PC THE TOWN

The world is changing for healthcare in large part due to the Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare as it is known in the common tongue. One of the key elements currently driving the market is the concepts of health exchanges, both public and private. The public exchanges are run by several of the states, and the federal government also has one that has been historically problematic. However, this material is dedicated to private exchanges in the commercial business market. According to MCOL, private health insurance exchanges are gaining currency as a way for employers to cut health care costs, reduce their administrative burden and increase the benefit choices they offer to covered employees. Multiple studies now indicate that U.S. employers are increasingly looking at private exchange options for both active and retired employees. Brokers, consultants, payers and other intermediaries offer private exchanges, but a mix of vested interests is at play among these service providers. The sec...

One of the most dreaded diagnoses you can get from your doctor, and one that everyone fears, is the word cancer. In particular, those who are diagnosed with Leukemia have a difficult time understanding why and how they contract this disease. Children can be especially hard hit with various types of leukemia; but caught early enough, the outcome can be very positive. Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Many types of leukemia exist. Some forms of leukemia are more common in children. Other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults. The disease starts in the white blood cells; in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which don't properly function. According to the Leukemia Research Foundation, every four minutes, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer � more than 176,000 new cases are expected this year in the United States. More than 310,000 Americans are living with leu...

Ever since Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden, mankind has been looking for ways to stop the aging process. Although the life span thousands of years ago when they were around was hundreds of years, the thought lingering in the back of everyone�s mind at some point was �How do I get rid of these wrinkles?� Well, when you�re 698, likely you look like a Sharpei anyway. However, since the average life span today is typically in the 70�s for most people, looking younger is much more of an issue. The process of turning back the clock for your skin starts when you�re young�stay out of the sun, don�t go to the tanning booth so much, and eat healthy food. Most 6 year olds aren�t that concerned about frown lines, age spots, and crowfeet around the eyes; but when people get into their twenties, the need to suppress the aging process becomes much more critical. Too much exposure to UVA and UVB rays, smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, less sleep, and bad food all start to add up to...

When individuals have medical issues with veins that get inflamed, the pain can be severe. Inflammation of veins is called phlebitis. Typically, it is not life threatening if treated right away and can be easily cured in many cases. The inflammation may cause pain and swelling. Superficial phlebitis affects veins on the skin surface. The condition is rarely serious and is usually resolved with local treatment of the inflammation with warm compresses and anti-inflammatory medications. However, more severe cases of inflammation in veins may be caused by a blood clot. When the inflammation is caused by a blood clot or thrombus, it is called thrombophlebitis and usually occurs in leg veins; but it may also affect the veins in the arms. There are two sets of veins in the arms and legs, 1) the superficial veins that run just under the skin, and 2) the deep veins. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, symptoms depend on the location of the inflammation. Superficial phlebitis can cause symptoms suc...