Family Health

Kids today face a whirlwind of pressures, from academic demands to social expectations. Stress can be an unwelcome companion, impacting even their happiest moments. As parents and caregivers, our goal is to equip them with effective coping strategies. By nurturing resilience, we can help empower them to tackle life’s challenges with confidence and courage. Understanding […]

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) isn’t just being strong willed or argumentative. It is normal for kids to argue sometimes and say no to things that adults want them to do; adolescents are wired to seek more freedom and autonomy. However, children with ODD take these behaviors to an unhealthy extreme that may require treatment. Knowing the signs and symptoms of ODD is crucial to determining if you may need to seek professional help or if your kid is just going through a difficult phase.

Health service providers, such as physicians and practitioners, can enroll in the Medicare program and provide its services to patients. To offer Medicare, you must have a provider agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

With 1 in every 150 children being diagnosed with autism, it is important for parents to learn the first signs of autism in order to recognize problems. The first signs of autism are problems with social interaction, language and behavior.

Financial help for dental care is available for low-income people. Some programs range from requiring participation in oral hygiene classes to providing proof of financial need. Others require proof of participation in Medicaid, as well as photo I.D. Some programs are aimed at very specific populations. Applicants need to be prepared to provide ample written proof of their financial situation in order to receive help.

Health insurance is more important today than it has been in the past. Although it is difficult to make your budget stretch to cover savings, mortgage/rent, food, utilities, transportation, car insurance/maintenance, entertainment or eating out and extras, it is vital to do so.How would you cover all of these expenses if you were out of work–due to extended illness or serious injuries–and you exhausted your sick and annual leave?Health insurance provides a safety net which could help you recover more quickly should something unforeseen take place.

Before COBRA insurance was passed as a law in 1986, the only way people could receive insurance coverage under a group health plan for themselves and their families was through active full-time employment. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act allows people who lose their health insurance, as a result of job termination or a reduction in work hours, to keep their group health insurance for a limited amount of time. The beneficiaries of this health coverage must follow certain guidelines to qualify.

Dental work can be expensive if you do not have dental coverage through an employer. Payment plans, partial payments, complimentary dental clinics, and discount dental plans are options to consider when you need to have dental surgery or an expensive procedure. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can prevent high dental bills and prevent tooth decay […]

Medicare does have a broad definition of assisted living. The exact definition of assisted living according to Medicare standards is set by each state. First you need to know what the general meaning of assisted living is, and what Medicare is. You will also need to know the general guidelines for eligibility.

With more of our lives going digital, the internet has become an invaluable resource for finding information—especially about health and wellness. From looking up symptoms to exploring treatment options, people turn to the web for guidance on sensitive issues. But this search for knowledge also opens up concerns about privacy. When you research personal health […]

Assistive technology refers to devices which helps to make difficult tasks easier. Assistive technology allows a disabled person to live life to her fullest potential. Children with Cerebral Palsy use assistive technology to excel in school.

Children who suffer with cerebral palsy–a neurological disorder that starts in infancy–can enjoy the same physical education activities as the other children in their class, using advanced planning and certain modifications. Body movement and muscle coordination are permanently affected, but the condition does not get worse as the child grows.

Patients seeking reimbursement from their insurance providers for medical treatment that should have been covered by the patient’s medicare, medicaid or other health insurance provider must fill out and file form HCFA 1500. In the year 2007, this form was replaced by form CMS 1500. The forms are essentially identical; the new form is designed to encompass a new numbering system. Basically, the patient must provide information in the appropriate blanks on the form.

Cerebral palsy is a type of disability of the brain that is inherited before, during or soon after birth. Cerebral palsy affects a child in numerous ways, and may affect his education. However, there are programs and learning methods available to help your child adapt to learning, whether he goes to a public or private school.

Every state has its own laws regarding dentists and the practice of dentistry. Being a registered and licensed dentist in one state does not automatically allow you to practice dentistry in another. Just like most state dental laws, Massachusetts’ Dental Practice Act covers the creation of a Board of Registration, rules and procedures for licenses, specific regulations on the practice, and associated professions such as dental hygienists and assistants. These rules are all part of Massachusetts General Law.

Cutting or injuring yourself intentionally is called self-injury or SI. This form of self-mutilation can involve cutting yourself with sharp objects or scratching yourself purposely. Most cutters are teenage girls, but boys self-injure as well, according to KidsHealth.org.

Dealing with cancer is arguably one of the most challenging health-related issues a person can face. Support is essential to fighting the disease. For many people, the most important support they can receive is from a spouse. However, if you are the spouse providing the support, you may feel as though you are navigating this process blindly. After all, how do you help the person you love most to battle such a disease? Here are some things you can to do to provide your spouse with love, strength, courage and hope as they battle against cancer, according to Andrew W. Kneier, PhD.

There are two primary standard claims forms used by Medicare and commercial insurers; the CMS 1500 and the UB-04. These forms, once called HCFA forms, are used for by doctors, facilities, hospitals and individuals to receive payment for health services. The CMS 1500 is primarily used for office visits, while the UB-04 is used for inpatient admissions, home health and nursing facility services. Each form requires certain standard information to be accepted for payment. Claim forms may be submitted electronically or by hard copy to the insurer.

Medicare tax is the federal tax applied to employees who work inside the United States. This tax helps to pay for the costs of the Medicare program and allows every citizen who has paid Medicare tax or is a spouse of a person who has paid Medicare tax to receive Medicare Part A coverage for free at age 65.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is the result of a chemical imbalance in the body, much like diabetes. Like diabetes, that imbalance is best treated with medication. Also like diabetes, lifestyle decisions can greatly affect both the effectiveness and necessity of the medication itself. For children with ADHD, many activities can help build concentration both as a skill and by directly addressing the root chemical problem.

Threadworms are a common form of parasitic worm infection found in children. This type of worm is typically found in a child’s intestines. Children with a threadworm infection may go undiagnosed for an extended period because symptoms are not always present. Threadworms are easily treated with the help of medication and proper hygiene.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, increases in health insurance premiums consistently outpace raises in average annual wages each year. Fortunately, federal and state governments offer Americans and legal residents access to many public health assistance programs, as well as current and future tax credits intended to alleviate the cost of rising health premiums.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a condition characterized by an “ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant and hostile behavior toward authority figures,” according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). The disorder disrupts a child’s ability to function both at home and at school, but there are a number of possible treatments for teens diagnosed with ODD.

About 50 percent of children affected with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) have both disorders at the same time. The treatment plans that are developed for these children usually involve a medication and various types of behavior training and therapy. The treatments will vary from child to child depending on the severity of the problem, but all will have these treatments in some variation.

Pumping breast milk is a reality for many women because there isn’t always time to breastfeed. Breast pumps can help stock pile milk so that there is more on hand and the milk has benefits for growing babies that formula mixes don’t provide. It is up to the woman using the breast pump on how long to use it. She should base the length of use on comfort, productivity and the feeding schedule of her baby.

Sensory Integration Disorder is also known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction or Sensory Processing Dysfunction. The current term is Sensory Processing Disorder. It is considered the “invisible disability” because it is so often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. A Child with SPD is often labeled as a “klutz” and may have difficulties making friends and develop low self-esteem as well as emotional and behavioral problems. Adults with SPD are even more likely to go undiagnosed. According to the Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Center near Denver, about 1 in 20 children are affected.

Your pre-schooler screams in pain at the sound of a fire engine. Your toddler resists any hugs. Your grade schooler has severe difficulty with handwriting. These are all symptoms of a neurological condition called sensory processing disorder in which difficulty processing sensory information overwhelms a person’s daily life.

You’ve already taken the home pregnancy test and found the results to be positive–you are pregnant. You called your doctor and scheduled an appointment with the obstetrician/gynecologist. Now the time has come for your first doctor’s appointment during pregnancy. You are probably nervous and uncertain of what to expect from the appointment. Relax–it’s normal to feel that way. Here are a few ways you can prepare for your first doctor’s visit during pregnancy.

The ADHD afflicted person struggles to get to meetings or scheduled events on time. You forget appointments, or create scheduling conflicts by double-booking activities. You can be chronically disorganized, and this sabotages effectiveness and productivity. Take comfort. You can learn strategies that can turn the tide of bedlam and put you back in control.

Medicare is one of the largest health insurance programs in the country, providing coverage for nearly 40 million Americans, according to Medicare.gov. Individuals can sign up for Medicare online, over the phone, by regular mail or in person at a local Social Security office.

HSA accounts are health savings accounts designed to provide tax incentives to people to save for medical expenses. The HSAs are similar to IRAs except instead of savings for retirement you save for medical expenses.

It is never easy to tell a child she has an illness or that something is “wrong” with her. You have to deliver the news in a way that stresses the seriousness of the situation, but does not make her feel ashamed or think that she is somehow defective. Children with ADHD have generally heard negative things about their behavior from others as it is, so you may be dealing with an already-bruised ego. There are effective ways to tell a child she has ADHD. Use the conversation to put things in a light that is hopeful and affirming.

Major depression can occur as a single episode or repeat throughout a person’s lifetime, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The symptoms of major depression can differ between men and women, and one person’s irritability, low mood and inability to function in everyday life can place enormous strain on a marriage. Living with a depressed spouse is a two-fold obstacle of doing what you can to help your depressed partner while also maintaining your own well-being.

Living with a spouse with depression is a difficult journey. Depression is among the most common emotional disorders, and it could destroy a marriage. Ideally, marriages are 50/50, but when a spouse is experiencing a bout of chronic depression, you will more than likely carry the load. Resentment and anger can easily develop from there. Creating a system of support and having the attitude that you are committed to your marriage is a strong foundation from which to start.

Michigan Medicaid provides health insurance coverage to low-income families and individuals. In addition to meeting the income criteria to qualify, you must not exceed the maximum amount of countable assets. Individuals are allowed $2,000 in countable assets. Families or couples are limited to $3,000 in assets. Fortunately, not all assets are countable. Cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds and IRAs are not exempt. Those applying for nursing home Medicaid that possess more than the allowed assets, are allowed to spend down assets under Michigan Medicaid law.

There is a growing concern among parents that negative behaviors displayed by children may be a result of a poor diet. Food dyes, additives, chemicals and insufficient nutrients may be partly to blame for the overwhelming amount of behavior issues that arise in both the school and home environments. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a review of two dozen scientific studies confirms that certain foods and food additives can have an adverse effect on behavior in children.

Covert antisocial conduct disorder is a blending of two mental health disorders: conduct disorder, diagnosed in childhood and antisocial personality disorder, diagnosed in adulthood. Antisocial personality disorder is the culmination of an adult who had a conduct disorder as a child. The covert qualifier refers to the secret nature of the behaviors. These are devastating mental health disorders that are extremely resistant to treatment.

Many elderly and disabled Americans rely on Medicare to pay their doctor and hospital bills. However, some elderly and disabled individuals have a difficult time getting to the doctor or hospital due to mobility issues. These beneficiaries can take advantage of the Medicare home health benefit.

Kansas Medicaid is designed to help low-income residents obtain health care coverage. The program is a joint effort funded by the state and federal government. In order to receive Medicaid, you must meet the criteria determined by the state of Kansas. Visit the Kansas Health Policy Authority to submit your application online. You will also need to provide documents to prove your identity and income, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, government-issued identification, pay stubs, W-2 forms and bank statements.

Ear infections and ear disorders can result in pain and/or impaired hearing or loss of hearing that can in turn cause behavioral changes in your child. Watching for the behavioral changes that can be caused by ear problems can help you help your child.

Spousal abuse syndrome is the state of mind that a victim is in after being abused for a period of time. This psychological symptom is very similar to the Stockholm syndrome where captives start to identify themselves with their captors. This syndrome leaves its victims withdrawn and full of guilt for making this happen. They will not leave their abusers who have a psychological hold over them.

Medications for ADHD are generally split between two types: stimulants and non-stimulants. Allergic reactions can occur when starting any new drug, but these are a few symptoms of the most popular drugs for ADHD.

Reading disabilities make it difficult for a person to read and comprehend written text. Problems often surface when a child starts reading in first grade. The child will learn slowly and trail far behind other students. A common reading disability is dyslexia. Reading involves a series of complex neurological steps, which makes pinpointing the exact cause of a person’s reading disability difficult.

The Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides benefits to disabled adults and their dependents when the disabled adult’s earnings are not sufficient to collect over $694 per month in Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). SSI may also be awarded to people who are age 65 or older who do not receive over $694 per month in Social Security retirement benefits or other retirement benefits and income. The administration sends out an awards letter for SSI recipients during November or December that states how much SSI will be received in the following year. If you need to verify your SSI and do not have the awards letter, you can obtain a copy from your local SSA office.

You may have heard of dyslexia, but you probably don’t know about dysgraphia—a little-known writing disability. What is known about the history of dysgraphia is that this term, which goes back nearly seven decades, refers to a disorder where children and adults alike have problems writing—everything from size of letters to spacing between letters and spelling.

Charity care is a state-mandated and state-funded program that reimburses hospitals for health coverage provided to eligible candidates who cannot afford to pay for such coverage. According to virtua.org, “the law states that charity care may be provided for any medically necessary services as determined by a physician.” Because charity care is not free medical care, individuals must apply for it. Understanding the protocol is important.

Loneliness after the death of a loved one is completely natural; however, dealing with this intense feeling is never easy, no matter how natural. You may feel lonely not just because the person has passed on, but because people around you may not understand the intense bond you had, and still have, with the loved one who has passed. As they deal with their own sorrow, friends and family may also become less accessible and you may feel very isolated. The world continues on, seemingly oblivious to your loss. Dealing with this loneliness is very important for your emotional and physical health.

Teen hotlines are operated all over the world to help teenagers dealing with a wide variety of issues, including depression, suicide, drugs and alcohol, domestic violence and abuse. Many areas have local hotlines that can provide resources and references to local services. There are also a number of national and international hotlines that serve teens all over the U.S. and the world.

In order to get medical emergency treatment in the United States, you will need to apply for a B-2 visa or tourist visa. You will need to visit a US Embassy near you and submit medical documents to help establish your eligibility for a B-2 visa. However, the medical documents you provide will not guarantee the issuance of a B-2 visa if you are found to be otherwise ineligible.

Sometimes the side effects of medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be just as unpleasant as the condition itself. Currently available medications, furthermore, can’t completely cure ADHD. If your loved one has ADHD and you would like to try to treat it without medication, behavioral therapy may be effective.