January 19, 2012
About 4 million Americans currently have glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Yet, only about half of them realize this. Glaucoma often has no symptoms and you may suddenly develop severe vision loss without knowing why. Although there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment are critical in the process of preventing blindness.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a gradual eye disease caused by a rise in fluid pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve. Once damaged, the nerve cannot relay images from the eye to the brain, resulting in vision loss and even total blindness.
Although glaucoma symptoms are uncommon, some cases show warning signs such as:
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Headaches
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Frequent red eye
Are you at risk?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, from newborns to seniors. However, it’s more prevalent after age 45. Other risk factors that increase your chances of developing glaucoma include:
- Genetics (it’s hereditary)
- Ethnicity (more common in African Americans, Hispanics and Asians)
- Health risks (glaucoma is linked to certain health conditions)
If at risk…
- Get an eye exam on a regular basis
- Take all medications exactly as prescribed
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise on a regular basis (with your doctor’s approval, of course)
December 9, 2011
Below are 8 ways to maximize and spend down your flexible spending account:
1. Review an expansive list of eligible expenses – A number of items you need to buy or that you already bought may be eligible for reimbursement.
2. Request prescriptions for purchased OTC medications – If you were directed by your doctor to use over-the-counter medications this year to treat an illness or for wellness purposes, you can be reimbursed through your FSA for these expenses if you request a prescription.
3. Submit any outstanding receipts – If you haven’t yet submitted receipts for health care expenses make sure you find them and get reimbursed.
4. Purchase medical supplies – If you need medical supplies (ex. contact lenses, band aids etc.) on a regular basis, it can be helpful to have a backup supply on hand. However, be careful to consider the expiration dates on some of these products when you purchase them.
5. Schedule routine medical appointments – Make sure everyone in your family has gotten routine check-ups with their physician, dentist and optometrist. If you see a specialty doctor, such as a chiropractor or acupuncturist, make sure you get needed care before the end of the year or grace period as well.
6. Get a flu shot and vaccinations – Be sure everyone in your household has gotten a flu shot and is up-to-date with vaccinations.
7. Invest in wellness – You’ll save yourself a lot of future medical expenses. Smoking cessation is eligible, as is weight-loss counseling, as long as receipts are accompanied by a letter of medical necessity.
8. Log your miles – Gas and transportation fees to and from eligible medical, dental and vision appointments are eligible for reimbursement, as are visits to the drug store or pharmacy to pick up your medications. The mileage rate for 2011 is 23.5 cents per mile.
(article provided by WageWorks, an independent provider of consumer-directed spending solutions and services)
