About.com Health: Obamacare Enrollment Starts Today

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Health From Maura Corrigan, your About.com Health Editor The Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, goes into effect today with the opening of the health insurance marketplace―or "exchanges"―that allow you to compare plans and prices, and to purchase coverage that starts as soon as January 1, 2014. (Yes, this is still happening despite the government shut down.) You can find your state's marketplace here, and enroll until March 31, 2014. Obamacare: The Basics Health insurance policies are never easy to understand; fortunately, for an overhaul as big as this one, our health insurance expert Elizabeth Davis is here to break it all down for us. Obamacare: What You Need to Know How Health Insurance Exchanges Work Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum: The Metal-Tier System Search Related Topics:  the affordable care act  health care reform  government subsidies Currently Uninsured? Here's What You Should Know If you're uninsured and don't have a health insurance exemption, you'll indeed need to get coverage. If you don't, you'll owe a tax penalty―the amount of which depends on your income. What To Do If You're Uninsured The Individual Mandate What Is a Shared Responsibility Payment? Search Related Topics:  the affordable care act  how health insurance works  shopping for health insurance Financial Assistance for Health Insurance The Affordable Care Act provides subsidies to help low- and middle-income people pay for premiums―and once you have a plan, to help with coinsurance, copays and deductibles. Getting Help to Pay For Insurance What's the Difference Between a Copay and Coinsurance? Out-of-Pocket Maximum: How it Works and Why to Beware Search Related Topics:  the affordable care act  the cost of health care  entitlement programs Healthy People Need Insurance, Too With Obamacare, the days of being denied insurance because of a pre-existing condition are over. But even if you're healthy, it's important to be covered. Anything can happen, anytime―and hospital stays are expensive. Why You Shouldn't Wait to Buy Insurance The Bronze Plan: Less Expensive, but Less Coverage The Guaranteed Issue Denies No One Search Related Topics:  buying health insurance  the affordable care act  the uninsured Related Searches For Health Insurance Affordable Health Free Health Care Health Coverage Insurance Medical Featured Articles Affordable Care Act: Background Gluten-Free Vegan Diet May Improve Arthritis Symptoms HIV and Smoking = Deadly The Hunger-Regulating Hormones Can You Get a Flu Shot With a Fever? Compulsive Exercise: How Much is Too Much?   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com     Follow us on: Advertisement

About.com Health: Be Ready: It's National Preparedness Month

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Health From Maura Corrigan, your About.com Health Editor Sometimes you may have a few days' warning that a big storm like a hurricane is on its way; other times, disaster strikes with no warning signs at all. But regardless of the type of emergency, the sooner you know how to be prepared for worst-case scenarios, the better. So take a few moments during National Preparedness Month to make sure you have a plan of action should a natural or any other kind of disaster hit you. Be Prepared Wherever You Are You don't have to live on a fault line to be at risk for disaster: floods, fires, power outages and other events (expected or not) can happen anywhere, anytime. Here's How to Be Prepared For Any Disaster. Get Your Disaster Communication Plan Together Packing a Disaster Evacuation Kit Search Related Topics:  disaster supplies  emergency preparedness  first aid supplies What to Have at Home In Case of Emergency As many of us learned during Hurricane Sandy last year, it's important to have certain items on hand at home in case you're housebound for a couple of days or more. In addition to bottled water and batteries, here are the Top Disaster Supplies to Have at Home. Stock an Emergency Food Pantry What to Do If You're Caught Unprepared Disaster Supplies to Keep at Home. Search Related Topics:  emergency water supplies  disaster supplies  home safety Calling 911 From A Cell Phone Since many of us no longer have land lines―which allowed the dispatcher to find your exact location―it's important to immediately tell the 911 call-taker what city you're in: your call may end up at a regional center not close to you, and the tower that picked up the call isn't enough to give the dispatcher your whereabouts. When You Call 911 From a Cell Phone How to Survive a Flood Wildfire Evacuations: How to Get Out Safely Search Related Topics:  calling for help  outdoor first aid  emergency medical services Six Severe Weather Conditions The Japanese earthquake and tsunami of 2011 was one of the deadliest and most destructive in recorded history―and the costliest natural disaster ever. Hopefully there won't be another calamity of such magnitude for a long, long time, but hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and more can be costly and deadly enough, so know How to Survive These 6 Severe Weather Conditions. Preparing for Tornadoes Before You Get Caught in a Hurricane Search Related Topics:  emergency preparedness  floods  hurricanes Related Searches Health and Saftey Health Signs Safety Supplies Safety Warning Signs Health Health Featured Articles How To Avoid Lightning Strikes Is Pilates a Good Exercise for Seniors? How To Stop Ruminating What Is a Heel Spur? Fall Walking Gear Essentials 10 Ways to Enjoy an Autumn Walk   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com     Follow us on: Advertisement

About.com Health: September is Healthy Aging Month

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Health From Maura Corrigan, your About.com Health Editor Getting older doesn't have to be a drag, as still-rockin' 70-yr-old Mick Jagger perhaps proves best, despite the lyrics of his 20s. After all, once you hit retirement, you can focus on all the projects and interests you never had time for. To get the most out of your activities, it's important to stay in top health―so make Healthy Aging Month a time to plan for your best years yet. We Don't Need to Tell You This One: Exercise! It's tops for extending your life span: an average of 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week reduces risk of death by 27 percent. And don't worry, you don't have to run. Any constant low-impact activity will do. How Much Exercise is Necessary for a Longer Life How to Get Walking: a Beginners' Guide Important Exercise Tips for Seniors Search Related Topics:  exercise and longevity  physical activity and longer life  healthy aging Is There Any Truth to Anti-Aging Diets? Research shows that a plant-based diet filled with whole grains, beans, nuts, olive oil, fish, some dairy and―yes―wine can help you live longer and reduce risk of heart disease. Health Perks of the Mediterranean Diet How To Keep Your Heart Healthy Am I Too Old To Quit Smoking? (Answer: Never!) Search Related Topics:  anti-aging food  eating to live longer  anti-aging diet 10 Things to Stop Doing if You Want to Live Longer Staying social and letting go of an old grudge are just two things you can do up your longevity. For these and more tips on a greater lifespan, check out these 10 Things to Stop Doing For a Longer Life. Helping Others to Help Yourself Stay Connected to Extend Your Years Search Related Topics:  10 things to stop doing  longevity habits  behavior changes Top 10 Ways to Improve Brain Fitness Cognitive decline is a big concern as people age, and there's still no surefire method to avoid it. But spinning a good yarn and making small changes are just two of 10 Ways to Sharpen Your Noggin. The Importance of Hobbies for Stress Relief How Much Sleep You Need Each Night Search Related Topics:  being positive  healthy aging  mental fitness Related Searches Health Aging Health Activities Healthy Food Diet Health Span Health Effects Featured Articles Safe Exercise Tips for People Over 50 Yoga for Seniors How to Reduce Inflammation Naturally Eating a Heart Healthy Diet What is Your Risk of Heart Disease? Olive Oil and Your Heart   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com     Follow us on: Advertisement

About.com Health: Suicide Awareness and Prevention

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Health From Maura Corrigan, your About.com Health Editor Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, part of suicide prevention week. As suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, it's likely that we'll all be affected by it at some point in our lives. To help prevent this cause of nearly a million annual deaths, awareness and education are key. Find out how you may be able to help yourself or loved ones in times of need, including when and how to seek treatment for mental illness. Suicide Warning Signs If you or someone you know suffers from depression, it's very likely that suicidal thoughts will surface at some point. To prevent anyone's acting upon these thoughts, it's important to know the Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Suicide. How to Create a Suicide "Safety Plan" 10 Tips for Coping With Suicidal Thoughts Search Related Topics:  suicide risk factors  suicide warning signs  suicide prevention When Someone's Acting Suicidal When thoughts turn to talking about or actually acting suicidal, it's important to seek help as soon as possible. Don't delay. How To Help a Suicidal Person Facts About Youth and Suicide Whom To Call If You're Feeling Suicidal Search Related Topics:  suicide hotlines  helping a depressed friend  suicide Suicide Risk in the Sick and Elderly In addition to those with a mental illness, suicide risk increases in elderly populations, as well as in those who are sick or have a substance-abuse problem. The Link Between Suicide and Cancer Recognizing Symptoms of Depression in Dementia Alcoholics' Suicide Risk Increases With Age Search Related Topics:  suicide  cancer pain  depression If Suicide Has Affected You If you're grieving the loss of someone due to suicide or another unexpected death, remember that you're not alone. There are plenty of caring people and resources to help. Grief Support Groups and Resources 10 Ways to Offer Your Support Following a Death The Difference Between Grief and Depression Search Related Topics:  grief support  grief  mourning Related Searches Health Facts Health Resources Health Articles Geriatric Health Sports and Health Featured Articles How To Quit Smoking Naturally Prevent and Treat Sports Concussions IVF and the Two Week Wait Does Insomnnia Go Away? Why Older Adults and the Elderly Need Flu Shots How to Use a Neti Pot   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com     Follow us on: Advertisement