Riske, Brown and Associates

FDA Adds Warnings to Cholesterol Drugs' Labels

2012-03-01T07:01:00.005-08:00

The Food and Drug Administration has added new warnings to the statin class of cholesterol-lowering drugs and one longstanding precaution has been removed.

New Safety Warnings for Statin DrugsAnti-cholesterol medications such as lovastatin and simvistatin -- classified as statin drugs -- and combination medications such as Vytorin that include a statin component, will be required to include warnings about the potential risks of confusion and/or memory loss and elevated blood sugar levels, according to the FDA.

Both of these risks are considered to be small, reports the federal agency, and the confusion/loss of memory generally go away once the statin drug is discontinued. The slight risk of blood sugar levels being adversely affected may lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes.

For people taking statin drugs, it has long been recommended by the FDA they receive periodic liver function tests to prevent or detect serious liver injury. But the agency has determined that such injury is rare and unpredictable; the blood tests were not helpful in either detection or prevention of the condition. The agency now recommends that a liver function test is performed before a statin drug is prescribed so that any concern about liver condition can be determined before initiating therapy.

MSNBC.com reports Lipitor leads the world in prescription sales of more than $130 million; Zocor was the second most frequently prescribed drug in the U.S. in 2010.The popularity of the statin drugs among physicians and patients likely correlates to the fact that heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Baby boomers and their seniors are a large portion of the statin-taking public, with more than 150,000 people under the age of 65 dying from cardiovascular disease in 2007, as reported by the CDC. Reducing cholesterol levels is an important factor in the prevention of both heart attacks and strokes.

1 million birth control pill packets recalled, may not prevent pregnancy

2012-02-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

Pfizer Inc. is recalling 1 million packets of birth control pills due to a packaging error that could raise the risk of an accidental pregnancy by leaving women with an inadequate dose.

The problem affects 14 lots of Lo/Ovral-28 tablets and 14 lots of generic Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol tablets. Both products are manufactured by Pfizer and marketed in the U.S. by Akrimax Rx Products under the Akrimax Pharmaceuticals brand. Pfizer found that some packets of the drugs had too many active tablets, while others had too few.
Oral birth control products use a series of 21 hormone tablets and 7 inactive sugar tablets to regulate the menstrual period while providing contraception. The risk of an accidental pregnancy depends on how many doses a patient misses in the pill cycle, pharmacist Mike Parker said. Patients normally can miss a dose and then catch up the next day, but the risk rises if a woman goes more than a couple of days without the right dose. Parker said birth control pills account for about 25 percent of the prescriptions filled at his store, Fred's Neighborhood Pharmacy, in New Castle, Ind. But he doesn't expect many worried calls from customers about this recall. He said it focuses on an older pill that used to be popular but doesn't sell as well anymore compared with newer versions that have fewer side effects. "It's not a No. 1 or No. 2 seller," he said.

U.S. pharmacists filled 38.9 million birth control prescriptions in the first six months of last year, according to the most recent statistics from data firm IMS Health. A total of 78.6 million prescriptions were filled in 2010. An IMS spokesman said the pills subject to the recall are not among the top 5 prescriptions filled.
A Pfizer spokeswoman said the problem was caused by both mechanical and visual inspection failures on the packaging line. She said the problem has been corrected. Patients with the affected lot numbers should return them to the pharmacy.
Lot numbers of the recalled pills are at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm289770.htm.
The affected packets have expiration dates ranging between July 31, 2013, and March 31, 2014. The drugs were distributed to warehouses, clinics and retail pharmacies throughout the U.S.

High Blood Pressure

2012-02-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

Health and wellness tips for your work, home, and life—brought to you by the insurance
and healthcare specialists at Riske, Brown & Associates.

High BloodPressure
The Silent Killer

Most cases of high blood pressure are discovered at a routine doctor visit, and once detected, are usually controllable.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which your resting blood
pressure is consistently measured at 140/90 or more. When your heart pumps
blood through your arteries, the blood first travels through the large arteries
that exit your heart, into smaller arteries called arterioles. From the
arterioles, the blood travels to smaller vessels called capillaries, which
supply oxygen and nutrients to your organs, and the blood then returns to your
heart through the veins. Nerve impulses can cause your arteries to dilate or
contract. When your arteries are wide open your blood can flow through easily.
If your arteries narrow, it becomes harder for your blood to flow, and the
pressure inside increases. At that point, high blood pressure may occur.
When high blood pressure occurs, the heart is strained and blood vessels can become
damaged. The changes in the vessels that supply blood to the kidneys and the
brain may negatively affect these organs. Long-term effects of high blood
pressure on your heart, kidneys, and brain increase your risk of stroke, heart
attack, and kidney failure.

Causes & Risk Factors

Hypertension can occur in children and adults, but is most common for people over age thirty-five. In 90–95 percent of cases, the cause is unknown, and people often live with hypertension for years without knowing it. Since the direct cause of most cases of high blood pressure cannot be determined, it is difficult to determine all the risk factors. However, some characteristics make a person more likely to have high blood pressure.
·
Age - middle-aged and elderly
·
Race - African Americans
·
Gender - Males
·
Family history of high blood pressure

Other risk factors that can be controlled or managed include obesity, inactivity, tobacco use, sodium sensitivity, low potassium, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

People with hypertension rarely exhibit symptoms of any kind, and the condition is often discovered during a routine physical examination. One high blood pressure reading does not mean you have high blood pressure. Rather, your doctor will take blood pressure readings several times over a period before finally diagnosing high blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is usually normal, it is recommended that you get it checked every two
years. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends more frequent blood
pressure checks if you have a history of high readings. Treatment of Hypertension can be controlled but not cured. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you will need to work with your doctor to determine the course of treatment that
works best for you.

Did you know...
Those with high blood pressure often exhibit few or no symptoms, and the
condition is thereby often referred to as the “silent killer”.

Turkey Trot TCAPS Fund Raiser

2011-11-16T06:41:00.000-08:00

TCAPS invites all our families to sign up for the Turkey Trot today and bring your family to TCAPS' LEAP Under the Lights, a FREE event, on November 23rd. Come and run on TCAPS' Thirlby Field with the stadium lights and excitement celebrating you!

LEAP Under the Lights at Thirlby Field, a FREE event, on November 23rd from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. Kids will enjoy fun and games Under the Lights at Thirlby Field Stadium at this special pre-Turkey Trot FREE event. The evening will be filled with fun activities for youth of all ages including:

Punt-Pass-Kick Competition
Challenge Courses
100-Yard Dash

Sign Up & Join the UpNorth Media Turkey Trot Race for Charity on Thanksgiving Day: TCAPS is thrilled to be a partner who will benefit from this year's Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Race for Charity! The race will start and end at TCAPS' Thirlby Field Stadium with a 5K Walk/Run and 5 Miler options. We invite all our families, staff members, and the community to participate in this exciting event.

TCAPS will receive $10 for every registration fee that comes through TCAPS' special sign up page. These funds will help make athletic opportunities possible for more students in our schools.

TCAPS Team with Most Trotters To Win "Super" Serenade

Calling all TCAPS Turkey Trot Enthusiasts – Staff, Schools, PTO's, and all TCAPS Departments!

Superintendent Cousins, the guitar man, is challenging our collective school community to team-up for this event that will support TCAPS with $10 from every registration fee that comes through TCAPS' special sign up page. Steve will give a special performance to the TCAPS team with the most registered participants in this year's Turkey Trot at Thirlby Field. Get your group together today and register for the Trot.

The winning team of trotters gets to choose their event, such as a PTO fundraiser, school assembly, or staff gathering to receive a "super" serenade!

For TCAPS to benefit, Trotters must sign-up through the special TCAPS Turkey Trot web page.

Shop Your Community Day in Traverse City

2011-11-11T08:03:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to take a moment to remind you of our participation in Shop Your Community Day in downtown Traverse City this Saturday, November 12^th, 2011.

What that means is this- If you shop downtown Traverse City this Saturday, you can help Child Care Connections. 15% of your purchase will be donated to us simply by letting the participating merchant know that you’d like your contribution to be made to us. You can view the linked flyer for a complete list of merchants who are taking part in this great fundraising opportunity.

http://www.downtowntc.com/userfiles/file/DTCAsycFLYER11.jpg

I just wanted to take a moment to remind you of our participation in Shop Your Community Day in downtown Traverse City this Saturday, November 12^th, 2011.

http://www.downtowntc.com/userfiles/file/DTCAsycFLYER11.jpg

Turkey Trot 2011

2011-11-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

START SOMETHING BIG TODAY!

November 2011

Sign up for the Turkey Trot!

Join in the fun! The Thanksgiving Day 5K and 5 Mile run/walk event is back and better than ever! The UpNorthMedia Traverse City Turkey Trot for Charities event has a lot of exciting changes this year!

A new venue: Thirlby Field

A new distance offered: 5 mile course, along with a 5K

A new presenting sponsor: PNC Bank

A new Thanksgiving Eve event: LEAP Under the Lights

And more event beneficiaries - including Big Brothers Big Sisters!

Make plans to run or walk this event on Thanksgiving morning before settling in for the big meal. It's a guilt-free way to indulge in seconds and an extra dollop of whipped cream on the pumpkin pie! Your belt buckle will thank you!

Sign up now:
The price to participate is $35 for individuals, $20 for students. Go to http://cts.vresp.com/c/?BigBrothersBigSister/1f8f67f9b1/1aa84bc42f/079c6e114c to sign up.

Event Details:
Who: UpNorthMedia, Inc. Traverse City Turkey Trot for Charities, Presented by PNC Bank

What: 5K or 5 Mile run/walk

Where: Thirlby Field, Traverse City, MI
When: Thursday, November 24, 2011 (Thanksgiving Day) at 9am
Why: Get some exercise, support Big Brothers Big Sisters and your community, and have fun!

OUR MISSION.. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan is to help children in need reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships with volunteers.

Web: http://cts.vresp.com/c/?BigBrothersBigSister/1f8f67f9b1/1aa84bc42f/e19beb7d0e

Tel: (231) 946-2447
Fax: (231) 946-8016
Email: office@bigsupnorth.com

2011-10-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

CDC Recommends Boys Be Vaccinated Against HPV.

Coverage of the decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to expand its recommendation for the HPV vaccine to boys and young men aged 11-21 was widespread, appearing on the three network newscasts, and in national newspapers. The story took up over ten percent of news time. ABC World News (10/25, story 3, 0:30, Sawyer) reported that the committee "recommended boys ages 11 and 12 and young men 13 to 21 be vaccinated. Not just girls, who, as we know, are at risk for cervical cancer."

On its front page, the New York Times (10/26, A1, Harris, Subscription Publication) reports that the committee said that the vaccine would "protect against anal and throat cancers that can result from sexual activity." The three-dose vaccine series "may be given to boys as young as 9 and to men between the ages of 22 and 26." The Times notes that while the HPV vaccine can be expensive, "Vaccinating boys is cost effective when vaccination rates in girls are relatively low, which they are now. Fewer than half of girls between the ages of 13 and 17 have received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, and fewer than a third have received all three."

The Washington Post (10/26, Stein) reports that HPV "causes at least 250,000 new cases of genital warts and an estimated 7,000 cancers in males each year, leading to perhaps about 1,000 deaths." However, some experts "are concerned that there is insufficient evidence about how long Gardasil's protection will last, whether serious side effects will emerge and whether the relatively modest benefits for boys are worth even the small risks associated with any vaccine. They noted that so far the vaccine has only been shown to reduce the risk of developing pre-cancerous growths, not cancer itself."

First Aid Basics

2011-10-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Health and wellness tips for your work, home, and life—brought to you by the insurance and healthcare specialists at Riske, Brown & Associates.

First Aid Basics

At some time in your life, you may have to provide first aid to another person who has suffered an injury. Here are some simple tips to help you provide emergency first aid for some common injuries and home emergencies.

Shock

Shock can result from a variety of injuries and circumstances. Several symptoms may be present in a person experiencing shock, such as:

· Skin appears pale or gray and is cool or clammy to the touch

· Weak and rapid heartbeat, slow and shallow breathing, and reduced blood pressure

· Eyes lack shine and seem to stare; pupils may be dilated

· Individual may be conscious or unconscious; if conscious, the person may faint or be very weak or confused

· Occasionally individuals will become overly excited or anxious.

If you suspect an injured person is experiencing or may begin to experience shock, use the following techniques:

· Get him/her to lie down on his/her back and elevate the feet higher than the head. Keep the victim from moving unnecessarily.

· Keep the victim warm and comfortable. Loosen tight clothing and cover him/her with a blanket.

· Do not give the victim anything to drink.

· If he/she is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, place the victim on his/her side to prevent choking.

· Treat any injuries (bleeding, broken bones, etc.) appropriately.

· Immediately seek emergency medical attention.

Burns

Follow these steps to treat minor burns at home.

· If the skin is not broken, run cool water over the burn for several minutes.

· Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.

· Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen to relieve any swelling or pain.

· Do not place any creams, ointments, or ice on the burned area.

Immediately seek emergency treatment for more serious burns.

Choking

The Heimlich maneuver is the best-known method for removing an object from the airway of a person who is choking. Follow the steps below to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself or someone else:

· Stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around his/her waist. Bend the person slightly forward.

· Make a fist with one hand and place it slightly above the person’s navel.

· Grasp your fist with the other hand and press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust.

· Repeat this procedure until the object is expelled from the airway.

If you must perform this maneuver on yourself, position your own fist slightly above your navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and thrust upward into your abdomen until the object is expelled.

Cuts and Scrapes

Most small cuts and scrapes can be treated at home. However, it is important to take steps to prevent infection or other complications from occurring. When treating minor wounds, keep the following guidelines in mind:

· Stop bleeding by applying pressure with a sterile gauze pad or clean cloth. If bleeding persists after several minutes of applying pressure, seek immediate medical attention.

· Keep the wound clean by washing the area with mild soap and water and removing any dirt. Dry the area gently with a clean cloth, and cover the wound with a protective bandage. Change the bandage at least once a day. If the wound becomes red or tender to the touch, or oozes fluid, see your doctor.

· If a cut is more serious (large, deep, or rough on the edges) and bleeding does not stop by applying pressure, seek immediate medical attention.

Nosebleeds

A nosebleed is spontaneous bleeding from one or both nostrils that may result from trauma to the nose, dry air, allergies, or no apparent cause. To stop the flow of blood from a common nosebleed, try the following:

· Have the victim sit or stand upright to slow the flow of blood in the veins of the nose. Do NOT tip his/her head back.

· Gently pinch the nose with your thumb and forefinger for ten minutes, maintaining pressure. Have the victim breathe through his/her mouth during this time.

· If bleeding persists, call the doctor or 9-1-1.

Poisoning

The signs of poisoning may or may not be obvious. Sometimes the source of a poisoning can be easily identified – an open bottle of medication or a spilled bottle of household cleaner. Other times the cause may not be as apparent. Look for the following signs and symptoms if you suspect a poisoning:

· Burns or redness around the mouth and lips

· Breath that smells like chemicals

· Burns, stains, or odors on the person, his/her clothing, or in the surrounding area

· Vomiting or difficulty breathing

If you believe someone has been poisoned, do the following:

1) Many poisonous products include instructions on the label specifying what to do if poisoning occurs. If you know the source of the poisoning and the product has instructions, follow them.

2) If you cannot identify the poison or there are no instructions on the product label, call your local poison control center for instructions. Always keep the number near your home phone, or programmed into your cell phone.

3) If the victim is alert, give him/her a glass of water or milk to drink. The liquid will slow the rate at which the poison is absorbed into the body. If the person is weak, lethargic, unconscious, or having seizures, do not give him/her anything by mouth.

4) Certain poisons should be vomited while others should not. If you do not know the source of the poisoning, do not induce vomiting. Generally, you should not induce vomiting unless directed to by a poison control authority or a physician.

5) If you must induce vomiting, use syrup of Ipecac. Vomiting can also be induced by touching the back of the throat of the victim to initiate gagging.

6) Seek immediate medical attention. If you have identified the poison, take the container with you.

Poison Control:

(800) 222-1222

For household pet poisonings, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline:

(888) 426-4435

Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

Unfortunately, there may come a time when you have to aid a victim in breathing. Follow these steps if you end up in a life-or-death situation:

1) To begin mouth-to-mouth, check for breathing by positioning the victim on his/her back on a firm, flat surface. Place yourself next to the person’s neck and shoulders. Extend the person’s neck gently, and open the mouth and airway by lifting the chin.

2) To determine whether or not breathing is taking place, place your ear above the mouth and listen for the sounds of inhaling and exhaling. Feel for air against your cheek and watch for motion in his/her chest.

3) If the victim is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth immediately.

4) Pinch his/her nostrils closed with your thumb and forefinger. Take a deep breath and make a seal around the victim’s mouth with your mouth. Breathe slowly into his/her mouth twice, checking to be sure the chest rises with each breath. After the second breath, turn your head, listen for air leaving the victim’s lungs, and watch to see if the chest falls.

5) Check to see if the person has a pulse. Place two fingers on the victim’s carotid artery – just to the side of the Adam’s apple – to feel for movement. If the artery is pulsating, continue mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in the same manner, blowing a deep breath into the victim every 5 seconds, or 12 breaths every minute. If the artery is not pulsing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

6) Continue to breathe for the person until he/she breathes on his/her own or medical help arrives. To learn more comprehensive first aid skills, organizations such as the Red Cross provide specialized first aid training - www.redcross.org .

Ten Easy Ways to Stretch Your Healthcare Dollars

2011-10-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

Ten Easy Ways to Stretch Your Healthcare Dollars

You can hardly turn on the nightly news or pick up a newspaper without hearing about the rising cost of healthcare and the stifling effect it is having on individuals and employers. With experts predicting national healthcare cost increases to stay in the double-digits for the near and long-term, employers are passing more costs on to their employees, and individuals and families are looking for ways to stretch their healthcare dollars.

Making the most of your healthcare dollars can actually be easier than you think. Below are ten easy ways you can easily stretch your healthcare dollar and do your part to help keep overall healthcare costs down.

1. Understand how your health plan works. This is probably the first and most important step in getting the most for your healthcare dollar. You need to know what is and what is not covered, what procedures you need to follow to ensure your claims are paid, and which providers and facilities to use to get the most cost-effective care. Know the deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket costs you are responsible for paying before you use medical products or services or get a prescription filled.

2. Use in-network providers. Participating providers (doctors, hospitals, and other providers in your plan’s network) generally charge discounted rates for plan members. When you go to a non-participating provider you will likely pay a higher coinsurance percentage (for example, 30 percent out-of-network versus 10 percent in-network). And, you will likely have to pay the difference in price between the participating provider’s discounted fee, and the non-participating provider’s “regular” fee.

3. Look into freestanding surgical and diagnostic centers. If you need surgery, you might save money by having it performed at an ambulatory surgical center — a freestanding clinic that is not a hospital or operated by a hospital. These centers usually charge less than hospitals or their outpatient surgical centers. Freestanding diagnostic centers are also available and tend to charge less for certain tests like MRIs, CAT scans, X-rays, and bone density scans. But before you go, make sure the facility is in your plan’s network and that your plan’s benefits cover the service. And as always, talk to your doctor to be sure this course of action is appropriate for you.

4. Ask your doctor about home testing and monitoring devices. Home tests for blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions can help ensure you are following your doctor’s orders and that prescribed treatments are working. These tests will usually cost less than in-office testing. Check with your doctor to be sure in-home testing is appropriate, report your results regularly, and call your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

5. Only go to the hospital emergency room for true emergencies. If you need medical care when your regular doctor is not available, think about going to an urgent care center rather than a hospital emergency room. This can often be a tough call, but for a cold or a minor sprain, avoiding the ER will probably save you money for two reasons: 1) the copayment is usually lower for a doctor visit or an urgent care visit, and 2) your insurer might make you pay for the full cost of care if you use an emergency room for a non-emergency. And, getting care at an urgent care center will almost certainly be faster than at the ER. Call your plan’s health hotline, if available, to get advice on how, when, and where to seek care in a non-emergency situation.

6. Carefully check all medical bills. Insurance companies and hospitals are not immune from making billing errors. In fact, errors are common. Insurers often miscalculate the family deductible, so keep a careful tally of individual as well as total family payments to be sure you don’t pay too much. If you have a hospital stay, try to keep a log of all the services, medications, and supplies you are given, so when you get a bill you can be sure you are not charged for procedures you didn’t have or items you didn’t use. Ask for an itemized bill.

7. Use any additional programs or discounts provided by your employer or health plan. Many health plans provide access to free disease management programs for chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. These programs can help you stay healthy and manage your condition, and can possibly save you money in the long run. In addition, many employers offer complementary programs that are designed to prevent illness and lower health costs over the long run. These programs may include smoking cessation and weight loss programs, or discounts on fitness clubs or other items that help you live a healthy lifestyle.

8. Live a healthy lifestyle. Healthy habits like exercising regularly, eating well, and not smoking can increase your stamina, lighten your mood, and lower your risk for certain diseases. Aside from the physical and psychological benefits, healthy living can also offer financial rewards. One recent study noted the impact healthy living has on healthcare costs:

§ A 41 percent difference in healthcare costs between those who ate poorly and those who ate well

§ Smokers had a 31 percent higher annual claims cost than non-smokers

§ Overweight people were hospitalized 143 percent more than people of average weight

§ People with high blood pressure spent 24 percent more days in the hospital than people with normal blood pressure

9. Make careful decisions about prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are the fastest rising area of healthcare costs and one of the biggest reasons behind dramatic increases in healthcare costs nationwide. The driving factors behind this trend are increased advertising, development of new and expensive drugs, and greater utilization — more people are simply taking more prescription drugs than ever before. Here are some ways you can reduce your prescription drug costs:

§ Use generic drugs whenever possible, even for over-the-counter medications. Remember, the most expensive drug is definitely not the best. There are usually generic equivalents that are less expensive than the drugs you see advertised on TV. Before your physician finishes writing your prescription, ask about generic equivalents, lower-cost brand name drugs to treat the same condition, and even over-the-counter options.

§ Know how your drug plan works. Check your copayments and know the maximum amount your plan will pay for in one year. Find out if your plan has a formulary (a list of preferred drugs they will cover). A health plan with a closed formulary pays only for certain pre-approved drugs. A plan with an open formulary will cover most drugs but at varying prices.

§ Use a mail order pharmacy if one is available. Ordering prescriptions by mail can save 10 – 15 percent and is perfect for patients who take medication on an ongoing basis and can place orders in advance.

§ Talk to your doctor. Make sure your physician knows if you have to pay for your prescriptions out of your own pocket. Often there are less expensive but equally effective treatment options.

§ Compare prices. Shop around for the pharmacy that offers the best value for your needs. You may even need to get different medications from different pharmacies depending on which offers a better price.

§ Consider pill-splitting. Some medications can be obtained at double the prescribed dose, and then split in half. This practice can result in 50 percent savings. But, you must be sure your medication is appropriate for splitting, so talk to your doctor first. Some medications require very precise dosing, and others simply can’t be split effectively or accurately.

§ Look into manufacturer aid programs. Most major drug manufacturers have programs to subsidize patients who can’t pay for medications they need. All of these programs require your doctor to apply for you.

§ Take all medications as prescribed. Not refilling your prescription might seem like a good way to save money, but it may in fact cost you more money in the long run. Many drugs, when taken as directed, keep you from needing expensive medical care or hospitalization.

10. Use a healthcare spending account to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax money. If your employer provides you access to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), use it. These accounts let you set aside pretax money from your paycheck to pay for eligible items like prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, deductibles, coinsurance, dental expenses, and vision care. You get to save for these expenses gradually, rather than having the money in your checking account when the need arises. And, because you don’t pay taxes on the money, you are actually getting a “percent off” or a discount on everything you purchase with your saved money. For example, assuming the government takes 20 percent of your income, and you put $500 in your health care spending account, you save about $100 in taxes.

Healthcare costs are tied directly to utilization; when you use your health plan more, there are more claims. And the higher the claims, the more you and your employer must contribute to pay for these claims. Don’t forget that the most cost effective way to reduce the cost of healthcare is to make better decisions about the way you live, including the way you eat, exercise, and spend your healthcare dollars.

This is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of insurance professional.

Know Your Employee Benefits is written and produced for Riske, Brown & Associates. © Zywave, Inc.

Side Effects of Sleep Aid Drugs

2011-10-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

Eating a little bit of chocolate was a treat that Teresa Wood looked forward to after work. The Fairfax Station, Va., resident allowed herself two small pieces of chocolate candy a day. But after taking a drug to help her sleep at night, Wood awoke in the morning to find an empty box on the table in place of a pound of chocolates that had been there the night before.

"I couldn't believe it," says Wood. "I started looking all around the house—I even looked under the bed. I thought for sure someone came into the house during the night and ate them." But she was alone.

A few weeks later, Wood awoke to find a near-full box of chocolates gone again. "I just don't remember eating all that candy," she says.

Complex Sleep-Related Behaviors

Wood and her doctor determined that she had been getting up during the night and "sleep eating," an occurrence known as a complex sleep-related behavior. Other behaviors include making phone calls, having sex, and getting into the car and driving while not fully awake. Most people do not remember these events later.

Complex behaviors are a potential side effect of sedative-hypnotic products—a class of drugs used to help a person fall asleep and stay asleep.

Stronger Warnings

To make known the risks of these products, FDA requested in early 2007 that all manufacturers of sedative-hypnotic drug products strengthen their product labeling to include warnings. The revised labeling and other actions to make risks known affect these sedative-hypnotic products: Ambien, Ambien CR, Butisol, Carbrital, Dalmane, Doral, Halcion, Lunesta, Placidyl, Prosom, Restoril, Rozerem, Seconal, and Sonata.

Precautions

The FDA advises people who are treated with any of these products to take the following precautions:

· Talk to your health care provider before you start these medications and if you have any questions or concerns.

· Read the Medication Guide, when available, before taking the product.

· Do not increase the dose prescribed by your health care provider. Complex sleep-related behaviors are more likely to occur with higher than appropriate doses.

· Do not drink alcohol or take other drugs that depress the nervous system.

· Do not discontinue the use of these medications without first talking to your health care provider.

Source: FDA

Tips for Better Sleep

1. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day.

2. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, beer, wine, and liquor in the four to six hours before bedtime.

3. Don't exercise within two hours of bedtime.

4. Don't eat large meals within two hours of bedtime.

5. Don't nap later than 3 p.m.

6. Sleep in a dark, quiet room that isn't too hot or cold for you.

7. If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something quiet until you feel sleepy.

8. Wind down in the 30 minutes before bedtime by doing something relaxing, such as reading or listening to music.

Source: FDA Office of Women's Health

Legislative Update: Michigan's 1% Claims Tax

2011-10-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here is an update from one of our Managing Agents, Action Benefits, informing the public of Michigan’s new 1% claims tax recently approved by Michigan’s legislation and effective January 1, 2012 for all Michigan residents:

LEGISLATIVE

UPDATE:

STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACTS 1 % TAX ON

MEDICAL CLAIMS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2012

On September 20, 2011, Governor Rick Snyder signed into law the Health Insurance Claims Assessment Act, S.B. 348, which will impose a new one percent (1%) tax on paid health care claims.

This tax, which takes effect on January 1, 2012, will be paid by insurers that provide fully-insured plans, and by third party claims administrators in the case of self-funded plans. The tax is intended to help fund Michigan’s Medicaid program, and will be paid quarterly, beginning April 30, 2012.

This one percent tax replaces the current six percent use tax applied to Medicaid managed care plan services, which state officials believe could jeopardize federal funding for Medicaid under Health Care Reform.

While all insured Michigan residents will be impacted by this new legislation, it remains unclear how insurers will reflect the additional cost in their statements. At this time, we understand that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will include it as a line item on member bills, but other carriers may opt to build the tax into their rates.

The new tax applies to most health care claims, but not all. According to the statute, some of the exempt claims include:

• Services for Michigan residents received outside of the state

• Cost-sharing requirements (deductibles, copays and coinsurance)

• Reimbursements under a flexible spending arrangement, health savings account, Archer medical savings account, Medicare Advantage medical savings account or other health reimbursement arrangements authorized under federal law

• Claims paid under a federal employee health benefit program

• Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D claims

• TRICARE (military-CHAMPUS and the United States Veterans Administration claims)

• Workers’ compensation and long-term care claims

The tax is intended to generate $400 million in annual revenues for the state of Michigan. If the revenue collected exceeds that amount, insurers and third party administrators would receive a credit against their assessments due the next year.

Barring any legislative intervention, the tax is set to expire January 1, 2014.

Other states have similar taxes.

Please feel free to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about how this legislation will impact your health

insurance coverage.

Sincerely,

Dotty R. Brown

RISKE, BROWN & ASSOCIATES

5046 S. West Bay Shore Drive

Suttons Bay, MI 49682

800-523-2006 Toll Free

231-271-4040 Office

231-271-2731 Fax

Email: dotty@riskebrown.com

Visit: www.riskebrown.com

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2011-10-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

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