Ways to Save Health Dollars - XLPharmacy Blog

Tips to Stretch Your Healthcare Dollars

A lousy economy combined with rising health costs are causing many Americans to think twice before seeking healthcare or filling a prescription. Even people with health insurance are paying more as premiums rise and employers pay less of the bill.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource offers tips to save money by working closely with care providers, being informed about insurance, price shopping for prescriptions, avoiding hospital stays when possible, and taking steps to stay well. Try these money saving ideas:

With providers:

• Ask in advance about fees, including an estimate of the total expenses for your care. Check with the insurance company about what's covered.

• Ask the doctor to be a partner in reducing costs. The care provider might avoid duplicating tests or suggest lower-cost treatment options.

• Use nurse lines. Many health plans, hospitals, and some medical practices offer services where patients can call for medical advice. Talking with a nurse may be especially helpful when it's unclear if a medical appointment is needed.

On insurance:

• Pay premiums annually. Many policies offer discounts when premiums are paid on time and in full.

• Read the benefits information to make sure the insurer is paying for everything that's covered. If it appears that a claim has been denied in error, appeal the decision.

• Look for special services and extras, such as discounts on gym memberships, weight-loss programs, and medical equipment rental.

On medications:

• Choose generic. They have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and cost less.

• Shop around. Prices vary from one pharmacy to another.

• Split pills if possible. The co-pay may be the same for higher-dose pills that can be cut in half as for a prescription of lower-dose pills.

On hospital care:

• Avoid the emergency room unless it's absolutely necessary. Instead, consider a nurse line or urgent care. For those without insurance, try to find a clinic with sliding-scale fees.

• Use outpatient services when possible. Tests and procedures that can be done without an overnight hospital stay cost less.

On staying well:

• Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent and control serious and costly health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.

• Give up expensive and unhealthy habits. Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable death and illness in the United States. Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.

• Make the basics for good health a priority. Floss and brush teeth daily. Use seat belts and bike helmets. Wear sunscreen. Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

Male Menopause at XLPharmacy Blog

Getting a Handle on Male Menopause

As men and women age, it is only natural that there are certain changes to their bodies. With age come fluctuations to hormones in both the female and the male.

Menopause generally refers to the stage in a woman's reproductive life cycle when she ceases to menstruate and becomes infertile and incapable of reproducing.

There is some evidence that seems to suggest that men also go through a similar phase in middle life, where a decrease in the levels of certain hormone production can lead to changes in sexual desire and potency. Unlike female menopause, which refers to a complete and absolute shut down of the reproductive system, men who experience menopause like symptoms may still be fertile.

Until recently, a disorder in men similar to menopause was not recognized. But the truth is, men begin to lose their main male hormone — testosterone — beginning about age 50. By age 60, about 60 percent of men have low testosterone levels. The levels of free circulating testosterone are highly variable, with some men in their 70s having levels as high as a 20-year-old and some with barely detectable levels.

The reason most men do not experience the dramatic symptoms many women experience with menopause is that their hormonal decline is often slower, allowing the body and brain to adjust. Yet, some men will have dramatic changes. Unfortunately, most doctors still do not recognize andropause in men and just assume their male patients are getting old.

Low testosterone in men is associated with loss of vigor, early fatigability, a loss of muscle mass, and development of breast tissue, fat gain, and problems with thinking. Another common symptom in both men and women is insomnia.

Replacing testosterone can increase muscle mass, reduce fat levels, improve mood and mental energy, prevent bone loss, and improve brain function — but only if given in doses that bring the levels up to those seen in 30-year-olds. High doses can be harmful and even increase brain degeneration.

Connected to testosterone loss is an age-related decrease in another hormone called DHEA. Levels at age 30 are five times higher than at age 85, with the fall beginning progressively in the late 40s. Studies seem to indicate that supplementing with DHEA-S (the functional form of DHEA) prevents obesity, reduces one’s risk of diabetes (improves insulin resistance), lowers the risk of certain types of cancer, reduces heart attack and stroke risk, and improves immune function.

DHEA also improves mood and motivation and gives a sense of well-being. In addition, I have found that taking it one hour before bedtime greatly improves sleep. Oral DHEA is quickly converted by the body into functional DHEA-S.

While a fear of inducing breast or prostate cancer is often cited by the medical profession, millions have taken DHEA for decades. As far as I know, there has never been a case of an induced cancer.