How to get Noom for free

Noom combines an app with human coaching to help people lose weight and keep it off. The company’s typical user loses 7.5% of body weight over the course of a four month program.  Customers are joining like crazy, and revenue quadrupled last year.

After hearing about Noom on NPR late last year I signed up, paying $44.99 per month. To put it in perspective, that’s almost twice what I pay for my gym. Plus, my health insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts actually reimburses me for three months of gym membership.

And that got me thinking, if Blue Cross pays for me to stay fit at the gym, maybe they would pay for my weight loss program as well. After all, trimmer people cost insurers less money. So I called Blue Cross and they told me they actually do cover weight loss plans, the same way they cover gym memberships.

Once I found out about the benefit, it was incredibly simple to get reimbursed. I typed in some basic information online, uploaded my Noom receipt –and today I received a check for the full amount of my Noom membership. No co-pays, no deductibles, no negotiated discount!

Online form

It wasn’t easy to find, though, so I’m writing this post to give others a heads up. Here’s where I had to go on the Blue Cross site to find the benefit:

• Login> My plans> Plan Details> Plan Benefits> Benefit Details> Routine Adult Physical Exams Covered By Your Plan

Where’s Weight Loss?

Buried at the bottom of a run-on paragraph with no line breaks, I found the following run-on section with weird punctuation and a typo:

Weight Loss Benefit – you and your covered family members can be reimbursed for up to 3 months of participation fees paid to a weight loss program that is hospital-based; or one that is non-hospital-based program focused on eating and physical activity habits, and behavioral/lifestyle counseling with certified health professionals (in-person, by phone, or online). You can request this reimbursement once each calendar year; requests must be submitted by March 31 of the following year.

Bingo! (Although can someone explain why on earth this would be in the physical exams benefit?)

Noom isn’t specifically mentioned, but when I called Blue Cross they assured me the company was on the list. They also told me my call was being recorded in case I was denied and wanted to complain later! That was comforting.

Anyway, the moral of this story is to check with your health plan to see if they’ll pay for Noom. You might be pleasantly surprised. And who couldn’t use a little break during these tough financial times?

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By healthcare business consultant David E. Williams, president of Health Business Group.

The post How to get Noom for free appeared first on Health Business Group.

* This article was originally published here

A new way to study HIV's impact on the brain

Using a newly developed laboratory model of three types of brain cells, scientists reveal how HIV infection -- as well as the drugs that treat it -- can take a toll on the central nervous system.

* This article was originally published here

Coronavirus and the role of home health care

Home health has an important role to play in coronavirus. In the near term, clearing out hospitals to make room for acutely ill coronavirus patients means homecare needs to step up, and it’s important to keep moderately ill patients at home if at all possible. Eventually there will be reliable home testing for coronavirus, but sadly that day has not yet arrived –despite what you may have heard.

In this latest edition of #CareTalk, CareCentrix CEO John Driscoll and I discuss the latest on COVID-19.

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By healthcare business consultant David E. Williams, president of Health Business Group.

The post Coronavirus and the role of home health care appeared first on Health Business Group.

* This article was originally published here

UK local authorities not ready for the number of deaths from Covid-19

Even if fatality rates are at the lower end of expectations -- one percent of virus victims -- it is highly likely that death and bereavement services will be overwhelmed.

* This article was originally published here

Typical Costa Rican Gallo Pinto

Gallo Pinto is a traditional Costa Rican dish, typically served at breakfast with fried plantain, toasts, fresh fruits and, traditionally, a couple of fried eggs.

I first heard of Gallo Pinto a few years ago, when one of my very good friends visited Costa Rica. While there, he totally fell in love with this traditional dish of theirs, and it was only a matter of time before he had me discover it and fall in love with it, too! 

Back then, I’d studied many a recipe and came up with my own version of it, but having never visited Costa Rica myself, I could only imagine what the true, typical dish actually tasted, or even looked like.

Now that I got the chance to spend a few months here, I can assure you that I’ve had my share of the real deal. In fact, I think that I’ve had gallo pinto practically every day. I’ve had a chance to analyze the recipe first hand, ask questions, and replicate it for myself, time and time again. I think that I’ve now truly mastered it and can make it with my eyes closed. Heck, I could probably apply for a job at a local soda! I honestly feel that the recipe I am sharing with you today is as close to the real deal as will ever be.

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* This article was originally published here

Patients at risk of drug-induced sudden cardiac death in COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continues to spread, leading to more than 20,000 deaths worldwide in less than four months. Efforts are progressing to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, but it's still likely 12 to 18 months away.

* This article was originally published here

How bacteria form communities on the human tongue

Using a recently developed fluorescent imaging technique, researchers in the United States have developed high-resolution maps of microbial communities on the human tongue. The images reveal that microbial biofilms on the surface of the tongue have a complex, highly structured spatial organization.

* This article was originally published here

Map: Tracking The Spread Of The Coronavirus In The U.S.

Cases of COVID-19 have appeared throughout the country, but certain areas have been hit harder than others. Find out how many cases and deaths have been reported in each state.

(Image credit: Daniel Wood/NPR)

* This article was originally published here

Tests At Nursing Home In Washington State Confirm 30 Coronavirus Cases

A month after an outbreak at a nursing home in Seattle, testing at a facility in Bellingham reveals that 24 residents and six of the facility's staff have become infected with the virus.

* This article was originally published here

Study reveals how long COVID-19 remains infectious on cardboard, metal and plastic

The virus that causes COVID-19 remains for several hours to days on surfaces and in aerosols, a new scientific study has found. The study suggests that people may acquire the coronavirus through the air and after touching contaminated objects.

* This article was originally published here

Coronavirus: We are all in this together

In this edition of #CareTalk, Carecentrix CEO John Driscoll and I discuss the impact of COVID-19 in the US and around the world.  John retracts his earlier claim that the feds are doing a good job, and we go on to discuss the fact that we’re all in this together, universal coverage is a sensible policy, science matters, and government can help.

We agree with Tony Fauci, who said, “If it looks like you’re overreacting, you’re probably doing the right thing,” and we also look for signs of hope on the horizon (or just over it).

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By healthcare business consultant David E. Williams, president of Health Business Group.

The post Coronavirus: We are all in this together appeared first on Health Business Group.

* This article was originally published here

High-speed microscope captures fleeting brain signals

Neuroscientists can now capture millisecond electrical changes in neurons in the cortex of an alert mouse, allowing tracing of neural signals, including subthreshold events, in the brain. The new technique combines all-optical scanning with two-photon fluorescence imaging to produce a 2D rasterized picture every 1,000-3,000 milliseconds. That and another technique that allows 3D imaging of large areas of the mouse cortex to a depth of 650 microns will aid study of neural circuits.

* This article was originally published here

Coronavirus Hits Older People Hardest. But Millennials, Gen-Xers Can Be Vulnerable

An analysis of preliminary data from the CDC shows that the risk of serious disease and death from COVID-19 is higher in older age groups in the U.S. But they aren't the only groups at risk.

* This article was originally published here

COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic has a natural origin

An analysis of public genome sequence data from SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses found no evidence that the virus was made in a laboratory or otherwise engineered.

* This article was originally published here

Coronavirus spreads quickly and sometimes before people have symptoms, study finds

Infectious disease researchers studying the novel coronavirus were able to identify how quickly the virus can spread, a factor that may help public health officials in their efforts at containment. They found that time between cases in a chain of transmission is less than a week and that more than 10 percent of patients are infected by somebody who has the virus but does not yet have symptoms.

* This article was originally published here

Parkinson's disease linked to gene targeted by blue-green algae toxin

Scientists have discovered a possible link between Parkinson's disease and a gene impacted by a neurotoxin found in blue-green algae.

* This article was originally published here

Rural Hospitals Brace For Coronavirus

Small-town hospitals are under-equipped to deal with the coronavirus, and administrators warn it's a misperception that people in isolated rural areas are safer from exposure.

(Image credit: Kirk Siegler/NPR)

* This article was originally published here

How skin cells embark on a swift yet elaborate death

Scientists have identified the mechanism that allows skin cells to sense changes in their environment, and very quickly respond to reinforce the skin's outermost layer. The findings provide insight into how errors in this process might lead to skin conditions like psoriasis.

* This article was originally published here

Lessons of Coronavirus: The Emperor has no clues

No virus here, fellas

The COVID-19 coronavirus provides a valuable lens for viewing our healthcare system, society, and politics. Teachable moments like these are a rare occurrence, and I’m cautiously optimistic that people will take a fresh look at how they view the world.

Here are some lessons I see from the emerging crisis:

1. We are all in this together. The virus affects the whole society. You can’t wall yourself off from it or blame it on “losers.” If we’re going to prevail we’ll all need to pull together, not pit ourselves against one another or allow our politicians to fan the flames.
2. Universal coverage is a sensible policy. It seems crazy to people from other countries that Americans would hesitate to get tested for coronavirus because they were worried about how they would pay for the test or treatment.  It is crazy, but true. And never mind the fact that many can’t take sick leave.
3. Science matters. The Administration has been systematically undermining scientists in and outside of the government. Climate change is a great example –where it’s convenient to believe what suits one’s politics, and the consequences won’t show up for a while. When it comes to corona, the problem is here now –or will be within weeks. Dissing the scientists and experts won’t work well. The public -for the most part– gets it.
4. Government can help. In 2018, Trump dumped the head of global health security from the National Security Council and disbanded his team, “at a time… the country [was] already underprepared for the increasing risks of pandemic or bioterrorism attack.” CDC funding is being cut dramatically and local and state public health services have been starved for resources for years.
5. The Emperor has no clues. Trump’s visit to the CDC was an embarrassment, in which he played his usual game of attacking politicians and the press, while showcasing his own narcissism. Maybe those who laughed it off or cheered it on in other circumstances will be more concerned when it has real implications for their health.  In any case, Presidential quotes like the following should be wearing a bit thing: “I like this stuff. I really get it. People are surprised that I understand it. Every one of these doctors said, ‘How do you know so much about this?’ Maybe I have a natural ability. Maybe I should have done that instead of running for President.”

Next time I’ll write about some of the lessons that we may soon learn, about the virus, about democracy, and about the health of our society.

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By healthcare business consultant David E. Williams, president of Health Business Group.

The post Lessons of Coronavirus: The Emperor has no clues appeared first on Health Business Group.

* This article was originally published here

Dow Drops 1,900 Points: Stocks In Meltdown After Temporary Trading Halt

The Dow was down more than 8%, moving deeper into a bear market after trading was halted temporarily. The market continued its dive after President Trump set a 30-day ban on travel from Europe.

(Image credit: Jeenah Moon/Getty Images)

* This article was originally published here

Coronavirus 'Containment Area' Created Around N.Y. Cluster

NPR's David Greene talks to New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson about the National Guard which will help sanitize public spaces and bring food to homes in the containment area for COVID-19 infections.

* This article was originally published here

Mangrove conservation can pay for itself in flood protection

The natural coastal defenses provided by mangrove forests reduce annual flooding significantly in critical hotspots around the world. Without mangroves, flood damages would increase by more than $65 billion annually, and 15 million more people would be flooded, according to a new study.

* This article was originally published here

Low blood pressure linked to high mortality in older adults

A large-scale study analyzed 415,980 electronic medical records of older adults in England. People aged 75 or over with low blood pressure (below 130/80) had increased mortality rates in the follow-up, compared to those with normal blood pressure. This was especially pronounced in 'frail' individuals, who had 62% increased risk of death during the 10-year follow-up.

* This article was originally published here

WHO Official Says Coronavirus Containment Remains Possible

China's experience shows how the virus can be stopped. But the World Health Organization's Dr. Bruce Aylward said other countries may be drawing the wrong lessons about how China achieved it.

(Image credit: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images)

* This article was originally published here

One step closer to understanding the human brain

An international team of scientists has launched a comprehensive overview of all proteins expressed in the brain. The open-access database offers medical researchers an unprecedented resource to deepen their understanding of neurobiology and develop new, more effective therapies and diagnostics targeting psychiatric and neurological diseases.

* This article was originally published here

Coronavirus Test Kits Are In Shortly Supply, Vice President Pence Says

The Trump administration promises to expand testing across the U.S. NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Lauren Sauer of the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response about the testing.

* This article was originally published here

Warm Peanut Thai Noodle Salad

Loaded with wholesome goodness, this Warm Peanut Thai Noodle Salad is an unpretentious dish that is crazy easy to make, yet so generously tasty, it’ll just as easily become a family favorite!

I can’t believe it’s already been 2 months since I landed in Costa Rica… where did time go, really? Apparently, even when life takes its time, it still goes crazy fast!

So far, this trip has been nothing short of amazing; my eyes got to witness more beauty than I ever thought possible, from sandy beaches to luscious jungles and amazing sunsets, not to mention the genuine smiles on people’s faces. But mostly, I’m learning to just go with the flow, to just live in the moment, to take life “as it is”. To say that it’s been easy every step of the way would be a lie, though. I’ve had – and still will have to – face many a challenge… cooking in a shared, minimalist kitchen being on of them!

(more…)

The post Warm Peanut Thai Noodle Salad appeared first on The Healthy Foodie.

* This article was originally published here

Chest CT findings in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia

New research on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a multi-center study (n=101) of the relationship between chest CT findings and the clinical conditions of COVID-19 pneumonia -- which determined that most patients with the disease have ground-glass opacities (GGO) (86.1%) or mixed GGO and consolidation (64.4%) and vascular enlargement in the lesion (71.3%). CT involvement score can help evaluate the severity and extent of COVID-19 pneumonia.

* This article was originally published here

What’s new with old drivers?

Where’s my Uber?

A front page story in the Boston Globe (No longer in the driver’s seat; for elders, giving up the keys comes with a cost: giving up their freedom) is one that could have been written any time over the past 30 years or so. In fact, the same story has been written many times, which makes me wonder why the Globe bothered publishing it again now.

It’s a 29-paragraph article, and only in paragraphs 26 and 27 do we see any reference to ride share apps. Even then, it’s done dismissively:

These days, technology offers car-less seniors more options, freeing those who can pay for rides from depending on neighbors. Unlike past generations, seniors relinquishing licenses are a mouse click away from delivery or ride-sharing services.

But in remote settings, ride-sharing services can be harder to access, and family and friends often pick up the slack.

That really misses the point. The line about “those who can pay for rides” implies that Uber and Lyft are luxury services. Actually, for people who don’t drive that many miles –which is the population we’re talking about– taking a ride share service as needed will be a lot cheaper than owning a car, paying for insurance, maintenance, parking, etc. So almost by definition,  ride share services are affordable to seniors who would otherwise be driving.

Uber and Lyft are all over the place (there are not that many “remote settings” in the Boston area). But sure, I guess that affects some people.

I’ve been impressed that even non-tech savvy people, like my 80+ year old relative are able to summon Uber and Lyft successfully.

Cars themselves are getting easier and safer for the elderly to drive. Fully autonomous vehicles are still a few years in the future, but plenty of modern cars have features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance, and rear cross traffic warning that help older drivers compensate for declines in physical and mental capacity.

Those get no mention in the article.

It’s also worth pointing out that elderly drivers are not that big of a threat to the public. They drive fewer miles, wear seatbelts, and are generally mellow behind the wheel. Inevitably, some die. Part of the reason is that older people are more frail, and more likely to die in an accident that a younger person would survive.

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By healthcare business consultant David E. Williams, president of Health Business Group.

 

 

The post What’s new with old drivers? appeared first on Health Business Group.

* This article was originally published here

Are grandma, grandpa sleepy during the day? They may be at risk for diabetes, cancer, more

Older people who experience daytime sleepiness may be at risk of developing new medical conditions, including diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure.

* This article was originally published here

Oil Prices Plummet As Coronavirus Outbreak, Quarantines Soften China's Demand

China is the world's largest importer of oil, and COVID-19 has led to a sharp drop in its demand for crude. That means bad news for Saudi Arabia, which needs high oil prices.

* This article was originally published here