February, 2012

Thomas Doyle, an emergency room physician in Sewickley, PA says that after working twenty years in emergency departments, he believes he sees what’s wrong with our nation’s medical system.  “What is being debated in Washington currently is not healthcare reform. It’s only healthcare insurance reform.” says Doyle. It misses the point of why healthcare costs too much in our country — because we deliver too much healthcare. “We deliver too much because we demand too much. We’re turning into a nation of anxious wimps.” According to Dr. Doyle, emergency departments are being overwhelmed by the non-emergent, and doctors are asked to treat what doesn’t need treatment. 

Dr. Doyle believes it’s because the media focuses on the exotic and the sensational and ignores the mundane.  We are taught to fear vaccinations, mold, shark attacks, and airplanes, when we really should worry about smoking, drug abuse, obesity, seat belts and basic hygiene.  We have developed an expectation that if our health is not perfect, there should be a pill to fix it. We demand unnecessary diagnostic testing, antibiotics for our viruses and narcotics for bruises and sprains. The bottom line is that most conditions are self-limited. Usually bronchitis, back ache, poison ivy or stomach flu just needs time to get better. Taking drugs for things that go away on their own is rarely helpful and often harmful. 

“We’ve become a nation of hypochondriacs. …there is a tremendous financial pressure on physicians to keep patients happy”, says Dr. Doyle. Sometimes a doctor needs to show tough love and deny patients the quick fix. Dr. Doyle believes that a good physician needs to have the guts to stand up to people and tell them that their baby gets ear infections because they smoke cigarettes, or that what’s really wrong with them is that they are just overweight. Unfortunately this type of advice rarely leads to high patient satisfaction scores.

Modern medicine is a blessing which improves all our lives. But Dr. Doyle believes that until we start educating the population about what really affects their health, we will continue to waste a large portion of our healthcare dollars on treatments which just don’t make a difference.

Source(s):   Dr. Thomas A. Doyle is the author of the forthcoming book “Suck It Up, America: The Tough Choices Needed for Real Healthcare Reform”.  Article originally featured in Emergency Physicians Monthly, December, 2009.

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January, 2012

For many of us, January is a time for making resolutions.  Sometimes they stick, sometimes not.  The good news is that behavior change can be successful and often results in big benefits.  According to Dr. Michael O’Donnell, author and researcher, there are four key things that can help you build healthy habits.  They are Awareness, Motivation, Skills and Opportunity.

• Awareness helps you understand the health benefits of a behavior but is really a starting point.
• Motivation is even more important.  Are you ready to make a change?  Will the change make you feel good about yourself or relate to something you really care about?
• Skills (or building them) can lead to success, and goal setting is one important skill.
• Opportunity is often driven by our surroundings.  Do they make choosing the healthy behavior the easiest choice?

Pick one of the healthy habits listed below to focus on, or choose your own. 

1.  Build positive social ties.  Evidence is mounting that good social support has profound impact on your happiness and longevity.

2.  Move your body at least 30 minutes most days of the week.  Find something active you love to do, and do lots of it.  The more you move, the more energy you’ll have and the more you can accomplish.

3.  Sleep.  Getting quality sleep on a regular basis gives you more energy and enthusiasm – and a healthier heart!

4.  Eat for the health of it.  Try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables; fill the other half with lean protein and whole grains.  Don’t forget the low-fat dairy items.

5.  Be safe.  Use seat belts, helmets, and other protective gear.  Make your car a no-phone zone and arrive at your destination safely.

December, 2011

We’ve heard that time is our most precious resource.  But what about our energy level?  Even though we only have so much time in a given day, we can control the amount of energy we have in a day by identifying our energy drainers and energy boosters.

Energy Drainers

1.  Many people think that multitasking means increased productivity.  However, when you multitask you only give partial attention to the tasks you’re working on, which zaps your energy.  Can you let go of any multitasking situations?

2.  Do you focus on things you can’t control?  When you do this, you just get frustrated, angry or depressed.  However, focusing on things you can control, such as your own behaviors, habits, thoughts, attitudes, or emotions, puts you in charge and energizes you.  Let go of what you can’t control.  You’ll be happier, less anxious and have more physical and mental energy.

Energy Boosters

Doers and achievers take care of themselves to optimize their energy.  Give yourself permission to put yourself on top of your “to do” list.

1.  Get some “me time”.  Take time for yourself, even just brief breaks, is an investment in your energy.  Go to bed early or get up early.  Do a crossword puzzle.  Walk your dog.  Call a friend or family member.  Take a nap.  The idea is to avoid adding “should” habits to your list.  Instead, everyday add something you would love to do.

2.   Get moving.  Have you ever had a good idea occur to you while walking, running or working out?  The best ideas often come while you’re being active.  Exercise is energizing.

3.   Dump the clutter.  Clean out a cupboard, closet, or drawer.  Organize the energy around you to increase your productivity.

4.  Stretch your boundaries.  Get outside your comfort zone and invest extra energy in the direction you want to grow.  No discomfort = no growth.

Now get going and RECHARGE!

November, 2011

For most people who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, dieting, counting carbs and lowering blood sugar is their primary focus.  However, new studies show that controlling blood sugar is not the most important treatment for saving their lives.  Lowering cholesterol and controlling blood pressure is key to protecting against heart disease, which eventually kills nearly everyone with diabetes.  According to Dr. David Nathan, director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, “it’s not the diabetes that kills you, it’s the diabetes causing cardiovascular disease that kills you.”

Nearly 73,000 Americans die from diabetes annually, more than from any disease except heart disease, cancer, stroke and pulmonary disease.  Most patients are not doing what they should to protect themselves.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 7% are getting all the treatments they need. We think that the biggest risk from diabetes is blindness or amputations, but never think about heart disease and the importance of controlling cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

With cholesterol, diabetes patients with LDL cholesterol levels of 100 to 139 often are told that their levels are terrific.  However, many practicing doctors don’t know that an LDL cholesterol number that is normal for someone without diabetes is not normal for someone with diabetes, according to Dr. Nathan.

Dr. James Cleeman, Coordinator of the National Cholesterol Education Program at the National Institutes of Health says, the key to saving lives is to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol to below 100 and control other risk factors like blood pressure and smoking.

The facts are out there.  With patient and doctor awareness along with education, focusing on the correct comprehensive treatment for Type 2 diabetes will make a difference in lives.

Author:  Karen Morales

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American writer Max Leon Forman described the need and empathy of educators as, “Teachers are people who start things they never see finished, and for which they never get thanks until it is too late.”  Where a need exists, especially in the minds and hands of our future, through this ongoing process of our never ending need to better the next generation we tend to dismiss the repercussions of not progressing, “until it is [felt] all too late.”

Minnesota’s Needs – The Needs Continue

In 2010, 77 Minnesota school districts levied to fulfill the financial needs of their students resulting in 45.5% of Minnesota public schools receiving no additional public funding.  Besides the fact that all but 34 Minnesota school districts were operating on some form of levy dollars between the 2009-2010 academic year, we find ourselves here, in 2011 facing those same needs once again.

The 2011-2012 school year brings forth additional challenges.  This year more than 113 Minnesota school districts have asked the public once again for an operating levy referendum (the third highest in state history) with questions on the ballot ranging from, renewing per pupil levy amounts to even doubling the per pupil contribution amount in some districts (every levy prior to November 8th, 2011 has failed).

With the expectation of widespread needs being unmet, alternatives to save money lead to cuts.  Cuts in a child’s educational experience, cuts to a teacher’s job – but do know, there are other options besides the conventional alternatives.

Alternatives to Conventional Thinking

“I’ve voted yes, every single year a levy comes up in my daughters’ school district because I know the school deserves it,” said James Lindstrom, Sales and Negotiating Consultant for Mactavish (School) Benefits.  “For the last 10 years the state of Minnesota has fallen far behind in keeping up with inflation with regards to school funding, the legislature has funded schools far below the cost of living (COLA) level for those 10 years and has relied on the local tax payers to increase their property taxes in order to fund the programs that will help students achieve at their highest level.  This is an unfair system and it pits the schools against the tax payers.   Rather than working together, we end up in a confrontational situation that never should have never existed when it comes down to a child’s education.”

This year open your mind to money saving alternatives, besides the conventional cuts.  Contact Mactavish (School) Benefits, Inc. to see how your school/organization can benefit this year.  Mactavish (School) Benefits’ staff is comprised of former Minnesota school teachers, leaders, and insurance consultants whose sole focus has been to fulfill the needs of the public school sector.  In a world that feels broken at times, we fix what we know, “We Fix Health Plans”^SM.   Mactavish (School) Benefits, Inc. designs health plans that save school districts money not just for a year, but for the long-term.  

What to learn more?  SEE THE PROOF or ASK US QUESTIONS we’re here to help you see there’s more to funding education besides more levies and cuts.

About Mactavish Benefits, Inc.

Mactavish Benefits a subsidiary of Mactavish School Benefits, Inc. founded by Bernie J. Mackell to promote a means of financing health care that will “IMPROVE COMPANY’S BENEFITS WHILE STABILIZING COSTS”.  Research began in 1994 when the company evaluated all possible financing options available to employers with the ultimate goal, to offer a health insurance program that meets the employer’s strategic financial objectives. Employers will adopt a proven model that produces price stability and reduction.  Health insurance costs are increasing at levels exceeding 10% per year, which means to us, our current system of financing health insurance is not working.  In a nutshell “We Fix Health Plans”^SM.  We are pleased to offer this simple yet revolutionary approach to the Employer marketplace.

_{October, 2011}

The flu season is here. . . and every year at this time we hear about the importance of getting a flu shot.  Well, here we go again. The fact of the matter is, influenza is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The vaccines are available, so don’t wait because the time to be immunized is right now. Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important; people at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.

Be proactive.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says you should “Take 3” Actions to fight the flu.

#1: Take time to get the flu vaccine.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine. Other than your own medical clinic, there are convenient retail clinics at Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart, Target and CUB Foods. You typically can drop in at these locations without an appointment and most convenience clinics are covered by your insurance carrier.

#2: Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Then toss the tissue in the trash after you use it.  Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.  Try to avoid close contact with sick people.  If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

#3: Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

Antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.  They may also prevent serious flu complications.

 What are flu-like symptoms? They include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Be Proactive! Take responsibility for yourself and your family this year by getting immunized against the flu.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov flu or www.flu.gov or call 800-CDC-INFO

Author:  Karen Morales

_{September, 2011}

Providing a variety of healthy meal options each day including a wide range of colors and flavors can help to increase your child’s acceptance of packed lunches and benefit their overall health. The right lunch bag and accessories will allow you to safely pack items that should remain
cold, safe and fresh and please even the pickiest of eaters!

Sandwiches are the most easy and convenient item to pack in your child’s lunch. Make them healthier by using whole grain bread, including pita bread or whole wheat wraps. Ideas include tuna sandwich wraps with light mayo and lettuce; peanut butter or almond butter with a 100% fruit spread on whole grain bread; sliced turkey, lean roast beef, or chicken with light mayo, mustard and a slice of cheese. Also try adding grated carrots to tuna or chicken salad.

Along with the sandwich pack fresh or dried fruit such as raisins, dried cranberries or banana chips. Cheese sticks are a good source of calcium. Baby carrots, celery or apple slices with dips made from yogurt or low fat sour cream are healthy options, as is flavored low-fat yogurt. Popcorn, pretzels, mini rice cakes and whole grain crackers add a nice crunchy side as well.

Remember to keep perishables such as meats, dairy products and eggs cold and fresh. This is when insulated lunch bags come in handy. There are plenty of novelty bags to please any boy or girl. Plus they are much better for our environment.

Starting your kids off with a healthy breakfast and providing a nutritious lunch will help them stay alert and strong throughout the day while helping establish healthy eating habits for life.

References:   allfamily.com; about.com, nutrition; kidshealth.org: school lunches, medicinenet.com

Author:  Karen Morales

“Being aware of the status of your wellness program is essential,” said Bernie Mackell, Mactavish Benefits President, “Overtime, having a successful wellness program leads to happier employees and lower health care costs.”

While wellness programs are increasing in popularity, there are a lot of different programs to choose from, and they may not be working for you. Mactavish Benefit’s wellness consultant’s expertise will check the pulse and test the reflexes of your current wellness program or help you start one.

To receive your free wellness consultation, email: info@wefixhealthplans.com describing your organization and what programs or actions you’re conducting now for your wellness program.

About Mactavish Benefits, Inc.

Mactavish Benefits a subsidiary of Mactavish School Benefits, Inc. founded by Bernie J. Mackell to promote a means of financing health care that will “IMPROVE COMPANY’S BENEFITS WHILE STABILIZING COSTS”.  Research began in 1994 when the company evaluated all possible financing options available to employers with the ultimate goal, to offer a health insurance program that meets the employer’s strategic financial objectives. Employers will adopt a proven model that produces price stability and reduction.  Health insurance costs are increasing at levels exceeding 10% per year, which means to us, our current system of financing health insurance is not working.  In a nutshell “We Fix Health Plans”.  We are pleased to offer this simple yet revolutionary approach to the Employer marketplace.

_{August, 2011}

You may think you are being healthy by eating wheat bread, wheat pasta and cereal made with whole wheat.  However, beware of labeling trickery!  Here’s a quick tutorial on the whole wheat thing.

Whole Wheat is a subcategory of Whole Grain.  Products are allowed to claim Whole Grain or Whole Wheat if they have 51% whole grain by weight or have whole wheat as their first/main ingredient.  So your “Whole Grain” products could have 49% NON-whole grains. 

Products that say “Made with Whole Grains (or Whole Wheat)” have even less whole grains than the ones that state “Whole Grains”.  Sara Lee Wheat Dinner Rolls (Made with Whole Wheat) have non-whole wheat (processed) flour as their main ingredient and whole wheat as their 2^nd.  Confused?

Sorting it all out:  The Whole Grain Labeling Hierarchy

1. 100% Whole Grain or Whole Wheat

2. Whole Grain or Whole Wheat (51% or more whole grain/wheat)

3. Made with Whole Grain or Whole Wheat (49% or less whole grain/wheat)

4. Wheat (processed – no whole wheat)

Confusing Labeling

Many cereal boxes have giant banners across the front that says “With Whole Grain Guaranteed”.  Some say “America’s #1 Source of Whole Grain at Breakfast”.  This includes Lucky Charms, believe it or not.  But beware:  Their 1^st ingredient is listed as Whole Grain Oats, their 2nd ingredient is MARSHMALLOWS.  Their 3^rd ingredient is processed oats.  This cereal is probably not the most healthy for your children.

Read your labels for grams per serving.  Eight grams of whole grain is the minimum with the preferred amount being 16 grams whole grain per serving.

Check the labels for Bleached Flour – Bleaching flour allows products to have a longer shelf life.  However, the chemicals used are benzoyl peroxide, Calcium peroxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Chlorine, Chlorine dioxide, or Azodicarbonamide.  None of them are good for you.  By the way, bleached flour is banned in the 27 countries of the European Union.

_Source(s):

_{http://enomad.net/2011/04/the-fantastical-world-of-wheat-14-things-you-should-know-about-whole-wheat-whole-grain/}

Author:  Karen Morales 

_{July, 2011}

Lately we’ve seen a lot of coverage on tick bites and their serious side effects.  There’s a reason for it.  Chances are that most of us have known someone who has been affected by tick-born illnesses.  This summer it seems fitting that our Pro-Health Newsletter should highlight facts about prevention and treatment of tick bites.

Ticks are the leading carriers of diseases to humans in the United States, second only to mosquitoes worldwide. It is not the tick bite but the toxins, secretions, or organisms in the tick’s saliva transmitted through the bite that causes disease.

Ticks hide in low brush; this location allows them to physically contact a host. One study suggested that leaning against a tree or sitting on an old log was the quickest way to acquire ticks (about 30 seconds) in tick-infested areas.

Tick bites are generally painless. Many people may not even notice the bite and may never find the tick if it falls off. Small ticks, like the deer tick that transmits Lyme disease, are so tiny they may be nearly undetectable.  The results of the illnesses transmitted by ticks often begin days to weeks after the tick is gone.

See a doctor or go immediately to the emergency room with these symptoms:  fever, numbness, rash, confusion, weakness, headache, vomiting, paralysis, lethargy, difficulty breathing.  Also see a doctor if the tick cannot be removed, or head & mouthparts remain in the skin after removal. 

To prevent tick bites we should wear a tick repellent containing DEET on your skin with a concentration of at least 20%, and/or repellent with a chemical called PERMETHRIN on your clothing.  (Contact your doctor for alternatives to DEET for use on children.).

Let’s face it, we all spend time outdoors in the summer, whether in your backyard or camping in the woods.  As long as you practice awareness and prevention, you should not let fear of tick bites ruin your summer.   For more information, visit this website:

_Source(s):

 _{”Tick-Borne Diseases,”   http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/tick-borne/}

Author:  Karen Morales