New Health Care Law. . .

I’m sure by now you have heard the buzz about the new Healthcare law. To be completely honest with you, I am so confused about all the information out there. I have been slowly trying to soak up all the information and see how it pertains to me. Let’s face it, you can’t ignore it. . . Healthcare is highly important to your family. As the person who makes most of the decisions about our Healthcare, I need to be fully informed. Did you know that 80% of women make the healthcare decisions?!

Last week I had the opportunity to listen to a presentation put on by The Motherhood, and WellPoint (which is Blue Cross Blue Shield). They were their to discuss, and answer any questions we had about the new healthcare law, and what options we have available to us. I don’t know about you, but I had lots of questions.

Patrick Blair and Ellie Kay, both WellPoint spokespeople gave us an over view of the new laws, and answered some questions we had. WellPoint does business in 14 states across the U.S. most people know them more as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

As we all know healthcare is highly important. It protects you and your family when sickness may occur. Major illness, and injuries can be super costly if you don’t have insurance. Here are a few figures to show you some costs:

• An average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is $30,000
• A broken arm can cost $2,500 or more (that is without surgery)

There are going to be four options to get your healthcare insurance for next year:

1. Purchasing through you or your spouse’s employer
2. Buy health insurance yourself
3. Enroll in government programs like Medicare or Medicaid plans – if you are eligible
4. Go without insurance – but you will have to pay a tax penalty

I’m sure you have seen the word Healthcare Exchanges around. If your like me, your not really sure what that is.

“Healthcare Exchanges” will be like a marketplace for healthcare. You will be able to compare your healthcare options.

• Enrollment starts: October 1, 2013
• Enrollment ends: March 31, 2013
• Coverage will begin: January 1, 2014 (this is for people who sign up before December 15, 2013)

Here are some important facts you need to remember:

• You may be able to qualify for financial help
• You can get preventive healthcare at no cost
• You can’t be denied based on pre-existing conditions
• Help will be available for people who make about $45,000 dollars a year, and families of four who make about $92,000 dollars a year.
• Financial help will be offered on a sliding scale. . . so the more money you make the less help you will get.

Later in the fall, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will have a subsidy estimator available online for you to get an estimate of how much of a subsidy you may receive.

There will be health benefits that all plans will offer:

• Emergency services
• Maternity and newborn care
• Mental Health & Substance use disorder services
• Chronic disease management
• Pediatric services, including oral and vision care

Woman will not be able to be charged more. Cannot be charged more or denied for pre-existing conditions. Woman will get preventative care for mammograms, well woman visits, contraception, and more. You can choose your own primary care, OB-GYN and pediatricians without referrals. (I think this is HUGE)

All plans will come in levels or tiers. Such as Platinum, Gold, Sliver, and Bronze. Which means that if you choose the bronze you will have the lowest monthly premium, but will cover 60% of the costs. Or if you choose the platinum plan you will have the highest monthly premium, but will cover 90% of the costs.

All in all, there are plus sides to this new law. Like doctors are suppose to be more attentive, and be more helpful. Whether this happens or not is the real question. I’m still not 100% sure what is going to happen with this new healthcare, but I hope that it is going to work better for those who currently can not afford healthcare. I have always given up my healthcare to afford it for my children. Is this necessarily smart? No, probably not, but I think that my kids are more important. It will be nice not to have to chose between us anymore.

I hope that the information I have provided you with, will help with your decision. If you are still confused, or need more information you can look in these places.

• Healthcarereformforyou.com
• Healthcare.gov
• Anthem.com

*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I was provided with information by The Motherhood and WellPoint. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.

Lactaid Pudding Pops

Last month we talked about how Lactaid can benefit people with milk allergies or intolerance. All three of my monkeys, have a milk intolerance. Therefore, we have to get creative with some of our recipes. 

Melissa D`Arabian was on the Today show June 25th showing how to make a simple chicken dish. You can see the video here.

Lactaid Coupon Giveaway….

Do you have any children that allergic to milk? Or seems to have an intolerance to it?

All my children in one way or another can not have milk. We have experimented with lots of different things over the years to replace their milk. Rice Milk, Almond Milk, Soy Milk, and then finally Lactaid. Lactaid is the one that has lasted. While I still keep some regular milk in the house for some things we cook, I have found that Lactaid is the most versatile to cook with. Plus my husband, who while doesn’t like to admit that he has a milk issue does. After trying whole milk Lactaid, he will use it. He says it taste the most like real milk. He can’t usually tell the difference.

Recently I was able to join in on a webinar with Melissa d’ Arabian Lactaid Brand Spokesperson. (Which might I add I watched on food network when she first became a celeb, and still watch her to this day). She is a NY Times best selling author of the cookbook, Ten Dollar Dinners. All while being the mom of four girls. You might have seen her on the Today Show with Kathie Lee & Hoda? She was on it April 15th doing breakfast recipes, and will be back on June 26th for Entrée recipes. If you would like to you can check out 8 online videos here, and here.

We also heard from Michelle Harrington, R.D. and Lactaid Regulatory and Nutritional Affairs Manger. As well as being a pediatric dietitian at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.

So I’m sure many of you are asking what is Lactose exactly? I know, that was my big question when I started researching the milk issue with my kids. Well, lactose is the major carbohydrate in milk and other dairy foods. Lactose is milk sugar and consists of two simple sugars, which are glucose, and galactose. Therefore people who are lactose intolerant can’t break down the lactose probably. Or the body doesn’t know how. Sometimes lactose intolerance can be progressive, so many people may become more intolerant later in life.

Lactaid is a product that helps people who have a lactose sensitivity in digesting dairy products without having the stomach discomfort. It provides the lactase that the body can’t produce enough of to break down lactose.
Believe it or not Lactaid is also 100% real dairy. It just doesn’t have the natural yeast derived enzyme added called lactase. There is a very wide variety of Lactose-Free products as well. You can get different kinds of milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, and eggnog. My son tried the eggnog this year for the first time, he was so EXCITED.
Did you know that Lactaid is the nation’s #1 lactose-free dairy brand?

Once Lactaid is opened it should be consumed within a week. Lactaid products are calcium enriched as well. I make sure to get that for my kids, so they are able to get the calcium they need. It has 500 mg in an 8 oz glass, so you only need two glasses to get your daily amount of calcium.

While it is hard to find in our area.. you can get Lactaid ice cream in 5 flavors. (we only can find chocolate and vanilla which makes my kids sad)

• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Cookies & Cream
• Strawberries & Cream
• Butter Pecan

All flavors except cookies and cream are also gluten free.


I know my kids get frustrated when seeing the things they can’t eat. We have found that yogurt doesn’t bother them. That is because it has live and active cultures. Greek yogurt has double the protein and fewer carbs, which leads to less lactose and easier to digest. (My son prefers Greek yogurt)
Cheese is a bit harder. A rule of thumb for eating cheese though, is that harder the cheese, the less moisture or whey in it. Meaning there is less lactose in it. Always choose the aged cheeses, they are lower in lactose. My son loves Cheddar and Gruyere. However, Pecorino and Swiss cheese are also great hard cheeses to try.

Now cooking with Lactaid. Is it the same or can it be done?
Well, Melissa suggests using it in smoothies. The kids tend to like it more due to a slight sweetness. She also says she swaps Lactaid for regular milk in recipes, cup for cup. When substituting Lactaid for cream in recipes, work in a teaspoon of corn starch. Can also be used to make buttermilk by adding vinegar.

I’m going to be experimenting with some different recipes using Lactaid over the next month, so stay tuned for my blog post in July. Using the link above, leave me a comment telling me something you would like me to try? Telling you how well it worked, and how good it is. In the meantime would you like to win a coupon for a free Lactaid product?
a Rafflecopter giveaway





*Lactaid through The Motherhood provided the giveaway and information for this sponsored post. All other opinions are mine or my monkeys.

Listerine Smart Rinse Oral Care #SweetSmart Challenge Follow up:

 

 

Can you believe it has been 3 weeks already?! Wow, where did the time go this month? We have finished our three week challenge for Listerine Smart Rinse Oral Care. If you don’t remember what we discussed the first time, you can find my post here.

 

Upon starting this challenge we received some products from Listerine…..

 

 

 

I won’t lie, even as excited as they were with the products we received they still had trouble getting into the swing of things. My youngest was a bit more diligent about it since she just had to get her first fillings.  

 

 

 

 

After a few days of hounding them, and reminding them to look at our chart. They started to remember on their own. Then it began to be a bit more of a routine. They really enjoyed listening to music while brushing so they knew how much longer they had to go. (I never thought of that before) Monkey Man also saw an improvement with his gums not hurting or bleeding when he brushed. When I told him it was because he was brushing more, and they are cleaner… he said he would try harder to keep up. Since he didn’t like the feeling of sore and bleeding gums.

 

 

 

Halloween wasn’t really an issue for us, since we don’t go trick or treating. I like to keep that much sugar right out of the house. They did have a few sweet treats a couple days before for Middle Monkey’s Birthday party, and they were great about making sure to brush as soon as we got back, to get the sugar bugs off! LOL!

 

My kids are getting better, but like anything it is a work in progress. I usually try to remind them when I’m going to brush my teeth too. Besides what better way to teach, than lead by example. Night time is the easiest for them, because they know it is part of their bedtime routine. Morning seems to be the toughest for them to remember. I have even had them ask to brush their teeth a few times after lunch. Of course I say “SURE”! You want to add in some extra brushing who am I to stop you!  Another thing they found fun, was a bit of a game they played themselves. One of the great effective tools of Listerine Smart Rinse is that when you use it and spit it out if there is any more particles of food in your mouth, it latches on and becomes a darker color. So, my monkeys decided to make it a challenge each time they brushed to do so good, they didn’t have any! (Whatever works right?)

 

 

Remember brushing alone does not clean your whole mouth. It actually misses 75% of your mouth. You need to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash.

 

 

 

*Disclaimer: I received products from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. and the Motherhood as part of my participation in the Listerine Smart Rinse Sweet Smart Challenge. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s.

 

 

Listerine Smart Rinse Oral Care Challenge #SweetSmart

 

 

We all know that brushing is important.. However, I recently discovered a lot of things that I did not know about brushing! More to come on that in a bit.

 

Upon joining this challenge I had the chance to join in on a webinar about children’s dental care. Fern Igner, the Founding President and CEO of America’s ToothFairy shared information on how to sign up your child for the ToothFairy Club. After registering your child they will get a personalized letter from the Tooth Fairy. As well as information on taking good care of their teeth and gums.

 

 

 

Then Dr. Kanetta Lott, a pediatric dentist answered our questions. I must say their were some really good questions being asked too! The group also was putting out some really great tips that work well for their families as well. Including some ways to get our kids excited about oral care, and keeping them excited. (I think we may all struggle with that) Some of the suggestions that were put out there was a reward chart, and play a song that lasts 3 minutes. Dr. Lott also shared that brushing and flossing is not enough. They need to use a rinse like “Listerine Smart Rinse”. This rinse provides a 12 hour cavity protection and strengthens teeth 99% more than brushing alone! Parents should brush their children’s teeth until the age of 8 to demonstrate good brushing behavior.

 

Kids should brush their teeth for 2 minutes, and rinse for 1 minute. Which is usually the length of a song. As stated above, some parents found it helpful to play a song, so they know how long to brush. For all purchases of Listerine Smart Rinse at Walmart, you can download a song for your kids to brush their teeth too. You can get songs from Phineas and Ferb here, or a Barbie song here. My kids love Phineas and Ferb, so I really think we are going to try this! Plus my girls love Barbie, so maybe we can switch it up a bit.

 

 

If your child has or gets braces, they should be rinsing with Listerine Smart Rinse a couple times a day. Braces have a tendency to trap food around braces, adhere to teeth, and cause more cavities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Dental Habits:

I’m sure we all try to give our kids great dental habits, however that may not always stick. Since my kids were infants we used a washcloth, or the little finger brush you can buy to brush their gums. Then as they got older I would help them brush, and let them try on their own. Morning and night we had nice sparkly teeth. By the age of 2 I had them seeing a dentist. My oldest always did great with this. My two girls on the other hand were more timid, so we just kept trying. Eventually, they didn’t shy away as quick, and did very well at the dentist. I have always been very faithful about bring them to the dentist every 6 months, and getting their teeth cleaned. When they were old enough they all had sealants put on their teeth. As they got older however, they stopped being as active about brushing their teeth. I had to remind them frequently and they still would fight me on it. This is still a work in progress!

 

My kids are now 10, 9, and 7. The two oldest have not had any cavities. Up until last month, my youngest didn’t either. She recently had 2 cavities, and we had to get fillings. That was such a production. I partially blame myself for her cavities though, since she has always struggled with brushing her teeth well. I have helped her up until the last few months. Since this recent development, I have decided to go back and help her brush them.

 

 

The Facts:

• Oral Disease has become the #1 Chronic Childhood Disease
  
• 44% of American kids will suffer from the pediatric dental disease before they reach kindergarten.
  
• Of the 4 million kids born each year, more than half will have cavities before they reach 2nd grade.
  
• 43% of Americans lack dental insurance
  
• All in All, 16 million kids suffer from untreated dental disease
  
• Children should have a “dental home” no later than 12 months of age. Some dentist won’t start seeing them until they are 3 or 4 unless they are a pediatric dentist.
  
• Even brushing with water is better than not brushing at all.
  
• Brushing alone missing 75% of your mouth! (did you know that?)
  
• Smart Rinse is alcohol free, and gluten free.
  
• Clean teeth do not bleed, if your gums are bleeding then you need to brush more.
  
• Foods to cause teeth decay is Gummy bears, raisins, and gooey candy.
  

 

 

Thanks to Johnson & Johnson’s contributions to America’s ToothFairy. In 2011 alone, over 50,000 kids have received critical oral health services (screenings, fluoride treatments, cleanings, sealants, and restorative services). That to me is amazing!

 

 

 

The Challenge:

 

For the 3 week Listerine Challenge, we are going to be using the reward chart to keep them accountable for when they are brushing their teeth. We are also going to be using the music to help them brush long enough. My kids are anxiously awaiting to try the new products. My Son, and youngest daughter have claimed the Phineas & Ferb toothbrush, and rinse. While my middle monkey decided to go with the Barbie toothbrush and rinse. I’m even excited to try out my new toothbrush, rinse, and floss.

I will be sure to be keeping a better eye on their brushing habits, and helping them to keep up with the proper time. Since we homeschool, I think we are even going to try to fit in brushing after lunch when we can.

 

 

Since we have Halloween coming up, I’m trying to come up with an alternative to the candy. We don’t usually go trick or treating to much… so I’m thinking maybe giving them a dollar per pound, or trading it in for a movie or something. Still working on that part.

 

 

*Disclosure: I received products from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Divison of McNeil-PPC,INC. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the Listerine Smart Rinse Sweet Smart Challenge. All thoughts and opinions are my or my monkeys.