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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (June 21, 2007)
Page 8 The INDEPENDENT, June 21, 2007 To Your Health! By Judy Hargis, P.A., and Audeen Wagner Health Care on a Tight Budget?? How can people manage health care costs and still pro- vide proper care for their families in these days of rising costs? It is said that even if you are in perfect health, just thinking about the cost of health care or reeling under the pressure of health care bills can make you a little sick. If you have no medical insurance, or are under-insured, it might be hard to see the humor in that statement! Hospital vis- its and prescriptions have gone up three times the na- tional rate of inflation over the past few years, and av- erage out-of-pocket expenses for medical care for em- ployees have more than doubled over a 5-year period, while wages have increased only 18 percent. The re- sult of all this is that a large number of Americans say that high medical costs routinely force them to neglect doctor’s visits and skip prescription refills. “That’s crazy. You don’t have to choose between sound health and financial security,” says a Money Magazine report. So, the question is: How can I cut healthcare costs? Here are some tips: • As many as eight of every 10 hospital bills contain errors which increase the total amount due. So, check all your statements carefully, and keep good records of visits, lab tests, medications, etc. If you find a mistake, contact the billing office requesting a corrected bill. Itemized, please. • Practice good health measures at home: Cleanli- ness (wash those hands before eating or preparing food); Drink less alcohol (if you routinely drink four to five drinks at a sitting, you’ll average $900 more in medical expenses in a year compared to those who don’t drink at all); Quit smoking; Get some exercise daily, and stay in shape; Eat right (take your lunch to work and save $1000/year). In other words, a sincere attempt at living a healthy life can drastically cut healthcare costs. Makes sense, doesn’t it? • More about smoking: A pack-a-day smoker spends about $1,500 per year, but when you consider those extra healthcare costs resulting from smoking, it’s staggering: one statistic says as much as $1,600 more a year than for lems as asthma, acute infections, minor injuries, and nonsmokers. And that is not taking into account those much more. (Of course, if you have a real medical catastrophic illnesses! emergency, call 911 immediately.) • Take advantage of health screenings for choles- Patients are instructed to report to the clinic at 4:30 terol, diabetes, hypertension and some cancers, that p.m., where they are registered and get a short consul- are offered free by health systems such as Tuality, tation with a registered nurse. Patients are seen by OHSU, Legacy and Providence. You can find informa- volunteer doctors, physician assistants, nurse practi- tion about these screenings by calling them or going tioners, nurses or other professionals. The clinic sees online. Remember that early detection is key to posi- an average of 35 patients over a 3-hour period. tive outcomes and reduced healthcare costs for you This clinic is offering a huge service to patients who and your family. do not have insurance – all free of charge. The clinic • No drug coverage: There is a website called Part- is operated through volunteer services and donations. nership for Prescription Assistance (pparx.org), which Learn to reduce your stress level, and find ways to has links to patient assistance programs. Discounts PLAY! Never underestimate the value of simple are offered on more than 2,500 medications (many re- lifestyle changes. quire a statement of need but some are open to all in- We welcome your comments and questions. Please come levels.) And, ask for generic drugs whenever contact us at: To Your Health!, The Independent, 725 you can – they cost about 1/3 less than their brand Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR 97064, or email: name equivalents. Incidentally, make sure that you fol- health@the-independent.net. low the doctor’s instructions on taking medications – if you are supposed to take all of the pre- scription, even if you are feeling well, do it – if you don’t, the result may be problems later on, which will cost even more! Park and the last riders go out • Make sure that you get the preventive at 11:00 a.m. Poker hands are healthcare recommended for your age $5 each. The Grand Prize is group, including pap smears, clinical two nights in Lincoln City plus breast exams, mammograms, skin exams, $100 cash. Everyone is wel- prostate and colorectal cancer screenings, come to participate. etc. You can go online to WEBMD to find Montana Silver Belt Buckles the latest recommendations, or talk to your The Vernonia Ridge Riders are on display at Vernonia healthcare provider about these and other annual Poker Ride will be held Hardware with this year’s preventive measures. This includes those June 30. Signups start at 8:00 theme of “American Spirit.” well-baby checkups and immunizations for a.m. at the arena in Anderson Raffle tickes are $1 each. children, too. Also, keeping on top of chronic medical conditions, such as dia- betes, high blood pressure, high choles- terol, will probably prevent more serious problems later. ESSENTIAL HEALTH CLINIC Every Monday and Thursday evening, the Essential Health Clinic, at 266 W. Main Street, Hillsboro, serves uninsured and low-income individuals and families with medical problems. The volunteer staff identifies and treats such medical prob- It’s Ridge Riders Poker Ride time Ne Brid w Loca at J ge St . tion E .C. Pen ntranc ney e Bldg . Products & Services • PC parts & Service Low Rates for PC repair We build new computers • Cingular Service and a Wide Variety of cell phones • Office Supplies • 24 hr. Ink& Toner Refill Tel: 503.429.8324 Open Mon. thru Sat.10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 886 Bridge Street, Vernonia
