy watching. They are more reliable for keeping your dog calm and quiet while you are away. You can curate a playlist of songs appropriate for dogs. (2)

Conclusion

If you’d rather not watch TV, listening to the radio is a good alternative. One study found that they preferred listening to reggae and soft rock instead of the television while the owner was out.

Understanding Medicare in California

Medicare California

If you live in California and are about to turn 65 years old or are gearing up for the upcoming Medicare open enrollment period (which runs January 1 through March 31), you’ve likely got questions.

What are the eligibility requirements in California? What types of Medicare coverage are available, and how much do they cost? How do you choose the best Medicare Advantage plan provider?

If you find yourself asking these questions, we’ve gathered details to help you better navigate the Medicare open enrollment process.

Who’s Eligible for Medicare in California?

To be eligible for Medicare in California, you must be age 65 or older, under age 65 and have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or have either end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS.) The Social Security Administration oversees determining overall eligibility for individuals.

What Medicare Coverage Types are Available in California?

Throughout the Golden State, there are four Medicare plan options available, which include Medicare Part A (hospital-related expenses), Part B (medical-related expenses), Part C (more commonly known as Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

Part A premiums are generally covered if you or your spouse worked 10 years or more at a company that deducted Medicare taxes during each payroll period. Meanwhile, Part B costs are generally standardized based on the modified adjusted gross income reported on your IRS tax return two years prior to your Medicare application year.

Plan B costs range from $170.10 per month for individuals earning $91,000 or less ($182,000 or less for couples) to $578.30 per month for individuals earning $500,000 or more ($750,000 or more for couples.) Part D premiums may be covered by either your Plan A or Plan B premium if your income is $91,000 or less or may cost as much as an additional $77.90 per month for individuals earning $500,000 or more. Part C plans, or Medical Advantage plans, are optional coverage plans that many opt for to help cover expenses not covered by Plan A or B.

What Should I Consider Before Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medical Advantage plans are a bit more limited within California, as providers and pricing vary based on zip codes. For instance, you may choose 16 providers in Los Angeles County, but eligible residents of less populated areas like Sonoma County have fewer provider options. 

Plan pricing varies by zip code and provider, too. In fact, as of 2022, the average cost for Medicare Advantage plans in Los Angeles County was $8 per month, while the average in Sonoma County was $43 per month.

Anotessentialtant factor to consider is that not all doctors or hospitals accept every Medicare Advantage plan provider. This means if you want to keep your current doctor or hospital, you’ll need to choose one they accept. Steps for choosing a Medicare Advantage plan provider include:

  1. Determining which are available in your zip code
  2. Determining which are accepted by your preferred doctor(s) and/or hospital(s)
  3. Reading reviews and recommendations from trusted sources

If you need additional guidance, contact the California Department of Aging’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) for support. The counseling they provide is confidential and free of charge.

Making an Informed Choice

Once you become eligible for Medicare, Part A, B, and D plans will be fairly straightforward, with the major differences depending on your income. On the other hand, Part C (Medicare Advantage plans) will take a bit more research. After determining which providers are available in your zip code and are accepted by your preferred doctor and hospital, the next important step is to consult the reviews of trusted industry leaders, as well as take advantage of free counseling before deciding.

4 Reasons Why Free Healthcare Clinic In Virginia Is Beneficial

Healthcare Doctors

There are roughly 1,700 free medical clinics spread across the United States. These clinics examined more than 4 million uninsured patients in 2008. A free clinic is a nonprofit, private, community-based institution that delivers medical care at a small or no charge to uncovered or unprotected people via volunteer healthcare specialists and collaborations with other health suppliers. 

A free healthcare clinic is a chief supporter of the healthiness of the nation and is just like typical primary healthcare centers. Free clinics depend on volunteers and financially rely on people, companies, civic groups, churches, communities, fundraisers, memorials, and donations from patients and other united forms.

Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. state, extends from the Appalachian Peaks to the Chesapeake Bay, with the Atlantic coastline. One of the 13 native territories with historic landmarks, Virginia is known for Shenandoah National Park, Appalachian Trail, Presidential homes, and the multiple lakes it houses within its boundaries.

The free healthcare system brings numerous positive outcomes and benefits.

Charge-Free Health Care Lowers the Costs

When contrasted with the free-market approach, charge-free healthcare services lower cost awfully. Primarily, you will have to bother about any fee. Every therapy delivered to you remains free. It means that even individuals who can not afford to bear costs can get equal standard services. The total cost of this system is less compared to a free market strategy. Meaning many individuals visiting the medic will result in improved expenses.

Having free health care means the government spends on your medical statements. It makes it more affordable because private businesses do not have to come in and deliver their facilities. The corporations would otherwise require to spend for many above costs like advertisement budgets, analysis and product expenses, administrative salaries, etc.

A Well Improved Patient Care

It is no surprise that Virginia in the U.S. has prestige for well-educated people and a good job market. Its lower crime rate, decent quality healthcare, and healthy economy make it an attractive state and one of the best places to live. The state also features both small towns and large cities, traditional groups and liberal ones.

The free healthcare clinic ensures patients who do not have access to superior-quality primary obtain the care they require to remain healthy or address their necessities. It improves levels of health in the patients of the country. With this boosted approach, concerning the doctor becomes very simple and cheap, eventually guiding society to go to the doctor more often.

It will remove illnesses linked to escaping doctor visits because of high expenses and enhances productivity. Hospitals supporting these clinics, through funding or volunteer connections, help provide quality supervision for all patients.

Free Medical Care Improves Child Health

Free primary care enhances child health and reduces child mortality rates. If children get young age consultations with doctors, they can avoid problems before they develop. It also helps in guiding the whole nation in making decisions that promote healthy living.

For kids, proper health care is essential as they are at a higher threat of growing difficulties and illnesses. When parents get financially free motivations, kids from any financial background get medical facilities. Therefore, they are saved from multiple illnesses helping them to lead a healthier life and donate to the growth of society.

Promotes the Economy

One of the key benefits of free medical care is that it supports the economy as there are fewer funds paid for healthcare and more individuals operating in different, promising enterprises where they can deliver goods or services needed by society.

The health impact on the socio-economic system of a country is clear. The nations where individuals can afford medical care have powerful economies conversely. Cost-free healthcare permits every local to get medical treatment. Eventually, it improves the productivity of people and has a direct impact on the economy.

The Bottom Line

So how do cost-free clinics benefit people? It directly assists in an easy way of making a healthier society. Free clinics are volunteer-contribution-based healthcare institutions that deliver a range of pharmacy, medical, dental, and behavioral health benefits at no cost to predominantly uninsured and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Top Ten Reasons College Students Use an Essay Writing Service

Top Ten Reasons College Students Use an Essay Writing Service

Essay writing services have become increasingly popular among college students for a few reasons. A recent study showed that nearly 60% of college students had used an essay writing service at least once during their academic careers.

Here are the top ten reasons why students use essay writing services.

  1. Time Constraints

One of the most common reasons college students use essay writing services is because they are pressed for time. Between classes, extracurricular activities, work, and social obligations, it can be difficult to find the time to research and write a high-quality essay.

  1. Lack of Writing Skills

Another common reason college students use essay writing services is that they lack strong writing skills. While everyone is capable of turning out a decent essay given enough time and effort, not everyone is a natural-born writer.

If you’re not confident in your ability to produce a well-written, error-free essay, it may be worth paying for professional help.

  1. Research Assistance

As anyone who has ever tackled a research project can attest, finding reliable sources of information can be a challenge. With so much information available online, it can be difficult to know where to begin. And even when you do find a reputable source, it can be hard to track down the specific data that you need.

A good writer will know where to look for reliable sources of information and will have the skills necessary to track down the data you need. In addition, an experienced writer will be able to help you organize your thoughts and structure your paper in a way that makes sense. 

  1. Editing and Proofreading Help

The importance of editing and proofreading can never be understated. No matter how strong of a writer you may be, it’s always beneficial to have someone else take a look at your work before you submit it. 

A good editor will not only catch errors that you may have missed, but they can also offer suggestions on how to improve the overall quality of your paper. This is especially important if you’re submitting your work for publication. 

In addition to catching any mistakes, an editor can help to make your paper more concise and easier to read.

  1. Stress Relief

For some students, the prospect of writing an essay is so stressful that it’s easier to pay someone else to do it than to go through the hassle themselves. If you find yourself in this situation, an essay writing service can provide much-needed relief. (2)

  1. Improved Grades

Because professional writers are experienced in academic writing, using an essay writing service can actually help improve your overall grades. With the help of a qualified writer, you can produce essays that are more error-free and better organized than if you wrote them on your own.

  1. Better Time Management

Learning how to manage your time effectively is one of the most important skills you can develop as a college student. If you find yourself struggling to meet deadlines or fit everything into your schedule, working with a professional writer can help you learn how to better manage your time. (2)

  1. Fewer Assignment Segments

Some professors seem to assign essays on a weekly basis! If you’re starting to feel like all you do is write papers, using an essay writing service can cut down on the number of essays you have to write so that you can focus on other aspects of your life.

  1. Job Opportunities

In some cases, working with essay writing services can help you land a job after graduation! Many employers value strong writing and communication skills and will look favourably at applicants who have experience working with professional writers.

  1. Customized Assistance

If you’re struggling with your essay, there’s no need to stress out. There are plenty of essay writing services that can provide you with the assistance you need, regardless of your specific needs and goals. 

Whether you need help with research, editing, or proofreading, there’s a service out there that can help. And because each service is customized to meet your individual needs, you can be confident that you’ll get the exact help you need to succeed. 

Intermittent Fasting – What You Need to Know

intermittent fasting

Think you know everything there is to know about intermittent fasting? Chances are, there are still a few things you don’t know. This fad diet has taken the world by storm, with more and more people jumping on the bandwagon every day. While there’s no denying that intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss, there are also a few potential downsides that you should be aware of before you start this type of diet.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is an umbrella term for various diets that involve consuming all your calories for the day during a specific window. The 16/8 diet, which entails a 16-hour fast followed by an 8-hour window during which you consume all of your calories, is the type of intermittent fasting that is most widely used. For example, you would stop eating at 8 pm and not eat again until noon the next day. Other intermittent fasting methods include the 5:2 diet and the warrior diet.

During the period of fasting, beverages such as water, black coffee, and unsweetened tea are permitted. Some people also choose to do a “dry fast,” which means abstaining from both food and drink for the fasting period.

The Pros of Intermittent Fasting

The reason why many people are hopping into this plan is that they have seen results. There are a few potential benefits associated with intermittent fasting, including;

Weight loss

When done correctly, intermittent fasting can lead to sustainable weight loss by creating a calorie deficit. A calorie deficit occurs when you burn more calories than you consume, causing your body to start burning stored fat for energy.

Help to improve blood sugar levels.

Intermittent fasting has been shown to help improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. This is especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

Reduce inflammation

Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. According to recent research, intermittent fasting has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body.

The Cons of Intermittent Fasting

While some potential benefits are associated with intermittent fasting, there are also a few potential downsides that you should be aware of before starting this diet.

It might be tough during the start.

While you can try to ignore the hunger pangs by logging into your favorite casino and taking advantage of the PlayCroco Casino Bonuses, your body will still need time to adjust to the new way of eating. This can make it tough to stick with intermittent fasting initially, especially if you are not used to going long periods without food.

You might overeat during the “feeding” window.

If you are not careful, you may end up overeating during the “feeding” window and offset any weight loss you might have achieved through fasting. You can avoid this by eating slowly and mindfully and choosing nutrient-dense foods.

It’s not sustainable long-term.

Intermittent fasting is not a sustainable diet long-term, as it’s not possible to fast forever. If you fall off the wagon, it can be very easy to overeat and regain any weight that you lost while following the diet. To maintain your weight loss, you will need to find a more sustainable diet plan that you can stick to in the long term.

Possible side effects

As with any diet or lifestyle change, there are always some potential risks and side effects associated with intermittent fasting. These include;

Dehydration

If you are not careful, you may become dehydrated during fasting, as you’re not consuming any fluids other than water. This can lead to headaches, dizziness, and low energy levels.

It’s important to ensure that you’re drinking plenty of water and staying well-hydrated while following this diet.

Hypoglycemia

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you may be at risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you don’t eat enough during the “feeding” window. However, by eating small meals or snacks every few hours during the feeding window, you can avoid it.(1)

Increased hunger

Intermittent fasting can actually increase your hunger levels as your body becomes used to long intervals without food. This can make it challenging to stick to the diet long-term.

Irritability

You may also find that you become irritable or cranky when you’re hungry, making it difficult to stick to the diet, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.

Is intermittent fasting for everyone?

While intermittent fasting can be effective, it is not recommended for everyone. For instance, breastfeeding or pregnant women, children, teenagers, and those with a history of eating disorders should not follow this diet. If you have any concerns about starting intermittent fasting, you should speak to your healthcare provider first. (2)

Conclusion

If you are thinking about starting an intermittent fasting diet, do your research first and make sure that you understand both the potential benefits and risks associated with this type of diet. While intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss and improved blood sugar control, it is not right for everyone and is not a sustainable long-term solution for most people.

As with any new diet or lifestyle change, it’s always best to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making any radical changes to your eating habits.