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Coronavirus Means Working From Home For More People

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As new cases of coronavirus become known in the United States, more people are taking extra steps to stay healthy. For the most part, this means avoiding crowds and washing your hands more. However, some workplaces are also transitioning into virtual offices amid the coronavirus scare as well. This means working from home for more people.

Why Workplaces Are Transitioning

Workplaces are transitioning into virtual offices for obvious reasons, such as limiting direct contact with people to prevent the spread of the virus. There are some other reasons employers are considering moving to home offices.

Many schools are also moving to online classes while the coronavirus scare is at its peak. For working parents, kids transitioning into virtual classrooms may also mean they have to stay home and move to a virtual office.

Not to mention, allowing your workers to do their day’s work from home will help limit the possibility of someone in the office getting coronavirus. If you’ve seen any of the other facilities where the virus has been reported, you know this is huge. The cost of paying for the decontamination of your office could level a small business expense wise.

How This May Impact Business

For small business owners, the biggest way this may impact day-to-day business is the transition period for employees to get used to working virtually. At first, some productivity will be lost.

Businesses that have always been brick-and-mortar may also need to re-train some employees on best practices in the virtual office. There may also be some initial cost on the business’ (or employee’s) part to get a home office set up. Not to worry though – those costs will be tax-deductible.

Having some staff members work from home may also initially limit the business dealings you’re capable of handling. However, a huge percentage of the workforce already works part of the week (if not the entire thing) from home anyway. So, you’ll likely be able to find a workaround for those tasks.

Readers, what are your thoughts about workplaces switching focus to virtual offices during the coronavirus scare?

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Surgeon General to the Public: Stop Buying Face Masks

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The total number of coronavirus cases in the United States has increased by two dozen over the weekend, up to 89 from 65 cases on Friday. There have also been two reported deaths in the U.S. New cases have been confirmed in Rhode Island, Oregon, Florida, Washington State, and New York. Many people are taking additional precautions to protect themselves against the virus, but the Surgeon General is saying they are wasting their time with one effort. The health official has said to the public “stop buying face masks.”

Why You Should Stop Buying Face Masks

You may think that sounds a bit odd, however, it turns out surgical face masks may actually increase your risk of contracting the coronavirus. This is especially true if you are not wearing it correctly, which most people are not.

The Surgeon General’s office shared a sternly-worded message to the people in the U.S. on Saturday, stating…

The only time you should wear a surgical mask, according to health officials, is when you are sick and have to leave your home. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others. The Surgeon Generals says that if you are ill, the best possible thing you can do is stay home and avoid contact with others. If you must leave, to go to the doctor or otherwise, wear a mask.

Wearing one isn’t necessary if you aren’t sick and in public though. In fact, most people wear masks incorrectly and it can increase your risk of getting sick. Believe it or not, the panic surrounding the virus is spreading faster than the coronavirus itself. But, if you want to protect yourself, the best thing you can do is listen to health officials.

How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus

The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams stated, “You can increase your risk of getting it by wearing a mask if you are not a health care provider. Folks who don’t know how to wear them properly tend to touch their faces a lot and actually can increase the spread of coronavirus.” There are a few things you can do to ward off the virus though…

  • Wash your hands properly. You need to scrub under your nails, the front and back of your hands, for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.
  • Cover your mouth and nose. When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose. The coronavirus is spread through saliva droplets that dissipate when you cough or sneeze.
  • Seek out early medical help. If you are sick, go to the doctor as soon as you possibly can. Doing so can help you get ahead of any illness and rule out coronavirus.
  • Avoid contact with live animals. This specifically refers to animals in live markets and similar situations.
  • If you’ve traveled, you need to quarantine yourself. This may seem a bit over-the-top, but if you have traveled to an affected area, like China, you need to avoid contact with others for 14 days. This includes going to school, work, and even running errands. Additionally, if you develop flu-like symptoms after visiting an affected area, do not leave your home until you’ve consulted your physician.

All in all, this isn’t the first (and it probably won’t be the last) pandemic the U.S. will ever see. Take the precautions above to help protect yourself but, as the Surgeon General said, stop buying face masks. They’re likely a waste of money!

Readers, are you concerned about the coronavirus? Do you think it will become more of a problem in the U.S.?

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Are Democracies Better At Fighting Outbreaks Like Coronavirus?

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Democracies better at fighting outbreaks

In short, yes. Democracies are better at fighting outbreaks, such as the coronavirus. As soon as the first cases of the virus were made known in America, health officials were immediately working to provide them with treatment. In China, many people are being quarantined with no treatment at all, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people. But why are democracies better at fighting outbreaks?

How China Handled the Outbreak

While it does seem democracies, like the United States, are better at fighting large-scale outbreaks, Chinese officials did everything they knew how to contain the virus. They quarantined entire cities, suspended travel, and closed schools and businesses. Officials also placed restrictions on citizens, making many of them stay indoors at all times.

Within 10 days of the outbreak being known to health officials, specialized hospitals were erected. They have also been able to keep close surveillance on the citizens to scale up any contact tracing. However, it just hasn’t been enough to fight the coronavirus off.

Are Democracies Better At Fighting Outbreaks?

As of now, there are 34 known cases of coronavirus in the U.S. Health officials in the states have been upfront with the citizens of the country to be sure they know potential warning signs of the virus. Anyone with the virus has also been quarantined.

This is the biggest advantage the U.S. and other democracies have compared to authoritarian governments, like China. When something like this happens, officials are able to provide full transparency. In China, on the other hand, officials tried to cover up how many cases of coronavirus there were. They also tried to hide how serious the epidemic was.

In addition to having transparency and the trust of the people, health officials in the U.S. also have the resources available to them to work on a vaccine or treatment. Because China underreported the number of cases, many health officials are tied up with treating current patients and disposing of those who have perished from the virus. The resources for developing vaccines or treatments just aren’t there.

Democracies also typically lead the world’s efforts in fighting such outbreaks. In 2014, the U.S. led other countries to stop the Ebola outbreak plaguing many African countries. President Barack Obama had 44 other countries join him in Washington, D.C. to establish the Global Health Security Agenda, which now consists of 67 nations.

They Don’t Do Everything Right Though

Although democracies typically handle outbreaks better than developing countries, they aren’t perfect. During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, a nurse was forced into quarantine in the Newark airport with no medical cause. She was only quarantined because she’d been to a country where the outbreak was occurring. However, when this happened, U.S. citizens stood up for their rights and developing new quarantine procedures only instilled even more trust in the public healthcare system.

In short, democracies are better at fighting outbreaks simply because they are able to be transparent and typically have more resources for developing treatments.

Do you agree? Are democracies better at fighting outbreaks? 

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Prescription Hacks That Can Save You Thousands

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Prescription Hacks That Can Save You Thousands

High prescription drug costs can be challenging to manage. One study showed that 28 percent of Americans (of pre-Medicare age) don’t take their prescriptions as written because of the price. In some cases, they are skipping doses, taking less than they should, delaying refills, or forgoing the prescription medication entirely. This can put the person’s health in jeopardy, though many feel that they don’t have any other choice if they are struggling to afford their medication. However, there are things some people can do to reduce the cost. Here are some prescription hacks that could potentially save people thousands.

Shop Around

First and foremost, it’s always best to shop around before you fill a prescription. Pharmacies charge different prices, regardless of whether you have insurance or not. You could end up paying significantly more at one pharmacy than another for the exact same medication.

Contact various pharmacies in your area and ask them what each of your prescriptions would cost. Don’t ask for the total price for all of your medications, as some pharmacies may be cheaper for some but not others.

If you don’t want to make all of those calls, you can also use a prescription drug cost comparison site. For example, GoodRx has information from tens of thousands of pharmacies, so its data might be enough.

Use More Than One Pharmacy

While going to more than one pharmacy might not be as convenient as only using one, it could help you save a bundle. After you find out which ones have the lowest prices on each of your prescriptions, you might want to have your medications handled at a few different pharmacies, especially if the cost difference is substantial.

Skip Your Insurance

Many people assume that, if they have prescription drug coverage, they are getting a better deal than people without insurance. However, that isn’t always the case.

Depending on your insurer’s arrangements with pharmacies, as well as your deductibles and copays, you could actually end up spending more by using your insurance. This means, by telling your pharmacy to skip the insurance, you could actually save money.

Before you fill a prescription, find out what it would cost if your insurance wasn’t involved. Sometimes, the amount you can save is dramatic.

Just keep in mind that, if you use this approach, your prescription drug spending won’t go towards your deductible automatically. You might need to contact your insurance to see if there is a way to apply those purchases or live with the fact that they won’t help cover your deductible.

Use Coupons

A lot of people don’t know that you can find coupons for prescription drugs. In some cases, the medication manufacturer issues coupons. They may be readily available to anyone or be offered through specific programs, such as those that aim to help people afford their medications.

However, there are also other sources. Sites like GoodRx, RxSaver by RetailMeNot, and WebMDRx may have coupons for your prescriptions. Just search for your medications and see what’s available.

Get Larger Supplies

If you’re on a long-term maintenance drug, you might want to see if your doctor can alter your prescriptions so you can get a larger supply. Sometimes, instead of picking up a 30-day supply, you can save by getting a 90-day supply.

For example, if you got three 30-day supplies, you may pay three insurance copays. But, if you got one 90-day supply instead, you only pay a single copay. That’s a 66 percent savings right there.

Switch to a Generic

Name brand medications usually cost more than their generic counterparts. Unless there is a specific reason you need the name brand, switching to a generic might be a good idea. You’ll need to discuss the option with your doctor, as it does have to be authorized by them. But, if one is available, you could save a ton by going generic.

Get Bigger Doses and Use a Pill Splitter

If your pills can be safely split, then asking your doctor for a larger dose and investing in a simple pill-splitter could help you save. Often, the price difference between the dosages is minimal, if one exists at all. As a result, you might be able to functionally get twice the medication for the same price you’re paying now.

It’s important to note that not all medications can be split. If your using capsules, coated tablets, or anything that’s designed to be extended- or slow-release, it can’t be safely split.

Use Your Insurer’s Mail-Order Service

In most cases, if your insurer has a mail-order service for prescriptions, using it is more cost-effective than heading to a pharmacy. This is especially true if you get 60- or 90-day supplies and your need for your medication is predictable, such as having to take one pill a day.

Usually, this approach isn’t ideal for medications that you use as-needed. Since it can take a couple of weeks for a refill to be delivered, any prescription that you take on an unpredictable schedule might not be a great fit. You could end up running out before the refill arrives, so it’s best to take those to a local pharmacy instead.

Change Medications

Sometimes, the only way to lower your prescription costs may be to change medications entirely. This isn’t going to be an option for some but, for those who can make a switch, it could result in a substantial savings.

If there are several medications that could potentially treat your condition, speak with your doctor about all of your options. Discuss why your physician chose the one you are on now and if another could be a suitable alternative.

Take Other Steps to Reduce Your Need for Prescriptions

Certain conditions are what they are. No matter what you do, you’ll need a particular prescription until the condition clears or, in the case of chronic ones, indefinitely.

However, not all medical conditions fall in that category. You may be able to reduce your need for prescriptions by taking other steps, like improving your eating habits, getting more exercise, or living a healthier lifestyle.

If that’s the case, those efforts may be able to help you save a significant amount. Plus, by improving your health, you could reduce your chances of getting other conditions in the future that might require medications.

 

Do you have any tips that can help people save on their prescription drugs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

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How Stress is Affecting Your Health in 2020

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The National Institute of Mental Health has stated that there are 40 million adults in the US alone that are plagued with anxiety and depression. These mental health-related disorders are often attributed to one factor: stress. The feeling of stress has become too common in most people’s lives that they start to dismiss its potential effects on the health. But if the occurrence of mental disorders and debilitating health conditions were any indicator, stress should be taken seriously.

Stress in the Modern World

Why is there is so much stress and anxiety these days? Is the modern society to blame for it? What has changed that triggered this explosion of stress-related health and mental disorders?

Evolutionary psychologists have studied closely these cases to determine where the root of the problem is. They came up with these possible factors that can impact one’s stress level in the modern world.

  • Social media and other forms of media are to blame. In today’s society, people are constantly exposed to images of beauty, youth, and wealth that it is impossible not to compare. Once comparison sets in, most people tend to set unrealistic standards for themselves. Since these standards are unrealistic to begin with, it can lead to personal disappointment and stress.
  • Everything moves at a fast pace. Since innovation and technology is constantly changing, there is immense pressure on humans to adapt, too. This results in a tremendous amount of pressure and stress on working individuals to keep up and perform to the highest level on a consistent basis.
  • There is a tendency for modern people to multi-task. Technology and being connected has made it possible for modern people to juggle work, family, and social life. But when you try to do too much, it can take its toll on your physical and mental health.

How Stress Affects Your Health

To better understand how stress can have a direct impact on the human body, it is important to look closely at its physiological effects.

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system is responsible for how you respond during “fight or flight” situations. The hypothalamus sends a signal to your adrenal glands to release stress hormones that will impact how you respond to any given situation. Upon the release of these hormones, it can affect your heart beat and the amount of blood pressure that goes to your body and major organ systems. This explains why stress can have an impact on your heart, muscles and other organs.

When the perceived threat is gone, your hypothalamus will send another signal that all of your systems should return to normal. But there are cases wherein the response will continue long after the stressor is gone. This results in a condition known as chronic stress, which can debilitate your eating and sleeping habits, as well as your social interactions.

Digestive System

Another part of the human body that is commonly affected by stress is the digestive system. The link might be odd to some people but there is a scientific evidence to support that. When you are under stress, the liver produces higher amount of glucose to provide an extra boost of energy. But if your body is constantly stressed (such as in the case of chronic stress), the body will continue to produce excessive amounts of sugar. This explains why stress often results in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Aside from the excessive production of glucose, an increased heart rate and rapid breathing are other signs of stress that can upset your digestive system. People who are chronically stressed suffer from heartburn or acid reflux. This is due to the overproduction of acid in the stomach. Contrary to popular belief, stress does not cause ulcers but it can certainly increase your risk for developing it.

Other digestive problems that had been scientifically proven to be a result of stress are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and frequent stomach aches.

Sleep

Chronic facial pain such as jaw pain or TMJ is a common occurrence in the US, which affects millions of adults every year. There are several known causes for TMJ such as injury, arthritis, or misaligned bite. But recent studies have shown that stress can also be a factor causing TMJ. If you want to ease TMJ symptoms or any feeling of discomfort associated with it, it is important to understand how stress results to teeth clenching while you sleep.

The relationship between stress and TMJ might be more complicated, though. Depending on the type or level of stress, the manifestations of TMJ can be tightness on the left or right side of the jaw. In some cases, pain is felt on both sides of the jaw. Since the TMJ is linked to the movement of the muscles and joints surrounding your jaw and mouth, it is no surprise that it can be affected by stress.

Too much stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension. You might not notice it but it is a common tendency for most people to clench their teeth while under immense levels of stress. When this happens, the muscles begin to tighten. When you clench your teeth during sleep – a common symptom of TMJ disorder – this can also damage your teeth.

If you are exhibiting symptoms of TMJ and are experiencing a great deal of pain from it, it might be time to see a TMJ specialist. Letting the pain progress will only worsen the situation, especially if you experience a great deal of stress as part of your daily routine. You can seek the advice of a TMJ expert on how to remedy your teeth clenching problem and what is the next step to take after diagnosis.

Cardiovascular System

The release of stress hormones can also have an impact on the cardiovascular system. When you are feeling stressed, your heart is pumping blood faster. As a result, your blood vessels become constricted and the oxygen is pushed towards your muscles so your body is ready to take on a fight response, if needed. The major downside to this is that your blood pressure rises in this situation.

If you are under chronic stress, your heart is working harder and your blood pressure is constantly on the rise. An excessive amount of stress can eventually put you at risk for having a stroke or suffering from a heart attack.

Conclusion

Stress can have its beneficial effects when present at healthy doses. But when there is an overwhelming amount of stress in your life, or you suffer from it chronically, it is time to evaluate how it is affecting you physically. Your health can suffer from stress and it will only get worse when left untreated. Make sure you know how to manage stress in your daily life so your long-term health won’t end up suffering, too.

For more of our great articles on heath, read:

Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips

Mindfulness At Work Helps Your Bank Account

Health Care Costs Can Add Up

Image Source, Sari Montag via Flickr.

Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips: Keep You (And Your Wallet) Lean!

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Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips Keep You (And Your Wallet) Lean!

There is a popular myth floating around this country that you cannot eat healthy on a budget. Well, I’m here to bust that myth. Good news for some, bad news for those who needed an excuse to keep buying dry ramen and sugary cereal. Don’t worry, this list isn’t going to take away all flavor from your diet. Quite the contrary, these grocery shopping tips are going to help you make delicious and nutritious food without breaking the bank. For those with alternative diets, things get a little tougher. This guide, though, should fit the bill for the majority of readers.

Hunt for Meat Deals

This one doesn’t apply to a few of you, but for the rest, it is vital. Meat is one of the best and most efficient sources of vitamins and macronutrients, and really helps shape the meals you’re cooking. Wit that said, you aren’t going to be shooting for ribeye and New York strips every trip to Walmart. Chicken is a great starting point, as deals can get as low as $2/lb on chicken breast. With very little inedible tissue, chicken breasts are the cheapest and most versatile cuts in the meat section. With beef, you’ll want to keep your eyes out for cheap-yet-flavorful cuts like top round and tri-tip. If your grocer or butcher has a butcher’s cut or “hanger steak,” that is about the best value you can find. As far as pork goes, it is all pretty cheap.

Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice

Universal staples, rice and beans are always cheap and always a bulk-buy favorite. Snag a 10-pound bag of rice and use it often. Black and red beans are my favorite, and playing with the seasoning can make these two ingredients feel new every time. Make sure you keep that spice cupboard a little varied, and make sure to include some veggies as well. Throw in whatever protein you purchased, and you’ve got a great full meal already!

Don’t Buy Veggies/Fruit Without a Plan

We have all done it. Maybe you had one killer beef and broccoli recipe, and got a little ambitious with how much of that mini-tree you’d actually eat. Maybe you were super determined to start eating more salad, and now you’re staring at a bag of sticky, brown romaine lettuce. The point here is this: If you don’t have a specific meal plan for every bit of veg you buy, don’t buy it. You are on a budget, and you can’t afford to have fresh food going to waste. Choose wisely, and make sure any extras you purchase are things you’d eat alone (and even raw) so you can snack through the excess. Choices like this include carrots, bananas, apples, and other snackables that you can toss into a lunch bag with confidence.

In Summary

This isn’t at all meant to be a complete guide to healthy shopping. Rather, incorporating these tips into a legitimate meal plan will keep your costs down without reaching for the junk. Following these rules exactly will keep you full, but you will want to throw in other ideas to keep it fresh. Know what your needs are, and if you have kids, make some concessions to make sure they eat enough. The main idea here is to give you confidence that your thin budget doesn’t have to harm your health.