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By Stephanie Haywood

Receiving the diagnosis of a chronic illness such as kidney disease can be completely devastating. This marks the beginning of a journey that requires informed decision-making, lifestyle adjustments, and proactive management. Chris Goodbaudy Insurance knows that equipping yourself with knowledge, guidance, and the right resources will help you navigate the challenges that come with this diagnosis and maintain a good quality of life with kidney disease.
 
Consider Moving into a Healthier Home
If your home is exacerbating your symptoms, consider moving into a space that better supports your well-being. For example, living in a home with better air quality, fewer environmental toxins, and calming surroundings will make it easier to maintain your health and cope with the symptoms of kidney disease. If you decide to move, follow a step-by-step home-buying checklist. From determining your home affordability to finding a real estate agent, this checklist will help you stay organized and minimize stress as you navigate the process.
 
Organize Your Own Medical Documents
Organizing and storing your own medical documents can help you feel a greater sense of control over your condition, especially when interacting with the healthcare system. Take the time to digitize your medical documents so you can store everything together in one easily-accessible location. This will also make it easy to share files with specialists or caregivers when needed. Keep in mind that PDFs are the preferred file format for sharing, so you’ll want to utilize this PDF file converter to convert other document types to PDFs.
 
Educate Yourself
The more you know about your condition, the better you’ll be able to manage it. Fortunately, there are countless resources out there that can help you learn more about kidney disease, the types of symptoms you can expect, your treatment options, and how to best manage the condition. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is an excellent educational resource. The National Kidney Foundation also has a lot of great information and visual guides to help you learn more about kidney health and kidney disease treatment.
 
Consult a Specialist
Kidney doctors, or nephrologists, treat people with a variety of kidney conditions, including acute kidney diseases and chronic kidney disease. According to Verywell Health, talking to a specialist as early as possible is vital to managing your disease and preventing complications. Talk to your primary care doctor about being referred to a specialist, even if you have mild or no symptoms when you receive your diagnosis.
 
Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Diet
Adopting a kidney-friendly diet can play a crucial role in slowing the damage to your kidneys and helping you feel your best. Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietician who has experience with kidney disease management. Your dietician will help you come up with an eating plan that supports your kidneys and includes foods you enjoy. Because kidney-friendly diets aim to prevent certain minerals from building up in the body, many diets that are healthy for others may not be safe for those with kidney disease. Talking to a specialist is essential.
 
Create a Varied Exercise Plan
Regular exercise promotes the health of every bodily system, including your kidneys. Beyond reducing the risk of kidney disease, exercise can also help with kidney disease symptom management by combating joint pain, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Create an exercise plan that combines aerobic exercise, resistance training, flexibility exercises, and balance exercises for well-rounded fitness. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program to ensure your chosen exercises are right for you.
 
Being diagnosed with kidney disease is a life-altering event, but it doesn’t have to derail your entire life. By taking steps to manage your condition, such as moving into a healthier home, organizing your medical documents as PDFs, adopting a kidney-friendly diet, and connecting with a kidney specialist, you can improve your quality of life and thrive in the face of your illness!

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When your primary care physician retires, finding a new one can seem like an overwhelming task. It's not merely about replacing a medical professional, but about continuing a relationship that has been built on trust and understanding over the years. This transition not only involves your health but also the comfort and assurance that comes with familiar faces and routines. However, with the right approach and a bit of patience, you can find a new doctor who will provide excellent care. This article from Chris Goodbaudy offers practical tips to guide you through this often daunting process.

Research Doctor Qualifications and Experience
Quality healthcare starts with a qualified and experienced doctor. Therefore, the first step in your search should be researching potential physicians' qualifications and experience. Look for a board-certified doctor, which means they have passed rigorous exams testing their knowledge and skills. Additionally, consider their experience in the field, especially if you have specific health concerns. The more experienced the doctor is, the better they can diagnose and treat your health conditions.

Organize Your Medical Documents
Throughout the years, it's likely that you've compiled a substantial collection of medical documents. If you've consolidated these into a single PDF file, you may find it challenging to locate specific records when they're needed. This is where you might find the need to split a PDF. By using a PDF splitter, you can separate these documents into more manageable chunks. This simplifies the process of finding the necessary information, especially when discussing your medical history with a new doctor.

Ask for Recommendations
Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family can be invaluable when looking for a new primary care physician. These are people who know you well and understand your needs. They can provide firsthand insights into a doctor's bedside manner, the office environment, the staff's friendliness, and more. However, remember that everyone's needs and experiences are unique, so take these recommendations as starting points rather than decisive factors.

Consider a Healthcare Plan for Freelancers
If you're a freelancer, finding a new primary care physician might be even more challenging due to the lack of employer-provided healthcare. In that case, consider enrolling in a healthcare plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). ACA offers a wide range of plans catering to different needs and budgets. It can help you access affordable healthcare and find a list of primary care physicians covered under each plan. If you want to simplify your search for health insurance, including finding plans that provide tax credits to help pay the premium, reach out to insurance agent Chris Goodbaudy today!

Look for Providers "In-Network"
Staying "in-network" is critical to manage healthcare costs effectively. Doctors, hospitals, and clinics that are "in-network" have negotiated lower rates with your health insurer, which means lower out-of-pocket costs for you. When searching for a new primary care physician, make sure they are within your insurance network. It's also a good idea to double-check with both the doctor's office and your insurance provider to ensure the doctor is indeed "in-network."
 
Finding a new primary care physician when yours retires can be a daunting task. However, by taking the time to research doctor qualifications and experience, organizing your medical documents, asking for recommendations, considering a healthcare plan if you're a freelancer, and ensuring potential doctors are "in-network," you can simplify the process significantly. Remember, the goal is to find a doctor who understands your healthcare needs and can provide the best possible care. With patience and diligence, you'll be able to find a new primary care physician who's the right fit for you.

Living a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be expensive. There are many ways you can save money while still working toward overall wellness. OregonHealthCare offers some tips on how you can achieve this goal.

Skip the Gym Membership
One way to save money while living a healthy lifestyle is to cancel your gym membership. There are likely many free or low-cost workout options available in your area, such as a membership to the YMCA. Also look for walking or biking the trails at a nearby state park.
Working out at home is also a great option and can be done with little to no equipment. Following a healthy lifestyle with nutritious foods and regular fitness may save you money on health and life insurance premiums. If you need to purchase highly rated kitchen gadgets, workout equipment, and other health-focused products to help you live healthier, be sure to do your research. Before purchasing any products for your family, you should read in-depth product reviews from unbiased sources.

Eat Less Meat
Healthline notes that eating less meat is good for your health and can save you money. This is because beef, chicken, and pork are typically the most expensive items on your grocery list. Consider replacing meat with beans or tofu a few nights per week. You can also lessen your eco-footprint when you consume less meat.

Start a Garden
If you have some extra outdoor space, The Penny Hoarder points out that starting a garden is a great way to save money while living a healthy lifestyle. You'll be able to grow your own fruits and vegetables, which can be cheaper than buying them at the store. Gardening is also a fun and relaxing activity that gets you outside in the fresh air. During the winter months, consider an indoor herb garden.

Shop at Local Farmers Markets
Another way to save money on nutritious food is to shop at local farmers markets. Seasonal produce is typically cheaper. This step also provides a boost to the local economy.

​Use Natural Remedies
There are many ways to care for your body. You can use eastern medicine techniques such as reiki, massage, and acupuncture to relieve pain and inflammation. You can also learn about herbal supplements to address various health and wellness concerns.

Buy in Bulk
One way to save money on healthy food is to buy non-perishable items in bulk. Bulk items include olive oil, spices, nuts, and grains. Check out local discount or club stores, such as Costco or Sam's Club.

Turn Your Wellness Lifestyle Into a Business
You can make money while living a healthy lifestyle by turning your wellness knowledge into a business. There are many opportunities to do this, such as starting a blog, becoming a personal trainer, or becoming a nutritionist.

First you’ll need to understand the nuts and bolts of launching a venture. One of the first items on the agenda is drafting a business plan. It's the best way to ensure your success and track your progress. The plan should include choosing a business structure, identifying your target market and how to reach them, and specifying the services you'll offer, how much you'll charge, funding sources, and financial projections.

Having a strong social media presence allows you to connect with potential customers on a more personal level. One great way to market your business on social media is to create memes. Memes are often shared widely, and they can be a great way to get people talking about your brand. In addition, they can be used to highlight special offers or promotions. If you’re not sure how to design a meme, try using a meme creator which allows you to easily create customized memes.

Do Your Own Cleaning
Most people are aware that a clean home is a healthier home. After all, dust and dirt can aggravate allergies and lead to respiratory problems. However, what many people don't realize is that the act of cleaning itself can also have a positive impact on your health. For instance, mopping and vacuuming require physical activity, which helps to increase blood flow and improve heart health. When cleaning your home, always dust before you vacuum so you can catch all the particles. It’s also a good idea to let the dust settle before vacuuming.

Improve Wellness on a Budget
You may have convinced yourself that only wealthy people can afford to be truly healthy, but hopefully these tips have shown you other ways to reach your wellness goals. Seek health options that fit your personality and your interests, and look toward natural remedies like supplements instead of expensive prescriptions when possible. And if you find that you are gifted at one of these strategies, then consider starting a business to monetize your wellness methods. Regardless of what you choose, remember that a healthy lifestyle is within reach, no matter your budget.

Visit OregonHealthCare.us to find and enroll in the best insurance option for you and your family. Call (800) 969-2851 today.
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Being your own advocate when it comes to your health is so important. You're the only one who knows how you feel and what you're going through, and no one else can speak for you the way you can.
 
That said, many people don't know how to be an effective self-advocate. That's why OregonHealthCare.us has provided some tips on how to advocate for your own health:

Maintain Healthy Habits
Eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep are all crucial parts of maintaining good health. You’re more likely to be an advocate for your own health when you feel your best.

Easy Ways to Eat Well
One way is to ensure you're including fruits and vegetables in every meal. Another is to eat various foods so you're getting all the nutrients your body needs.
 
You can also try adding some healthy spices to your food. Some good options are ginger, turmeric, and cumin, as they can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

Easy Ways to Exercise
Exercising doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, there are many simple movements you can do right at home. You can go for a walk, do some squats or lunges, or even take a dance class online.
 
If you have more time, you can try going to the gym or taking a class at a nearby studio. There are many different types of exercise classes available, so you're sure to find one that fits your interests and lifestyle.

Easy Ways to Get Restful Sleep
Many people don't get enough sleep because they find it difficult to relax and fall asleep. There are several things you can do to improve your chances of getting a good night's sleep. One is to create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include reading, listening to calming music, or practicing relaxation techniques before bed.
 
Also, ensure your bedroom is dark and quiet, and avoid using electronic devices in bed. If all else fails, consider talking to your doctor about possible sleep disorders that may be causing your insomnia.

Learn More About Health Insurance
Knowledge is power. The more you know about your health insurance, the better equipped you will be to use it to your advantage. Make sure you understand your coverage and the benefits you are entitled to.

Maintain Your Own Records
Keeping a record of your medical history is a helpful way to keep track of any progress or problems. This information can be invaluable when meeting with new doctors or specialists.
 
It can be tough trying to keep track of all your different medical records and images, especially if you have multiple doctors or specialists. Luckily, some great online tools can help you merge all your files into a single file, making it much easier to keep everything organized. And you can even access your records from anywhere with an internet connection.
 
Plus, if you ever need to share your medical records with a new doctor or specialist, it's easy to do so when they're all in one place. To learn how to merge videos online, just do a quick search on your favorite search engine. You'll find tons of helpful guides and tutorials to walk you through the process step-by-step.

Review Your Medical Bills for Errors
Did you know that 80% of all medical bills contain errors? That’s a lot of people overpaying for their healthcare! If you take the time to review your bills, you can catch errors and save yourself some money.

Be More Assertive
It's essential to speak up for yourself regarding your health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or demand answers from your healthcare team. They are there to help you, after all!

Conclusion
Advocating for your own health can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! By following these tips, you can become a self-advocate in no time. And remember, knowledge is power. The more knowledgeable you are about your own health, the better equipped you will be to make decisions that are right for you.
 
Are you looking for top-notch healthcare insurance services? Visit OregonHealthCare.us today!

​Guest post by: Betty Vaughan
​Image via Pexels

​If you’re like most other people, you have at least one loved one with a chronic health condition. Living with such a condition presents various challenges, depending on the specific condition. But suffice it to say it can make everyday life more difficult and impact a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. 
 
Helping your loved one, whether a close friend or family member, can be challenging on its own. Telling them to let you know if there’s anything you can do probably won’t provide the platform for helping them in meaningful ways. That’s why OregonHealthCare.us has listed these specific strategies for helping a loved one living with a chronic condition:
 
Bring them groceries.      
 
Picking a casserole and other comfort foods is a thoughtful way to reach out to a friend in need. But many people with chronic conditions must abide by restrictive diets, meaning that fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods would be better options. Offer to bring your loved ones some groceries, or learn about what kind of meals they can have so that you can prepare them and freeze them for later.
 
Help around the house.   
 
Take time to evaluate your loved one's home to see if there are any modifications or improvements that you can handle (or have handled). Is the lawn or landscaping a little worse for wear? Could the toilets and bathtubs use a scrub? Do the rugs or carpet have stains that need removing?
 
If you're loved one works from home, you could help them create a stress-free and positive atmosphere. For example, maybe you could research ergonomic furniture and equipment that will help mitigate your loved one's symptoms or install new lighting that reduces fatigue.
 
Another option is to help your loved one establish a solid planning system. Using a digital app or a paper planner, sit down and ask your loved one to list their priorities and workload. Then, helped him determine a schedule that maximizes productivity and brings balance to their personal life.
 
Create a fitness routine together. 
 
Regular exercise can do wonders for the overall health and well-being of someone with a chronic condition. Working out releases endorphins, mood-boosting chemicals that serve as the body's natural pain relievers. 
 
Carve out time four or five days a week to work out with your loved one, whether it's walking briskly or running through the neighborhood, moving to YouTube videos, or engaging in HIIT workouts in the backyard. To get the most from your exercise, pay attention to your nutrition and eat healthy together!
 
Watch the kids.        
 
If your loved one has children, consider offering to watch them for a bit to allow the parent to rest. Maybe you could take the kids to a special event for a few hours while your loved one reads or naps. Or perhaps you could watch them at home while their parent goes out for a fun activity.
 
Ask the spouse what you can do. 
 
One effective strategy to get valuable information about your loved one is to ask their spouse for specific ways you can help the family. For example, maybe your loved one would appreciate a gift card to a food delivery service so they can take a night off from cooking. Or maybe you could invest in a portable massager or other product that relieves their pain throughout the day.
 
People with chronic health conditions face unique challenges each day, and sometimes they may not want to "burden" their support system by asking for help. Consider the ideas above for helping your loved one maintain their quality of life as they tackle the obstacles ahead. And keep learning about their condition so that you can constantly lend a meaningful, helping hand when they need it most!

Are you trying to transition from Cover Oregon to the Federal Facilitated Marketplace? Visit OregonHealthCare.us for helpful resources!  

Perhaps you’ve been thinking about adopting some new healthy habits, and you’re wondering how you could bring the rest of the family along as you implement these lifestyle changes. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can help your whole household get healthier! And by finding the perfect family health insurance policy with the help of insurance broker Chris Goodbaudy, you can ensure that you’ll all have the coverage you need. Here’s how to encourage your whole family to focus on healthy living together!
 
Consider a Career Change
 
Do you feel like you’re always bringing home stress from your job? When one family member is unhappy at work, it can affect the mood of their entire household. If you’ve found that your job is no longer fulfilling, it may be time to switch careers to benefit your mental health.
 
You might be worried that trying to earn the qualifications you need to enter a new field would be too time-consuming when you have family obligations. But by choosing an online degree program, you’ll be able to complete your coursework while working at your current job and caring for your family. For instance, you could earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminal justice while studying from the comfort of your home! This could lead you to a career in corrections, security, or even public administration. Make sure to choose an accredited online program with affordable tuition rates.
 
Cook Healthy Meals Together
 
Teaching your children to cook can be very rewarding. By making it a priority to sit down for a home-cooked family dinner on most nights, you can show your children how to cook your favorite recipes. To introduce your kids to cooking, Scary Mommy recommends starting with very basic recipes, like making sandwiches, cooking eggs, or even whipping up simple frozen banana ice cream! You can also show them how to properly clean up after cooking and talk to them about food safety. Alternatively, you can start meal prepping to simplify your weeknight routine.
 
Make Exercise a Habit
 
Exercising as a family can be a great way to get fit, make memories, and help your kids develop a passion for sports! But what forms of exercise are best for families? After all, you’ll want to choose age-appropriate activities - younger children won’t be able to lift weights or run several miles. Wellness Mama recommends going for long walks, jumping rope, having family dance parties, trying kid-friendly fitness classes, or even having fun on roller blades!
 
Stick to a Family Bedtime
 
What if your family always seems to stay up late? Implementing a specific family bedtime can help remedy this issue. Choose a bedtime, and then decide on a routine that will help your family relax while making sure that your kids take care of everything they need to do before bed, like brushing their teeth or packing up their bags for school the next day. Naturally, it can take a couple of weeks to adjust to this new routine, so be patient with your kids during this time period.
 
Choose the Right Health Insurance
 
Above all, it’s crucial to make sure that your family is enrolled in a comprehensive health insurance plan. Finding a plan that fits your budget and provides coverage for the care that your family needs can be complicated. If you’re conflicted about which plan to choose, it never hurts to contact an insurance broker with your questions.
 
By focusing on healthy changes together, you and your family members will be able to support each other on the path to self-improvement. In fact, these activities can be a lot of fun! If you’d like to help your family feel happier and healthier, you can start implementing some of these suggestions in your household.
 
Looking for the best health insurance policy for your family? Seek guidance from licensed insurance broker Chris Goodbaudy! Call (800) 969-2851 today to get started.
 
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Now that open enrollment for health insurance is over, people want to know what will qualify them for a special enrollment period. Meaning what are the events that may come up for me that will allow me to make changes to my health insurance plan.


Here is a handy chart that outlines when members can make changes to their health insurance plans:
QUALIFYING LIFE EVENT 
OPTIONS


CHANGE IN FAMILY SIZE 
Marriage

• You may enroll in new coverage for you and/or your spouse.
• You may change your coverage to add new dependents.
• You may cancel coverage if you become covered by your spouse’s plan.

Dissolution of marriage
(includes divorce, annulment and legal separation)

• You may enroll in new coverage if you lost your coverage in the separation.
• You may change coverage if your dependents lost coverage in the separation.
• You must remove your former spouse from your policy.
• You may not remove dependents from your policy unless they become covered by your former spouse’s policy.

Death of spouse

• You may remove your spouse from your coverage.
• You may enroll in new coverage if the death caused you to lose your coverage.
• You may change your coverage to include dependents who lost coverage due to the death.

Birth/Adoption/Placement for adoption

• You may enroll yourself, your spouse and your dependents.
• You may change your plan to reflect the new size of your family.
• You may cancel coverage if you become covered by your spouse’s plan.
• Newborn added during SEP has coverage from day of birth applied retroactively.

Pregnancy
(New York only)

• You may enroll in coverage as of the first month of pregnancy.

Dependent moves to own policy

• You may remove a dependent from your policy.

Dependent becomes ineligible at age 26

• You may remove a dependent from your policy.

Dependent’s  death

• You may cancel enrollment for the deceased dependent.

CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Job change within the same organization
(includes promotion, demotion and transfer)

• You may change coverage if your current plan is no longer available to you in your new position.

Loss of employment

• You will be insured through the end of the month.
• You may continue your employee coverage through COBRA at your own expense for 18 months.
• You may enroll in your spouse’s health plan, if available.

Loss of full-time status
(30-39 hours per week)

• No change is permitted.

Loss of full-time status 
(20-29 hours per week)

• You may cancel coverage for yourself and family members.
• You may change your coverage.

Loss of full-time status
(0-19 hours per week)

• If your employer does not provide insurance for part-time employees at this level, you coverage will lapse at the end of the month.
• You may continue your employee coverage through COBRA at your own expense for 18 months.

Newly benefit-eligible

• You may obtain new coverage for yourself and for your family members.

Part-time to full-time

• You may obtain new coverage for yourself and for your family members.

Spouse loses employment

• You may enroll yourself and eligible family members in a plan if the job loss caused you and your dependents to lose insurance.
• You may change your plan if you’re adding dependents that lost coverage.

Spouse becomes employed

• You may cancel your coverage if you or your dependents become covered under the spouse’s new plan.

Spouse’s employment status changes

• You may enroll in a plan if the change caused you or your dependents to lose insurance.
• You may add dependents to your plan if the change caused dependents to lose insurance.
• You may change or cancel your plan if the change causes the spouse’s insurance to be a better option for you or your dependents.

Retirement
(with no retiree health benefits from former employer)

• Coverage will cease at the end of the month.
• You may enroll in Medicare, if eligible.
• You may continue your employee coverage through COBRA at your own expense for 18 months.
• You may enroll in a Marketplace or individual health insurance plan.

Spouse loses traditional or retiree coverage

• You may add your spouse to your coverage.
• You may change your health plan.

Begin unpaid leave from work
(30+ days)

• You may change your coverage.
• You may cancel your coverage.

Return from unpaid leave
(30+ days)

• You may change your coverage.

Return from military leave

• You may enroll yourself, spouse and dependents to your coverage.
• You may change your health plan.

CHANGE IN RESIDENCE
Change of residence

• You may cancel coverage if you, your spouse or a dependent has become ineligible for your insurance due to a move.
• You may change coverage if you, your spouse or a dependent has become eligible for your insurance due to a move.
• You may add or change coverage if you or a dependent have become ineligible for your spouse’s insurance due to a move.

MEDICARE or MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY
Become eligible for  Medicare or Medicaid

• You may cancel private coverage for the person who has enrolled in Medicare.

Lose eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid

• You may add coverage for the affected family member.

OTHER
Court order

• You may add, change or suspend coverage if a court order or other official decree requires it.

Significant coverage changes

• You may change plans if services are drastically curtailed; for instance, if a large health network opts to stop accepting your insurance.

Changes in your income that affect the coverage for which you qualify (Marketplace plan)

• You may make changes to current coverage plan.

Become a U.S. citizen (Marketplace plan)

• You may enroll in coverage.

Leaving incarceration - prison or jail
(Marketplace plan or with private insurer)

• You may enroll in coverage.

Survivor of domestic abuse/violence or spousal abandonment
(Marketplace plan)

• Enroll yourself and your dependents in your own health plan separate from your abuser or abandoner. (If you are married to abuser/abandoner, you can list “unmarried” without penalty for mis-stating your marital status.)

Had a serious medical condition or natural disaster that kept you from enrolling
(Marketplace plan)

• Can enroll you and dependents in health plan if unexpected hospitalization, temporary cognitive disability or natural disaster (e.g. earthquake) kept you from enrolling.

WHO DOESN’T NEED A QUALIFYING EVENT?

Medicaid enrollment

• No limited enrollment period. If you qualify, you can apply at any time and coverage will begin immediately.

CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) enrollment

• No limited enrollment period. If you qualify, you can apply at any time and coverage will begin immediately.

American Indians & Alaska Natives
(Marketplace plans)

• Under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, American Indians can enroll anytime during the year.

*OregonHealthCare.us works to keep an updated and comprehensive list; however, the special enrollment chart shown may not apply to every benefit plan (especially dental and group life insurance that may be included in your workplace plan) and individual circumstances should be verified with your health insurance administrator.