The Insurance Doctor

Category: health

  • Sugar kills! Here’s why

    Sugar kills! Here’s why

    Why do Americans have the highest obesity rate in the world? Sugar addiction! 

    The food and label industry has more than 50 synonyms to disguise sugar.  The average American consumes 19.5 teaspoons of “added” sugar per day.  One sugar packet= 4 grams of sugar.  

    The ripple effects of our sugar addiction are enormous, which is the primary reason we are rubbing up against a broken healthcare system.  Being overweight causes extra stress on our bones and organs like our heart, which must pump more blood based on more body weight.  The extra body weight and excess sugar intake cause conditions such as juvenile and adult diabetes, running rampant in the United States today!

    These health issues are expensive to treat and maintain, as the USA spends the most money per person on health care compared to the world.  As per www.healthsystemtracker.org in 2021, the USA spent $12,914 per person, Germany was #2 at $7,383 and Switzerland was third at $7,179.

    Pharmaceuticals are making record profits! 

    My question is: Why don’t we just stop or drastically reduce our sugar intake?

    About 12 years ago, a holistic healer sent me an email (which I didn’t read at the time but saved for a special moment like this) with a list of 143 reasons to avoid sugar!  Before I give you my Lucky 7 best tips to reduce sugar intake, look at the top baker’s dozen reasons to avoid sugar from her email:

    1. Sugar Can Suppress Your Immune System
    2. Sugar In Soda, When Consumed by Children, Results in the Children Drinking Less Milk
    3. Sugar Can Increase Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Which Can Damage Cells and Tissues
    4. Sugar Can Cause Hyperactivity, Anxiety, Inability to Concentrate, and Crankiness in Children
    5. Sugar Can Cause a Significant Rise in Triglycerides
    6. Sugar Reduces the Body’s Ability to Defend Against Bacterial Infection
    7. Sugar Can Lead to Ovarian Cancer
    8. Sugar Can Cause Premature Aging
    9. Sugar Can Lead to Alcoholism
    10. Sugar Can Lead to Obesity
    11. Sugar Can Cause Tooth Decay
    12. Sugar Can Cause Arthritis
    13. Sugar Increases the Risk of Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Gallstones, Heart Disease, Varicose Veins, and Appendicitis!

    Now that we see the extent of self-damage sugar has been doing to us, look at my:

    7 Tips on How to Reduce Sugar Intake

    1. Be Aware of Foods Labeled Fat Free: Fat-free foods are usually loaded with sugar to compensate for no fat, especially baked goods.
    2. Choose Fresh Fruit Over Dried Fruit: Dehydrated fruits and sauces contain concentrated sugar and don’t fill you up as much, so you eat more and in many cases, 3-5 times the sugar.
    3. Buy Plain Over Flavored Yogurt: Add your own fresh fruit or honey for sweetness which will have much less sugar.  Also, watch baby yogurts which are known to be loaded with added sugar.
    4. Don’t Feed Infants Juice or Sweetened Foods in Their First Year: Consider feeding babies more veggies and less fruit to train their taste buds to like fewer sweet foods from the beginning.
    5. Reduce Your Weekly Dessert Intake: If you have dessert every night, start by cutting back to 5 nights per week.  It’s easier on the body and mind to wean off the excess added sugar cravings.
    6. Leave Sugar OUT of Recipes if Possible: Try to either eliminate, reduce, or substitute honey, agave, or even maple syrup instead of processed sugars.
    7. Drink Water Instead of Sweetened Beverages: Nearly two-thirds of children in the USA ages 2-17 consume at least 1 sugar-sweetened beverage per day, which includes soda, fruit drinks and energy drinks, coffees, and teas.

    If you are interested in reading the complete list of 140+ reasons to avoid sugar, email “please send the avoid sugar list” to Rob@Insurancedoctor.us.

  • Measure Would Cap Insured Out-of-Pocket Cost of Insulin at $35

    Measure Would Cap Insured Out-of-Pocket Cost of Insulin at $35

    The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that would cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 a month for people with a group or private health insurance.

    While the measure still must pass a vote in the Senate, it has broad backing after the cost of insulin has skyrocketed in recent years. People who formerly paid less than $100 a month for the vital medication are sometimes paying more than $1,000, depending on their health insurance coverage.

    More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, and this legislation could be a game-changer for the estimated 7 million who must take insulin to control their condition.

    In the past decade, the cost of insulin has tripled in the United States, with average out-of-pocket costs rising to about $666 a month. Some people need specific brands and can pay more than $1,000 a month for their brand.

    For example, David Tridgell, a Minneapolis endocrinologist, wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post citing the costs typical diabetics face:

    • Patients with Type 1 diabetes tend to use two or three vials of insulin per month. At the current cost of one vial of Humalog 50/50, these patients would spend $780 to $1,170 on their insulin every month.
    • Type 2 diabetes patients sometimes need six or more vials a month, which would run up the costs to $2,341 or more every month.

    Because of the soaring costs, many people report reducing dosages or rationing to make their insulin last longer.

                Diabetes can be especially costly for individuals enrolled in high-deductible health plans, in which enrollees must pay the list price for their insulin until their deductible is met. This could mean thousands of dollars out of pocket before the insurer will cover the drug.  Diabetes can lead to other serious health complications, including kidney failure, heart disease, and loss of vision.

    How it would work

    HR 6833 would bar private health insurers, health plans, and self-insured employers from applying a deductible on insulin and require that diabetics pay no more than $35 or the amount equal to 25% of the negotiated price of the selected insulin product, whichever is lower.

    For no more than $35 a month, the Affordable Insulin Now Act would require private group or individual plans to cover both vial and pen dosage forms and any of the following insulin types:

    • Rapid-Acting
    • Short-Acting
    • Intermediate-Acting, and
    • Long-Acting

    Medicare Part D plans, Medicare stand-alone drug plans and Medicare Advantage drug plans would be required to charge no more than $35 for whichever insulin products they cover in 2023 and 2024, and for all insulin products beginning in 2025.

    HR 6833 passed on a vote of 232 to 193, with 12 Republican representatives voting with the Democrats. The measure has been sent to the Senate.  If it passes the Senate and is signed into law, it will take effect in 2023.

    It is critical to take your monthly medications into account when selecting your health insurance.  The “NET Cost” for health insurance is the monthly premium plus your monthly out-of-pocket cost for medications. 

    The fallacy for business owners is that you cannot change your health insurance policy until the end of the year during open enrollment or your plan renewal.  The facts are that you can switch your health insurance plan anytime provided you change insurance carriers!

    If you own a business owner and are unhappy with your health insurance or made a mistake in December, feel free to reach out to us at Rob@InsuranceDoctor.us.

  • 7 tips to battle Spring Allergies

    7 tips to battle Spring Allergies

    Spring arrived last Sunday, March 20th!  One of the best things about living in New York is the change of seasons.  With spring comes baseball, improving weather, and the fun outdoor season.  It is also the time for spring cleaning and unfortunately the onset of the high tree-pollen allergy season.

    Allergies, especially food, can be a serious issue.  Also, millions of dollars are lost from employees calling in sick because of allergies and allergic reactions.  The average worker with allergies misses about one hour per week over the course of a year.  That sick time is concentrated during the peak allergy periods.  If you have ever seen the dating movie “Hitch” starring Will Smith, you know what I mean.

    Allergies never bothered me as a youth; however, as an adult, it hit hard when I was living and working in midtown Manhattan.  I remember going to NYU Langone to take an in-depth and expensive allergy test where they taped about 30 small nodes to my upper back, and I couldn’t take a shower for two days until my follow-up checkup.  It turned out that I had adult-onset allergies and was allergic to 28 of the 30 types tested. 

    When my allergies hit, they hit hard and quick and I could barely breathe.  It felt like I was sick, sapped my energy, and overall, it was misery.  I knew I had to research this and make some drastic life changes.

    It turns out that I had serious allergic reactions to fragrances among many other things.  I started to read ingredients in every bottle in my house and fragrance was in almost everything.  I realized some of the allergy problems I was bringing on myself.  

    Years later, I have made the necessary changes, and my allergies though not fully eliminated, have subsided tremendously.  Here are my lucky seven tips to help ease your symptoms so you can better enjoy the spring season:

    1. Be Selective When Outdoors: If outdoor exercise is your thing, remember that the pollen count is highest between 5a-10 am and on windy days.  If it just rained, you are in luck because the pollen count drops significantly on humid and rainy days.
    2. Protect Yourself When Outside: Consider wearing large sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat to keep pollen from sticking to your hair.  Avoid hair gels that pollen can stick to. 
    3. Wash Up When You Return Home: Keeping pollen from following you inside your home can alleviate your allergy symptoms.  On high pollen days, consider showering at night and taking your clothes off before entering your bedroom so “Evil Uncle Pollen” isn’t tucked in with you every night.
    4. Avoid Certain Flowers: Many of our favorite flowers contribute to allergy symptoms.  No matter their beauty, don’t bring these florals home!  Flowers such as asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, lilacs, and a baby’s breath are prone to triggering allergic reactions.  Instead, try to substitute them with orchids, iris, begonias, and periwinkles.
    5. Try to Allergy-Proof Your Home: Try and keep home and car windows closed and avoid using electric fans which kick up and recirculates pollen into the air.  If possible, delegate cleaning, especially the carpet to non-allergic family members.  Examine ALL your cleaning products including dishwasher fluid, bathroom, floors, and showering products like shampoo and conditioner.  If possible, fragrance-free is the way to go!
    6. Weekly Cleaning: Try and mop floors and clean carpets weekly, especially if there are pets at home.  Clean window blinds and shades where allergens stick.  Turn on an exhaust fan after cooking to reduce moisture.  Consider using disinfecting wipes on items like gym bags and purses that can bring allergens into the home.  As frequently as possible, wash your bedding as well as your pets and their bedding.
    7. Consider Avoiding Sugar and Adjusting your Diet: Your daily diet can exacerbate your seasonal allergies.  Sugar disables the immunity system!  Certain foods and drinks such as peanuts, alcohol, processed foods, wheat, chocolate, and even your morning cup of coffee are known culprits that act as hay fever catalysts!

    If these lucky seven tips fail, see an allergist.  There is no reason to feel like you are sick when you don’t have to.  Do you have any other tips to help with allergies?  If yes, email me at Rob@InsuranceDoctor.us

  • America the Beautiful… and Fat!

    America the Beautiful… and Fat!

    As per the Global Obesity Observatory, America has rated the 14th highest adult obesity rate in the world with 36.47% of all adult Americans being considered obese!  The first 13 countries are ALL islands.  According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), The U.S. adult obesity rate will reach 50% by 2030. 

    The Wikipedia definition of obesity is a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it may have a negative effect on health! 

    The island of Nauru (formerly known as Pleasant Island) leads the world with a 59.85% adult obesity rate.  Japan has the lowest adult obesity rate of first world countries at 4.97%, formerly at 3%.   Perhaps too much fast food has found its way to Japan.  Currently, the lowest adult obesity rate in the world is Vietnam at 1.67%.

    Our addiction to sugar is the primary reason behind the obesity problem.  This starts at a young age eating sugar-laced baby food.  As per the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. child obesity rate among children ages 2 to 19 increased to 22.4% in 2020, up from 19.3% in 2019.  Unhealthy eating and low levels of physical activity during this pandemic will only make matters worse.

    Unhealthy supermarket shopping habits, fast food, lack of portion control, and lax food labeling laws have contributed to us trending in the wrong direction for many years.  To give you an idea of how bad this is, the average American adult consumes about 19.5 teaspoons of “added sugar” per day.  One teaspoon = 4 grams of sugar.  Take 19.5 X 4 grams = 78 grams of sugar per adult per day. 

    The food industry has 61 names to disguise sugar such as high-fructose corn syrup, caramel, maltose, barley malt, cane juice and dextrin.  Fructose is highly linked to insulin resistance and diabetes.  Creating 61 names for sugar confuses consumers and lowers the odds of recognition!

    See my top 7 tips on how to reduce your sugar intake:

    1. Be aware of boxed foods labeled as “fat free”: Fat free foods are usually loaded with sugar to compensate for a lack of fat, especially in baked goods.  Almost all “boxed” foods will have a high sugar gram content.
    2. Choose fresh fruit over dried fruit: Dehydrated fruits and sauces contain concentrated sugar and are not filling, causing one to eat more.   In many cases dehydrated fruits have three to five times the sugar than natural fruit.
    3. Buy plain over flavored yogurt: Add your own fresh fruit or honey for sweetness, which will have much less sugar.  A 1 cup serving of fruit-flavored yogurt may contain almost 31 grams of sugar.
    4. Avoid feeding infants juice or sweetened foods in their first year: Feed babies more veggies and less fruit to train their taste buds to crave less sweet foods from the beginning.
    5. Cut down weekly dessert intake: If you have dessert every night, start with cutting back to 5 nights per week.  It is easier on the body and mind to wean off the excess added sugar cravings.
    6. Leave sugar out of recipes if possible: Try to either eliminate, reduce, or substitute honey or agave instead of processed sugars.
    7. Drink water instead of sweetened beverages: Nearly two-thirds of children in the USA ages 2-19 consume at least 1 sugar sweetened beverage per day, which includes soda, fruit drinks and energy drinks.  The average 12-ounce cola contains 38.5 grams of sugar, almost as much as the average 12-ounce sweetened iced tea or lemonade as each contain almost 45 grams of sugar.

    What many people do not understand is the ripple effect these poor food habits are having on future generations.  Adult Americans have passed these habits onto our children, which is why juvenile diabetes is at an all-time high.  This causes weight gain, which leads to health problems.  These health issues can lead to popping pills, which is one reason why our health insurance costs and claims have skyrocketed to the highest in the world. 

    According to the Milken Institute, as of September 2020, the total cost of chronic diseases due to American obesity and overweight was $1.72 Trillion, which is equivalent to 9.3% of U.S. gross domestic product!

    Everybody has a unique body and frame.  Our bodies get used to the amount of sugar and calories we feed it on average every day.  By heeding my 7 tips, you should gradually lose weight, which should improve your health and energy! 

  • Fall Shopping Tips for Allergy Sufferers

    Fall Shopping Tips for Allergy Sufferers

    The fall is here bringing with it another allergy season!  The USA loses millions of dollars in annual production from employees calling in sick due to allergies.  Many persons (like myself) suffer from adult-onset allergies, while others have been suffering since childhood.

    Did you know that only 8 types of foods account for approximately 90 percent of allergic reactions? 

    As per the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) the top 8 most highly allergic foods are:

    1. Peanuts
    2. Cow’s Milk
    3. Eggs
    4. Tree Nuts
    5. Fish
    6. Shellfish
    7. Soybeans

    There is no current cure for peanut allergies, the most highly allergic food. The ONLY way to prevent allergic reactions to peanuts is to AVOID ALL FOOD and food products containing peanuts in any form.  Peanuts or peanut products can be disguised on labels as “hydrolyzed vegetable protein,” ground nuts, goober nuts and beer nuts!  Additional foods to avoid include chili, eggrolls, certain Thai dishes such as satay sauce, Chinese food, and macaroons to name a few.

    I suffer from allergies to fragrances, which seem to be in almost everything.  Bathroom and Kitchen products, such as shampoo, hair conditioner, dishwasher fluid, and soaps, as well as candles.   I was forced to change all my household supplies to avoid allergic reactions.

    Heed these 6 shopping tips if you have allergies and/or asthma:

    1. Look for the Asthma & Allergy Friendly Mark: Being selective and attentive to what you purchase can prevent you from creating your own allergic problem.  Look for the AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) mark and go to www.AAFA.org/certified for more information.
    2. Avoid Certain Cleaning Products: Removing allergens at home requires cleaning regularly.  Stay away from fragrances and consider wearing a mask while cleaning.  Detergents like ALL “Free and Clear” have no allergens or fragrances.  Costco’s house brand, Kirkland makes a detergent called “Ultra Clean” that is free and clear of dyes and perfumes!
    3. Buy Breathable Bedding for Better Sleep: We spend almost 1/3 of our lives in bed so it is important to purchase products that will not trigger allergic reactions.  Read labels and consider am “allergen free” mattress cover.
    4. Consider Air Cleaners: Good indoor air quality is critical for everyone in the family!  Read independent testing reports before buying air cleaners and humidifiers.
    5. Use a High-Quality Vacuum:  Cheap vacuums redistribute the allergens during use, and also when changing the cleaning bag.
    6. Gift Toys that Inspire Smiles, not Sniffles: Brain stimulating toys are best for kids.  Try to avoid stuffed animals.  Beware of those stuffed with allergen filled bedding products.

    Label reading is crucial for food, bathroom, kitchen, cleaning, and all products for the home.  The USA does a poor job with labeling and there needs to be an overhaul to the system.  In the meantime, reading labels can prevent getting sick!

  • Start with Your Heart

    Start with Your Heart

    Never has your diet been more important than during what I call the current Covid-19 Era!  This is not the time to be going to the hospital or outpatient clinics for heart surgery.  One of the most dangerous aspects of Covid-19 is its unpredictability as to which body organs it chooses to attack!

    My friend Don recently had a heart attack at age 49 and had stents put in.  He had an artery blockage, and the doctor said a better diet could have avoided it.  Don’s medical and hospital bills exceeded $160,000 by a large margin.  Before his heart attack, he estimates he ate red meat 5-6x/week and had at least 2 alcoholic drinks every day except Sunday’s.  He was lucky to survive.  He was also fortunate that we implemented a strong group health insurance policy for his 12-employee law firm.  Don paid less than $8,000, out of his pocket, 5% of the total claim.

    We can all significantly reduce the occurrence of heart disease (regardless of family history) by making modest lifestyle changes.  According to the CDC, (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) more than 800,000 first heart attacks occur annually, with more than half followed by a 2nd heart attack.

    I have always maintained that your diet starts at the supermarket.  I understand it can cost significantly more money to eat healthy and organic; however, the cost of not doing so can be much greater!

    My top 4 tips to improve your diet (in addition to reducing sugar and alcohol intake) and drastically reducing the odds of heart disease include but are not limited to:

    1. Eat a Minimum of 1 or 2 Squares of Dark Chocolate Several Times Weekly: Evidence in the British Medical Journal shows that 1-2 pieces of dark chocolate several times per week may decrease the risk of a heart attack by 37%, compared to those who consume less.  Who says prevention must be boring and painful?
    2. Include More Fiber in Your Diet: Fiber has what is called a “dose response” to reducing risk.  In other words, the more fiber you ingest, the greater your reduction of risk.  The average American consumes roughly 15 grams of fiber per day.  The American Dietetic Association recommends 25-38 grams of fiber per day.  Studies show for every increase of 10 grams of fiber per day, there was a corresponding 14% reduction in the risk of a cardiovascular event and a 27% reduction in the risk of heart disease.  Good fiber sources include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, cereals and beans.
    3. Consume More Legumes: In a survey by (NHEFS) the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted using over 9500 men and women, found that those who consumed more than 4 servings of legumes per week (compared to those who ate less than 1 serving per week) reduced the risk of coronary heart disease by 22 percent!  Common sources of legumes are beans (great northern, kidney, lima, navy and pinto), peanuts, lentils, green beans, chickpeas, and snow peas in their pods to name many.
    4. Eat More Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Eating both plant-based and seafood-based Omega 3’s will reduce your risks and extend your life.  Good sources of plant-based Omega 3’s include nuts and ground flaxseed.

    The more significant the lifestyle modifications one makes, the closer one will become to potentially preventing this disease from occurring!  Even modest changes in your diet will result in significant reductions in risk!  The goal should be to become “heart-attack proof,” a term used by Dr. Sanjay Gupta!

    In a nutshell, you can pay a little more for food now to prevent paying a lot more later!

    Be Positive, Test Negative and Keep the Faith!

  • Marijuana, the Lesser of Two Evils?

    Marijuana, the Lesser of Two Evils?

    As of the writing of this week’s column, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was granted an extension to negotiate with lawmakers on two bills to legalize and decriminalize marijuana in New Jersey.  This is after the measures passed both houses of Legislature on 12/17/2020. 

    “Voters overwhelmingly support the legalization of cannabis and we are taking every step necessary to assure legalization and decriminalization become law,” said Assembly Speaker, Craig Coughlin!

    Looking at this issue financially, it’s a no-brainer.  In 16 states, marijuana is fully legalized for both recreational and medicinal purposes.  13 other states (including New York) have decriminalized and legalized medicinal marijuana use.  There are now only 6 states where marijuana is fully illegal.  Legalizing the drug would be a tax revenue boon for a broke New York State, which Governor Andrew Cuomo has already admitted. 

    I have concerns with this as there will be ripple effects far and wide from legalizing recreational pot in New York State.  Medicinal marijuana has been legal in New York State since 2014.  My first concern is underage children and this easy access to pot potentially getting kids hooked on the drug.  Other issues are regulation, law enforcement and DUI (driving under the influence) of drugs.  People are preoccupied enough on the roads with Covid-19.  It stands to reason if pot is fully legalized then New York State would consider releasing prisoners with non-violent, marijuana possession only records.  New York State spends over $70,000 per year per inmate, the most in the country.

    Conditions we know medicinal marijuana can help:

    1. Chronic Pain:  According to the CDC, (Center for Disease Control) 20.4% of Americans are suffering chronic pain issues.  A developing field in medicine is the application of MM (medical marijuana) to alleviate chronic pain as al alternative to opiates.  This field has gained popularity due to the lack of addictive qualities of MM compared to opiates.
    2. Lack of Appetite: Conditions like cancer can sap a person appetite which is dangerous as the body needs the proper food and nutrients daily.
    3. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): Medicinal Marijuana eases nausea and pain which makes it a viable option to treat IBS.
    4. Lou Gehrig’s Disease AKA ALS: ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a debilitating neuro degenerative disease that progresses in patients over time.  It affects neuro cells in the brain and spinal cord slowly reducing neuro and motor functions over time.  MM has been proven to slow down the degeneration. 
    5. PTSD AKA (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome):  PTSD is running rampant in America, especially over the last year during Covid.  Medicinal Marijuana (CBD AKA Cannabidiol) seems to breakdown a chemical in the brain that affects pain, mood, and anxiety.

    There are a variety of conditions or diseases one can be suffering from to obtain a Medicinal Marijuana ID Card which can differ slightly by state.  In general, see symptoms and the process below:

    1. Conditions Most States Include Chronic pain, cancer, HIV/Aids, PTSD, IBS, neuropathy, epilepsy, ALS, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s, and Hepatitis C to name a few.
    2. Doctor Sign Off Form:  One needs to find a doctor to sign off on the medical marijuana form.  This can be difficult as some doctors are hesitant to prescribe it!  Some reasons are moral, and others are a lack of belief insufficient scientific evidence proving its effectiveness.
    3. Proof of Residence: After proving one is suffering from a condition on their state’s acceptable list by getting a physician sign off, one shows proof of residence like a driver’s license or passport.
    4. Interview with Physician: In areas where MM is legal, patients are approved through a MM recommendation and evaluation conducted by a physician with a medical cannabis license.  Once approved, a patient can legally purchase, possess, and in certain states cultivate their own plants.  For more information go to www.MarijuanaDoctors.com.

    Be Positive, Test Negative and Keep the Faith!!

  • COVID-19: 10 Unexpected Positives

    COVID-19: 10 Unexpected Positives

    I probably watch too much news these days.  It’s not easy to find positive articles.  People often say, “when the dust settles, I’m going to do this or that.” The dust has begun to settle.   What are YOU doing? 

    The other day, I texted one of my Rockaway clients to check-in and see how he and his wife were doing.  My team had been able to save him significant money on his home and auto policy premiums. I was also able to creatively upgrade his health insurance policy, by utilizing a side business he had set up.  He had a major issue with his roof caving in, so I wanted to follow-up on their safety, as well as how the claim was being handled by UPC. They were satisfied with the claim process and said “it was fair.” 

    An avid runner, I asked him what he’s noticed while running since the COVID-19 era began in mid -March.  This turned into an interesting conversation.  We both agreed there is too much negativity going on right now.  We came up with the following list of Covid-19 unforeseen positives:

    1. Simplifies the day: With less activities on the daily schedule, it allows people to be more present and pace themselves.
    2. Getting to know the family better: Families are having more focused and meaningful discussions.  Not always positive, lol.
    3. Less time spent on events: He prefers the drive-by celebrations showing respect, without taking up a large portion of the day.  It removes the uncertainty of deciding how long to stay at an event, without offending people by leaving early.
    4. Much less junk mail:  Have you noticed how little junk email and regular junk mail you are now receiving?  On one occasion last year I received  over 50 emails overnight.  Now I’m averaging less than 10, saving time.
    5. Saving money by eating home: Personally, I’m a foodie and really miss dine-in restaurants.  That being said, money has been saved.  Credit card bills going down. 
    6. Helps focus on a better diet: This is an opportunity to cook more healthy food at home, and to avoid fried food.
    7. Increases gratitude: These are introspective times when we realize that sometimes we take things for granted.
    8. Time for hobbies and self-improvement:  Whether it’s reading books, learning a language or trying something new, these are good times to explore your interests.
    9. Improves the environment: With less automobile traffic, he’s noticed cleaner air and in Riis Park more wildlife.  For the first time he’s seen snakes (non-poisonous) and rabbits on his running trail.
    10. Amplifies your passions: These are times that you miss things you Love.  For me it’s travel, writing, sports and my quest for the best pizza!

    What are YOUR passions? To continue these discussions, feel free to reach out to me at Rob@InsuranceDoctor.us

    Stay Safe and remember to wear your mask! 

  • 8 Health Benefits of Having a Dog During the COVID19 Crisis

    We love our dogs in the United States with almost 90 million nationwide. That means nearly one-half of households have a dog in their home.  Other than companionship, there are other advantages to having a dog in this Covid-19 new world.  For example:

    1. Safety & Security:  Dogs are another layer of security as barking dogs can keep burglars at bay.  Dogs can spot intruders well before we can.
    2. More Exercise: When owning a dog, you should be walking it 2-3 times/day.  Guess what?  You are exercising when walking your dog, and 30-45 minutes/day can do wonders for your health.
    3. Less Chance of Depression: Dog’s companionship has been known to help people diagnosed with clinical depression.  Caring for an animal can help relieve the symptoms of depression and make people feel more positive.
    4. Less Stress: Numerous studies have shown that dog owners have lower stress levels.  Engaging with your dog can reduce stress.
    5. Illness detection:  Dogs see the world through their keen sense of smell.  Some dogs can sense the onset of epileptic seizures or the presence of some types of cancer. 
    6. Increased Allergy Tolerance:  Children raised in homes with pets like a dog have a reduced chance of having allergies.  Growing up with a dog can boost immunity to pet allergies later in life.
    7. Boosted Brain Development:  Dogs boost brain development in children, along with emotional growth and connection to others.
    8. Stronger Heart: Studies have shown that petting a dog can lower your heart rate and male pet owners tend to have reduced rates of heart disease.  No wonder why dog adoptions are way up!  Enjoy!

  • 7 Coronavirus Myths debunked

    The Coronavirus is here in the USA and has already proven deadly in Washington state!  Do you think you know all about it?  Read these 7 debunked myths and find out for yourself.

    1. Surgical masks will protect me from the virus: Surgical face masks are not designed to block out virus particles nor do they lay flat on the face.  They can prevent or decrease the chances of spreading the virus if you already have it because Corona spreads from “respiratory droplets”. It happened to a cabbie in Thailand who contracted it from a passengers’ sneeze on his face and neck.
    2. Coronavirus is less likely to get than The Flu: Not necessarily.  To see how much a disease will spread scientists use a formula called Ro (R-naught).  The Ro for the flu is 1.3 meaning the average person will infect 1.3 people and the Ro for the Coronavirus is 2.2 plus there’s no vaccine yet. 
    3. Getting the CoronaVirus aka Covid-19 is a death sentence: Not true, as 81% of reported cases are mild, 13.8% report severe cases, 4.7% are critical (meaning multi-organ failure) and thus far about 2.3% have resulted in death.
    4. Pets can spread this new virus: Not necessarily as scientists reported one dog in Hong Kong tested “weak positive”, meaning it could have either contracted the disease or picked it up from a contaminated surface with its face or nose.  Thus far there are no known animal cases (cats or dogs) to date although it’s possible that bats were first infected then passed it to humans like SARS-CoV-2.
    5. If I have the CV I will know it: No, you won’t!  CoVid-19 has a variety of symptoms like a fever, cough and runny nose that can feel just like a cold.  Early on, infected people may show no symptoms at all. 
    6. It’s unsafe to receive a package from China: It’s safe to receive letters or packages from China.  For the virus to survive there needs to be a combination of certain conditions like temperature, lack of UV exposure and humidity.  According to the CDC “there’s likely a low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped for a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures”.  A past study said it could survive on surfaces like metal, plastic or glass for 9 days but the surfaces on the packaging are not ideal for the virus to survive.  (Source is the Feb. 6th Journal of Hospital infection report).
    7. The vaccine is coming soon in 2020:  Not in this country folks.  If the vaccine were ready today, we would be lucky if it came out this year.   There are numerous regulations, testing and hoops to go through before a new vaccine could be approved nationwide by the FDA.