White Coat Syndrome

White coat syndrome also called white coat hypertension is a phenomenon in which patients exhibit elevated blood pressure in a clinical setting such as a doctor's office only. The blood pressure reading of the patients may be normal in the home but when they visit a hospital or doctor's office their blood pressure increases markedly which may give wrong diagnosis.

Studies suggest that 1 or 2 in 10 people may experience white-coat hypertension which is very high ratio. The cause of the syndrome is unclear but the studies suggest that it can be developed due to anxiety, stress and nervousness of the patient.

In addition to hypertension White coat syndrome is characterized by palpitation, unusual sweating, and shortness of breath and cold hands. It is best to avoid taking unnecessary blood anti-hypertension medications as it may result in low blood pressure; ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a device that is worn for 24 h per day and it can take blood pressure every 30 minutes which may help in diagnosis of white coat hypertension. http://healthcareatm.com/ 

Know your Headache

A headache is the term used to define any kind of ache or pain that occurs in and around the head, or even in the upper neck. Headaches may occur independently, in the sense that they are unconnected to any health condition or disease, or they may at times occur as a symptom of some disease. All of us experience headaches at some point or the other and it is in fact one of the most common complaints and also the most widely treated with home remedies and pharmaceutical headache treatments. Although headaches may in most cases be unconnected to specific ailments or health conditions they are often like a warning system from our body that something is not right. In most cases it is stress, lack of sleep, and other such circumstances that trigger this response. For example, if you haven’t had adequate sleep for a few nights in a row you would most likely experience headaches. Headaches may not necessarily be trigger by psychological factors such as emotional distress, stress and so on, but could also be triggered by physical stress and exhaustion.

There are various types of headaches, with an even greater variety of causes, but the most commonly occurring types of headaches are tension headaches. There are probably none among us who have escaped this type of headache. The severity may vary greatly and so will the duration, depending on the trigger, the tension headache treatment provided and other factors. Tension headaches generally occur due to causes like neck pain, stress, anxietyand depression, and also because of muscle tightness or tension in the shoulders, jaws and scalp. Tension headaches are most likely to affect you if you work excessively, if your social relationships are strained, if you follow irregular eating and sleeping patterns, or consume excessive amounts of alcohol. As with any other condition the only effective treatment would be to eliminate the cause and provide relief. Tension headache treatment with over the counter medications that simply provide relief will only offer a temporary solution, and you will be plagued by the problem increasingly frequently.  http://healthcareatm.com/

What are Freckles?

Freckles may be described as flat, round, dark colored spots that range in size from about 2mm to 4mm. Freckles could be the result of pigment precipitation in one particular place, as generally the skin surrounding the spot is lighter in color. Freckles have a hereditary aspect to it and you are likely to inherit it if runs in your family. Freckles are usually of no medical consequence and do not cause any problems. Freckles are sensitive to the UV rays of sunlight and hence appear more prominent during or after exposure to sunlight. Though freckles could be present all over the body, mostly they are found in areas exposed to sun.

There are two basic types of freckle:

Ephelides - 

These are flat red or light-brown spots that typically appear during the summer months and fade away in the winter. These types of freckles could be hereditary.

Lentigines - 

Lentigines may be small tan, brown or black spot that is darker than an ephelide. This does not fade in winter. This is also a genetic condition.

Rare disorders such as XerodermaPigmentosum cause an increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays leading to freckles. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause freckles to appear, more so in case of fair-skinned people. The melanin content is less in case of fair-skinned people; hence exposure to sunlight causes these spots to appear. Hormonal imbalance could cause freckles too. In this case, the estrogen could over-stimulate pigment producing cells causing them to generate more color when exposed to sunlight. Regular use of fruit and vegetable masks such as those made with apricots, strawberries, cucumbers and red currant will help lighten freckles.  http://www.healthcareatm.com/

Understanding Fats

You may have heard that essential fats are an important aspect to maintaining the health of your body. But what exactly are they?Basically, there are two truly essential fatty acids, Linoleic and Linolenic. You may have heard of these referred to as Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.

So, why are they called essential? The term essential in the life sciences refers to the fact that a nutrient cannot be synthesized by the body. Thus, you must have a dietary or supplemental source to supply your need for these acids.You probably heard of the 8 essential amino acids. It’s the same idea here but in this case we are referring to fatty acids rather than an amino acid.

These fatty acids exist in and are used in every cell of your body. So they are crucial to a cell’s health and therefore to our health as people. The good news is that in North America, you generally get enough Omega -6 in your diet. Omega-3 has presented a question mark to researchers. Are we getting enough or not?Fortunately, you can get Omega-3 from fish and certain nut oils. If you have any doubt at all, you can get Omega three from flax oil, which is in abundant supply at your local health food store. As those of us who truly understand weight loss and gain can tell you, the key to losing or gaining fat storage from your body centers around the bodies short term energy storage supply. http://healthcareatm.com/

Open your Mouth and Say Ahh

Your mouth is made up of more than just teeth, so good oral health goes beyond simply brushing and flossing. In addition to your teeth, your mouth is made up of gums, oral mucosa, the upper and lower jaw, the tongue, salivary glands, the uvula, and the frenulum.

When you open your mouth and look in the mirror, everything that isn’t a tooth is covered by a protective lining called the oral mucosa, which is a mucous membrane similar to the mucous membranes that line your nostrils and inner ears. The oral mucosa plays an essential role in maintaining your oral health, as well as your overall health, by defending your body from germs and other irritants that enter your mouth. A tough substance called keratin, also found in your fingernails and hair, helps make the oral mucosa resistant to injury.

Your gums are the pinkish tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. Also covered by oral mucosa, gums play a critical role in your oral health. Healthy gums are firm, cover the entire root of the tooth, and do not bleed when brushed, poked, or prodded.

Your jaws give your face its shape and your mouth the structure it needs for chewing and speech. Human jaws are made up of several bones: The upper jaw contains two bones that are fused to each other and to the rest of your skull, while the lower jawbone is separate from the rest of the skull, enabling it to move up and down when you speak and chew.

The tongue is a powerful muscle covered in specialized mucosal tissue that includes your taste buds. The tongue is not just important to your oral health; it's also considered an integral part of the body's digestive system. The next time you’re brushing your teeth, spend a minute looking at the parts of the mouth that lie farther inside the oral cavity. Knowing what these structures do and what they look like can help you to maintain optimal oral health. http://healthcareatm.com/

Losing Weight the Fitness Way

Fitness and exercise play an important role in multiple aspects of our lives. Whether you are training for a marathon or just looking to lose a few pounds there is a fitness program for you. Not only does increased fitness improve physical health and wellbeing, but it also betters our mental health. Incorporating a higher level of fitness into our daily routine will lead to longer, healthier lives.
Weight loss is a tricky topic. Lots of people are unhappy with their present weight, but most aren't sure how to change it — and many would be better off staying where they are. You may want to look like the models or actors in magazines and on TV, but those goals might not be healthy or realistic for you. Besides, no magical diet or pill will make you look like someone else.So what should you do about weight control?
Being healthy is really about being at a weight that is right for you. The best way to find out if you are at a healthy weight or if you need to lose or gain weight is to talk to a doctor or dietitian, who can compare your weight with healthy norms to help you set realistic goals. If it turns out that you can benefit from weight loss, then you can follow a few of the simple suggestions listed below to get started.
Weight management is about long-term success. People who lose weight quickly by crash dieting or other extreme measures usually gain back all (and often more) of the pounds they lost because they haven't permanently changed their habits. http://www.healthcareatm.com

Coconut – Not just a Nutcase

Not all kinds of oil give you fat and unhealthy effects. Just like any other kinds of oil that were extracted from your favorite veggies and other fruits, coconut oil also has this healthy content which gives simple magical effects to your overall good health.
Coconut can be seen as a very common type of fruit especially in tropical countries. But did you know how functional it is, knowing that a lot of things can be done just with the use of a coconut oil?
In fact, studies show that coconut oil has become the smart alternative to those other oils that we’re using. It’s simply because a lot of benefits can be obtained from using a coconut oil. This includes the following:

• Promotes healthy heart health
• Supports the proper functioning of your thyroid gland
• Supporting your immune system health
• Promotes weight loss when and if you need it
• Provides you with an immediate energy source
• Supports a healthy metabolism
• Helps to keep your skin healthy and youthful looking

Aside from this, a latest survey denotes that fresh shores extra virgin coconut oil can provide several other health benefits like:

• Peace of mind
• Enhanced flavor of food

Improved skin when used as a lotion
http://www.healthcareatm.com/

What is a high deductible health plan (HDHP)?

The definition of an HDHP or high deductible health plan is a health insurance plan that has a higher deductible than usual, but lower premiums. This means you, the insured, pay the initial medical expenses usually set at $2,000 dollars or higher (though it can vary yearly) before the insurance begins to cover more medical expenses. This is often times referred to as “catastrophic coverage” since the deductibles are so high the plans are usually only used for emergency medical care and not simple routine care. Be careful because, if you have a $2,500 deductible you may be required to come up with that cash at a moment’s notice in a medical emergency.
The very low premiums are obviously a motivator. Because of the higher deductibles, and the fact the coverage is usually only used in “catastrophic” cases, the risk is lower for the insurance company. Less risks for them means lower premiums for you, and are therefore much more affordable for the average family that wants to be covered for those “emergency” situations. Catastrophic situations involving children naturally are a major concern to parents.
They are big news because of HSA or health savings accounts (not to be confused with HRAs that are similar but company owned). A health savings account is a medical savings account of which funds are not taxed by the federal government. Instead, all money is saved solely for expenses related to health. Talk about a tax advantage!
Another plus is the fact that the account’s funds add up year after year and are never forfeited just because they are not spent by a designated time period. In a Flexible Savings Account or FSA you must spend the money that year or risk losing it. Having an HDHP is usually required if you want to join in on the tax-advantaged health savings accounts (HSA). http://healthcareatm.com/

What is a high deductible health plan (HDHP)?

The definition of an HDHP or high deductible health plan is a health insurance plan that has a higher deductible than usual, but lower premiums. This means you, the insured, pay the initial medical expenses usually set at $2,000 dollars or higher (though it can vary yearly) before the insurance begins to cover more medical expenses. This is often times referred to as “catastrophic coverage” since the deductibles are so high the plans are usually only used for emergency medical care and not simple routine care. Be careful because, if you have a $2,500 deductible you may be required to come up with that cash at a moment’s notice in a medical emergency.
The very low premiums are obviously a motivator. Because of the higher deductibles, and the fact the coverage is usually only used in “catastrophic” cases, the risk is lower for the insurance company. Less risks for them means lower premiums for you, and are therefore much more affordable for the average family that wants to be covered for those “emergency” situations. Catastrophic situations involving children naturally are a major concern to parents.
They are big news because of HSA or health savings accounts (not to be confused with HRAs that are similar but company owned). A health savings account is a medical savings account of which funds are not taxed by the federal government. Instead, all money is saved solely for expenses related to health. Talk about a tax advantage!
Another plus is the fact that the account’s funds add up year after year and are never forfeited just because they are not spent by a designated time period. In a Flexible Savings Account or FSA you must spend the money that year or risk losing it. Having an HDHP is usually required if you want to join in on the tax-advantaged health savings accounts (HSA).  http://healthcareatm.com/

What are EHR?

Medical records are important in documenting the final diagnosis of a patient, what treatments are given and the overall medical history of the patient. Without such records, it will be difficult for another physician to treat a new patient because he or she would have to order the same sets of tests all over again. But the problem with the old medical records system is prone to destruction by the elements as they are all in paper. Nowadays, health establishments are equipped with a more reliable and longer lasting computerized system.The Electronic Health Records (HER) allows physicians and staff members to:

• Document interactions with patients
• View medical histories and insurance information
• Make referrals
• Order laboratory tests and view test results
• Send electronic prescription requests to pharmacies (reducing the risk that hard-to-read handwriting will lead to medical errors)
• Flag potentially harmful drug interactions

It also provides physicians with "decision support" tools, such as clinical guidelines and checks for drug interactions; and generates printed post-visit summaries for patients, among other benefits. http://healthcareatm.com/

What is Health Information Technology?

When someone breaks an arm, undergoes heart surgery, receives medicine to treat a sore throat, or simply gets his yearly physical, a record of his physician's treatments, observations, and notes is created and saved. His medical record includes information concerning his symptoms and medical history, previous medical exam reports, x-ray and laboratory test results, doctors' diagnoses, and a list of past treatment plans. This information is crucial to providing quality healthcare.

The health information technology field employs professionals and technicians who are responsible for the organization of a patient's medical record. Health information technicians begin this assembly process by verifying that a patient's initial medical charts are complete. All forms must be completed, identified, and signed. Then, all this information must be entered into a computer. Additionally, health information professionals must regularly communicate with physicians to ensure accuracy, clarify diagnoses, and obtain any supplementary information needed to update a patient's file.

Until very recently, all medical records were paper documents. Complex information for millions of patients was managed exclusively with files, folders, and forms. However, a new government initiative aims to apply the same sophisticated technology we use for actual healthcare towards managing and utilizing health information. This national push for advanced health information technology is combined with an enormous need for qualified healthcare professionals - making this a smart career move indeed. http://healthcareatm.com

Healthcare for your Employees

In a value-based plan, the idea is to reward employees for seeking treatments that promote wellness.The more clinically viable the treatment, the less an employee pays out of pocket for it.Example,women over 40 and younger workers with a family history of breast cancer pay less for a annually mammogram than workers for whom the test isn’t as necessary.

As reported by a research conducted in 2008, there are four quality-of-care criteria that have emerged as key benchmarks of the quality of care, health care management, preventive screenings and treatments, member service and access to care.

Areas of care that are of particular concern:

•        Employees’ dependents receiving appropriate and timely childhood/adolescent immunizations

•        Breast cancer screenings for female medical plan enrollees, ages 52 to 64

•        Diabetic workers receiving hemoglobin A1C and LDL-C testing

•        Members receiving proper referrals and treatment for mental health issues (e.g., main care physician refers a patient to a professional to ensure proper prescription and management of an anti-depressant medication)

•        Pregnant workers receiving time and appropriate prenatal and postpartum care, and prevention of antibiotic treatment in adults with acute bronchitis.

The quality of care for many of the aforementioned issues can suffer when employees foot too much of the bill out of their own pockets.The hope for value-based plans is that employees get some cost relief and obtain treatments that will reduce costs in the long run.  http://healthcareatm.com/