Health Care Reform. The Other Side

Health Care Reform. The Other Side

Health care reform is a hotly debated topic, no matter what your views are. It seems that partly everyone can come up with positive as well as negative things to opine about it and although a vote on a carton is impending no one has actually seen the entire bill, not even our representatives that will approve or reject it.
The Public Option
One of the main objections that has arisen is that the federal government will mar competition among insurance companies. The Public Option, which is what they are calling government provided health insurance, could be offered at homologous a unbiased price that even people who ad hoc have insurance might want to be in that program. This would theoretically damage the independent insurance industry. This would also outcome in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs for the people that maintain the support and hub of insurance companies as well as the salespersons that sell it.
Fines for not having health insurance are a big part of the box. Reasoning that one of the biggest drains on our current health care system is people who are uninsured, employers and individuals would be fined or deviating penalized for not offering or buying insurance. Unbefitting this provision employers might stop offering health care for the fines are less than the cost of employees’ premiums. Else, healthy boylike adults who don’t want health insurance would save money by paying the fine and forgoing the insurance. This presents the obstacle of not having enough healthy people paying into the system to resources the care of others who need it.
Legislative Reform?
But the biggest remonstration of all is that of dearth of competition. There are high-priced financial experts who maintain that bygone insurance laws are what is ruining the health care system. At the under consideration time a person cannot achieve a health care insurance policy from a company that does not administer in his or her state. Therefrom, competition is lilliputian and so are a consumer’s options. Doing away with this single law could go a long way propitious fixing what’s ungrounded with the system of health care insurance we now how in the United States.
Less Government Concern, Better Insurance?
Then there is a very oral segment of the population and their representatives that maintain government involvement rings a death knell for any program. They cite the almost stone broke Social Security, Post Office and Medicare systems as examples of national mismanagement of funds. There has modern been billions spent on studying the health care dispute, creating and gloomy proposals, bribes in the articulation of Medicaid allocations and more in an trial to get some clement of legislation passed. Detractors orate that’s just a taste of things to come while other maintain that getting a bill passed, even if it’s a bad one, is a start toward good health care for all.

Seven Problems With Cfls, And Other Energy Efficient Light Bulb Alternatives

Seven Problems With Cfls, And Other Energy Efficient Light Bulb Alternatives

Compact shining lamps ( CFLs ) are the light bulb of choice for saving energy and money on utilities. No one doubts that CFLs use three or four times less energy than prevalent bulbs, and many people have significantly reduced their electric bills by switching to them.
But there are seven situations where CFLs might not be the best option.
1. CFLs Could INCREASE Mercury Emissions
One of the biggest reasons to buy CFLs is that by using less energy, they reduce mercury emissions from virtue plants. However, CFLs contain small amounts of mercury, a highly toxic poison.
By law, used CFLs must either be recycled or taken to an approved hazardous waste disposal site. Unfortunately, about three out of four CFLs still end up in landfills.
One report by Yale University researchers nailed down that, depending on where you live, CFLs may actually increase the total amount of mercury released into the environment. Now qualification plants use different fuel sources, locations with detergent fuels could release less mercury. Meanwhile, in places with few recycling options, mercury leaked into the soil and water from CFLs tossed into landfills could actually prompt the amount saved by using less endowment.
Many hardware stores and local disposal sites now accept CFLs for recycling, and some companies sell pre - paid shipping boxes addressed to recycling plants.
2. CFLs Could Endanger Small Children
Although the amount of mercury in a CFL is much less than that in a can of tuna, the U. S. EPA recommends smashing steps to follow for cleanup. These steps accommodate airing out the room for 15 comic book, putting all filth and cleaning materials into a sealed container, and avoiding brooms or vacuum cleaners, which might stir mercury into the air.
In addition, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends disposing of the carpet, rug or bedspread on which a CFL cut. It also suggests that CFLs might not be opportune in quarters used by infants, small children or pregnant women, who are more susceptible to mercury poisoning.
3. CFLs Don’t Dim
Many homes contain dimmer switches, which save energy by reducing the amount of efficacy needed for lighting. But most CFLs do not work on dimmers, and using them may actually damage this lenient of stud.
Some CFLs are made to work on dimmer switches, but they are more treasured and they don ' t dim smoothly.
4. CFLs Can’t Stand the Cold
CFLs don ' t work well in cold weather. They take a long time to heated up to full potential in garages, porches and outdoor light fixtures. CFLs are often labeled with their lowest operating temperature, and some are made especially for cold locations.
CFLs may save less energy in cold climates whereas they don ' t produce heat. According to a study by the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology, houses with only five CFLs replacing incandescent bulbs will have an increase in energy costs for heating. Although they do have a positive effect on total energy use throughout the year, lighting savings with CFLs are reduced through of the extra amount of capability needed for heating.
5. CFLs Don ' t Gun Natural
Fluorescent lights normally give off woebegone - tinted “cool” light, while incandescent bulbs give off a colourless “warm” light. Some people may not homologous the pantry feel of CFL bulbs, but manufacturers now offer CFLs in a range of colors from summery to cool.
CFLs also don ' t show objects in their true colors. Light bulbs are graded by their color - reading register ( CRI ), with a grade of 100 being the color an article appears in daylight. Incandescent bulbs have a CRI near 100, but CFLs are oftentimes graded around 85.
6. CFLs Can Produce Skin Problems
All CFLs give off some ultraviolet light. Even healthy people should avoid too much exposure to UV, but for those who are photo - averse, cognate as Lupus patients, it can produce a severe skin reckless.
To prevent comparable problems, the U. K. Health Protection Agency recommends using only CFLs with an more layer of glass shade the twisty tubes inside. Individual, the study recommends not using CFL bulbs in recital lamps or other light fixtures any closer than one termination away for more than one stab.
7. CFLs Give Off EMFs
Like cell phones and laptops, CFLs give off vitalizing and go-ahead fields ( EMFs ). Many studies have been done on the health effects of EMFs, and most report that the levels obsessed off by electronics, wireless networks and skill wares are safe.
No research has shown that EMFs from CFLs have an adverse impact on the majority of people. However, Professor Magda Havas, of Trent University in Toronto, connects CFLs with migraine headaches, burning eyes, digestive problems, heart palpitations, unaffected system problems, diabetes and even multiple sclerosis.
These symptoms, called Electrical Hypersensitivity ( EHS ), may affect about three percent of the population.
Alternatives to CFLs
In situations where CFLs don ' t make sense, there are alternatives. Although still collectible, light - emitting diode ( LED ) bulbs can be form in some standard bulb shapes. LED bulbs don ' t yet give off much light, but manufacturers are hard at work to improve their brightness.
LED bulbs contain no mercury and they are about as efficient as CFLs. They have the lurking to become even more efficient as LED technology improves.
Energy Saver Halogen Bulbs
Some manufacturers are marketing energy saver halogen bulbs, which are about 25 to 30 percent more efficient than standard bulbs. Halogen technology is an more select myth of incandescent lighting.
Halogen bulbs cost more than regular bulbs but they last longer. They need to be handled more carefully considering they get very hot, and they should not be used if the external glass coating is rueful.
Energy saver halogen bulbs give off a bright, fine light. They are fully dimmable, contain no mercury, don ' t flicker and don ' t give off EMFs.
Substituting a 40 - watt energy saver halogen bulb for a 60 - watt incandescent bulb gives the twin amount of light for one - third less energy. Energy saver halogen bulbs would be a good alternative to CFLs, at elementary until LED technology improves.

Seven Problems With Cfls, And Other Energy Efficient Light Bulb Alternatives

Seven Problems With Cfls, And Other Energy Efficient Light Bulb Alternatives

Compact well-lit lamps ( CFLs ) are the light bulb of choice for saving energy and money on utilities. No one doubts that CFLs use three or four times less energy than typic bulbs, and many people have significantly reduced their electric bills by switching to them.
But there are seven situations where CFLs might not be the best option.
1. CFLs Could INCREASE Mercury Emissions
One of the biggest reasons to buy CFLs is that by using less energy, they reduce mercury emissions from dynamism plants. However, CFLs contain small amounts of mercury, a highly toxic poison.
By law, used CFLs must either be recycled or taken to an approved hazardous waste disposal site. Unfortunately, about three out of four CFLs still end up in landfills.
One report by Yale University researchers wound up that, depending on where you live, CFLs may actually increase the total amount of mercury released into the environment. As power plants use different fuel sources, locations with abstergent fuels could release less mercury. Meanwhile, in places with few recycling options, mercury leaked into the soil and water from CFLs tossed into landfills could actually front the amount saved by using less potential.
Many hardware stores and local disposal sites now accept CFLs for recycling, and some companies sell pre - paid shipping boxes addressed to recycling plants.
2. CFLs Could Endanger Small Children
Although the amount of mercury in a CFL is much less than that in a can of tuna, the U. S. EPA recommends specific steps to follow for cleanup. These steps insert airing out the room for 15 chronology, putting all garbage and cleaning materials into a sealed container, and avoiding brooms or vacuum cleaners, which might stir mercury into the air.
In addition, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends disposing of the carpet, rug or bedspread on which a CFL break. It also suggests that CFLs might not be opportune in lodgings used by infants, small children or pregnant women, who are more susceptible to mercury poisoning.
3. CFLs Don’t Dim
Many homes contain dimmer switches, which save energy by reducing the amount of virtue needed for lighting. But most CFLs do not work on dimmers, and using them may actually damage this sympathetic of protuberance.
Some CFLs are made to work on dimmer switches, but they are more relevant and they don ' t dim smoothly.
4. CFLs Can’t Stand the Cold
CFLs don ' t work well in cold weather. They take a long time to perspiring up to full effectiveness in garages, porches and outdoor light fixtures. CFLs are often labeled with their lowest operating temperature, and some are made especially for cold locations.
CFLs may save less energy in cold climates through they don ' t produce heat. According to a study by the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology, houses with only five CFLs replacing incandescent bulbs will have an increase in energy costs for heating. Although they do have a positive effect on total energy use throughout the year, lighting savings with CFLs are reduced since of the extra amount of faculty needed for heating.
5. CFLs Don ' t Survey Natural
Fluorescent lights normally give off melancholy - tinted “cool” light, while incandescent bulbs give off a pale “warm” light. Some people may not equivalent the storeroom taction of CFL bulbs, but manufacturers now offer CFLs in a radius of colors from broiling to cool.
CFLs also don ' t show objects in their true colors. Light bulbs are graded by their color - enumeration inventory ( CRI ), with a grade of 100 being the color an entity appears in daylight. Incandescent bulbs have a CRI near 100, but CFLs are ofttimes graded around 85.
6. CFLs Can Cause Skin Problems
All CFLs give off some ultraviolet light. Even healthy people should avoid too much exposure to UV, but for those who are photo - averse, akin as Lupus patients, it can generate a severe skin adventurous.
To prevent corresponding problems, the U. K. Health Protection Agency recommends using only CFLs with an deeper layer of glass tarpaulin the twisty tubes inside. Discrepant, the study recommends not using CFL bulbs in rendering lamps or other light fixtures any closer than one extreme away for more than one opening.
7. CFLs Give Off EMFs
Like cell phones and laptops, CFLs give off energetic and vigorous fields ( EMFs ). Many studies have been done on the health effects of EMFs, and most report that the levels liable off by electronics, wireless networks and aptitude merchandise are safe.
No research has shown that EMFs from CFLs have an adverse impact on the majority of people. However, Professor Magda Havas, of Trent University in Toronto, connects CFLs with migraine headaches, burning eyes, digestive problems, heart palpitations, proof system problems, diabetes and even multiple sclerosis.
These symptoms, called Electrical Hypersensitivity ( EHS ), may affect about three percent of the population.
Alternatives to CFLs
In situations where CFLs don ' t make sense, there are alternatives. Although still treasured, light - emitting diode ( LED ) bulbs can be start up in some standard bulb shapes. LED bulbs don ' t yet give off much light, but manufacturers are oppressive at work to improve their brightness.
LED bulbs contain no mercury and they are about as efficient as CFLs. They have the unrealized to become even more efficient as LED technology improves.
Energy Saver Halogen Bulbs
Some manufacturers are marketing energy saver halogen bulbs, which are about 25 to 30 percent more efficient than standard bulbs. Halogen technology is an choice epic of incandescent lighting.
Halogen bulbs cost more than regular bulbs but they last longer. They need to be handled more carefully due to they get very hot, and they should not be used if the outward glass coating is put away.
Energy saver halogen bulbs give off a bright, clear light. They are fully dimmable, contain no mercury, don ' t flicker and don ' t give off EMFs.
Substituting a 40 - watt energy saver halogen bulb for a 60 - watt incandescent bulb gives the twin amount of light for one - third less energy. Energy saver halogen bulbs would be a good alternative to CFLs, at original until LED technology improves.

Health Insurance For Truck Drivers And Other Health Care Options

Health Insurance For Truck Drivers And Other Health Care Options

It is very important that commercial truck drivers have some type of medical care plan due to the high degree of illnesses and injuries that they sustain. Most commercial truck drivers health is not the best and could be more useful through better food choices. Typically, many truckers diets consist of far too many touchy food choices. High blood pressure, diabetes and obesity are a few of the conditions which require regular medical treatment. Accidents, injuries, heart attacks and distinction, and other injuries are just a few of the serious conditions which would require drivers to scout emergency room care. Health care plans notice based on whether they furnish regular health insurance or major medical health insurance.

Regular health insurance covers basic routine procedures. This includes regular exams and routine illnesses. This also includes colds, flu shots, vaccinations, ear infections, minor injuries, etc. It does not bear coverage for serious health problems.

Major medical health insurance is for serious health concerns. This covers serious illnesses compatible as cancer, heart disease, fame, accidents, etc. No one can never predict when a medical emergency will materialize as one could materialize anywhere, and anytime to anyone. Serious medical problems matching as these are very worthwhile and could financially devastate those who dont have insurance coverage.

Major medical plans are often lured in combination with a comprehensive health plan that covers preventive care. One can be used to cover basic health care expenses coextensive as routine doctor visits akin as infections, colds, flu, minor injuries, etc. The other can be used to cover useful emergency room visits and the treatment of serious diseases and long - term illnesses.

Many commercial truck drivers, especially independent operators dont have any health insurance plan. Fortunately, a new plan offered by Ooida can help by offering a basic health care plan. Ooida has introduced a plan called My Community Care. This is not an insurance plan but somewhat a membership program which provides medical care for injuries or illnesses as well as preventive health and wellness services. This does not cover life - threatening conditions or serious injuries. This health plan is available to truck drivers and their families.

This is a membership based program so those roused drivers must mate Ooida and can do so for a very nominal price. New members have 60 days from the effective date of their membership to soak up in the My Community Care Program. The open enrollment for the My Community Care program for current members has been extended until May 31, 2012. The cost for this program is $89. 00 per month. That is your only cost for most services. All visits to the center for you and your family are provided at no further cost. Infants are eligible once they span six months of age. Adult children are covered through the age of 26. There are no exclusions for pre - existing conditions. There are no deductibles or co - pays at the direct health care centers. This is naturally a very affordable option for many drivers.

Services number infection, injuries, preventive care and urgent care. Preventive and general health services are also included. Additional services offered are mouth-to-mouth - gleam and imaging services, vaccinations, colds, flu, sprains, back pain, urinary throne infections, subordinate burns, sinus infections, bronchitis and annual work, school, sports and Dab physicals. Imperceptible lab work is provided at no cost.

Ooida has held with over 1, 300 direct health care centers throughout the United States to prepare this service. One of the centers is Concentra Medical Center. Many truck drivers are instant intimate with Concentra since it is a hamlet where so many drivers get their Mark live. Services at these direct health care centers are available at no further cost. A nationwide network of over 17, 000 providers has been at fault for further services relating chiropractic and sensible therapy. These services are available to members at a 25 % to 30 % discount. Discounts are available on eyewear including contact lenses, prescription drugs, dental care and diabetic care supplies. Discounts are also available for MRI and CT scans. Additional services implicate a 24 hour nurse - doctors hotline. Not all services are available at all locations.

All commercial truck drivers that are Ooida members are eligible to sign up for this program. Many uninsured drivers and their families have postponed or gone without basic medical care even when ill due to a shortage of funds. With this plan all of them could gain basic health care when needed. Although, this is not an insurance program it is a program which drivers can access and have some calmness of mind knowing that they and their family members can get basic health care at a very nominal cost.