Robert Wagner Insurance May 2022 Newsletter
Virtual Reality Eases Pain
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The last time this UCI patient got an injection in her severely arthritic left knee, she found herself wandering peacefully through a wooded forest during the usually painful procedure thanks to virtual reality goggles.
Could Covid Lockdowns Be Behind Hepatitis Surge in Children?
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A lack of exposure to a common virus during Covid restrictions could be behind the surge in hepatitis cases among young children, experts have suggested.
More than 160 cases of severe pediatric hepatitis, or liver inflammation, in kids without existing health issues have been reported from at least 6 states and about a dozen countries, including the U.K., Canada and Japan. The disorder has been seen mainly in children younger than 10 and has left a few needing liver transplants.
The leading line of inquiry is that a common virus is fueling the cases called the adenovirus. This virus usually causes mild illnesses including stomach upsets and colds.
One theory is that the virus is leading to more severe illness among some children due to “susceptibility, for example due to lack of prior exposure during the pandemic”, according to a technical briefing from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Experts are also examining other possible causes including a new variant of adenovirus; potential exposure to drugs, toxins, or environmental factors; a new type of infection; or a new variant of the virus which causes Covid.
Covid-19 vaccination is not a contributing factor as none of the cases investigated so far have been vaccinated.
Read more >> Source 1 Source 2
Last year the approval of a costly new Alzheimer's drug, Aduhelm, was responsible for the larger than expected increase in Part B Medicare premiums.
Payer groups cheered the government’s decision to finalize its narrow coverage decision for Biogen’s Aduhelm as attention now turns to efforts to scale back a major hike it caused to Medicare Part B premiums.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that it will finalize its proposal for Medicare to cover Aduhelm and related drugs but only for beneficiaries in qualifying clinical trials. Insurer groups lauded the decision and key clarifications. Read More>>
What's So Good About Magnesium?
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Have you noticed how food choices impact many distinct aspects of your health? In addition to improvements with medical conditions, you may also see differences in mood, sleep, or energy levels. These changes are partly due to the vitamin and mineral content within foods. While some individuals, after making the connection between food choices and feeling better, opt for research into supplements, I believe as a dietitian that a varied diet can usually get you the same results. Today, we’re diving into all you need to know about magnesium, and all this powerful mineral has to offer.
How does It Impact Your Body?
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Magnesium plays a role in nearly 300 reactions in our bodies, including:
- Muscle contractions
- Nerve functioning
- Blood sugar control
- Blood pressure regulation
- Heart rhythm
- Energy production
- Bone development
What Does the Research Say?
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- Improves Insulin Resistance
- Sleep -Through diet or supplementation, magnesium may help promote better sleep.
- Migraines - Magnesium has been shown to help treat acute migraine attacks in adults.
- Knee Pain - Magnesium has been shown to help reduce markers of inflammation which is why it may play a role in the reduction or prevention of joint pain.
Anytime you’re hoping to focus on a specific vitamin or mineral, it’s best to focus on food sources first.
What about magnesium supplements?
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If you’re unable to get enough magnesium from foods alone or have been recommended to take a supplement by your doctor, there are a few things to keep in mind.
There are many types of magnesium supplements on the market; some are better absorbed than others. In general, magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium orotate, and magnesium carbonate are the easiest for the body to absorb.
Magnesium supplements may interact with certain medications, including antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and muscle relaxants. Make sure to talk with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements to ensure it’s safe for you.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that not only regulates many processes in our bodies but could also help with the prevention or management of current conditions.
Aim to include magnesium-rich food sources daily in your diet for optimal benefits. Supplementation may be helpful on an individual basis. We’d love to hear if magnesium has positively impacted your health.
This is a summary of an article in the Loseit Blog.
Read More >>
Medicare Freezes Late Enrollment Penalties for Qualifying Enrollees
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Due to an issue with the modernization of the phone system for the SSA, Medicare is extending a grace period to freeze Medicare late enrollment penalties for eligible beneficiaries.
Many people enroll in Medicare as soon as they can, unless they have creditable coverage from an employer or other source. Why? Often, it’s because they’re looking to avoid Medicare late enrollment penalties. This year, due to ongoing issues at the Social Security Administration, Medicare has decided to extend a grace period for anyone who isn’t enrolled in Parts A and B
but is eligible to do so. This will assist a number of people who would have otherwise been hit with a late enrollment penalty.
Who Is Eligible?
Not everyone is eligible to utilize this grace window. In order to not receive a late penalty, you must meet three essential criteria:
- You are eligible for Medicare between January 1, 2022, and December 30, 2022, but couldn’t enroll because of issues with SSA’s phone system.
- You haven’t signed up for Medicare yet.
- You enroll in Medicare before December 30, 2022.
Read More>>
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