As Americans continue to struggle with an obesity problem, a new study out in January states that overeating is now a bigger health risk than smoking tobacco. The study focuses on the speed in which one eats, and concludes that people who are overweight eat faster and consume more calories than those who do not. For most of us, we’ve all experienced a time when we’ve had a big meal in a relaxing environment where there was still some food on the plate. Typically, we would have finished it, but because we took our time with conversation and enjoyment of the moment, we felt “full” and couldn’t finish. Thats not such a bad thing, and can actually be great for our health and weight. Although exercise is extremely important, equally as important is the amount of calories we put in … Continue reading
Its that time of the year once again! The holidays are finishing up and grand plans for 2010 are forming. So now that the big gatherings with lots of less than healthy, high calorie food are drawing to an end, lets look at our top five tips to make 2010 your best year yet! 1. Exercise regularly! Regular exercise can have many benefits. Some are cosmetic while others are physical. Although different outcomes motivate people, the important thing is that you develop a plan and stick to it! If you don’t exercise regularly, start slow. If you do, increase your cardio workout a few minutes each day. Slow and steady wins this race! 2. Get plenty of rest! Rest is essential for your body to rejuvenate itself, and keep your immune system strong. During the winter months when cold and flu are more … Continue reading
For many years the idea of allowing prescription medications to be imported from other countries has been in the news as a potential solution to the ever increasing costs for American consumers. As the push for healthcare reform takes center stage over the next few weeks, it may resurface and be presented as a solution once again. But there is more than meets the eye in this debate! Lets take a look at a couple of considerations. Many people often wonder why the same prescription drug sold in many foreign countries can be so much cheaper than it is when bought in the United States. There are a few reasons, but the major reason is due to the process it must go through in the U.S. to get approval by the Food and Drug Administration. To quickly many consumers give this a bad … Continue reading
There are many factors partly responsible for patient non-adherence to their prescription drug therapy. A few of the big ones include rationing of both medication and money, lost medication, and just plain forgetfulness. In a recent study by Boehringer Ingelheim, medication non-adherence accounts for 125,000 deaths and more than $100 billion in additional healthcare spending annually. These are dangerous numbers, and ones that are 100% avoidable if you do your part! The medications you are given each month can do wonders to your health, but only if you take them as directed. For many people, this is easier said than done. Each month millions of Americans make tough financial choices, many directly related to their health. A few all to familiar examples we see include Medicare Part-D patients falling into the doughnut hole or coverage gap, a lost medication by a … Continue reading
It’s that time of year again, the holiday season is upon us and there is much to do. If you’re over age 65 or know someone who is, remember that it is also that time of year to pick a Medicare Part-D Plan for your prescription drug benefits for 2010! Picking a plan is complex process, with considerations including monthly premiums, brand and generic copayments, and protecting against falling in to the dreaded coverage gap, otherwise known as the doughnut hole. In 2007, 25% of people enrolled in Medicare Part-D plans fell into the doughnut hole and were responsible for 100% of the money for their prescription drugs out of pocket. This amount in 2010 could be as much as $4,550! Coupled with this are insurance ads and sales pitches from brokers that can further cloud the picture. Instead, try using … Continue reading
As the debate over healthcare in the United States escalates, it is worth some time to take a look at your own medical benefits (if applicable) and analyze what it is your benefits offer you. Too often, people (both insured and uninsured) are under the impression that filling their prescription medicines will cost huge amounts of money, and don’t do so as a result. In many cases, this is false, and may actually end up costing you more down the road. Today’s prescription insurance structure is a complicated maze of different copays/coinsurance, certain drugs not being covered because they are not “preferred,” and less coverage for more money. Meanwhile, pharmacy insurance companies (othewise known as PBM’s or Pharmacy Benefit Managers) are making more money than ever by dictating what medication your doctor can prescribe you based on what medications they can get … Continue reading
The marketing campaign for Nexium, otherwise known as the “Purple Pill,” has one of the highest costs in the nation for prescription drugs. In 2008, it had the 2nd highest gross sales of any brand name drug on the market, weighing in at $4.8 billion. This is an interesting fact, because in clinical studies its proven no more effective or safer than a handful of other medicines used to treat heartburn and acid reflux, several of which are over the counter. So what gives, why does Nexium command such a large price? The answer is their marketing campaign. Astra Zeneca, the maker of Nexium, has been launching an all out attack to suck up market share ever since it hit the market. They’ve done a good job too, with their sales representatives getting many Physicians on board, and a slough of commercials, … Continue reading
We at RxSavings Solutions support the use of generic medications where appropriate, and encourage it whenever possible to both increase patient compliance and save consumer money. Continue reading
