Does Your Health Plan Cover Doctor Visits?
Dr. Stephanie McClellan and Dr. Beth Hamilton have a womans health practice in Newport Beach, California. They have a new book out called So Stressed the Ultimate Stress-Relief Plan for Women. They wrote the book because in reviewing their clinical experience and reviewing scientific studies they made a startling discovery--- stress is at the root of many of the physical and emotional problems they see in women of all ages. Here are some interesting facts from the books introduction:
*Forty-four percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.
*Ninety-five percent of all office visits to physicians are for stress-related ailments.
*Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, liver disease, and suicide.
There are two kinds of stresses that can occur at work which is called chronic and acute. Chronic stress is long-term, unrelenting, and seemingly inescapable wearing down your body, mind, and spirit. Acute stress, which is lifes traumatic events and most-challenging situations - can also send your stress levels off the charts.
The most common excuse that people give for not protecting themselves with a health plan is that they are very healthy. Insurance is purchased to protect against the unknown not the known. Look at the statistics above. Ninety five percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress related ailments. Next, just connect the dots. Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death.
Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hamilton take a whole body approach to dealing with stress and their female patients. The Mayo Clinic takes a similar approach. They explain that our brains come hard-wired with a built in alarm system. When the brain feels threatened it sends a signal so that your body releases a burst of hormones so you will be charged and ready. This is called the fight or flight response. The article goes on to say once the threat is gone, your body is meant to return to a normal relaxed state. Unfortunately, the nonstop stress of modern life means that your alarm system rarely shuts off.
The Mayo Clinic article also points out why stress management is so important. We need a variety of tools so that we can reset our alarm systems. Most health plans today allow you to see a doctor without meeting the deductible. Most also come with gym discounts. And, if you have a health plan that is health care reform compliant you may also see mental health care professionals. Today when professionals advise their patients on stress management most employ a whole body approach.
*Forty-four percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.
*Ninety-five percent of all office visits to physicians are for stress-related ailments.
*Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, liver disease, and suicide.
There are two kinds of stresses that can occur at work which is called chronic and acute. Chronic stress is long-term, unrelenting, and seemingly inescapable wearing down your body, mind, and spirit. Acute stress, which is lifes traumatic events and most-challenging situations - can also send your stress levels off the charts.
The most common excuse that people give for not protecting themselves with a health plan is that they are very healthy. Insurance is purchased to protect against the unknown not the known. Look at the statistics above. Ninety five percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress related ailments. Next, just connect the dots. Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death.
Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hamilton take a whole body approach to dealing with stress and their female patients. The Mayo Clinic takes a similar approach. They explain that our brains come hard-wired with a built in alarm system. When the brain feels threatened it sends a signal so that your body releases a burst of hormones so you will be charged and ready. This is called the fight or flight response. The article goes on to say once the threat is gone, your body is meant to return to a normal relaxed state. Unfortunately, the nonstop stress of modern life means that your alarm system rarely shuts off.
The Mayo Clinic article also points out why stress management is so important. We need a variety of tools so that we can reset our alarm systems. Most health plans today allow you to see a doctor without meeting the deductible. Most also come with gym discounts. And, if you have a health plan that is health care reform compliant you may also see mental health care professionals. Today when professionals advise their patients on stress management most employ a whole body approach.
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