The Cost of Healthy Living

When we think of a health plan, we need to realize that the services included may apply to us more than we think. We all like to think of ourselves as being healthy, but our lifestyle has changed, and in order to stay healthy, we need to invest in our health. Health plans are more than about providing drug coverage, they can offer so much more to enhance our health and the way we enjoy life.

We’ve come very far in advancement of lifestyle, however, with this advancement, the costs of living a healthy lifestyle have also increased. While OHIP provides coverage for many basic expenses, the truth is, that with de-listing of services, and more lifestyle diseases, OHIP alone does not provide enough protection.

It’s our change in lifestyle and work that make it important to really think about getting an extended health insurance plan. (Well, that’s at least why I got one). For example, many of us may work in offices – this can take a toll on our health. The long hours sitting can cause back pain, repetitive strain injuries with the wrists, and even our vision can change with the constant computer usage. This can be treated with physiotherapy, chiropractic services and using orthotics for the feet. These are things we need now to help keep us healthy, but are not covered under OHIP. Physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic services can provide relief for our pain and help keep us healthy.

Even just having access to orthotics meant that I could buy custom made shoes that fit my feet – the long hours I spent in the office did not leave my feet aching as much because I was able to buy orthotic shoes through my extended health insurance. My hours spent in front of a computer also meant my vision changed a lot – and again, I was able to purchase new glasses as my prescription changed through my extended health plan.

The Choice of My Life!

I have a confession to make. I’m going to turn 40 in a few months. I felt like the last time I blinked I was 25. How 15 years just flew by, I have no idea. Life moves pretty fast. When I was single, I was care-free. With everything, but mostly about my health – I took it for granted. I figured I would always be healthy and that my body would always support me. But as I age, I can feel my body getting weaker, and I can see by my growing receipts that OHIP just doesn’t cut it for me anymore. 

When you get to my age, you realize that investing in your health is an important responsibility. Not because of me alone, but because I have a family now, I have a wife and children who rely on me – and I need to be well for them. Having my first child really put things into perspective, it made me realize that I have a responsibility to a beautiful child, and I owe it to her to be fit, healthy and strong. 

That’s why I got health insurance; I did not want to compromise my health. I wanted to be a father who was present and active in my child’s life. I wanted to be a father who was able to take care of myself. And that’s why I got health insurance. 

But honestly speaking, having the insurance has paid for itself.  I would have spent the same amount on prescriptions otherwise, but having the insurance provided me a sense of security and ease that my health was taken care of, and allowed me to focus on the more precious things in life, family. 

Smile with Confidence!

They say when you meet someone for the first time the first things you notice are their eyes and teeth. However, your teeth are a big source of bacteria (mostly harmless bacteria). With good oral hygiene, such as flossing and brushing, we can help keep these bacteria under control, however, when we slip up, we allow for the possibility for oral infections, tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. It can be very easy to forget to brush after a sugary snack or drinking pop, especially during festival times. Even kids, after Halloween, kids are prone to get cavities. That’s why it’s important to have Plan B. Dental Insurance.

Dental insurance helps provide protection when you need it, sometimes, you need a filling for a cavity, or need a root canal, or your children need braces, and it is not always affordable. Having a pre-paid dental plan when you are not covered through work plans help you be able to provide your family and yourself with the dental work they need. Having a toothache caused by a cavity can be very painful, and it is important that when this situation arises, we are able to afford to take care of our beautiful asset, our teeth. Furthermore, having a dentist or hygienist perform a cleaning twice a year helps prevent teeth related problems by removing hard to remove bacteria in its tracks. Having an insurance plan helps to motivate us to get our dental issues resolved quickly.

Your teeth are also one of the best indicators of good health overall, a window to your health really. For instance, oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontists — a severe form of gum disease — might play a role in some diseases including diabetes.

A great smile is a mix of good oral hygiene and good dental work, so make sure you are covered so you can smile with confidence!

Health is Wealth: 4 Reasons to Consider Health Insurance

I have always been a healthy person. I don't get sick alot, and the times I do, I recover pretty fast. So whenever someone suggested that health insurance should be something I should look into, I never gave it much thought. Until of course, I ended up with diabetes. The medication I was required to take was too expensive for someone like me, who was on a fixed income. And, once I had diabetes, getting health insurance would now cost me more than had I invested in it previously. From my lesson, I learned a few important reasons as why I should get health insurance.

1. PROVIDES ADDITIONAL COVERAGE. It provides additional coverage. Many times, the government will not cover the cost of other health needs and the vital presciption drugs needed to combat certain ailments. Having a safety net through health insurance ensures that your greatest wealth, health, is always cared for.

2. ABLE TO BUY YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS. Protects you and your family against financial hardships. Regardless of your financial situation, you should never compromise your health - having insurance means you can pay for your prescription drugs even when you make be facing financial troubles.

3. RECOVER WORRY-FREE. Having Can help supplement lost income while you are recovering. Sometimes, your health takes a toll, and having an extended health insurance plan will allow you to take the time off you need to recover without worrying about paying the bills in critical cirsumstances.

4. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. Health problems are faced by everyone, from the young to the elderly. We cannot always plan for them, but having a health insurance provides protection against unexpected medical expenses.