Beat Cancer Contents TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS Executive Director: M

total For Members of United Service Association For Health Care FALL 2007 HEALTH&wellness

ForPat Croce,

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and Beat Cancer contents TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS Executive Director: M. Cranon Quality Assurance: T. Barton Foundation President: L. Montgomery Couch Account Supervisor: B. Mayer and R. Davis

Total Health & Wellness is published by United 3 The Great American Health Service Association For Health Care. This information is Challenge: Beat Cancer intended to educate the public about subjects pertinent to their health, not as a substitute for consultation with 4 Experts Devise New a personal physician. © 2007 Printed in the U.S.A. Women’s Heart Risk Predictor United Service Association For Health Care is an [ cover story ] organization that provides privileges and service that 5 Why Women Are At Risk For Pat Croce— promote the health and welfare of its members. 6 High-Fat Recipes, Low-Fat Dishes Attitude Is All! A For more information, please contact: page 9 United Service Association For Health Care 7 Staying Trim on Turkey Day P.O. Box 200905 Arlington, TX 76006-0095 7 Turkey Divine 800-USA-1187

8 Own a Small Business? Choosing Health Care Coverage EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD David S. Alkek, M.D., Clinical Professor of 9 For Pat Croce, Attitude Is All! Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 11 Five Health Tips From “Life Coach” Pat Croce Joseph D. Beasley, M.D., Directory, The Institute of Health Policy and Practice, Amityville, NY 12 Understanding Anxiety Disorders Kathie Davis, Executive Director, IDEA Health & Fitness Association, San Diego, CA 12 Common Anxiety Disorders Sidney Friedlaender, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL Charles M. Ginsburg, M.D., Professor and Chairman 13 Anxiety Disorders Tied to Physical Illness of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 14 Member Proﬁ le: Ric Hilliard Susan Johnson, Ed.D., Director; Continuing Education, The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX 15 Teach Your Teen to Be a Good Driver Julie Waltz Kembel, M.S., Ed., CHES, Education Director; Canyon Ranch, Tucson, AZ 16 Most Americans Don’t Understand Acetaminophen Dangers Annette B. Natow, Ph.D., R.D., Editor; Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly, Woodmere, NY 16 More Teens Abusing Prescription Drugs Don R. Powell, Ph.D., President and CEO, American Institute for Preventative Medicine, Farmington Hills, MI Charles F. Seifert, Pharm.D., Director of Clinical 17 Get the Most From Your Doctor Visits Pharmacy Services, Rapid City Regional Hospital, Rapid City, SD 18 USA+ Promotes SCHIP Renewal Kathryn K. Waldrep, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Medical City Dallas, Dallas, TX 18 Child Health Insurance Programs Pay Oﬀ M. Donald Whorton, M.D., M.P.H., Occupational Medicine Physician, Alameda, CA 19 Yoga—Good for What Ails You Arthur H. White, M.D., Medical Director; San Francisco Spine Institute, Daly City, CA 20 USA+ Introduces Home Solutions by HomeTec

2 TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FALL 2007 [ HEALTHY LIVING ] The Great American Health Challenge: Beat Cancer

It’s estimated that 50 percent of cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented through healthy lifestyle habits. To get started in the Great American Health Challenge, take the Great American Health Check.

A THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY minutes of exercise five or the Great American Health Check help smokers kick the habit. (ACS) HAS ROLLED OUT ITS NEW more days a week. on the ACS Web site. The health It’s estimated that 50 percent Great American Health Challenge, • Nourish. Strive for a healthy check can assess your cancer risk of cancer deaths in the United a campaign to educate Americans weight and eat a well- factors and provide a customized States could be prevented about cutting their cancer risk. balanced diet that includes action plan to reduce your cancer through healthy lifestyle habits, The yearlong program plenty of fruits, vegetables risk. according to the ACS. Reducing encourages people to take the and whole grains. Limit Other components of the cancer deaths by 50 percent following actions in order to your consumption of red Great American Health Chal- would save about 280,000 lives lower their cancer risk or to meats, especially high-fat lenge will be oﬀ ered later this every year in the United States. • detect cancer at an early stage, and processed meats. year. In August, the Great when it’s most treatable: • Quit. Stop smoking or take part American Eat Right Challenge will • Check. Talk to your doctor in the fight against tobacco provide advice about healthy You can take the Great about cancer screening tests, by becoming an advocate of eating habits and regular American Health Check at: which can prevent cancer or smoke-free communities. exercise. In November, the www.cancer.org/docroot/ detect it at it’s earliest stage. To get started in the Great Great American Smokeout will subsite/greatamericans/ • Move. Try to get at least 30 American Health Challenge, take once again seek to inspire and index.asp.

We value your membership and are here to assist you should you need us. Please contact us at 800-872-1187.

WWW.USAHC.COM 3 [ HEALTHY CHOICES ] Experts Devise New Women’s Heart Risk Predictor

The Reynolds Risk Score provides a very easy way for women and physicians to truly understand what the cardiovascular risk is, not only for 10 years, but for 20 and 30 years ahead.

A WOMEN MAY SOON HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT But, he said, the current guidelines, THEIR ACTUAL CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK IS FOR originally designed in the 1950s and 1960s, the next 10 years and beyond, thanks to don’t fully capture a woman’s heart disease researchers from Brigham and Women’s risk. In fact, as many as 20 percent of all Hospital in Boston have developed a new women who have had heart attacks don’t cardiovascular disease assessment tool have any of the known major risk factors, specifi cally for female patients. and, according to Ridker, about half of all The new risk model, called the Reynolds heart attacks occur in women who have Risk Score, includes family history and blood normal cholesterol levels. levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (a marker of infl ammation), in addition to Surprising Results more traditional risk factors. To develop a better model of female risk, Dr. “The Reynolds Risk Score provides a very Ridker and his colleagues assessed 35 diff erent easy way for women and physicians to truly risk factors in nearly 25,000 women taking understand what the cardiovascular risk is, part in the Women’s Health Study. All of the not only for 10 years, but for 20 and 30 years,” women were over 45 years old and heart explained the study’s lead author, Paul disease-free at the start of the study. Ridker, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Center Additionally, none of the women included in for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at the risk-score study had diabetes, as being Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. diabetic automatically puts a woman in the “Of the approximately 10 million American high-risk category for heart disease. women who have an intermediate risk of The average follow-up time was 10.2 years. heart disease based on current guidelines, The researchers used information from about 50 percent would be classifi ed into two-thirds of the group to design the new higher or lower categories [based on the risk model and the other third to validate the Reynolds Risk Score].” Results of the study Reynolds Risk Score. are in the February 14 issue of the Journal of The Reynolds Risk Score includes age, the American Medical Association. systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading), total and HDL Heart of the Problem (“good”) cholesterol levels, smoking status, Heart disease remains the leading killer of levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein American women. “Women need to understand (CRP), and family history of cardiovascular that their risk of suff ering a heart attack, stroke trouble (whether or not a parent had a heart or other cardiovascular disease is the same as it attack before the age of 60). is for men,” said Dr. Ridker, “but it happens According to the study, about 40 to 50 about 10 years later. While preventing breast percent of women classifi ed as having an and ovarian cancer is important, preventing intermediate risk actually had a higher or a heart disease has to take a higher place.” lower risk, based on the Reynolds Risk Score.

4 TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FALL 2007 A Promising Start The Road Ahead “By adding CRP and family history, we can Dr. Goldberg said do a much better job on assessing risk,” said the new scoring Ridker. “This will have an enormous impact tool will be useful on prevention. We can get aspirin and statins as part of a global to women who truly need them, without assessment of all of a exposing those who don’t. It’s cost-eﬀ ective woman’s risk factors, as well as being good medicine.” including lifestyle factors Another expert agreed. “This is great news such as diet and exercise habits. that we’re starting to look at and ﬁ ne-tune “This is just one tool, not the sole the risk of heart disease in women,” said measure of a woman’s risk of heart disease,” Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director of Dr. Goldberg said. the Women’s Heart Program at New York Dr. Ridker said the Reynolds Risk Score The most important risk factor for heart University Medical Center and author of may be most helpful in showing women what disease is still smoking, Dr. Ridker said, but Women Aren’t Small Men: Life-Saving Strategies they can achieve by managing their risk this study found that family history and CRP for Preventing and Healing Heart Disease in factors. For example, the score shows that a are also key. He recommended that women Women. 45-year-old woman who smokes, has a fam- let their doctors know if their parents had But, she said, not every woman needs to ily history of heart disease, and has slightly heart disease before they were 60. • have her CRP levels measured, and there are elevated cholesterol, CRP, and blood pressure limitations to using CRP levels. While diet could cut her risk of having a heart attack in and exercise can lower CRP levels, there’s half during the next 10 years if she stopped The new risk assessment tool currently no evidence that lowering CRP smoking. Or, she could cut her risk in half by can be accessed online at alone can lower heart disease risk, she said. getting her cholesterol levels back to normal. www.ReynoldsRiskScore.org.

WHY WOMEN ARE At Risk

Though more men than women have cardiovascular • Women have different responses to traditional • Mild chest pain (as opposed to the sharp, disease (CVD), women are more likely to die from diagnostic procedures. Treadmill cardiac stress crushing chest pain men typically experience) it, have a second heart attack within a year, or tests are more likely to produce false-positive • Unexplained, severe pain in shoulders, neck, arms experience other complications. Why is this? results for women, possibly because their hearts • Being out of breath more often • The female hormone estrogen may provide some respond differently to exercise. Knowing this, • Extreme fatigue and dizziness protection against CVD in younger women. But some doctors may not give a positive result its full • Sleeplessness after menopause, the risk of developing heart weight. Others may not prescribe the test at all. • Nausea, palpitations, and sweating disease goes up. • They don’t recognize the warning signs. When a If you or a loved one have any of these • By the time the disease appears, many women woman is having a heart attack, her symptoms are symptoms, especially if they last more than fi ve have developed other conditions associated with likely to be more subtle than a man’s. minutes, call 911 right away. age, such as diabetes or hypertension, that can complicate heart problems. Not the Same Symptoms To learn more about women and heart disease, • But women typically have smaller arteries than The symptoms of a heart attack in women may visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hearttruth, the men do. This means it takes less plaque to block be different from those in men. This can make offi cial website of the National Heart, Lung, a coronary artery. CVD more diffi cult to diagnose. They include: and Blood Institute’s National Awareness Campaign for Women About Heart Disease.

WWW.USAHC.COM 5 [ HEALTHY EATING ] High-Fat Recipes, Low-Fat Dishes

There are ways to eat a healthy diet and still enjoy your favorite foods, nutrition experts say. The secret? Prepare the foods differently.

try adding more fresh and dried herbs or lemon juice.

Converting Meat Dishes • Substitute chicken and turkey breast cutlets in recipes that call for thinly sliced veal, beef, pork, or lamb. • Substitute turkey thigh meat in stews, stroganoff, and other recipes in which beef or a heavier meat seems appropriate. • Substitute lean ground turkey or chicken there are always ways To Eat a (minus fat or skin) for ground beef. Healthy Diet and still enjoy • Substitute these turkey products for their your favorite foods red-meat counterparts: turkey pastrami, turkey sausage (with no fat or skin added), turkey ham, and turkey bacon.

Lightening Up Dairy Ingredients Make these lower-fat substitutions for dairy ingredients: • Use skim milk or low-fat milk instead of whole milk. • Use evaporated skim milk instead of light cream. Instead of heavy cream, use evaporated skim milk mixed with nonfat A MOST OF US KNOW WE SHOULD EAT LESS FAT AND • Substitute nonfat butter sprinkles or pow- powdered milk. CHOLESTEROL, YET CHANGING EATING HABITS THAT der for butter or margarine. • Instead of whole-milk ricotta cheese, use have developed over a lifetime is tough. • Make defatted stock for soups, sauces, and dry-curd cottage cheese, 1 percent cottage Fortunately, there are ways to eat a healthy gravies. Refrigerate stock overnight, then cheese or fully skim ricotta cheese. diet and still enjoy your favorite foods, skim the congealed fat off the top. • Substitute nonfat yogurt for whole-milk nutrition experts say. The secret? Prepare • Instead of sauteing meat and vegetables in yogurt. the foods diff erently. oil, braise in defatted poultry or vegetable • In place of cream cheese, use low-fat or fat- Try substituting lower-fat ingredients and stock. free cream cheese. An alternative is to make preparation methods for traditional higher-fat • Use no-cholesterol egg substitute or egg yogurt cheese. To make this, place a con- ones. With a little experimentation, you’ll fi nd whites instead of whole eggs (substitute tainer of nonfat, plain yogurt in a strainer there is little diff erence in taste between the two egg whites for each whole egg). lined with paper towels, then set strainer original dishes and your modifi ed, lighter ones. • Replace regular salad dressing and bottled over a bowl and refrigerate overnight. The American Dietetic Association and sauces with non-oil, fat-free versions. • Instead of using high-fat cheeses, try other nutrition experts off er the following • Substitute pureed fruit or applesauce for fat-free or skim-milk cheese products. tips for cutting the fat from your diet: half the oil called for in baked goods. • Substitute nonfat frozen yogurt, sorbet, • Use nonstick cookware, baking pans, and • Instead of deep-frying foods, bake or or sherbet for ice cream. casserole dishes to eliminate or reduce the broil them on a nonstick cookie sheet. • Use low-fat or no-fat sour cream instead need for added fats, such as cooking oils. • Reduce the salt in recipes. To compensate, of regular sour cream. •

6 TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FALL 2007 [ HEALTHY EATING ] Staying Trim on Turkey Day

Do you ﬁ nd overeating and weight gain tough to avoid during the Thanksgiving holiday? Whether you’re the cook or one of the diners, a leading nutritionist offers some advice for a healthier holiday feast.

A FACED WITH TABLES LADEN WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF • Plan a “post-prandial” stroll with your turkey divine TEMPTING FOOD, MANY PEOPLE FIND OVEREATING family and guests after the feast. and weight gain tough to avoid during the 8-oz. linguine For Guests: Thanksgiving holiday. 1 tbsp. butter or • Kathy McManus, director of nutrition at Exercise and eat healthy before Thanksgiving. magerine Brigham and Women’s Hospital, off ers some • If you have a special dietary need, offer to 1 tbsp. fl our advice for a healthier holiday feast. bring a healthy dish to share with the hosts and other guests. 1 can low-sodium For Cooks: • Eat a fiber-rich snack before the chicken broth • Ask guests ahead of time if they have any Thanksgiving meal to help prevent you 1 5-oz. can food allergies or dietary restrictions. from eating too much or too fast. Drink evaporated Include a few dishes that suit multiple plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. skim milk • diets, such as steamed vegetables flavored Make wise choices when you’re loading 1 tbsp. chopped parsley (dried is OK) with herbs. your plate. Take only small amounts of 2 c. cooked turkey, cut into bite-size pieces • Experiment with recipe substitutions. foods with saturated fat and high-calorie • Eat a satisfying meal before you start pre- content. Divide your plate into sections: 2 c. fresh broccoli, chopped paring the Thanksgiving meal in order to half vegetables, a quarter lean protein, and ½ c. red bell pepper, chopped control your munching while you cook. a quarter starch. 2 c. mushrooms, sliced • Don’t serve high-fat, high-calorie appetiz- • Beware of “hidden” calories in alcoholic ½ c. grated Parmesan cheese ers, such as dips or cheeses. Instead, serve beverages and sugary mixed drinks. fresh vegetables and sliced fruit. • Limit yourself to a small serving of dessert. 1 Break linguine in half and cook according to • Skim the fat off refrigerated gravy or broth • Eat slowly and stop before you’re full. It package directions. Set aside. before you use it. takes your body about 20 minutes to regis- • Limit desserts to one or two choices, one of ter that it’s full. • 2 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan, which is a lower-fat, lower-calorie option. melt butter and stir in fl our. Add chicken broth slowly, stirring to keep fl our smooth. Keep stirring while cooking until sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in evaporated skim milk and parsley. 3 In a shallow baking dish (about 13-by-9 inches), combine turkey, broccoli, red bell pepper and mushrooms with linguine. Add sauce and stir. Sprinkle top with grated Parmesan cheese. 4 Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Serves four. Each serving contains: 318 calories; 28 grams carbohydrate; 29 grams protein; 10 grams fat; 606 milligrams sodium; 2 grams ﬁ ber.

WWW.USAHC.COM 7 [ HEALTHY CHOICES ] Own a Small Business? Choosing Health Care Coverage

The number of health care plans available today can make choosing health care coverage a daunting task for the small business owner. Here are some points to ponder when investigating the options for insuring your employees.

A FOR A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, CHOOSING HEALTH Out-of-Pocket Costs Choice of Providers CARE COVERAGE CAN BE A DAUNTING TASK DUE TO THE The traditional indemnity (or fee-for- Managed care plans, such as HMOs and PPOs, number of health care plans available today. service) plans generally have higher usually have lists of providers—including Here are some key points to consider when out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles doctors, hospitals, and specialists—that investigating the options for insuring your and co-insurance, than managed care plans. members must adhere to. Members may then employees. In an indemnity plan, subscribers (employ- pay a set copayment, often between $5 and ees) usually pay a yearly deductible (for $15, for doctor visits. Some managed care Benefits example, $200) and, once this amount is met, plans, such as PPOs and POS plans, allow Decide which benefi ts are most important they must pay the portion of each bill that subscribers to see providers outside of their and make sure that the plan covers them. is not covered by the plan (usually about network, but at a higher out-of-pocket cost. These benefi ts might include cancer screen- 20 percent). If keeping out-of-pocket When considering a managed care plan, be ings, immunizations, prenatal care, care for a expenses low is a priority, an indemnity sure to look at the provider list to be certain preexisting condition, prescriptions, mental plan may not be the best choice. And some that there is a varied selection of providers to health care, home health care, physical indemnity plans do not cover preventive choose from and that they are in convenient therapy, nursing home care, dental exams, care, such as checkups, so they may not be locations. If members have chronic condi- substance abuse counseling, medical the best option if your employees need these tions, need specialized care, or live outside of equipment, or chiropractic care. services often. the network area, a managed care plan may not off er easy access to care.

Quality of Care Quality can be very subjective, but several organizations now attempt to measure the quality of care that health plans oﬀ er. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rates and evaluates managed care plans based on standards such as doctors’ credentials, preventive care, and eﬀ orts to continuously improve the quality of care. The NCQA’s Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS®)* helps health care purchasers compare managed health care plans. •

* HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

To learn more about quality assurance in health care coverage, visit www.ncqa.org.

8 TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FALL 2007 [ COVER STORY ] forPat Croce,

All! THE PHILADELPHIA EXERCISE GURU CHANGED HIS LIFE by changing the way he thinks—and he’s positive his plan will help you, too. read more A

2 TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FALL 2007 WWW.WWW.USAHCUSAHC.COM.COM 93 A PAT CROCE IS A MAN WITH AN ATTITUDE. life by changing the way you Philadelphia and an early stint as “In situation after situation,” THAT ATTITUDE MADE HIM A MILLIONAIRE, think about yourself. a hospital therapist, he built a he adds, “I was able to accom- put him on the cover of Inc. Mr. Croce’s high-octane blend $40 million chain of exercise plish personal goals because I magazine—and helped save his of self-improvement through centers (Sports Physical knew how to motivate myself. shattered leg after a brutal high- self-inspiration led Inc. to call Therapists) in 11 diff erent states. It wasn’t easy at times, but I way accident in the late 1990s. him “the Dale Carnegie of the Then he topped that feat a few gradually taught myself how The relentlessly upbeat Mr. 21st Century.” Success magazine years later, while soaring from to look in the mirror and say: Croce not only managed to over- concurred, while describing the 76ers’ training room, where ‘Croce, you are gonna meet all of come that setback, but then went the former president (and part he’d worked as a physical your challenges today, because on to build an entertainment- owner) of the Philadelphia 76ers therapist, to co-owner and you are a strong, thoughtful, and-business empire on the basketball franchise as the fi rst president of the chronically capable human being.’ strength of his positive thinking. American business executive to losing ball club. Within only fi ve “Now get yourself moving and And now he wants to give you have risen from “the training years, the attitude-is-everything get the job done!” some attitude as well. A highly room of a pro sports team to the chief exec led his team to the Mr. Croce’s strategy faced a regarded “life coach” with a boardroom.” 2001 NBA championship game ... harsh test a few years ago, when remarkable ability to motivate Pat Croce’s entrepreneurial even as attendance skyrocketed a motorcycle accident nearly cost people, this amiable entrepreneur credentials are for real. After a by 60 percent and the “Sixers” him a leg. On a rain-swept wants you to improve your working-class childhood on the became a beloved local icon. highway in June of 1999, a fellow health and get more out of your rough-and-tumble streets of How did Mr. Croce pull off cyclist lost control of his bike these amazing accomplishments? and ran over the well-known After barking out the one-word motivational speaker’s left leg, answer “Attitude!” he launches all but severing his foot. After the into a pep talk on the value of doctors sewed it back on, Mr. “developing a more positive Croce struggled through more attitude” as a key to better health than a year of therapy in order and more productivity. to walk again.

I think the lesson of my own life has “been the realization that your attitude has an enormous impact on your health and well-being.” “The medical research shows “It was raining pretty hard beyond a doubt that improving that day, and the guy on the your attitude about yourself other bike just skidded right usually pays signifi cant health through me,” he recalls. “I ended dividends,” says the best-selling up sitting in the middle of the author of I Feel Great and You highway, spinning around and Will Too! “But I don’t need to around on my butt. Then I look at the data to understand looked over on the ground in how important attitude is to front of me, and I spotted my mental health and physical well- boot. It had come off —and my being. Why? Because I’ve seen foot was still inside it!” the health-enhancing eff ects of He describes what followed as building a positive attitude in a “torturous journey” in which my own life. “despair was a frequent oppo-

10 TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FALL 2007 nent” as he fought to keep his analyst on The NBA On NBC. spirits up during months of Because he holds a coveted black painful therapy. “This was a belt in the Asian martial art of HEALTH challenge I hadn’t asked for,” he Tae Kwon Do, he was also a says with a laugh today, “but I natural choice to provide expert love challenges and I vowed that TV commentary on competition TIPS I would meet that one. in the sport during the 2004 “I remember one especially Summer Olympics. Later that FROM tough day, when I was lying on year he launched his own 5 a hospital bed feeling sorry for syndicated self-help TV show, “Life Coach” myself. But then the doctor Pat Croce: Moving In, in which arrived, and he examined my he lived with troubled families Pat Croce wounds carefully. He used a and helped them meet personal Doppler sound monitor to listen challenges by using his unique by focusing to the circulation in my repaired blend of positive thinking and [ 1 ] Pause briefl y each day and give yourself a positive message foot, and he said: ‘That sounds assertive self-actualization to on something you did well. Explains Pat Croce: “If you can start patting great—the blood fl ow is really overcome chronic problems and yourself on the back once a day, you’ll probably be amazed at how much kicking in good!’ And that was develop healthier, more reward- better—and healthier—you feel.” in which exactly what I needed to hear. ing lifestyles. [ 2 ] Keep a daily “Victory Journal” Talk about motivation! All at In recent years, the indefati- you list each day’s “tiny triumphs,” such as avoiding fatty foods or exercising. once I was back on track and gable Mr. Croce has rolled the [ 3 ] Commit to the “Four Hours A Week Rule”—Translation: Promise yourself doing everything I could to help dice on a seemingly endless series you’ll exercise vigorously for a total of four hours each week. Says Croce: “I speed up the healing process. of entrepreneurial enterprises, “For me, that injury was an including a joint venture with want you to spend half your exercise time on aerobic activity (jogging, brisk acid test,” he recalls, “because the billionaire real estate developer walking, swimming, racquetball, etc.) and the other half on strengthening road to recovery was long and Donald Trump to build a new activity (weight lifting, working out on exercise machines, etc.). Get that diffi cult, and my ideas about the gambling-oriented tourist importance of attitude were mecca on the site of an aban- fabulous body-machine moving, and you’ll probably fi nd you’ve got energy tested to the max. It wasn’t easy, doned industrial complex in to burn.” [ 4 ] Indulge yourself occasionally—then get back on track. “If you’ve but I learned the hard way that Philadelphia. had a bad day on the job and yearn for an ice cream sundae to fend off the the self-motivation philosophy Today Mr. Croce’s enterprises I’d been advocating for years are widespread and various, but ‘blues’—do it! Eat the ice cream and feel sorry for yourself. But then put an really does work in the clutch. the core of his business empire overnight expiration date on that self-pitying behavior. The next morning, “Today I’m more active than is still built around his huge gift remind yourself that your self-pity has expired—and start working on your I’ve ever been,” adds the 52-year- for motivating other people to old media celebrity and speech- improve their lives. These days, goals again!” [ 5 ] Accept the fact that you can’t change overnight. Whether maker, who recently served as he frequently earns $50,000 it’s your fi tness level or your overall health, “don’t overdo it,” warns the life one of the four judges on the for a single speech to corporate coach. “If you’re unrealistic, you will fail. All I’m suggesting is that you do the popular reality-TV show executives, during which he American Inventor. “I’m involved urges them to take inventory of little things to improve your life. Walk briskly for 40 minutes a day and eat in a host of new entertainment their attitudes about themselves, smaller portions at the ‘super-size’ restaurant. Achieve these ‘tiny triumphs’ and business ventures, including and then to change those one by one, and you’ll transform your life!” a couple of new books, several attitudes by becoming more new businesses—and even the positive and self-accepting. recent launch of my new Pirate “If I had to defi ne myself, I Soul Museum in Key West, Florida, guess I’d say that I’m a kick- which was the realization of a starter,” he says with a light- tic demands on them, either. been the realization that your lifelong dream.” hearted chuckle. “What I do is to I’m not asking anyone to run attitude has an enormous impact After leaving pro basketball in take people who are struggling in a marathon, because I’m a big on your health and well-being. 2001, the venturesome Mr. Croce a new direction and help them believer in the idea that ‘the “I love sharing that lesson decided to try his hand as a sports improve their lives; that’s my mission is moderation.’ with other people—and that’s commentator and soon nailed talent in life. But I don’t push “Still, in many ways, I think why I can’t wait to get into the down a high-profi le job as a color them too hard, or make unrealis- the lesson of my own life has offi ce each morning!” •

WWW.USAHC.COM 11 [ MENTAL HEALTH ] Understanding Anxiety Disorders

You may believe that nothing can help you. Or, you might fear what others may think. But most anxiety symptoms can be eased. Having an anxiety disorder is nothing to be ashamed of.

Common ANXIETY Disorders

• Panic disorder. This causes an intense fear of being in danger.

• Phobias. These are extreme fears of certain objects, places, or events.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder. This causes you to have unwanted thoughts. You also may perform certain actions over and over.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder. This occurs in people who have survived a terrible ordeal. It can cause nightmares and ﬂ ashbacks about the event.

• Generalized anxiety disorder. This causes constant worry that can greatly disrupt your life. Model used for illustrative purposes only.

A ALMOST EVERYONE GETS NERVOUS NOW AND THEN. IT’S no reason. And they tend to recur again and What Causes Anxiety Disorders? NORMAL TO HAVE KNOTS IN YOUR STOMACH BEFORE A again. They may prevent you from coping Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. For test, or for your heart to race on a ﬁ rst date. with life and cause you great distress. As a some people, childhood abuse or neglect may But an anxiety disorder is much more than a result, you may avoid anything that triggers play a role. Anxiety can cause low self-esteem case of nerves. In fact, its symptoms may be your fear. In extreme cases, you may even and poor coping skills. overwhelming. But treatment can relieve avoid ever leaving the house. You may believe that nothing can help you. many of these symptoms. Talking to your Anxiety disorders may cause other But most anxiety symptoms can be eased. doctor is the ﬁ rst step. symptoms,such as: Having an anxiety disorder is nothing to be • Obsessive thoughts you can’t control ashamed of. Most people do best with What Are Anxiety Disorders? • Constant nightmares or painful thoughts treatment that combines medication and An anxiety disorder causes intense feelings of of the past therapy. Although these aren’t cures, they panic and fear. These feelings may arise for • Nausea, sweating, and muscle tension can help you live a healthier life. •

12 TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FALL 2007 [ HEALTHY LIVING ] Anxiety Disorders Tied to Physical Illness

Having a physical illness may cause worry and anxiety. Having an anxiety disorder, on the other hand, may trigger biological changes that contribute to physical illness.

A ANXIETY DISORDERS ARE LINKED TO A NUMBER OF “The mechanisms of association between disorder and physical illness. PHYSICAL PROBLEMS, INCLUDING ARTHRITIS, MIGRAINE anxiety disorders and physical conditions “Although there have been increased eff orts headaches, respiratory disease, gastrointesti- remain unknown, although several possibili- to recognize and treat depression in the nal issues, allergies, and thyroid disease, a ties should be considered,” the study authors medically ill, our fi ndings underscore the new study fi nds. wrote in the October 23, 2006 issue of the need to create similar programs to recognize Experts have long recognized an associa- journal Archives of Internal Medicine. and treat anxiety disorders in the medically tion between depression and physical illness, For example, having a physical illness may ill,” the authors wrote. • while evidence of a link between anxiety and cause worry and anxiety that eventually physical health is more recent, according to becomes serious enough to qualify as an background information in the article. anxiety disorder. Having an anxiety disorder, Find out more about anxiety disorders In this study, Canadian researchers on the other hand, may trigger biological at the Anxiety Disorders Association analyzed data on nearly 4,200 people who changes that contribute to physical illness. Or of America, either through their took part in the German Health Survey a third condition, such as a substance abuse website at www.adaa.org or by phone between 1997 and 1999. Each participant disorder, could be linked with both anxiety at 240-485-1001. had a physical examination and fi lled out a questionnaire that asked about 44 specifi c health conditions. They also fi lled out a quality of life survey that measured factors such as physical functioning, pain, and general health. The participants also underwent psychiat- ric interviews designed to detect anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and agoraphobia (fear of being in a situation where anxiety or panic may occur and it may be diffi cult to escape from the situation).

Of the study participants, 8.4 percent had Model used for illustrative purposes only. had an anxiety disorder within the previous month and 60.8 percent had had a physical problem. The researchers found that having an anxiety disorder was associated with having some type of physical condition. Most people with both an anxiety disorder and a physical problem developed the anxiety disorder ﬁ rst and they tended to have a poorer quality of life than people with either an anxiety disorder or physical condition alone.

WWW.USAHC.COM 13 MEMBER Ric Hilliard— “Street PROFILE Sense” Saves $ and ¢

“Before I became a computer scientist, I was a rock guitarist for ﬁ ve years,” recalls the IT manager. “I like to think it gave me some ‘street sense’ that I still use today.”

A DURING MORE THAN 20 YEARS AS AN INFORMATION typical family budget!” prescriptions, eye care, groceries, auto TECHNOLOGY MANAGER FOR SEVERAL CORPORATIONS, Armed with both a bachelor (of science) expenses, hotels, entertainment, travel, you computer expert Ric Hilliard has learned a degree in Business Administration and an name it. And the savings are substantial— great deal about the importance of staying advanced degree in Computer Science, sometimes 50 percent or more. within his budget. Hilliard spends lots of time analyzing ways to “Just the other day, I saved $222 on a pair “In many ways, running a successful IT keep costs down at NHIC, which provides of prescription sunglasses, thanks to my Department depends on how well you manage health insurance for self-employed workers USA+ membership. And there was no charge your fi nancial resources,” says the 54-year-old and small businesses. at all for the eye exam I received before Hilliard, today the Chief Information Offi cer But the tech-smart Hilliard is also an getting the glasses, thanks to USA+. for the Texas-based National Health Insurance astute manager of his own family budget . . . “That’s $322 in eye care bills I didn’t have Company (NHIC). which is why he’s pleased to be “saving so to pay, and it’s also a great example of why “As the manager of 18 busy communications much money, so often” as a longtime member joining USA+ was a real no-brainer for me staff ers and several million dollars’ worth of of the United Service Association for Health and my family.” high-tech computer equipment, I know the Care (USA+). Describing the cash savings he often value of saving a buck whenever I can,” adds “After more than 10 years with USA+, achieves with USA+, Hilliard says that Hilliard. “At the end of the day, such savings I’m still amazed by the frequent savings,” signing on with the association was “simply can really add up—whether we’re talking explains the computer guru. “USA+ mem- a matter of common sense.” about a corporation’s balance sheet or a bership allows us to slash costs on medical “Before I became a computer scientist, I was a rock guitarist for fi ve years,” recalls the IT manager with a nostalgic chuckle. “I spent a lot of time out on the road, playing nightly gigs. The plan was that we were all gonna become rock stars! That didn’t happen, of course, but it was still a great experience— and I like to think it gave me some ‘street sense’ that I still use today.” For Ric Hilliard, that “street sense” paid off recently when his wife Sunshine blew “after more than 10 years a tire while zipping along a Texas with USA+, I’m Still Amazed freeway near their Dallas-area home. by the frequent savings.” “Thanks to the USA+ Auto Club program, all Sunshine had to do was call a nearby repair truck, and she was back on the road immediately,” he says. “She made her appointment without a problem, and when I looked at the bill later, it said ‘Total Charge: $0.00—USA+!’ “Now, that’s the kind of bill I don’t mind getting!” •

14 TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FALL 2007 [ HEALTHY LIVING ] Teach Your Teen to Be a Good Driver

Be a good driver yourself. Because teens usually learn to drive from their parents, be sure you’re teaching them good technical driving skills, respect for other drivers, and good judgment.

A TEEN DRIVERS HAVE THE HIGHEST ACCIDENT AND FATALITY RATES OF ANY AGE GROUP. If you’re the parent of a young driver, you can help protect your child by learning about the problem and taking steps to decrease your child’s risk of dying in a car crash.

Increased Risk Teens face an increased risk of car accidents for many reasons, including: • Lack of experience and judgment (According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 16-year-old drivers are five times more likely to have an accident than 18-year-old drivers.) • Overestimating their driving abilities • Speeding and driving too fast for traffic and weather conditions • Drinking and driving • Not wearing a seat belt • Inattention, often caused by other young people in the car (With two or more passengers, the fatal crash risk for 16- to 19-year-old drivers is more than five times greater than it is when they’re driving alone, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.) 15- to 20-minute sessions and gradually nance. Teens who contribute are more • Doing a lot of night driving increase the time to an hour. Give positive likely to drive responsibly. feedback. Give specific instructions. • Minimize the child’s distractions. Don’t Steps To Take • Set a curfew time for night driving. More let a teen drive while using a cell phone, • Make sure you and your child wear seat than 60 percent of teen motor-vehicle eating, or playing loud music. belts at all times. In 1997, 70 percent of deaths occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. • Choose your child’s car with care. Avoid 15- to 20-year-olds who died in vehicle • Have the child take a defensive-driving sports cars with performance images, as crashes weren’t wearing seat belts. course. Such classes go beyond basic well as small or older cars that offer little • Set a zero-tolerance rule about drinking “Driver’s Ed” and provide invaluable crash protection. Instead, look for a mid- and driving, with strict punishments skills. size or full-size vehicle with a sedate attached. • Be a good driver yourself. Because teens image. • • Give your child lots of time to practice. usually learn to drive from their parents, Once your child has a learning permit, be sure you’re teaching them good techni- drive with the child as often as you can cal driving skills, respect for other drivers, For further information, speak to your and in all possible driving conditions. and good judgment. car insurance agent and visit the website • Before setting out, plan the route and • Have your teen pay for some or all of the for the National Highway Traffic Safety discuss it with your teen. Begin with insurance, car payment, gas, and mainte- Administration at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

WWW.USAHC.COM 15 [ DRUG HEALTH ] Most Americans Don’t Understand Acetaminophen Dangers

Excessive use of acetaminophen can lead to severe liver damage, liver transplant, even death. Acetaminophen overdose is now the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States.

A MOST AMERICANS ARE NOT AWARE OF THE DANGERS While a large percentage of the respondents Michigan, these ﬁ ndings emphasize the need ASSOCIATED WITH THE POPULAR PRESCRIPTION AND reported using acetaminophen in the past six for better patient education. “The commu- over-the-counter pain reliever acetamino- months, almost none could identify the nity pharmacist is in an ideal position to phen, U.S. researchers report. maximum dose of either regular or extra- provide education on the safe use of acet- Acetaminophen is found in Tylenol, many strength preparations of the drug. aminophen whenever an acetaminophen- combination pain and cold medications, and More than 60 percent of the patients containing prescription product is dispensed,” a number of prescription drugs, including stated that they had never received or she said in a prepared statement. Vicodin, Darvocet, Tylox, Percocet and Lorcet. weren’t sure they had received information It is important to read non-prescription Excessive use of acetaminophen, whether about the possible dangers of high doses of drug labels carefully and be aware of the it be a large single dose or long-term overuse, acetaminophen. potential hazards of overdosing on a can lead to severe liver damage that may Over half of the respondents were unsure medication. Patients should be aware of require a liver transplant or cause death. In what problems might arise as a result of which medications contain acetaminophen fact, acetaminophen overdose is now the acetaminophen overdosing, and just 43 and avoid taking multiple acetaminophen- most common cause of acute liver failure in percent correctly responded that liver containing products together. • the United States. damage could be a consequence of acetamin- This study, which appears in the January/ ophen overdosing. The survey respondents February issue of the Journal of the American also had trouble identifying which medica- For more information about chronic Pharmacists Association, surveyed 104 patients tions contain acetaminophen. pain medicines, visit the website of the who were visiting a general internal medicine According to the study’s co-author Janice American Academy of Family Physicians clinic in the University of Michigan Health Stumpf, a clinical associate professor in the at www.aafp.org. System. College of Pharmacy at the University of

More Teens Abusing PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

American teens are cutting back on marijuana, but Teens are also abusing anti-anxiety drugs like their abuse of prescription drugs in recent years is Xanax and stimulants like Adderall, perceiving such on the rise. According to the White House Ofﬁ ce of drugs to be safer than street drugs. They’re also Model used for illustrative purposes only. National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), from 2002 to easier to obtain—over the Internet, from friends, 2005 rates of marijuana use declined from 30.1 even from household medicine cabinets! percent to 25.8 percent, and use of the prescription Adults need to keep track of their prescription painkillers OxyContin and Vicodin increased from drugs, and dispose of them properly upon expiration. 2.7 percent to 3.5 percent and from 6 percent to Visit the ONDCP website at www.whitehousedrug- 6.3 percent, respectively. policy.gov or call 800-666-3332.

16 TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FALL 2007 [ HEALTHY LIVING ] Get the Most From Your Doctor Visits

Your time is just as valuable as your doctor’s. To avoid wasting precious time, be prepared for every visit—before, during, and after. Above all, don’t be shy of asking questions.

A A TYPICAL DOCTOR’S OFFICE VISIT LASTS ABOUT 10 MINUTES. THAT GIVES YOUR DOCTOR PRECIOUS LITTLE time to talk to you about your health problem, examine you, make a diagnosis, then suggest a treatment plan. To avoid wasting valuable time, be prepared for every doctor visit, using the following pointers.

Before the Appointment • Identify your symptoms. Before your visit, review your symptoms and put them in chronological order. Writing them down may help you give a more thorough description of your illness. Be prepared to answer these questions: — What are your symptoms? — When did they begin? — Which medications were you taking when the problem started? — Which medications are you taking now? • If you’re dealing with pain, consider describing it with a formula doctors refer to as QRST, which is outlined as follows: — Quality: How severe it is, and if it’s dull, radiating, throbbing, or sharp? — Region: Where does it hurt? — Scale: How does it rate from 1 to 10 in concerns in a logical fashion. Relate any After the Appointment intensity? relevant past medical history and provide • Follow your doctor’s orders. — Timing: Does it occur at certain times, copies of lab reports, X-rays, or other tests • Tell your physician about adverse side and how frequently during the day or if you have them. effects to your medication or if your con- night? • Don’t request a particular medication just dition doesn’t improve or gets worse. • Obtain relevant medical records if you’re because a friend takes it. Let your doctor • Take medications as directed. Follow drug changing doctors or seeing a specialist. determine the right medications for you. dosages precisely. Taking more of a medi- Call your previous doctor and request that • Advise the doctor if you’re allergic to any cation than prescribed could be dangerous; copies of your records and lab and X-ray drugs. taking less could delay recovery. reports be sent directly to the new doctor. • Ask questions. Your doctor should fully • Finally, make any lifestyle changes your • Prepare a list of the drugs you take and explain your problem and discuss the pros doctor recommends, such as stopping note your dosages. and cons of the proposed treatments in smoking, improving your diet, and/or simple terms. Don’t leave the doctor’s exercising regularly. Doing so can improve At the Doctor’s office until you understand your condition your immunity and your body’s ability to • Get to the point. Explain why you’re there and the risks and benefits of your treat- heal itself. • by relating your present symptoms and ment options.

WWW.USAHC.COM 17 [ HEALTHY AMERICA ] USA+ Promotes SCHIP Renewal

currently, over 45 million Americans lack health insurance; 9 million of them are children. This year, Congress could reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.

A UNITED SERVICE ASSOCIATION FOR HEALTH CARE 9 million of them are children. Ten years ago, nationwide mobilization by: (USA+) IS A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION CHARTERED IN Congress created the State Children’s Health • Submitting an editorial comment or a letter Washington, D.C., in 1983. In November of 1987, Insurance Program (SCHIP) to cover kids to your local newspaper the USA+ Membership program became one of whose parents work but can’t aff ord health • Attending—or organizing—a press event the fi rst group association Benefi t Programs set insurance on their own. As a result, millions with state officials to demonstrate broad up to provide small business owners, their of children can now see a doctor when they support for covering more of America’s families, and their employees with a quality are sick to get the care they need to stay uninsured children. benefi ts package previously available only to healthy. But there are 9 million more • Organizing Back-to-School activities to employees of large corporations. children—more than the total number of kids enroll eligible kids in SCHIP and Medicaid. USA+ is committed to the promotion of enrolled in the fi rst and second grades in U.S. • Telling people you know who have unin- equal access to health care for all citizens of public schools—still living without health sured children to call 877-KIDS-NOW the United States, more specifi cally, for coverage. This year, Congress must reauth- (877-543-7669) to find out if their kids members of our association. We stay abreast orize SCHIP for it to continue. Congress has are eligible for low-cost or free health of legislation proposed by state regulators the opportunity to cover millions more un- coverage through SCHIP or Medicaid. that may have adverse or favorable impact on insured kids, so they get the care they need. At times, you may be called upon to contact our membership population. When necessary, Eff orts are under way to plan activities to your state representatives in order to ensure we contact regulators so as to have an oppor- demonstrate broad support for the reauth- that your voice is heard. Please feel free to tunity to convey the views of ourmembers. orization of SCHIP and help enroll eligible contact us, at 800-USA-1187 (800-872-1187), There are currently over 45 million children in SCHIP and Medicaid. As part for more information. Together, we can make Americans without health insurance, and of this eff ort, we hope you will join this a diff erence. • Child Health Insurance Programs Pay Off

A GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED HEALTH INSURANCE FOR needed care within the previous year. That LOW-INCOME CHILDREN BOOSTS THEIR ACCESS TO CARE rate dropped to 7 percent by the second year. and improves their quality of life, a new “Having an insurance card makes it easier study ﬁ nds. Reporting in the September 2006 to get care when you need it, and getting that issue of Pediatrics, researchers at the Rand care makes you feel better,” said study author Corp. studied more than 3,400 California Michael Seid, a Rand psychologist. children, ages 2 to 16, newly enrolled in the “We as a society have invested a lot of state’s public health insurance program. money to provide insurance to kids, and there They found the children reported real is still doubt about whether the money is improvements, such as feeling better phys- well-spent,” Seid commented. “This shows ically, getting along better with their peers, the public and policymakers that the money and doing better in school. is making a diﬀ erence in kids’ lives.” • Enrollment in the program also led to a sharp decline in the number of children who went without needed health care. At the start The U.S. Department of Health and Human of enrollment, about 16 percent of parents Services has more about children’s health reported that their children had gone without insurance at: www.insurekidsnow.gov.

18 TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS FALL 2007 [ WHOLE HEALTH ] Yoga—Good for What Ails You

While the source of yoga’s therapeutic action remains largely a mystery, the successful practice of yoga gets to the core of what experts contend contributes signiﬁ cantly to 80 percent or more of all diseases—stress.

A YOGA WAS ORIGINALLY A MEANS OF PURSUING has proven critical in enabling many increase fl exibility and balance, and promote PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION AND SPIRITUAL individuals to manage their pain more relaxation and meditation to calm the mind. development. Today it is interpreted more eff ectively, maintain or improve their ability Keep in mind, however, that whatever type broadly to mean a nurturing of the union to move about, and actually slow the of yoga you practice, it alone is not a cure for between mind, body, and spirit. It’s primarily progression of joint damage. The benefi ts are a medical condition. • the physical benefi ts of this ancient practice most likely due to the careful and deliberate that have caught the public’s attention. stretching and the relaxing of the mind that And, in just the last decade, Americans have yoga practice involves. With your USA+ Membership, you have increasingly turned to yoga in growing Neuromuscular disorders such as multiple access to a national network of yoga numbers, choosing it as their preferred sclerosis (MS) also have been shown to instructors, other exercise method of exercise. In fact, yoga is now a benefi t from the increased muscle awareness, specialists, and more, at “hot” fi tness trend and yoga classes are the strengthening, and stress reduction that yoga discounts of from 10 to most popular feature at many health and provides. A sense of control over pain can be 30 percent! To learn more fi tness clubs nationwide. attained with the deep, relaxing yoga breath, about the program, contact Beyond its potential to get the body fi t, yoga a technique that can be done at any time USA+ at 800-872-1187. also has a role to play in getting and keeping it when movement seems daunting. well. Evidence of the long-standing inquiry Studies are showing that cardiovascular into yoga’s healing powers can be found in the disease (CVD), which is a leading cause of countless studies published in Indian medical death among Americans, can be very literature or, more recently, in international eff ectively approached with yoga— medical journals. Many address the power of especially when it’s combined with yoga to control blood pressure, heart rate, an overall lifestyle change that respiratory function, skin resistance, and even includes adopting a nutritious body temperature. diet and getting regular exercise. While much of the source of yoga’s therapeutic action remains a mystery, there are some sound indicators as to why it helps in healing. Perhaps most important, the Yoga probably works by reducing many of successful practice of yoga gets to the core of the risk factors for CVD, such as being what experts contend contributes signifi cantly overweight and having elevated blood to 80 percent or more of all diseases—namely, pressure or cholesterol levels. stress. By turning off stress and activating the Many published studies have shown that relaxation response, yoga deactivates the regular yoga practice that involves breath- body’s fi ght-or-fl ight response, allowing control exercises in people with asthma can healing mechanisms to become engaged. signifi cantly improve lung capacity, lessen Numerous studies also indicate that the medication use, increase exercise tolerance, and practice of yoga helps in healing by promoting reduce the frequency of acute asthma attacks. the drainage of lymph in the body (the lymph Gentler than the intensely physical yoga system carries a fl uid made up of infection- off ered at most health clubs, therapeutic yoga fi ghting white blood cells and waste products). typically doesn’t cause sweat to pour off the Studies have shown yoga to be especially body. Instead, its aim is to gently increase helpful for arthritis and other musculoskel- lung capacity, improve strength and balance, etal disorders, such as low back pain. Yoga broaden and maintain range of motion,

WWW.USAHC.COM 19 USA+ Introduces

Attention: Homeowners and Renters! USA+ Introduces an Affordable Way for You to Save Time and Money on All Your Home Maintenance, Repairs, Appliances, and Home Protection Needs!

A EVERY HOME NEEDS MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS. NO • Up to a 30 percent savings with our Appliance MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE, IN A HOME OR AN APART- Discount Buying Service ment, it is most certain that something is In addition to these great savings on going to break down, wear out, get clogged, home maintenance and repairs, as a Home or need repainting, rebuilding, or fi xing. Solutions Member you also get Home Owner You’ll always need routine or scheduled and Rent Protection Benefi ts, which include: maintenance for the life of your home. As • Up to $1,000 home-owner deductible a home owner, you know how repair and reimbursement maintenance expenses can quickly add up— • Up to $1,000 emergency cash hidden costs that can take you by surprise • Up to $1,000 rent or mortgage and ruin your budget. reimbursement for up to 6 months Most people don’t know who to call or who • Up to $1,000 emergency lodging to trust to fi nd dependable and aff ordable coverage expenses contractors for plumbing, carpentry, heating As a Home Solutions Member you will and air conditioning, landscaping, or even also get a Warranty Registration Service, which Christmas light installation. You never know provides a single, central registration service what you’re going to get by searching on the that allows you to quickly access key Internet or calling ads in the newspaper and information about all your warranties Yellow Pages. So how do you know who to and the coverage they provide. call or who to trust? So, as a Home Solutions Member you get: • The Tradesman Referral Program The Home Solutions Membership Is the Answer • The National Home Repair and With just one phone call or click of the Maintenance Discount Network of coverage, including eligibility require- mouse, you’ll have access to the following • The Appliance Discount Buying Service ments, exclusions and limitations, will be benefi ts: • The Home Owner and Rent Protection included in the Membership Handbook. • Tradesmen Referral Program that includes over Benefits Certain terms and conditions apply. • 50,000 pre-screened, qualified profession- • The Warranty Registration Service als and a service guarantee of $1,000 You get all fi ve benefi ts for just $29.95 • National Home Repair and Maintenance Discount Network a month, plus a one-time $30 setup fee. Call today to enroll! Or get more informa- with labor discounts of up to 15 percent and a This is only a brief description of the plan. tion about the Home Solutions Membership 90-day service guarantee Complete details of the terms and conditions by calling USA+ today at 800-USA-1187.

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage 1901 N. Highway 360, #101 PAID total United Service Grand Prairie, TX 75050 Association For www.usahc.com Health Care HHEALTHEA&LwellnessTH

Articles in this magazine are written by professional journalists or physicians who strive to present reliable, up-to-date health information. Our articles are reviewed by medical professionals for accuracy and appropriateness. No magazine, however, can replace the care and advice of medical professionals, and read- ers are cautioned to seek such help for personal problems.

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