What is Relay for Life?

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate lives of people who have battled cancer,remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school or park. Each team is asked to have someone on the track all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight.

The next question is always what happens at Relay For Life? There is an opening ceremony, luminaria ceremony, fight back ceremony and closing ceremony. There is entertainment during the day, kids activities and fundraising opportunities throughout the event. Each team has their own fundraising and "mission" for the event.

There are several ways to get involved people can have a team, be apart of a team, participate in the planning and coordination of the event or just come and enjoy all the fun!

Relay For Life raises funds to support the American Cancer Society mission of saving lives from cancer by helping people stay well, helping people get well ,by finding cures, and by fighting back.

We are so excited to be having the FIRST Relay For Life in Saline, MI this year. It is July 30th -July 31st. For more information contact Theresa Likert at OxygenPlus Medical Supplies http://www.oxygenplusmichigan.com/ . You can also visit our team page http://bit.ly/lSv0b2

Diabetes who pays for what?

I am often asked by patients, "where can I get my supplies and who pays for it"?

Self-Management education for diabetes is provided by a team of health professionals who may include your docot, nurse educator,dietitian,case manager,pharmacist or social worker.

Diabetic monitors,lancets and diabetic shoes are provided my home medical equipment companies and pharmacies.
Medicare,Medicaid and most state regulated health insurance plans reimburse with the appropriate paperwork for diabetic monitors,strips,lancets and diabetic shoes. For more information contact http://oxygenplusmichigan.com or call 734-429-7444

Helpful hints to prevent Diabetes

Are you prediabetic? Are you at risk? If you say yes to any of these following questions you are at risk....Are you 45 years of age or older? Do you have a parent,brother or sister with diabetes?
Are you African-American,Hispanic,or Native American? Are you overweight? Do you get too little physical activity? Do you have high cholesterol?

So if you ansered yes to any of the above questions you need to take action NOW.
Here are a few things to help. The first thing is increase your daily physical activity. You want to start slow and increase activity daily. The normal amount of activity is usually 20 minutes. This can be walking, running or even simple cleaning around the house or yard. The next thing is eat healthy. Try eating a well-rounded breakfast it's the most important meal of the day. Continue eating every 4-5 hours and eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Eat whole fruits instead of fruit juice. Another easy change is switching to lowfat dairy products. If you have high blood pressure you want to talk to your doctor immediately. Limit salt intake and exercise will help along with any medication that is prescribed. Along with treating high blood pressure you want to consider your cholesterol also. Decreasing intake is important in managing cholesterol. The last concern is stress. Managing stress is vital to minimizing health problems. Finding ways to relax is key. Often exercise can help as well.

Many of us are at risk for Diabetes 2,but by taking action, we can prevent the disease. Prevention can delay Diabetes and complications associated with it. For more information please call your doctor or health professional. For more information on diabetic supplies contact http://oxygenplusmichigan.com or 734-429-7444.

A Pain in the Neck!

The American Pain Foundation states,"neck pain is the 3rd most common ailment among people". Most people at some point in their life can relate to neck or back pain. As people age it's even more important for older adults to stay mobile. By keeping flexible and mobile it can help prevent injuries. Often neck pain can be caused by another problem and also lead to other more serious problems. Neck and back pain can lead to long-term ailments and be debilitating.

Studies show 2 out of 3 Americans will suffer from neck or back pain. Often the two problems are related. Preventative care can be crucial. There are several factors that lead to neck and back pain. For starters poor sleep, incorrect posture and performing tedious functions can aid to pain and other injuries.

It's often that medication is given to relieve pain. Anti-inflammatories, pain relievers and muscle relaxers are among the most popular to relieve pain. However, there are other alternatives to medications. Sometimes pain control is not enough. Often the use of assitive devices are recommended. Such as a cervical or lumbar pillow, a brace or specific traction devices may be ordered . It is often that a medical professional may recommend physical therapy as well.

A chiropractor or medical doctor may also suggest massage therapy. It can help to relax the muscles and help with pain. As always if pain persists call your physician immediately. Early diagnosis can make a difference. For more information on assistive devices visit www.oxygenplusmichigan.com
Oxygen Plus is located in Saline, MI at 734-429-7444

10 Easy Tricks to Lose Weight - AARP The Magazine

10 Easy Tricks to Lose Weight - AARP The Magazine

Are you suffering from a loss or tradegy? 5 ways to help you cope.

When suffering from a loss or tradegy often we don't know what to do or where to turn.

Here are 5 tips to help cope.
1. Take things one day at a time. Don't look ahead. Do the best you can everyday and make a list to help accomplish daily goals.
2. Take care of yourself. Don't be so hard on yourself. During a loss it's important to be nice to yourself. Each day is a gift live as if it's the last!
3. Do something for someone in need. There's never a better feeling than helping someone.
4. Don't forget to thank all the people in your life who has supported and loved you. Again, helping someone else is the best medicine!
5. Forgive...it will make you feel lighter!

Do you know what your health insurance deductible is?

Every year at this time I start thinking about and talking about deductibles and co-insurance. For 2011 medicare recipents have a $167.00 deductible. What does that mean? Starting January 1, 2011 the recipent or patient will have to pay out of pocket $167.00 before any office visit or medical expense is covered. Also, medicare only pays for 80% of the charges. If there is no secondary insurance than the patient would be responsible for the 20% remaining balance. If you have private insurance than other deductibles and co-pays may apply. It is essential to call your insurance company to insure you know your policy prior to receiving health care. For more information call Oxygen Plus Medical Equipment or visit www.oxygenplusmichigan.com.