Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), non-grandfathered health plans are required to provide certain preventive care services for women, including contraceptives, without charging a copayment, deductible or coinsurance.

Under the guidelines, plans must cover all FDA-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity.

However, three closely held for-profit corporations (Hobby Lobby Stores, Mardel and Conestoga Wood Specialties) challenged the ACA’s requirement on the grounds that doing so would violate the right to exercise religious belief under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Read more

July and August are typically the hottest time of the year in most areas of the United States, and these months are often packed with long days at fairs and festivals, family vacations and numerous trips to the pool or lake. While you’re out having fun in the sun, watch for signs of heat illness.

According to the National Weather Service, heat is one of the leading weather-related causes of death in the United States, with men more susceptible than women to heat illness because they sweat more. The elderly and children are also at higher risk if they are not careful in the sun.

Sweating is one of the body’s key reactions to heat, but if you lose fluid from sweat that isn’t replaced by drinking enough water, your body temperature can spike dangerously. When the temperature and humidity both rise, your body’s ability to cool itself is also affected because sweat can’t evaporate fast enough to cool your body.

Heat illness occurs along a spectrum, ranging from heat cramps and fainting to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include headache, dizziness, cramping, excessive sweating, pale and clammy skin, and rapid but weak pulse. If someone is suffering heat exhaustion, get him or her out of direct sunlight so he or she can cool down and rehydrate.

Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes so hot it loses its ability to cool itself. Heat stroke is typified by headache, dizziness, confusion, hot and dry skin, throbbing pulse, shallow but rapid breathing, and sometimes unconsciousness. If someone is suffering heat stroke, get medical assistance immediately. Read More

Because summertime includes many fun activities out of doors, you don’t want to miss out. Follow these guidelines to stay cool and safe in the sun:

• Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and limit intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• Wear a hat and lightweight clothing, preferably cotton.
• Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn, which interferes with the body’s cooling mechanism.
• Find shade or an air-conditioned building where you can take a break from the heat, especially during midday.
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows open.
• Let your body acclimate to the heat before attempting vigorous exercise.

Now that summer is here, many people are planning road trips for their vacations. Going on a road trip during the summer can be fun and liberating, but it can also be a source of stress and danger if you don’t take the proper precautions. If you plan on traveling by car this summer, follow these tips to ensure your trip is safe and carefree.

Car Maintenance:

• Perform basic maintenance on your vehicle. Replace oil, wipers, fluids or the air filter if necessary.
• Have your brake pads inspected.
• Check your battery’s charge and terminals.
• Check tires for tears and for bulges on the side wall. Also check your treads. If you don’t have a gauge, insert a quarter upside
• down into the tread. If the quarter stops while Washington’s head is visible, your tires are too worn to be driven on safely.

  Trip Planning

  • Try to pack as lightly as possible to save on gas and stress, and to make your car more maneuverable. Most new cars have the total weight you can carry printed on the driver’s side door.
  • If you’re driving with kids, make sure you pack enough snacks, water, games, videos and music to keep them occupied and comfortable during your journey.
  • Bring GPS navigation to avoid getting lost, or to receive notification on traffic conditions ahead. Be aware that these can drain your phone’s battery or may not be available where there is no Internet connection, so make sure you have acontingency plan (such as a map).
    • Make sure your car has up-to-date tags and insurance. Among the worst things that can happen during a road trip are having your car ticketed or impounded for letting those things lapse. Read More

     

   

Hello My Friend-

Today is the Summer Solstice, the official start of summer and the longest day of the year. The Solstice has long been celebrated as a powerful, sacred day.

Along with the celebration, the Summer Solstice is a time of reflection. We are about halfway through the year. This is the perfect time to look back and honor what we have experienced this year:

‪▪ What are you most proud of?

▪ ‪What is going really well?

▪ ‪What have you learned?

It is also a time to look ahead and ask ourselves important questions as we move forward into the second half of the year:

‪▪ What would you like to experience more of?

▪ ‪What is not working? What do you need to let go of?

▪ ‪What would make you feel your best this summer and beyond?

Write your answers down. They will help guide you in taking actions that are in alignment with what you want.

Wishing you a wonderful Summer Solstice!

With love- Michelle Bailen

Befriend Your Body

michelle@michellebailen.com