(NewsUSA) - As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic highlights the importance of maintaining good health, many Americans continue to struggle with the cost of health care, especially prescription medications. In fact, many people are overcharged for medications, even for generic drugs, according to leading experts and as highlighted in a 2018 in-depth expose' shown on PBS.

MyFreePharmacy, a new membership service launched in 2017, makes paying for prescriptions easier and more affordable. The company offers more than 600 medications for a flat monthly fee that includes standard shipping. Strategic partnerships make it possible for MyFreePharmacy to control costs and make prescriptions more affordable for everyone, including those without health insurance. MyFreePharmacy also offers a more affordable option for those whose insurance deductibles are so high that they never meet them, which means they typically pay full price for medications.

"MyFreePharmacy currently mails out truckloads of FREE prescriptions nationwide every month to our members," says founder Doug Behrens. "The program is a game changer -- where else can you get FREE prescriptions? We want to make a difference out there, and we are doing it for our members, one prescription at a time," he explains.

The membership plan involves four easy steps.

- Sign up. Simply visit myfreepharmacy.com/join to sign up for a membership card.

- Search. Review the MyFreePharmacy list of medications. They offer not only prescription drugs for chronic and acute conditions, but also over-the-counter products such as acetaminophen, allergy medications and vitamins.

- ePrescribe or Transfer. Your prescriptions can be transferred or e-prescribed by your doctor, who can send prescriptions with the click of a button. Or if you are transferring a script, MyFreePharmacy will handle it for you while you sit back and relax.

- Receive. Your medications are processed and shipped the same day and will be delivered to your home in one to three days.

MyFreePharmacy is working to change the way Americans get their prescriptions. They take the stress and high costs out of the equation by helping consumers control their costs without sacrificing quality. For safety and security, all medications are shipped through the U.S. Postal Service, with a standard shipping time of one to three days.

For more information, visit myfreepharmacy.com/join.

(NewsUSA) - We all do it: we let over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like pain relievers for a headache, allergy medicine or cough and cold products pileup in our bathrooms. Especially over the past few years, you may have let medications linger in the house past their expiration dates. But old and unneeded medication should be disposed of safely, and springtime is the perfect time to get it done.

Proper medicine disposal keeps our homes and communities safe and our environment clean, according to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the national trade association representing manufacturers of OTC medicines.

"Medication safety is everyone's responsibility, and proper medication disposal is an important part of medication safety," says Anita Brikman, Executive Director of the CHPA Educational Foundation, which is a 501c3 organization focused on promoting the safe use, storage and disposal of OTC medicines and dietary supplements to consumers. "How you dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired OTC medicines is important and easy," she says.

So clean out your medicine cabinet this spring, and choose one of these three quick and easy disposal methods:

- In-Home Disposal. Many OTC medications, and some prescription medications, can be thrown out with your regular trash at home. Mix the medicine (do not crush any tablets or capsules) with some especially unappealing trash, such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds, and place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag. Then put the bag in your usual household trash bin, and you're done.

- In-Store Disposal. Many pharmacies provide designated kiosks where you can bring any medication, OTC or prescription, for safe disposal. The website MyOldMeds.com has a zip code locator tool to find more than 22,000 verified sites nationwide that offer free medicine-disposal options all year long.

- Take-Back Events. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducts national Drug Take-Back Day events, and the next one will occur this year on April 30.

These events, which are set up temporarily at convenient community- based locations throughout the country, serve as an opportunity to return medications safely as a friendly public-service reminder to clean out your medicine cabinet.

Visit KnowYourOTCs.org for more details about safely disposing of medications at home, and visit MyOldMeds.com to find secure and safe disposal locations near you.

(NewsUSA) - With football season in full swing, men are bracing for everything that comes with it. In a new poll of 2,000 American men conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Nutrisystem, 37% of men said they usually gain weight from September to January, with 53% claiming they gain 10 pounds or more.

This battle of the belly bulge has many men willing to make changes to get in shape and back in the game. In the same survey, more than one-third (37%) of men said they would give up football games or other sporting events for two months if it meant they could get a six-pack or a flat stomach.

To help men jumpstart their weight loss and kick their healthy habits into high gear, Courtney McCormick, registered dietitian and manager of clinical research & nutrition at Nutrisystem, offers these simple tips.

1. Power Up on Protein: When you're losing weight, your body burns both fat and muscle. Since men have more muscle mass than women, guys need to be sure they get enough protein. Meat and fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and nut butters are your best choices because they're low in calories and high in protein and healthy fats.

2. Hold That Beer. Yes, you can enjoy a cold one on occasion as you're trying to lose weight. Just keep in mind that even most light beers have 100 calories. These beverages tend to leave you feeling full, but only for a short time. Some people may even feel hungrier after drinking.

3. Set Goals: Setting goals is an effective way to challenge yourself when you're trying to lose weight. "Having a game plan is crucial," says Hall of Fame quarterback and Nutrisystem ambassador Dan Marino.

" For guys especially, simplicity, variety and correct portion sizes are key. Programs such as Nutrisystem that are delivered to your door and easy to follow are the best bet. And when you start seeing the results, it makes you motivated to keep going."

4. Pass on the Salt: Excess sodium can cause your body to retain water, making you feel bloated and adding extra pounds when you step on the scale. What's more, The Journal of Clinical Investigation reports that eating high-sodium snacks can also leave you hungrier, increase your appetite and decrease your water consumption.

5. Get Up and Go: Instead of sitting around with friends and taking in calories you don't need, organize a group activity that gets everybody moving. Burn calories while bowling, golfing or playing ping pong. You might also come home with bragging rights instead of a belly full of regrets.

To add to your efforts, have fun and laugh. According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, genuine laughter for 10 to 15 minutes causes a 10-to-20 percent increase in heart rate and energy expenditure. For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem's The Leaf.

(NewsUSA) - If you've ever struggled to find a ride to a doctor's appointment, or gone without healthy food in your home, or been isolated from family and friends for a long time -- you're not alone. Humana recognizes these situations are barriers to good health -- especially as we age -- and provides benefits in its Medicare Advantage plans to meet the needs of the whole person.

In this Medicare annual enrollment period, which starts October 15 and ends December 7, it's important to consider what you need in life to keep you healthy. For example:

• Healthy Foods Card. Food insecurity results in higher rates of chronic conditions, leading to increased medical costs and a reduced sense of well-being. Humana has identified areas in need and created a Healthy Foods Card benefit for some Medicare Advantage plans in several states. The benefit, for some qualifying members with Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, can be used to purchase healthy groceries from various national retailers and comes in the form of a wallet card loaded with a cash benefit each month, depending on need and plan.
• Transportation Benefits. For older adults, transportation can be a major factor in maintaining independence while keeping social connections. Several Humana health plans cover non-emergency medical transportation to help you get to doctor's appointments. If transportation has been a problem for you, inquire with your health plan or an insurance agent about transportation benefits in your area.
• Silver Sneakers. Regular physical activity can help aging adults live independently, minimize fall and fracture risks, reduce anxiety and depression, and control arthritic pain. The Silver Sneakers health and fitness program is designed for individuals with Medicare and is included at no additional cost for most Humana Medicare Advantage members. Members have access to 15,000 participating U.S. fitness locations with cardio equipment, pools, and free weights as well as fitness classes and social events. The program also includes yoga, walking groups and on-demand video classes.
• Far From Alone. The health effects of low social connection, which the pandemic has amplified, can be as dangerous as obesity or smoking. Humana provides many resources to keep aging adults connected to family and friends, and the opportunity to create new relationships. FarFromAlone.com provides a toll-free friendship line, mental health resources, and many more resources in members' local communities. Humana Neighborhood Centers are also available in many areas and offer cooking classes, trivia, and walking groups to help stay connected.

Be sure to educate yourself about plan options safely by using digital resources, including educational events and one-on-one meetings with licensed sales agents. Beneficiaries can also visit www.Medicare.gov; call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; or go to www.Humana.com/Medicare to learn more about Humana plans. Licensed Humana sales agents are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week at 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711). With these resources, you'll be able to confidently select a 2022 Medicare Advantage plan that suits your specific healthcare needs. 

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Humana is also a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

(NewsUSA) - After spending years working hard and saving up, retirement is that welcome reward of relaxation, travel, and new hobbies, or even a transition to something new such as consulting or a new business endeavor. While most people can say definitively that they would like to and plan to retire, the issue of when is often less clear.

The ideal age for retiring depends on several things -- occupation, health status, financial circumstance, and the state where you reside. While some pension plans allow you to start collecting early- retirement benefits as soon as age 55, generally, most people today are opting to retire later.

Nationally, the average retirement age is 64, though in some states, the average retirement age is 66. The decision to retire later can impact several important life decisions. For example, healthcare considerations for someone who retires at 65 versus 55 are quite different.

We'll highlight some points to consider as you gear up to slow down.

Coverage Shifts

Medicare eligibility begins for most individuals around age 65, so if your retirement coincides with that milestone birthday, it's a good idea to learn more about Medicare as well as Medicare-Related Options for those enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You can find details about enrolling in Medicare for the first time by visiting this informational site for AARP members.

For those not yet eligible for Medicare, and for other considerations not covered by Medicare such as vision, prescription drugs, and dental care, retirement might mean a shift from employer-sponsored insurance to individual insurance. If you had employer-sponsored insurance, your employer did the insurance research and provided you with coverage options. Now, as a retiree, you can select the coverage options that align with your health and financial needs.

Financial Considerations

By leading a healthy and active life, many people are living longer, which means that even if you retire later, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy. However, costs are also rising on everything from groceries to gas, making the prospect of living on a fixed income stressful. With a little advance planning, though, it doesn't have to be.

Prescription medication is common as you age and can be a regular expense. Nearly 90 percent of adults aged 65 and older use at least one prescription drug. The good news is that AARP members have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx® that can be used to save on FDA-approved medications. While anyone can enroll, AARP members can unlock deeper discounts and benefits such as home delivery, coverage for dependents, and more.

Maintaining a focus on your health now also means you may be able to avoid chronic health issues down the road, and you can consider coverage options that cover regular doctor's visits and exams.

Annual wellness visits, eye exams, and dental visits help you monitor and even potentially prevent more serious, and costly, health issues. Most eye conditions can be treated if found early, for example, so you may want to look for health coverage that includes vision benefits. Not only do these benefits include eye exams, but AARP® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed also provide savings on prescription glasses.

Oral health can also deteriorate with age, and over time, teeth can become more brittle and susceptible to decay, infection, and gum disease. Dental insurance provides coverage for regular visits and any special procedures or treatments that may arise. And AARP members have access to affordable plan options specifically designed to meet their needs.

Resources

When it comes to healthcare, it's important to plan and research to make your retirement years enjoyable ones. Fortunately, there are many tools available to guide you in making decisions that work best for you. AARP members have access to resources that provide detailed information, discounts, and more to ease your healthcare search.

You've worked hard to achieve retirement, so why not enjoy it by taking the necessary steps to ensure continued good health and proper coverage? Start putting your plan in place by visiting this informational site today. 

(NewsUSA) - Choosing a Medicare plan is a big decision for eligible individuals, including those who are 65 or older or are living with a disability, because the plan you select during the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan annual enrollment period is the plan you'll have for the coming year, with a few exceptions.

Eligible individuals should take time to research plans and compare available benefits during the enrollment period -- which runs from October 15 to December 7 -- as there are key factors to consider based on your health needs, such as pharmacy coverage offered through a Medicare Advantage plan or stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).

For some people, stopping at a local pharmacy is a convenient option to pick up their prescriptions. However, there may be other ways to get prescriptions if you have a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription-drug coverage or a PDP that includes access to prescription drug home delivery pharmacies in the plan's network. The advantages of home delivery via mail can include the comfort of knowing you'll never run out of your prescriptions, and the convenience of having your medications mail-delivered to your doorstep.

Whether you choose a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage, such as Humana Medicare Advantage plans, or a PDP, check to see whether the plan includes prescription-drug home delivery pharmacies in the network and consider the following tips to help you get the most from home delivery pharmacies:

• Go Online or Download the Mobile App: By utilizing your pharmacy's app or website to manage your prescriptions, you may be able to submit requests for new prescriptions and medication transfers, establish delivery times for eligible medication orders, track your medications and deliveries, and have a live chat with a pharmacy specialist --all from the convenience of your home.
• Get a 90-Day Supply: Many medications will allow for a 90-day supply, resulting in fewer refills and may result in cost savings for you.
• Sign-up for Auto Refills: Spend less time worrying about running out of your medications: the auto refill option, if a pharmacy offers it, will automatically deliver your next order right to your door! If auto refill is not for you, be sure to set your communication preference for refills and you may be able to receive a reminder notification.
• Compare the Costs: Many plans, such as Humana, have a "switch and save" option for some medications, which provides suggestions for generic options at lower costs.
• Build a Personalized Medication List: Seeing multiple doctors usually means having several medications. Use your plan's app or website to maintain a single, complete list of all your prescriptions to avoid adverse reactions.

For more information about prescription drug home delivery pharmacies, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or go to Medicare.gov. To learn about Humana's Medicare Advantage plans, visit www.Humana.com/Medicare or call 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

Additional Information:

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization and a stand-alone PDP prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

Scott Greenwell, PharmD., is President of Humana Pharmacy Solutions, where he oversees the health plan's pharmacy solutions. He is based in Louisville, KY.

(NewsUSA) -Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

In fact, having AFib makes you up to five times more likely to have a stroke, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all.

Most strokes caused by AFib could be prevented with effective treatment, but only about half of AFib patients receive proper therapy.

Approximately 5.2 million people in the United States experience AFib, and that number is expected to more than double in the next ten years, according to the American Heart Association.

Although anyone can develop AFib at any age, the risk is greatest for individuals older than 50 years, those with a family history of AFib, smokers and those with high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease.

Although AFib is less prevalent in Black and Latino individuals compared with white individuals, Black and Latino people living with AFib have a higher risk of AFib-related death when they also have conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure, according to the American Stroke Association.

The best-known symptom of AFib is a fluttering heartbeat, but not all individuals with AFib experience this, and many people with AFib report no symptoms prior to diagnosis.

"Because of this, it's important that people at risk for AFib continuously speak to their doctors about any unusual sensations involving their heartbeat," says Mark Estes, M.D., FACC, FHRS, American Heart Association volunteer medical expert and professor of Medicine and Program Director of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Other symptoms of AFib include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, faintness, sweating and chest pressure.

Up to 84% of strokes caused by AFib are preventable if patients receive early, effective treatment. That means it is important to talk to your doctor if you are at increased risk for AFib. The American Stroke Association offers a downloadable symptom tracker that can serve as an important tool for conversations with your doctor about how to stay healthy.

To learn ways to manage AFib, the American Stroke Association has created an online portal, MyAFibExperience.org, where individuals with AFib can share their stories and learn from the experiences of others.

(NewsUSA) - Selecting the Medicare plan best suited for your individual health needs is important for all eligible beneficiaries to consider at this time of year as the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7.

However, for Veterans who have the option to select a Medicare Advantage plan that can complement their Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, it's critical to keep some key factors top of mind as you research plan options, including:

• Understand how Medicare Advantage works with VA benefits: A Medicare Advantage plan may complement your existing VA benefits and help reduce gaps in your healthcare coverage. Additionally, enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan may provide access to additional services and benefits, such as urgent care and dental coverage -- which may not be covered by VA health care. For example, Humana Honor Medicare Advantage plans are available to anyone eligible for Medicare, may complement VA benefits and may provide beneficiaries with additional benefits, such as robust dental care and $0 monthly plan premiums. Although Humana Honor plans are designed with veterans in mind, Medicare-eligible veterans can select from any Medicare Advantage plan in their area.
• Understand how Medicare Advantage works with TRICARE and/or CHAMPVA: Benefits with TRICARE for Life are generally "richer" than most other types of coverage available, so veterans with this type of coverage should carefully consider how their coverage would be impacted by enrollment in Medicare Advantage. If you have TRICARE for Life or CHAMPVA, and decide to enroll in a MA plan, the MA plan will become your primary coverage, and you would only be able to see providers that are in-network for that MA plan. TRICARE for Life or CHAMPVA beneficiaries may only want to consider enrolling in a MA or MAPD plan if they can coordinate billing and do not mind being limited to a network of providers.
• Know the process for prescription drug coverage: When you add a Medicare Advantage plan, your VA prescription drug coverage would continue to cover prescriptions written or approved by a VA doctor. However, a Medicare Advantage plan would cover certain Part B medications, such as injectable drugs and infusions, which could be beneficial based on your health needs. If you sign up for a plan with Medicare prescription drug coverage, certain medicines from non-VA doctors would be covered and it would allow you to fill your prescriptions at local network pharmacies instead of through the VA.

As you research health plan options, it's important to turn to credible sources, such as Medicare.gov, which will allow you to easily compare plans and estimate costs based on what a typical enrollee experiences. You can also enroll in online educational events or coordinate one-on-one meetings with licensed sales agents who can answer your questions and review 2022 Medicare Advantage plan options -- from the convenience of your home. Additionally, you can learn about the reputable organizations that stand behind Medicare plans. For example, Humana Medicare Advantage plans -- such as its Honor plan that's designed with veterans in mind -- are recommended by USAA, a company known for its customer satisfaction and commitment to the financial security of current and former members of the U.S. military.

For more information, Medicare eligible individuals can visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, you can learn about Humana plans by going to www.Humana.com/Medicare or calling 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organization and stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana Medicare plan depends on contract renewal.

(NewsUSA) -If you witness someone having a cardiac arrest, don't be afraid to act, especially since that person may be someone you know in a familiar setting.

According to the American Heart Association, about 70 percent of cardiac arrests occur at home, but often family and friends who witness a cardiac arrest hesitate to perform potentially lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for fear of making the situation worse.

"Rather than waiting for first responders to arrive, performing immediate CPR in the case of cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim's odds of survival," says Comilla Sasson, M.D. and vice president of emergency cardiovascular care at the American Heart Association. "If you are willing and able to do CPR, you should do CPR, even during this pandemic. In fact, the simple, hands-only CPR technique recommended by the American Heart Association can save lives and does not require the mouth-to-mouth contact that many people associate with CPR."

World Restart a Heart Day, October 16, is a global initiative from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) to raise awareness of the effectiveness of bystander CPR and educate more people about Hands-Only CPR. ILCOR and resuscitation councils around the world will use the hashtag #WorldRestartAHeart to link and track social media posts related to the value and effectiveness of Hands-Only CPR. If you or someone you love is a survivor, you can share your story on social media using #CPRSavedMyLife #WorldRestartAHeart.

The American Heart Association's Hands-Only CPR Campaign is nationally supported by the Anthem Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc.

"When someone experiences a cardiac arrest being able to act quickly and provide Hands-Only CPR can improve the chances of survival," says Shantanu Agrawal, MD, Chief Health Officer at Anthem, Inc. "That's why the Anthem Foundation and the American Heart Association are working together to increase access to Hands-Only CPR training in our local communities to teach this simple technique and individuals can overcome concerns so they can be empowered and comfortable to respond in an emergency."

Hands-only CPR includes just two simple steps.

• First, call 911.
• Second, push hard and fast in the center of the chest of the individual having a cardiac arrest. How fast to push? That's easy. Push to the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute. For example, the classic disco hit, "Stayin' Alive," can help you stay on pace, but anything with a similar tempo will do.

Raising awareness about Hands-Only CPR is especially important in Black and Hispanic communities, where individuals are at least twice as likely to have a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, according to a recent study.

Visit heart.org for the most up-to-date information on heart health and World Restart a Heart Day.

(NewsUSA) - The past year-and-a-half has brought unprecedented levels of stress to everyone, but parents in particular shouldered an extra load, as children's schedules (and emotions) were turned upside down. In fact, Gallup's 2021 Emotions Report shows that women with young children at home were hit the hardest in terms of pandemic stress and worry.

As the pace of daily life begins to pick up with the back-to-school season, it's more important than ever for busy parents to find a few minutes of 'me' time to decompress every day. Yet, finding the time can be a struggle.

That's exactly why the mental wellness app, Breethe, meets parents (and anyone needing stress relief) where they're at, ensuring that self-care becomes a reality and not just a hopeful wish. Breethe's personalized approach -- which easily integrates self-care into your day instead of just adding another item to the to-do list -- delivers customized, relatable stress relief right to your phone.

"Breethe is personalized for you and your needs. When it comes to wellness and self-care, there is no one-size-fits-all approach," says Breethe co-founder Lynne Goldberg. "The more we can meet someone where they're at in their day and life, the more lives we can change for the better."

Can't sleep? Feeling anxious? The app is designed to figure out why and gets to know its users through a series of quick and easy questions rooted in behavioral science. Then, based on this interaction, it provides personalized recommendations -- including meditation, hypnotherapy sessions, and helpful talks.

Additionally, with the "Customize My Day" tab, Breethe helps users sneak in a few minutes of self-care as they go about their day. Choose from a selection of activities, such as starting the day, doing chores, working out, or falling asleep. By setting the times when you typically do the activities, the app recommends what support would serve you best at that specific time.

Finally, Breethe is all about real help for your life -- it offers relatable tools for (very!) specific everyday situations, such as "Tax Season -- Adulting Is Hard," "My Boss is a Jerk," "My Family Drives Me Nuts," making the app even more accessible, timely and friendly.

This approach differentiates Breethe from other wellness apps because users need not sift through content libraries in search of the right tools. Instead, Breethe provides a personalized experience that delivers the most appropriate content to users on demand, making it the perfect choice for parents (and anyone else) at home and on the go. As the Breethe team explains, "it's like having a best friend and life coach in your pocket."

Visit breethe.com for more information, or follow along at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breetheapp (handle: @breetheapp) and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breetheapp (handle: @breetheapp).