The Insurance Doctor

Tag: health

  • 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!!

  • 10 Changes That Could Extend Your Life

    10 Changes That Could Extend Your Life

    When sitting or now Zooming or Skyping with clients to talk their future, I ask a variety of thought stimulating questions such as: how long do you plan on living?  What is most important to you?  What are your goals and objectives?  How much do you want to leave to your children?

                The first question is the most difficult because we do not know how long we will live.  If we did, it would be easy to figure out issues like: when to buy life insurance, what type and how much, for example.  It would also be easy to decide how much to withdraw from IRA’s, 401k’s, and other “qualified accounts,” meaning pre-tax money.

                A possible solution to the first question is setting up an “immediate annuity,” which converts a lump-sum of money into a stream of monthly income for life that you cannot outlive!  I will cover this in detail in a future column after the election.

    What if you could make some simple lifestyle changes to extend your life that could result in weight loss, lowering cholesterol and/or improving blood pressure readings, all without medication or fad diets?  See below for 10 tips on how to accomplish this:

    1. Drink Plenty of Water: The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, determined that an adequate daily intake of water for adults to stay at peak mental and physical performance is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) a day for men, and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) a day for women.  Water keeps you hydrated, curbs your appetite and urges to overload on sugary soft and sports drinks.  Please note that coffee (caffeine) and alcohol dehydrate you, so if you are a heavy consumer of these beverages, you should consider drinking more water.
    2. Eat Nuts: People who eat about two ounces of tree nuts four to five times per week tend to live longer than those that do not.
    3. Move Naturally: Also known as exercise.  This is one of the harder steps to focus on, especially if your occupation requires you to sit at a desk for long periods of time.  Simple adjustments during the day like taking the stairs instead of an elevator every other trip and/or doing your errands while walking or by bicycle can help.
    4. Go Green: Fill most of your plates with fruits and vegetables, preferably organic.  Try to eat foods, sometimes called “Super Foods” that have antioxidants like blueberries, strawberries, pecans, artichokes, or kale every day.  Adding some of these “Super Foods” to a protein shake with ingredients like wheat germ, moringa, turmeric and flaxseed can be a fun way to replace a meal, and get better nutrients than many meals will give you.  Most Americans consume too much meat which is harder to digest and can increase cancer risk.
    5. Eat until you are 80% full: If you are starting to feel full, stop eating.  Over time your body will adjust to the smaller portions and you will no longer get those hunger feelings and cravings.  Another strategy to help the process is to take a 5-minute break when half done eating, and you will see that you no longer need to eat as much to be satisfied.
    6. Take Part in Happy Hour: Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers and of course heavy drinkers.  A glass of red wine with friends and/or food can help prolong your life.
    7. Find a Healthy Social Circle: Research indicates that happiness and healthiness are contagious.  It is always good to have support from like-minded people.  Tell friends about your new lifestyle plans and see what kind of support you get.
    8. Go For Annual Medical Checkups: This should include blood and urine samples, EKG and stress tests, etc.
    9. Get Proper Sleep: Research has shown that getting  7-9 hours of sleep per night keeps the body and mind fresh, and extends your energy and life.
    10. Budget and Plan Your Future: The biggest fear of seniors is the fear of running out of money!  Knowing that you have planned for a financially secure future will reduce your stress.

    These lifestyle changes are not easy at first.  Try not to think of it as a diet or temporary change.  These are long-term lifestyle changes!  Watch the people around you notice the difference and they will start asking you questions about how you did it. 

    For those that would like to be added to our monthly e-newsletter, which is chock full of this type of information and more, email “ADD ME” to Rob@InsuranceDoctor.us.  KEEP THE FAITH!

  • 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 Tips to Reduce Your Sugar Intake

    Why is America the fattest country on earth? Sugar addiction!  The food industry has 56 names to disguise sugar.  The average American consumes 19.5 teaspoons of “added” sugar/day.  One sugar packet= 4 grams of sugar.  Here are 7 tips to reduce and/or eliminate added sugar

    1. Be wary of foods labeled fat-free: Fat-free foods are usually loaded with sugar to compensate for no fat especially baked goods.insurance, New York, financial planning
    2. Opt for 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, 3-5x’s the sugar.
    3. Choose 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 give infants juice or sweetened foods in their first year: Give babies more veggies and less fruit to train their taste buds to like less sweet foods from the beginning.
    5. Cut down your weekly dessert intake: If you have dessert every night, start with cutting back to 5 nights/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 kids in the USA ages 2-19 consume at least 1 sugar-sweetened beverage/day which includes soda, fruit drinks and energy drinks, coffees and teas.
  • 6 Reasons Insurance Companies Know Everything About You

    6 Reasons Insurance Companies Know Everything About You

    You may want to think twice what you tell your doctor on your next visit.  Medical records are now online.  When you sign a HIPPA (health ins privacy) form to apply for life, disability and/or a long-term care policy the following information is available with a few mouse clicks:

    1. On-line medical records: Insurance companies can and will be able to see what medications you take by doing a pharmacy scan.
    2. Driving record: Companies can pull up an MVR (motor vehicle report) which can show drunk driving etc.
    3. The MIB: Medical Information Bureau: This isn’t the Men in Black movie, LOL. Companies can see whenever you apply for other insurance policies whether or not you take them.
    4. Criminal Record: Databases are linked and they can check on your prior arrest records.
    5. Memberships: Companies can see what type of groups, clubs and or organizations you belong to.
    6. Social Media: Some companies will look you up on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc to see what type or person you are and your public posts.