by Brandi Savitt – April 12, 2012

Preparing for the Changing Healthcare System

Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with patient advocate, PhD and former New York State Lieutenant Governor Besty McCaughey about the release of her new eBook, “Decoding the Obama Health Law: What You Need To Know.”  McCaughey is well known for her often controversial push back on healthcare reform and the current Patient Protection & Affordable Healthcare Act.

A Republican, Dr. McCaughey deciphered the whopping 2,572 pages of  the new Affordable Healthcare Act in an attempt to provide Americans with a bi-partisan summary to help us all prepare for the changes in our healthcare system that will likely go into full effect come 2013-14.  And while her book does not consistently achieve a bi-partisan tone, McCaughey’s passion about finding a solution that will offer all Americans affordable healthcare is undeniable.  The problem: she doesn’t believe the Affordable Health Act is that solution…

Take a Peek Inside the Book – Winners & Losers

*Excerpt from  “Decoding the Obama Health Law: What You Need To Know”

The Winners

• Low-income, childless adults who did not qualify Medicaid but will, as of 2014.
  
• Households earning up to $92,200 for a family of four who pay for their own insurance.  As of 2014, they will get a subsidy funded by taxpayers.
• Young adults are eligible to stay on their parents’ health plan until age 26.
• People in their fifties who would pay more for health insurance if younger adults were permitted to pay less.  New pricing rules force younger customers to subsidize middle-aged customers.
• Insurance companies are winners and losers.  They are guaranteed customers.  The law forces you to buy their product.  But, on February 29, 2012 Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius told Congress the private  insurance market is in a “death spiral.”  Blame Obamacare’s costly regulations.
• Chronically ill patients will benefit from rules barring insurers from putting lifetime caps on your care.
• Newcomers to the U.S. – The law expands programs to serve people of diverse languages and cultures, regardless of immigration status.
• Racial and ethnic minorities will benefit from federally funded programs to train a diverse healthcare workforce.
• Government employees – Obamacare is causing the federal government to add workers at a rapid pace.  The Department of Health and Human Services increased spending 15% in 2009 and 2010, staffing up to write more regulations pertaining to the new law.  Federal actuaries predict that government spending on healthcare administration – bureaucrats and regulations – will soar from $29 billion in 2008 to more than $71 billion in 2020.

by Brandi Savitt – March 22, 2012

Natural Ways to Beat Allergies Year Round

Did someone say 85 degrees in Chicago – in March?!  This heat wave sweeping the country may be a welcome reprieve from the winter blues, but it has also slammed us full court press into an early allergy season.  If you’re anything like me and hope to control your seasonal allergies without relying the annoyance – or expense – of  allergy medications or shots, read on.  We have some natural Fab & Fru  solutions to help you get some relief without pricey visits to the doctor!

Neti Pot to the Rescue

If you suffer from allergies, or even a cold, nasal irrigation is an ancient ritual recommended by ear, nose, and throat surgeons to help flush out irritants in the nasal passage while helping to relieve sinus pressure.

One of the most cleansing ways to irrigate your nasal passages (we know, it may sound unappealing) is by using a neti pot.  Used for centuries in India, this Ayurvedic  practice of cleansing the breathing passages is still a powerful secret weapon for allergy sufferers.  And although pouring water in one nostril and out the other takes a little getting used to, performing this simple procedure in the morning and at night will bring you serious relief.

Ceramic neti pots are sold separately for about $11 or $12 dollars, but many are also sold with a starter kit containing their own saline mixture that you mix with water.  You can also make your own saline solution:

Saline Solution Recipe

• Carefully clean and rinse a new 1-quart jar. Fill the clean jar with  distilled water (do NOT use tap water unless you boil it).
• Add one level teaspoon of non-iodized (“pickling” or pure sea salt) salt. DO NOT use table salt. Table salt has unwanted additives.
• Add one level teaspoon of baking soda (pure bicarbonate).
• Stir or shake before each use. Store at room temperature. After one week pour out any mixture that is left over and make a new recipe.

The Birds & the Bees

Eating local honey or bee pollen daily, year round is a sweet homeopathic trick to help your body stimulate immunity to potential allergens by introducing allergy producing antigens in small, non-threatening amounts into the system. The key is to eat RAW honey made within 50 miles of where you live.  Keep in mind it could take a year or two to build up your immunity, but many swear by their little bit of honey…

by Brandi Savitt – March 8, 2012

Why Avoiding Chemicals Is Worth the Price

You’ve probably noticed that at most major drugstores there are typically ZERO non-antiperspirant deodorant options for women – while the men’s section offers at least 3-4.  And you’re also probably aware of all the reports suggesting potentially harmful links between aluminum (a major ingredient in antiperspirants) and breast cancer, and of course Alzheimer’s disease - not to mention other terrifying chemicals found in deodorants, like parabens… So what’s an educated consumer to do – especially when the social norm (and more importantly the consumer price point) still pushes women to use toxic chemicals to stop sweating and smelling?

While none of us ladies want to smell bad, the health risks of using chemical laden deodorants and antiperspirants are just too great.  So, we’ve done a little homework and gathered the info you need to know.  From the most cost effective high-end organic brands to homemade deodorant recipes, we have the Fab & Fru stink on how to smell your best – the natural way!

Chemicals to Avoid & Why

It seems logical that rubbing chemicals on your pits may not be the healthiest choice – no matter what the chemists say.  While the list of chemicals to avoid can be rather daunting,  Naturalcosmetics.com has done a superb job summarizing a full list of nasty no-no’s to look for when reading deodorant labels.  And the two top chemical compounds to watch out for are: aluminum & parabens – here’s why…

Aluminum

Aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants block the sweat glands to keep sweat from getting to the skin’s surface. Some research has suggested that these aluminum compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells. Because estrogen can promote the growth of both cancer and non-cancerous breast cells, some scientists have suggested that using the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer.

And while no clear link to breast cancer has been established yet… the unclear part of that is good enough for us! There are many alternative health care practitioners that believe that high levels of aluminum in the body may be the link to many diseases…

Parabens

Naturalcosmetics.com states that “parabens in their many forms (methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben) are a class of artificial preservatives widely used in cosmetics and personal care products that are being investigated for their possible role in breast cancer. Parabens mimic the activity of estrogen in the body. Since estrogen promotes the growth of breast cancer cells and a woman is eight times more likely to develop breast cancer in the part of the breast closest to the underarm, scientists are studying the connection”.

by Stephanie Berenbaum – January 19, 2012

Buggin’ Out?

Given the rotten job market and downer economy, I am happy to say I have recently encountered a business which gives me confidence that this country is going to be ok: I am speaking, of course, about Professional Lice Removal.

In general, I try not to make impulse purchases.  But when I got a call from my son’s school that his hair was infested with lice – well, let’s just say all logic (and money) went out the window!

Pricey Lice!

Instead of weighing my options, I immediately called a salon near me we’ll call “Pricey Lice” – yes, a professional lice removal salon.  In that instant I lost all faith in my motherly abilities to de-louse my child and assumed only a professional could do the trick.  At this point I was sure all of our family members, babysitters and close friends had also been infested by associating with our family, and I just wanted them GONE.

So, of course, in my frenzy, did I even stop to ask about price?  No, I didn’t.  I was just thrilled to get an appointment and we rushed right over…

Back In The Day

If I had stopped to think about it, I might have recalled having lice back in the 70s, when my mother took on the role of cheif de-louser with Rid shampoo and a fine toothed metal comb.  There were no lice salons back in the 70s, of that I am pretty sure!

Fast forward to Pricey Lice, where our whole family  got checked and miraculously only one son had it.  The checkers were as nice as could be, and even my 6 year old was relatively happy, sitting there for several hours playing video games and eating snacks …and no, the snacks were not free.  As they combed product through his hair and checked through it all in tiny sections, I have to say I was relieved to have this resource right around the corner!  That is, until…

Feeling Like A Nit-Wit

I went to pay the bill – and I honestly thought there was an error – it was almost $400.  This included the de-lousing for my son, which took a couple hours, checks for the other 3 of us at $30 a head, and purchase of the deluxe home care product kit they sell, for $80.  Plus a few more bucks for goldfish crackers and Yoo-Hoo.  I did then what I should have done in the first place – looked at the pricing!

They, like many lice removal services,  charge by the hour – this includes evaluating, removal and treatment.  It’s $95 for the first hour (the minimum) and then $23.75 for each 15 minutes thereafter.  Keep in mind only one of my sons needed lice removal – he has long hair for a boy but nowhere near as long as the girls in his class – so I can only imagine how much it cost for them or multiple siblings to get treated!

Due to his level of infestation, we were told to come back for a second treatment a few days later – priced the same way as the first visit (but took less time).  The second check ran us about $100, so, in all we’re talking about a staggering $500 total.  And as far as I could tell, they didn’t offer financing plans – though apparently they said many customers were able to get partial reimbursement from insurance…

by Alexandra Pauline – January 16, 2012

Sleep & Your Savings Plan

It’s no secret that getting enough sleep helps to keep us healthy and functioning at our finest.  But what you may not know is that losing sleep may also lead to you losing money.  See how getting enough rest is a Fab & Fru way to keep help you keep more money in the bank!

Do Wealthier People Sleep More?

We’ve all pulled an all nighter or two in our day.  And while they are sometimes unavoidable, many experts would argue that people who are tired all of the time are not as successful as their well rested colleagues.  It may seem obvious, but not only does getting seven to nine hours a night help you avoid getting sick, it helps you to get more done during the day with a whole lot less effort.  And the better you are at leveraging your time, the more likely to are to reach all your goals – including your financial ones!

The Insomniac’s Shopping Dilemma

Chronic fatigue can bog down your budget more than you think.   People who have trouble sleeping run the risk of wasting money because they tend to make more impulsive decisions than the well-rested do.  Many people who can’t sleep at night surf the web and home shopping stations.  Things often look more enticing to the late night shopper than they may in the light of day.  And according to savingadvice.com, when you are sleep deprived, “Your thinking is slowed, you’re too tired to listen to advice, and you sometimes aren’t fully understanding what you’re reading or hearing.  When you’re making big financial decisions you need all your brain power so that you don’t get caught up in a scam and agree to unfavorable terms.”  -If you have serious trouble sleeping, please contact your health care provider.

Take The Time To Wind Down

As women who want to have it all, our mental to-do-list is never ending.  Between work, kids, friends and family, there is often no sleep for the weary.  And even when we’re totally exhausted and can’t wait to sleep, the pressures of everyday life can keep us wound up for hours.  The key – really take the time to clear your mind.  Whether it’s a hot bath,  a cup of Sleepy Time tea or reading a gossip magazine, giving yourself a hour or so before bedtime to wind down will help you sleep better and sleep through night.  To paraphrase the wise words of Ben Franklin: Early to bed, early to rise, helps keep a woman healthy, wealthy and wise!

Stay Away from the Late Night Snacks

According to Joyce Daoust, a Certified Nutritionist and national best selling co-author of “The Formula, A Personalized 40-30-30 Weight Loss Program,” the key foods to avoid eating at night include: sugar, alcohol, and high-carbohydrate snacks that can spike blood sugar and insulin levels.  “These foods can block the release of human growth hormone, inhibiting proper repair and recovery of your body, disrupting sleep patterns, and waking you after only a few hours of sleep.”  Nutrition expert Tina Ruggiero, MS, RD, LD also added, “Do something after eating — light chores, laundry, etc.  Don’t go right to bed.  That will also help guarantee a good night’s rest.”

by Brandi Savitt – January 9, 2012

5 Ways to Get Healthy & Lose Weight

It’s hard to believe when you hear celebrities – who are the size of your left pinky – say that they eat healthy, but they never ever diet.  What does that even mean? If they eat at all, they have a celery stalk and sip some organic vegetable broth, right?  It sounds ridiculous, but stop rolling your eyes – these health conscious celebs are actually onto something – and it may have more to do with getting healthy than squeezing into to a size two…

Start Eating More…

It’s no secret, if you want to reach your ideal weight, and look &  feel your best, start focusing on eating, not dieting.  What we consume affects more than our waistline, it affects our overall health and ability to fight disease.  Eating as many unprocessed whole foods as possible not only has less calories, but unprocessed foods typically have many more nutrients and fiber.  The more of the needed nutrients we get, the less hungry we feel.  And while eating high quality organic fruits, veggies, eggs, and meats may cost a little more upfront, it is an expense that is worth it in the long run.  –To save money, eat fresh, and save on fuel, buy local produce and animal products from the grocery or your local farmers market whenever possible.

Are You Too Sensitive?

Maybe it’s because all of the processed foods we’ve been eating for decades, or maybe it’s because our culture just eats too much in general, but as a result, many of us have developed food sensitivities over time that may be keeping us from losing weight and keeping our immune system from functioning at its optimal level.  If you suffer from constant colds, sinus pressure, bloating, gas, stomach pain, even skin problems such as eczema, your diet may be playing a role!  Gluten (wheat & wheat products), dairy and soy are common food sensitives that may be causing unnecessary inflammation in your body - and they’re in shocking places so start reading those labels…

Consider consulting with a Naturopath or nutritionist who can help you determine if these foods are getting in the way of your optimal health.  Also check Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Diet and Dr. Andrew Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet .  Don’t worry – you may not have to give up these foods forever.  Sometimes giving your body a break for awhile, will do the trick (if you don’t overindulge too often)...

by Brandi Savitt – October 13, 2011

Discuss, Detect, Donate

Dear Fab & Fru Readers,

For Stephanie and me, 2011 has been a year of devastation and triumph.  Between the two of us, FIVE close friends and family members have spent the year battling breast cancer.  As someone witnessing her friends and family endure the cruel twists and turns of fighting this deadly disease, I have been humbled and forever changed.  While I always knew I was blessed to have many strong women in my life, I have been blown away by the unrelenting courage, strength and unbelievable spirit of these truly fabulous ladies.

As most of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  And although tremendous inroads have been made to spread awareness about this horrific disease, and raise money to help find a cure – we have yet to succeed.   Even as health savvy caring women, it is impossible to truly understand the magnitude of this disease unless you are battling it yourself, or have witnessed first hand as a loved one fights for her life to become a survivor.  The fact is, no woman is immune to breast cancer, and it is up to all of us to educate ourselves and stand united in our efforts to find a cure.

Health is Wealth

Good health is the greatest gift of all.  As Gandhi said; “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver”.  Here are three key Fab & Fru steps we all need to take NOW to help fight for the well being of all women!

Educate Yourself & Discuss

There may not yet be a cure for breast cancer, but like anything, the first step is awareness.  Education saves lives.  Empowering ourselves by taking an active role in our own preventive healthcare is essential.  Discussing women’s health issues with our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends – is the first step.   Awareness breeds action!

Early Detection Saves Lives

Educating ourselves and practicing preventive medicine, does not need to make us obsessed and fearful.  It makes us smart.  The facts are very simple – when it comes to breast cancer – the sooner the disease is detected, the higher chance of survival.  Talk to your doctor about early detection and commit to regular check ups and screenings.

Donate Wisely to Help Find the Cure

Please consider donating to help find a cure.  There are hundreds of organizations that are dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.  However, not all organizations are as transparent as others.  Before you donate to the cause, find out where your money will be going, and choose the charity that speaks to you.

Charity Navigator is an excellent resource to help guide you in your search.  They rate all organizations that they are involved with by the transparency of their accounting practices.  Below is Charity Navigators top three rated breast cancer organizations.  For a full list, click here.

By Brandi Savitt – September 19, 2011

Stay Healthy Naturally

It’s no secret that disease is BIG business.  From big pharma companies to giant insurance companies, it’s arguable that as much as modern medicine saves lives, it’s much more profitable to keep people sick.  Our regular doctors no longer teach us about nutrition and preventative medicine, and it seems visits to the doctor are largely used to treat a problem rather than to stop it from happening in the first place.

Don’t get me wrong; there is no more noble of a profession than that of a doctor or healthcare provider.  The thing is, doctors help us when we’re sick, but it’s up to us to try and stay healthy.  So, as temperatures drop, allergies peak, and the kids are back in school bringing home every germ known to man, here are some Fab & Fru ways to boost your immune system, so you can stay healthy and avoid the doctor this season all together.  And yes, one of the tips does involve a prescription of daily red wine! 

Understanding Inflammation

According to Dr. Mark Hyman, inflammation in our bodies is at the root of all disease.  From seasonal allergies to cancer, thyroid disease and diabetes; the food, beverages, and even medications we consume have a direct impact on the inflammation in our bodies.  “If your immune system and your ability to balance the inflammatory forces in your body are impaired, watch out!

What Causes Inflammation?

Doctor Hyman explains that inflammation and immune imbalances are at the root of most modern diseases, and the question is how do we find the causes and get the body back in balance? Thankfully the list of things that cause inflammation is relatively short:

• Poor diet: mostly sugar, refined flours, processed food and inflammatory fats such as trans and saturated fats
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Hidden or chronic infections with viruses, bacteria, yeasts or parasites
• Hidden allergens from food or the environment
• Toxins such as mercury and pesticides
• Mold toxins and allergens

Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid

Dr. Weil suggests choosing foods based on his own version of the food pyramid. Here are the foods and daily serving suggestions on the Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid:

• Vegetables – 4-5 servings a day
• Fruits – 3-4 servings a day
• Whole and cracked grains – 3-5 servings a day
• Pasta – 2-3 servings a week
• Beans and Legumes – 1-2 servings a day
• Health Fats – 5-7 servings a day
• Fish and Seafood – 2-6 servings a week
• Whole Soy Foods – 1-2 servings a day
• Cooked Asian Mushrooms – Unlimited servings
• Other sources of protein – 1-2 servings a week
• Healthy Herbs and Spices – Unlimited servings
• Tea – 2-4 cups a day
• Supplements – Daily
• Red Wine (Optional) – 1-2 glasses a day
• Healthy Sweets – Sparingly

I’m all for any diet that suggests a daily dose of Red Wine…not to mention spending less money on cold and flu medication and doctor’s visits!

What Fab & Fru things do you do to keep your immune system healthy and strong?

By Brandi Savitt – September 2, 2011

The Squeaky Wheel Gets the…Discount

A few months ago, a dear friend of mine had to have a routine outpatient surgery.  The surgery went well, but she was slow to recover, and after hours of trying to regulate her vitals, the doctors decided to admit her so they could monitor her progress through the night.  The next morning she was bright eyed and more than ready to go home.

It was not until a couple weeks later that her insurance statement arrived…  For one night in the hospital – with no special treatment – the hospital charged the insurance company $50,000!  However, the insurance company’s records indicated that they had paid only $17,000 (still outrageous).  Was my friend responsible for the rest of the bill?  Thankfully, in this case, no!  The insurance company actually negotiated the bill down on their own behalf.  That’s when I realized – if insurance companies are negotiating with hospitals and doctors – shouldn’t we all be?!

Fight for Your Right to Affordable Healthcare

Whether you have a ‘good’ health insurance plan or no plan at all, you have a right to pay a fair price for your medical care.  However, whether you are going in for a routine procedure, or you are dealing with a chronic disorder, the patient is often left in the middle to deal with the financial dance between doctors, hospitals and insurance companies.  And ultimately, it is the patient who must pay.  So, in the hopes of making self advocates out of all of us, we went to the experts for some negotiating advice.  From billing department employees to lawyers to patients themselves, we gathered some Fab & Fru tips to help heal your mind, body and your wallet!

Get Pre-Certified Before Having a Procedure

If you have insurance, and it is not an emergent procedure/surgery, ALWAYS call to check your coverage ahead of time.  Staying in your network can drastically reduce your costs.  You may also need to”pre-certify” a procedure to be able to access your full benefits.  Afterward, go over your insurance Explanation of Benefits (or EOB) carefully to make sure that they’ve covered everything that they should have.  Familiarize yourself with your deductible, copay/coinsurance amounts & benefit maximums.

Doctors Don’t Want to Sue

It turns out doctors also have a financial incentive to avoid a collections hassle.  According to Washington DC based attorney Thomas J. Simeone, Esq, “If the medical provider retains an attorney or collection agency to collect the outstanding balance, it will likely pay approximately 1/3 of the amount recovered as a legal fee. That is the average legal/collection. Therefore, if you negotiate directly with the provider before the provider involves a third person, you have a good chance of getting up to a 1/3 reduction at the start.”  Who knew?!

By Brandi Savitt – August 18, 2011

Cheap & Easy Vegan Meals

If you’re interested in improving your overall health, adding an extra glow to your skin, and shedding a few extra pounds – it’s time to add more veggies to your diet!  Many people think that buying endless supplies of fresh organic produce is way too expensive, but the truth is, if you’re smart, eating a few meatless meals throughout the week can save you hundreds of dollars a month.

Learning to Eat & Cook More Veggie

Whether you’re mildly interested in learning why nutrition matters, or if you want to dive head first into the vegan lifestyle, I highly recommend reading Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Diet.  After battling an incurable cancer by changing her diet and her lifestyle, Kris Carr has become the queen of explaining the science and the facts of why eating a plant-based diet may be the real answer to health, happiness and longevity for us all.  A total Fab & Fru lady, Kris’s fun and easy-to-read book is a fantastic and thorough resource to help you start your own exploration into food and health.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All Under $20

Because I’ve spent the past few months studying the benefits of limiting processed foods and animal products from one’s diet, I’ve also spent some serious time experimenting in the kitchen to come up with some super healthy & delish Fab & Fru vegan recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Here are a few vegan specialties for you to try.  And the best part – by my calculations (after stocking your kitchen with healthy oils & seasonings), the below day’s worth of meals can feed up to four for under $20.  Hope you enjoy!

Breakfast (or dessert) – $4

Banana Millet Cakes

These super healthy & yummy pancake alternatives are not only easy and inexpensive to make, they make for a power-packed breakfast or a delicious guilt-free dessert.

Lite Lunch- $6

Cabbage Kaleslaw

Looking for an easy, inexpensive but hearty salad recipe? This Asian style kale and cabbage salad is SO good -and SO good for you- you’ll want to make it everyday!

Dinner Time!- $6-8

Veggie Delight with Quinoa Pilaf

This vegan stir fry is an inexpensive protein-packed meal that’s so good, you won’t miss meat for a second!

Are you a health conscious eater who loves things to taste amazing?  Please share with us your favorite vegan tips & recipes!