Ah-ah-ah Choo!

It seems that nearly everyone I know suffers from seasonal allergies.  Prior to moving to Arizona, I did not. When I moved to Arizona, everyone I met advised me, “If you don’t have allergies now, you will within two years.”  They were right! Some people believe that if they live in the desert, they won’t have allergies.  Wrong!  Here in Arizona, pollen is carried by the wind, whereas in California, for instance, most pollen is carried by insects from plant to plant, therefore fewer for us to breathe in.  Plus as the population of Arizona has increased non-native plants such as olive and mulberry trees have been introduced to the area, causing problems for sensitive people. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be very mild to severe.  Those with Asthma especially suffer from seasonal allergies. The most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, itchy sinuses, throat, eyes, or ear canals, ear congestion and postnasal drainage.  Less common symptoms may include: headache, shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing. There are many prescription and over-the-counter medications available to treat allergies, and there are also many natural remedies.  Neti Pots, saline spray, LOCAL honey, Hepa filters (for indoor allergies), which have proven results for many – but not all people.  There are also supplements such as spirulina, eyebright, and goldenseal, and bromelain that some people say relieve their symptoms.  Because supplements are not standardized nor are they FDA approved, check with your doctor before taking them.  There are many indoor allergens as well.  Those who suffer chronically from indoor allergies should keep their home especially clean.  An estimated 50 million Americans are allergic to everything from dust and dander, to mold and mites. Every home has potential allergens, but there are five that trigger the most indoor allergies: ·        Dust can be made up of many things, each of which can trigger indoor allergies.  Tiny bits of plants, skin, soil, insects, food, fibers, and animal matter can all be part of dust.   ·        Dust mite droppings are the most common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms.  Dust mites can live throughout our homes – in carpeting, rugs, upholstered furniture, for instance - the most concentrated amounts are found in our beds.  They live on human dander (dead skin flakes).  They must have high humidity to survive.  (I was curious where dust mites come from, so I looked it up.  They occur naturally and can appear in nearly all homes.  The higher the humidity is in a home, the higher the higher the concentrations of dust mites in a home.  Dust mites do not drink water like we do; they absorb moisture from the air.  ·        Mold and mildew thrive in high humidity.  Mold is most frequently found in places like bathrooms or damp basements.  Mold and mildew shed tiny spores -- and it is these spores that trigger indoor allergy symptoms.  ·        For those with pet allergies, the cat’s or dog’s hair is not the culprit.  The allergic reaction to pets is actually caused by a tiny protein in an animal’s saliva.  Pet allergies can also be triggered by dander. Pet dander is sticky and light, so it will attach to our clothes, shoes and hair.  Then it can be carried anywhere.  ·        Like dust, cockroaches can be found nearly everywhere.  Again, it isn’t the roach itself that triggers the allergic reaction. The potential allergen is a protein found in the cockroach’s droppings. When I was young, I don’t remember so many people having allergies.  Was it not recognized/diagnosed as frequently, or could it be that the allergens themselves have increased along with the population? Do you have allergies? ======================== For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.  For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).  I invite you to visit my Facebook Page at http://ibourl.net/XpressFacebook

Do Not Allow Your Barber to Pull Your Teeth

Dental Discount Plans are Gaining in Popularity, and Dentists Love it!

There are millions of Americans with some type of discount health plan cards.  The plans are rapidly increasing in popularity.  There are also health discount cards that can save people money on many of their health care needs. In this particular post, I am addressing only the Discount Dental Plan Cards. 

There are many companies that offer Discount Dental Plans today at varying costs and with different discounts.  My company, Xpress Healthcare is growing their membership dramatically.  (We only operate in the USA.)  Xpress’ Dental Plan is only $19.95 per month/per FAMILY!   Several other discount benefits are included in the Dental Plan, but as I mentioned, I am writing only about Dental Plans right now.

More dentists are contracting with Discount Dental Plan companies every day.  There are two great benefits to the dentists if they accept discount cards.  1) They likely will gain more new patients; and 2) They are paid on the day of service.  Unlike with dental insurance, there are no claim forms to file, and it doesn’t take weeks for the dentist to get paid since plan members pay at the time of service.                                                                                                           

Dental plans appeal to individuals, families and businesses, because they offer discounts on nearly all dental services, including cosmetic procedures, which are usually not covered by traditional dental insurance plans or Medicare. Procedures such as crowns, caps and veneers are often not covered at all by dental insurance, but if they are, the patient will still have to pay a large percentage of the cost out of pocket. 

My husband and I both had dental procedures done last year.  With our Dental Discount Card, we saved about $1000 in 2013. The public is beginning to realize that the low monthly fee could easily be covered by their dental discounts even if they need only one procedure during the year.  If they have a family plan – at no additional fee with Xpress Healthcare – just getting their X-rays, cleaning and exams can pay for the cost of the membership – sometimes many times over.

Using Discount Dental Cards is simple.  Once a member joins (no one can be turned down), they will locate a dental provider in their area using an online list.  The member enters their zip code, and a list of dentists in that area will appear.  They decide upon a dentist, schedule an appointment and show their membership card at the dentist’s office to receive an immediate discount.  Xpress Healthcare and some other companies use the Aetna Dental provider network, so you know there are plenty from which to choose.

The percentage of discounts may vary based upon the member’s location and what treatment they receive.  In general, discounts range from 15% to 50% of the dentist’s usual and customary rate (UCR).

Over the years, those using the discount plans have grown from only individuals and families to small businesses, large organizations, labor unions, colleges and more to reduce the ever-increasing costs and to maintain satisfied employees.

The Affordable Care Act (and Medicare) does not require adult dental care, so “Obamacare” does not change anything when it comes to adult dental treatment for most people.  In some States adult dental care is included in their insurance, but not for the vast majority.

Uninsured adults can, of course, choose to purchase a dental insurance policy; however, dental insurance is expensive and has many limitations as to what it covers.

Any dentist will tell you that dental health care is vital to good overall health.  In fact, tooth decay is one of the most widespread diseases in the country.  Using Discount Dental Plans, patients who have neglected their teeth can receive treatment and learn good dental habits.

I’m sure you can see that it is a win-win situation for both plan members and dentists who accept Discount Dental Plans.

Discount Plans are NOT insurance. They provide discounts at providers within their contracted network.  The plans make no payments to providers.

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For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, visit http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.