Let me tell you of the story about the HIP Health Plan of New York an emblem health company. It's one HUGE LIE. Supposely they were a non profit from their ads month ago. Guess what; they are turning FOR PROFIT.
Secondly, For this year they jacked up the insurance over 50 dollars compared to last year PER MONTH. So to lock in a cheaper rate for this year I change health insurance companies. I started on the 15th of the month and cancelled on the first of the month paying for a full month. After 3 months of not getting a pro-rated refund which I was assure I was suppose to get. They have finally denied refund because they stated it's a mistake because the plan I was in starts on the first of the month.
How does your mistake make me pay 15 days in advance and continue to bill me for 15 days without refunding those 15 days of service that I OVERPAID. Freaking SOBs. I can't wait for a public option so I can ditch these motherF*#KING insurance companies
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Friday, April 2, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
This Emotional Life
watch this show. It gives a nice wide lense onto alot of similar pbs shows on inspiration, mental health, etc.
http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/
I might buy the pbs but the few keys I am getting into is
1) Start meditating again but work this into excercise schedule.
2) Happiness has a greater occurance in people with social circles. Whether religion, fellowship, support groups. Increase and make the network substantial.
3) Happiness is contagious. Be more happy with my friends.
Some useful link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/pbs-this-emotional-life
http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/
I might buy the pbs but the few keys I am getting into is
1) Start meditating again but work this into excercise schedule.
2) Happiness has a greater occurance in people with social circles. Whether religion, fellowship, support groups. Increase and make the network substantial.
3) Happiness is contagious. Be more happy with my friends.
Some useful link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/pbs-this-emotional-life
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Running Nose with alot of Mucus
For the last 3 days my nose just won't stop with the mucus. It's ridiculous and quite sick. it's actually still running right now. I'll just using the internet or on my desk and a slightly thicker than water run down to my mouth... The annoying thing is if I'm bundled up and outside it's not as bad however if I'm at the office it comes down every hour or so or even less after I blow the sucker all out of my nasal passage. I did some nasal irrigation which I thought helped but I don't know. The only fortunate thing is I'm not coughing up a storm which is infrequent at best but the nasal mucus is another freaking story. ARRRGGGHHHH
Friday, May 29, 2009
Dental Implants around NYC
This is an odd post but here's some general information about Dental Implants in New York City. It may be useful if you are shopping for one and you hate dentists like I do. There are few choices in fact; one of the better features of a Metropolitan Area as great as New York City.
Here is a guide for one Implant for the molar(last 3 teeth on the ends. upper or lower). Most will lose a molar due to problems with a root. Always ask whether an implant can occur on the same day you extract a tooth as this will cut down on follow up visits and costs since your time is money.Hopefully not before a very long root canal that cannot save it otherwise you may have some other options since some accidents which involve losing teeth may be covered by your insurance. That's not the topic of this post so let me get back to it.
The best option is actually not the Dental Schools around NYC which is basically Columbia University and New York Dental School. They do have some odd pricing:
-Columbia will charge around 650 for the implant which includes an intial visit which includes an electronic xray panorama of the whole jaw. The whole visit shouldn't take longer than an hour. This of course does not include the intial registration (takes a long wait and another appointment at the implant department on another floor). The horrible thing is that they will charge 90 dollars which is a standard consult which may be ok but this is another appointment even though that dentist will be there in the initial visit?!?. That would be ok if the crown wasn't around 1500 dollars. Very odd pricing and why hospitals are such a pain in the ass. Every doctor charges a high amount so insurance will cover the lesser amount. Make sure to state you just want a implant consult or they will charge you the 90 dollar registration where a student will do a regular exam with xrays.
-New York University College of Dentistry have similar policies. You do the initial registration and get assigned a student doctor. That student doctor will refer you to the implant department. Make sure to state you want just the implant consult which is free for the first visit. Implants for the molars are slightly in cost than the regular front teeth. The fee is 1025 for the implant and 1375 for the crown. Think if it's just the front teeth it will be 650 for root/crown.
Reasons you may not want to go to the dental schools is because it's designed for them to do more work than you need. The most important of which is a bone graft. There is a general practice of misinformation where they state that once you pull the teeth bone reabsorption will happen. That's when you lose some of the jaw because the teeth is no longer there. That is slightly true after the 6 month period but during this period and it does not take long (after around 2 month of the extraction) for enough bone to grow back for an implant since there is a variety of screws in length/width. It is in this situation where a same day extraction/implant may not be possible whereas the front teeth can be done most of the time. That's 6 months for the bone graft which cost an additional 150-500 dollars and a 6 month healing process. An additional 6 months for the implant healing before they can make a crown. One of the better options is hopsital clinics. I strongly discourage dental schools because any dental work is not restorative in the true sense. They are destructive in the sense that the tooth gets grind down enough to apply fillings. Therefore any work is really up to the dentists because some fillings are unnecessary as teeth does have the ability to heal itself in some capacity.
-Mount Sinai Hospital Dental Clinic is a large clinic but unfortunately involves some of the largest wait times. Their implant fees are 750 for the implant and 750 for the crown. The consultation fee is 100 dollars but if you get the implant it's part of the 750 for the implant so the total out of pocket is 1500 which is cheaper than the dental schools in nyc. The problem comes down to the fact it's basically one person doing the implant and the wait to see him can at the worst of times be 2 hours and a half from your appointment time. It is a hospital after all and there are emergency cases. The clinic itself suffers from the same bureaucracy but fortunately you are reading this. The appointment to do the implant is done as a form of contract with an administrator. You do not speak to the general appointment number of the clinic and you should request to speak to the person responsible for the clinic. Oddly enough the clinic number does not go to the appointment front desk but some sort of back office which may not even be in that clinic. Their other fees are very reasonable at a sliding scale so if you are low income it is probably more affordable than dental schools. They are affiliated with NYU dental school since Mount Sinai is a Teaching Hospital but the actual general dentist in the clinic is not a student which is a plus though this may not always be the case for certain situations.
-New York Methodist Hospital has a smaller dental clinic but their rates are very competitive. The cost is 650 for implant with a 100 dollar consult fee. This is a general plus for the brooklyn area since it is near park slope. It does not suffer from the administrative overhead in the other dental alternatives like registration and you get served from a real dentist. I would rate this as a first choice unless you really want a larger dentist office feel (whatever that is).
Notes: You really do not need a panorama for a implant consult of one teeth. Almost no insurance I know of will cover implants which is the usual question but if you anticipate an implant you may get some coverage from dental insurance but with the rates, exclusions, prior conditions leading to a implant, and the dreaded waiting periods... Good luck. These are all rough estimates of the pricing(I can be off by a hundred or more) and you will need to confirm the final costs(be patient. getting through the phone systems of the dental schools is RIDICULOUS). The benefits of the above is that they do not have any post care fees of the implant which some local dental offices trying to rip you off. Bone graft fees are very difficult to determine since it is variable. The 6 month healing of the implant does not include a denture so you still would not be able to eat there. The consult fee is really just about looking at an xray of the missing tooth area and feeling the gum area. Hope this is helpful.
Here is a guide for one Implant for the molar(last 3 teeth on the ends. upper or lower). Most will lose a molar due to problems with a root. Always ask whether an implant can occur on the same day you extract a tooth as this will cut down on follow up visits and costs since your time is money.Hopefully not before a very long root canal that cannot save it otherwise you may have some other options since some accidents which involve losing teeth may be covered by your insurance. That's not the topic of this post so let me get back to it.
The best option is actually not the Dental Schools around NYC which is basically Columbia University and New York Dental School. They do have some odd pricing:
-Columbia will charge around 650 for the implant which includes an intial visit which includes an electronic xray panorama of the whole jaw. The whole visit shouldn't take longer than an hour. This of course does not include the intial registration (takes a long wait and another appointment at the implant department on another floor). The horrible thing is that they will charge 90 dollars which is a standard consult which may be ok but this is another appointment even though that dentist will be there in the initial visit?!?. That would be ok if the crown wasn't around 1500 dollars. Very odd pricing and why hospitals are such a pain in the ass. Every doctor charges a high amount so insurance will cover the lesser amount. Make sure to state you just want a implant consult or they will charge you the 90 dollar registration where a student will do a regular exam with xrays.
-New York University College of Dentistry have similar policies. You do the initial registration and get assigned a student doctor. That student doctor will refer you to the implant department. Make sure to state you want just the implant consult which is free for the first visit. Implants for the molars are slightly in cost than the regular front teeth. The fee is 1025 for the implant and 1375 for the crown. Think if it's just the front teeth it will be 650 for root/crown.
Reasons you may not want to go to the dental schools is because it's designed for them to do more work than you need. The most important of which is a bone graft. There is a general practice of misinformation where they state that once you pull the teeth bone reabsorption will happen. That's when you lose some of the jaw because the teeth is no longer there. That is slightly true after the 6 month period but during this period and it does not take long (after around 2 month of the extraction) for enough bone to grow back for an implant since there is a variety of screws in length/width. It is in this situation where a same day extraction/implant may not be possible whereas the front teeth can be done most of the time. That's 6 months for the bone graft which cost an additional 150-500 dollars and a 6 month healing process. An additional 6 months for the implant healing before they can make a crown. One of the better options is hopsital clinics. I strongly discourage dental schools because any dental work is not restorative in the true sense. They are destructive in the sense that the tooth gets grind down enough to apply fillings. Therefore any work is really up to the dentists because some fillings are unnecessary as teeth does have the ability to heal itself in some capacity.
-Mount Sinai Hospital Dental Clinic is a large clinic but unfortunately involves some of the largest wait times. Their implant fees are 750 for the implant and 750 for the crown. The consultation fee is 100 dollars but if you get the implant it's part of the 750 for the implant so the total out of pocket is 1500 which is cheaper than the dental schools in nyc. The problem comes down to the fact it's basically one person doing the implant and the wait to see him can at the worst of times be 2 hours and a half from your appointment time. It is a hospital after all and there are emergency cases. The clinic itself suffers from the same bureaucracy but fortunately you are reading this. The appointment to do the implant is done as a form of contract with an administrator. You do not speak to the general appointment number of the clinic and you should request to speak to the person responsible for the clinic. Oddly enough the clinic number does not go to the appointment front desk but some sort of back office which may not even be in that clinic. Their other fees are very reasonable at a sliding scale so if you are low income it is probably more affordable than dental schools. They are affiliated with NYU dental school since Mount Sinai is a Teaching Hospital but the actual general dentist in the clinic is not a student which is a plus though this may not always be the case for certain situations.
-New York Methodist Hospital has a smaller dental clinic but their rates are very competitive. The cost is 650 for implant with a 100 dollar consult fee. This is a general plus for the brooklyn area since it is near park slope. It does not suffer from the administrative overhead in the other dental alternatives like registration and you get served from a real dentist. I would rate this as a first choice unless you really want a larger dentist office feel (whatever that is).
Notes: You really do not need a panorama for a implant consult of one teeth. Almost no insurance I know of will cover implants which is the usual question but if you anticipate an implant you may get some coverage from dental insurance but with the rates, exclusions, prior conditions leading to a implant, and the dreaded waiting periods... Good luck. These are all rough estimates of the pricing(I can be off by a hundred or more) and you will need to confirm the final costs(be patient. getting through the phone systems of the dental schools is RIDICULOUS). The benefits of the above is that they do not have any post care fees of the implant which some local dental offices trying to rip you off. Bone graft fees are very difficult to determine since it is variable. The 6 month healing of the implant does not include a denture so you still would not be able to eat there. The consult fee is really just about looking at an xray of the missing tooth area and feeling the gum area. Hope this is helpful.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Frontline - Health Insurance
Wow. what an eye opener. I am only 22 minutes in and I am scared shitless. Fortunately I am well aware of new york city health insurance companies and policies. For example in NYC it is only a 6 month preexisting condition and they cannot reject you for insurance for any preexisting which I could only assume is for the rest of the states. However it is ridiculous that it's allowable any health insurance can permit 18 month preexisting before coverage with a 600 dollar a month policy till it will cover you. OMG.
I will never leave NYC now because how can you have such backward states and where are these politicans doing for their citizens in these cities. If there's no universal health care in 10 years I will immigrant to one that has it. I cannot see myself losing everything to one health crisis... RIDICULOUS.
BTW. our politicians get the best coverage of all. So now you know why they don't care about your welfare because nomatter what happens they will always have better coverage than you can ever get.
I will never leave NYC now because how can you have such backward states and where are these politicans doing for their citizens in these cities. If there's no universal health care in 10 years I will immigrant to one that has it. I cannot see myself losing everything to one health crisis... RIDICULOUS.
BTW. our politicians get the best coverage of all. So now you know why they don't care about your welfare because nomatter what happens they will always have better coverage than you can ever get.
Friday, March 6, 2009
HIP Health Plan of New York - Bill Payments
Very annoyed with HIP Health Plan of New York. The customer representatives in 55 Water Street are very incompetent to say the least. The training is awful especially when it comes to any plans other than direct monthly payments to them. So for example company group insurance plans, government health insurance plans, or Cobra. I know this because unfortunately I seem to be the one helping people with health insurance. In one particular case I went to help apply for New York State Insurance because of a qualifying event (a spouse was laid off and their household income was just below the qualifying amount) but the representative said they weren't sure she qualify because she no longer has a job even though I explain to her "HOUSEHOLD" and "qualifying event" in which case she just rushed us out with that barely 2 page (double sided) form. It infuriates me that this incompetent young african lady can't understand and help fill out the form because it does require information like previous insurance dates (with hip which they had the information) and the waiting room was completely empty. What a lazy incompetent ass lady. Anyway it was filled out and she was approved a month later which btw I do not know how people who can't speak english can navigate health insurance at all but than spanish speakers probably won't encounter much problems or people with medicare.
Now concerning bill pay. I setup bill pay and found out it takes 12 days for them to cash from the scheduled date which is long but it could just be citibank (citibank sucks btw and I would never use them for billpay). Anyway everything was going well because hip has a 30 day grace period but than a bill reminder letter arrives saying the bill was not paid 4 days after it was cashed. Of course a call reveals it's fine but it's just annoying that a large insurance company doesn't have more flexible payment options or send notices that are accurate as of the date. The deduct from checking is not friendly due to it's pull date (losing interest and the float).
Now concerning bill pay. I setup bill pay and found out it takes 12 days for them to cash from the scheduled date which is long but it could just be citibank (citibank sucks btw and I would never use them for billpay). Anyway everything was going well because hip has a 30 day grace period but than a bill reminder letter arrives saying the bill was not paid 4 days after it was cashed. Of course a call reveals it's fine but it's just annoying that a large insurance company doesn't have more flexible payment options or send notices that are accurate as of the date. The deduct from checking is not friendly due to it's pull date (losing interest and the float).
Monday, February 16, 2009
Trident and the Mysterious case of Recaldent
Last week I went to Rite Aid to buy some bubblegum because they were only 2 dollars and gum is good for your teeth after meals. I only buy gum with xylitol but recaldent is supposely better so I try to get that when it's on sale. Trident Xtra Care
is 3.99 and wasn't on sale which sucks because it has xylitol and recaldent. So I was looking at the Trident White 3-Count Multi-pack
and I was about to head to the checkout counter until I realized it didn't say recaldent on the front. All the trident blister varieties (there were 3) did not have recaldent and I was like what? Early case of ALzheimer/Dementia? I bought the xylitol variety. When I got back and I went online and the trident website seems to only advertise recaldent with their xtra care line and I was like... you tack on an extra dollar retail for something that was already in your previous blister packs? Very shrew move indeed.
So today I was out at bed bath and beyond and I happen to find the same trident blister pack varieties for 2.27 with recaldent while riteaid had the blister packs without recaldent at 2.79? Weird right? Nothing been going on lately as you can tell but I stopped by uniqlo and got 3 pieces of clothing for 9.99 but I was eyeing the cashmere sweather (kinda thin) for 29.99. Might pick it up tomorrow but stop by and take a look at the display. You can read all about it here. Read first comment if you weren't paying attention while looking at the display.
is 3.99 and wasn't on sale which sucks because it has xylitol and recaldent. So I was looking at the Trident White 3-Count Multi-pack
and I was about to head to the checkout counter until I realized it didn't say recaldent on the front. All the trident blister varieties (there were 3) did not have recaldent and I was like what? Early case of ALzheimer/Dementia? I bought the xylitol variety. When I got back and I went online and the trident website seems to only advertise recaldent with their xtra care line and I was like... you tack on an extra dollar retail for something that was already in your previous blister packs? Very shrew move indeed.So today I was out at bed bath and beyond and I happen to find the same trident blister pack varieties for 2.27 with recaldent while riteaid had the blister packs without recaldent at 2.79? Weird right? Nothing been going on lately as you can tell but I stopped by uniqlo and got 3 pieces of clothing for 9.99 but I was eyeing the cashmere sweather (kinda thin) for 29.99. Might pick it up tomorrow but stop by and take a look at the display. You can read all about it here. Read first comment if you weren't paying attention while looking at the display.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I am out of my mind
OMG. I am so messed up... Yesterday I rolled up a cigarette size joint and it was too much for me to handle. I began swaying in a few minutes and then things turned weird. Everything was just disorientated. I couldn't figure out what direction or orientation my room was. Seriously thirsty at one point and went into a philosophical conundrum about what the purpose of life is. My mind went freaking wild trying to understand why and what's the point with 2 conflicting thoughts that just wouldn't stop. At one point I was worried I was going to hurt myself as my vision along with my body continually swayed like a wave. I did get into a bunch of new insights that somewhat escape me but it involves mental illness and what it must be like not able to completely control your thoughts or when you can't seem to tell whether something is real or if things really happened at this point. Time and space was just not in sequence.
Than I felt partly sick in the stomach and just wanted things to stop but it was really bad as I couldn't go to sleep and I was looking at the watch from 2, 3, 5, 6-7 am. Today was a little better as I was able to function but I'm still not completely there. I am relatively detached as if I'm not actually in this reality and just like; what's the deal with this. It's kinda weird and really frustrating. I was also a little moody I suppose because something stupid happened and I was speaking really loud in an agravated way...
The sad thing is it wasn't even that much in my opinion. I guess a little bit is great(one or two puffs) but anymore and it went from good to wtf is going on... Still not there yet after 15 hours but at least I can post this blog post.
Than I felt partly sick in the stomach and just wanted things to stop but it was really bad as I couldn't go to sleep and I was looking at the watch from 2, 3, 5, 6-7 am. Today was a little better as I was able to function but I'm still not completely there. I am relatively detached as if I'm not actually in this reality and just like; what's the deal with this. It's kinda weird and really frustrating. I was also a little moody I suppose because something stupid happened and I was speaking really loud in an agravated way...
The sad thing is it wasn't even that much in my opinion. I guess a little bit is great(one or two puffs) but anymore and it went from good to wtf is going on... Still not there yet after 15 hours but at least I can post this blog post.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Old aluminum cookware - or is it really steel
I've been considering getting my parents some new pots. I hear aluminum and alzheimer has a link and since they are pretty old now... it's probably a toss up on whether or not to replace their pots and pans. Here comes the dilemma... Is their pots the non magnetic stainless steel or is it aluminum. I was relatively assured it was steel but my parents are pretty clueless in many things so why would this be different.
Unfortunately there isn't any noticable markings on the cookware and they basically assured me they have had it for years and love it even though the outside pot is stainned quite a bit which leads me to believe it is not stainless steel. However after 20 years it's held quite well so maybe it's just brown stains. I simply cannot tell. Can anyone help?
I am glad I am using cast iron but my parents are too hold to handle most of them properly.
#update. Apparently they are stainless steel with the 18/10 non-magnetic stainless steel. Mostly tools of the trade brand from macy's and one Revere. This is the second time in the recent months a quick search off the internet has caused unnecessary confusion.
Unfortunately there isn't any noticable markings on the cookware and they basically assured me they have had it for years and love it even though the outside pot is stainned quite a bit which leads me to believe it is not stainless steel. However after 20 years it's held quite well so maybe it's just brown stains. I simply cannot tell. Can anyone help?
I am glad I am using cast iron but my parents are too hold to handle most of them properly.
#update. Apparently they are stainless steel with the 18/10 non-magnetic stainless steel. Mostly tools of the trade brand from macy's and one Revere. This is the second time in the recent months a quick search off the internet has caused unnecessary confusion.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Osteopaths - oh say it aint so.
I got to see a osteopath recently. I did google the profession but not much was discussed on what it is they do and quite frankly after the appointment, I was left thinking the same thing. Maybe I went into the wrong practice because apparently this office generally threat back pain with injections...
However he did spend more time on me than say my primary. I think I was adjusted as he would move my body around which was a bit weird and gave me three excercises that was suppose to help and explained how certain parts of my body is out of alignment which I cannot recall as I sit here typing this post. I was told to make an appointment in 2-3 weeks but I am still quite not sure what he's going to do than as it's barely noticable what he did.
I'll give it 2-3 more appointments but I'm not going to get suckered into physical therapy again because that's 15 minutes laying on my chest with an electric machine working my spine as a form of massage. Than there is another like 15 plus minutes of someone showing me to excercise machines and leaving me to it basically.
Also my osteopath doesn't seem to prescribe medications which seems to make the whole holistic general practitioner thing a huge bummer. Maybe I should seem my friend's osteopath which treats her for everything not just back pain.
However he did spend more time on me than say my primary. I think I was adjusted as he would move my body around which was a bit weird and gave me three excercises that was suppose to help and explained how certain parts of my body is out of alignment which I cannot recall as I sit here typing this post. I was told to make an appointment in 2-3 weeks but I am still quite not sure what he's going to do than as it's barely noticable what he did.
I'll give it 2-3 more appointments but I'm not going to get suckered into physical therapy again because that's 15 minutes laying on my chest with an electric machine working my spine as a form of massage. Than there is another like 15 plus minutes of someone showing me to excercise machines and leaving me to it basically.
Also my osteopath doesn't seem to prescribe medications which seems to make the whole holistic general practitioner thing a huge bummer. Maybe I should seem my friend's osteopath which treats her for everything not just back pain.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
When looking for a good cup of coffee
I am a little addicted to coffee and I am slowly moving to a more sophisticated method of making coffee. I had drip coffee machines but they have been watery and lack the flavor and texture of the coffee I am drinking now.
For over a year I have been using senseo. It is the only coffee short of store bought like starbucks that I can drink with just milk. I perfer drinking with just milk because sugar seems to cause a great deal of fatigue. This is probably because of my medical condition so I generally avoid sugars.
In any case I have come to rely on a two cups from a large pod(intended for 2 cups) every day in the morning. I have made my own pods since using up the samples included in the machine because of the cost plus convenience of making them from home; all you need is coffee filters which are very inexpensive. 99cents for 200 which is good for half a year.
It is time for a change. I was looking for an alternative to my electric machine Senseo HD7810/75 Single Serve Coffee Machine
to something the Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker.
I asked my friend who was very health conscious who than cautioned me about alumnium cookware because a study shows alumnium was found in alzheimer patients because it does not escape the body. This annoyed me a bit because I am not even sure what my cookware is made of. Should i be replacing some of them? If anyone knows please tell me because a google search was not helpful.
I was however directed to an AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
which contains Bisphenol A (BPA). It was odd because my friend says it should be safe because it only takes around a minute to make inside the aeropress and there is greater bisphenol A found in can foods than is leeched by plastics. I searched on the internet was was confirmed so I learn 3 things today which I probably did not want to know. The most important which concerns coffee is that the best brew occurs at around 170 degress and any higher will cause higher acids which are distasteful, bad for the teech and bad for the stomach. This does explain why most single server coffees are superior than drip coffee.
My final conclusion is to wait for a glass/stainless steel version of the aeropress. My senseo does a good job even though I do not know if the materials are made of bisphenol A (the water conainer may contain it because it is semi transparent) but I am happy with it. I occasionally grind my own beans but cannot say I notice much of a difference however I am tempted on getting a burr grinder just because coffee gives me so much joy everyday. I recently purchased 12 packages of 12 ounch grinded 100% arabica beans so it should settle the matter and provide me with enough coffee for a good year. In which time I will reconsider these issues again.
For over a year I have been using senseo. It is the only coffee short of store bought like starbucks that I can drink with just milk. I perfer drinking with just milk because sugar seems to cause a great deal of fatigue. This is probably because of my medical condition so I generally avoid sugars.
In any case I have come to rely on a two cups from a large pod(intended for 2 cups) every day in the morning. I have made my own pods since using up the samples included in the machine because of the cost plus convenience of making them from home; all you need is coffee filters which are very inexpensive. 99cents for 200 which is good for half a year.
It is time for a change. I was looking for an alternative to my electric machine Senseo HD7810/75 Single Serve Coffee Machine
to something the Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker. I asked my friend who was very health conscious who than cautioned me about alumnium cookware because a study shows alumnium was found in alzheimer patients because it does not escape the body. This annoyed me a bit because I am not even sure what my cookware is made of. Should i be replacing some of them? If anyone knows please tell me because a google search was not helpful.I was however directed to an AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
which contains Bisphenol A (BPA). It was odd because my friend says it should be safe because it only takes around a minute to make inside the aeropress and there is greater bisphenol A found in can foods than is leeched by plastics. I searched on the internet was was confirmed so I learn 3 things today which I probably did not want to know. The most important which concerns coffee is that the best brew occurs at around 170 degress and any higher will cause higher acids which are distasteful, bad for the teech and bad for the stomach. This does explain why most single server coffees are superior than drip coffee.My final conclusion is to wait for a glass/stainless steel version of the aeropress. My senseo does a good job even though I do not know if the materials are made of bisphenol A (the water conainer may contain it because it is semi transparent) but I am happy with it. I occasionally grind my own beans but cannot say I notice much of a difference however I am tempted on getting a burr grinder just because coffee gives me so much joy everyday. I recently purchased 12 packages of 12 ounch grinded 100% arabica beans so it should settle the matter and provide me with enough coffee for a good year. In which time I will reconsider these issues again.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Root Canal and a tooth abscess
I went into the endodontist to do my root canal last thursday and finally inquired about my bump that's been there for a month waiting on this appointment for the start of my root canal. I'm not sure if he spotted it or not or wheather he choose not to discuss it with me... it was enough to make me google it out. I am scared.
Fortunately for me that my tooth abscess was not painful and I mean no pain at all. It was just an annoying bump that i tried squeezing hoping it would flatten out but all that came out of it was blood. Anyway after about 2 1/2 hours and him shaving my tooth down about a half and removing calcification in my tooth. He was talking to another colleage and he was saying see how this xray is cloudy. that's all calcification so he removed a big chunk and got some other small chunks to reveal 4 roots. Anyway he didn't realy go much into the abscess so I think it not worth thinking about but when I touch it today it definately a little pain so I can't wait till my nerve treatment is finish next month. I scheduled 2 appointments to get it completely done. Another 2 1/2 hour appointment and one long 5 hour appointment and maybe the abscess will be resolved and my tooth saved.
I am thinking of getting a real sonic toothbrush like the Ultreo even though I really like the pulsonic because I think at 2x cost it will be worth it.
Fortunately for me that my tooth abscess was not painful and I mean no pain at all. It was just an annoying bump that i tried squeezing hoping it would flatten out but all that came out of it was blood. Anyway after about 2 1/2 hours and him shaving my tooth down about a half and removing calcification in my tooth. He was talking to another colleage and he was saying see how this xray is cloudy. that's all calcification so he removed a big chunk and got some other small chunks to reveal 4 roots. Anyway he didn't realy go much into the abscess so I think it not worth thinking about but when I touch it today it definately a little pain so I can't wait till my nerve treatment is finish next month. I scheduled 2 appointments to get it completely done. Another 2 1/2 hour appointment and one long 5 hour appointment and maybe the abscess will be resolved and my tooth saved.
I am thinking of getting a real sonic toothbrush like the Ultreo even though I really like the pulsonic because I think at 2x cost it will be worth it.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Quest Diagnostics - Hypothyroid Tests
For informational purposes only.
I recently inquired about these typical hypothyroid tests.
They use a much more older (no longer recommended) TSH range.
TSH - 108.00 dollars
FT4 - 116.15 dollars
FT3 - 207.95 dollars
rT3 - 216.00 dollars
Anti-TG - 87.75 dollars
Anti-TPO - 112.15 dollars
This is without insurance.
I recently inquired about these typical hypothyroid tests.
They use a much more older (no longer recommended) TSH range.
TSH - 108.00 dollars
FT4 - 116.15 dollars
FT3 - 207.95 dollars
rT3 - 216.00 dollars
Anti-TG - 87.75 dollars
Anti-TPO - 112.15 dollars
This is without insurance.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The odd case of Sonic Toothbrushes
Sadly to say that I need yet another root canal. That would make the count up to 3 with this one being supposely the worst. The xray showed something realy weird and my root is at a 90 degree angle so I need a specialist. I have scheduled the work in the second week of december because I didn't want to do it potentially before thanksgiving because I might need surgery to remove (it is potentially that complicated) but I did not want to have the work start after the New Year because I did not want to start the new year like that.
Either way I started shopping for a new Sonic Toothbrush. A little useless history: My first sonic toothbrush was Sonicare. It was a maybe a year that it came out and it was horrible. It did not seem to vibrate much of anything and I followed directions to leave it plugged in and it died not long after I bought it because the brush head was too big and it did not feel right. A big waste of money so my second toothbrush was the oralb mechanical with attached water irrigator. It wasn't bad at all till a micro leak occured in the irrgator and it's spraying water. Than I went back to oral b with their very inexpensive oralb vitality Sonic version toothbrush because it was on sale. The head was too big but it was gentle and worked kinda well for 15 dollars. History lesson complete and I am now ready for bigger and better things.
I was between sonicare and oralb. The thing that annoyed me was I could not find the vibrations per second of their toothbrushes. Here's the weird thing that happened next. I fired two emails to sonicare(philips) and oralb(p&g) about what exactly is the difference between their sonic toothbrushes. Here are their response summary:
Sonicare (philips) response: A lesson on the term sonic. Apparently sonicare does not use "sound waves" or ultrasound to clean your teeth. The term "sonic" refers to frequency at which the sonicare operates which is 261hz or 31,0000 strokes per minute.
-I was obviously somewhat confused as to whether this apply to their entire line of sonicare toothbrushes.
Sonicare (philips) response2: Frequency of all the Sonicare models is 31,000 strokes per minute.
Oral-B (P&G) response: Sonic Complete, Vitality and Pulsonic goes back and forth at 31,000 times a minute.
-Oh really? My oral-b vitality is going to be as good as the pulsonic(your newest product 3-4x the price? Searching on the internet seems to find a listing of 21,000 sonic vibrations).
So in short I settled for the oral-b pulsonic because it was on sale. It was listed at least on amazon at more than 27,000/30,000 vibrations. It was NOT listed on the box or the literature(documentation inside). I also purchased the pulsonic because it seemed to be the only one using nickel-metal hydride battery(sonic complete and vitality sonic uses nickle-cadmium aka ni-cad which is antiquated battery technology) The Sonicare FlexCare and HealthyWhite are the only ones that use Lithium-Ion battery technology however at a much higher price. The Sonicare Elite and under still uses Ni-Cad.
So I hope that helps. Battery is a very important issue in these toothbrushes because they are generally not replacable so you do want the best performance, which Ni-Cad powered devices are not. The second issue should be brushhead size. I realy like the small brusheads as it does seem more intense and easier to manuever than the large brushheads. The vibrations or strokes per second seems to a non issue which could be why it's not advertised at all by both companies unless you specifically contact them to ask. Weird.
Either way I started shopping for a new Sonic Toothbrush. A little useless history: My first sonic toothbrush was Sonicare. It was a maybe a year that it came out and it was horrible. It did not seem to vibrate much of anything and I followed directions to leave it plugged in and it died not long after I bought it because the brush head was too big and it did not feel right. A big waste of money so my second toothbrush was the oralb mechanical with attached water irrigator. It wasn't bad at all till a micro leak occured in the irrgator and it's spraying water. Than I went back to oral b with their very inexpensive oralb vitality Sonic version toothbrush because it was on sale. The head was too big but it was gentle and worked kinda well for 15 dollars. History lesson complete and I am now ready for bigger and better things.
I was between sonicare and oralb. The thing that annoyed me was I could not find the vibrations per second of their toothbrushes. Here's the weird thing that happened next. I fired two emails to sonicare(philips) and oralb(p&g) about what exactly is the difference between their sonic toothbrushes. Here are their response summary:
Sonicare (philips) response: A lesson on the term sonic. Apparently sonicare does not use "sound waves" or ultrasound to clean your teeth. The term "sonic" refers to frequency at which the sonicare operates which is 261hz or 31,0000 strokes per minute.
-I was obviously somewhat confused as to whether this apply to their entire line of sonicare toothbrushes.
Sonicare (philips) response2: Frequency of all the Sonicare models is 31,000 strokes per minute.
Oral-B (P&G) response: Sonic Complete, Vitality and Pulsonic goes back and forth at 31,000 times a minute.
-Oh really? My oral-b vitality is going to be as good as the pulsonic(your newest product 3-4x the price? Searching on the internet seems to find a listing of 21,000 sonic vibrations).
So in short I settled for the oral-b pulsonic because it was on sale. It was listed at least on amazon at more than 27,000/30,000 vibrations. It was NOT listed on the box or the literature(documentation inside). I also purchased the pulsonic because it seemed to be the only one using nickel-metal hydride battery(sonic complete and vitality sonic uses nickle-cadmium aka ni-cad which is antiquated battery technology) The Sonicare FlexCare and HealthyWhite are the only ones that use Lithium-Ion battery technology however at a much higher price. The Sonicare Elite and under still uses Ni-Cad.
So I hope that helps. Battery is a very important issue in these toothbrushes because they are generally not replacable so you do want the best performance, which Ni-Cad powered devices are not. The second issue should be brushhead size. I realy like the small brusheads as it does seem more intense and easier to manuever than the large brushheads. The vibrations or strokes per second seems to a non issue which could be why it's not advertised at all by both companies unless you specifically contact them to ask. Weird.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Kicking the 8 glasses of water a day habit
Until recently the common recommendations for at least the last few years to drink 8 glasses of water a day has been debunked quite literally everywhere in the news media. This did not stop my acquired habit (dare I say addiction) to drinking roughly that much today and will probably continue for the next few weeks. Why is that?
Well, it has to do with all the tea and assorted "water" drinks I purchased to satisfy that recommendation. I have alot and I mean ALOT. Regardless of the fact I go to the bathroom to do a number one quite frequently. That probably wastes more water than I consume per flush but it's all thanks to mass marketing. Great job there!
I'm only posting at this early hour because for the last 3 hours in brooklyn; there's this damn ship? boat? horn blowing every damn minute. I'm freaking a mile away from water. I cannot tell cause it seems to be coming from everywhere and most certainly the whole neighborhood heard it. I cannot sleep at all. Calling 311 again sucks cause they are no help. Don't the police work at this time? Where's all the money I'm paying for quality of life. Arrgghhh. I'm so grumpy and my whole day is ruined for a lack of sleep.
Well, it has to do with all the tea and assorted "water" drinks I purchased to satisfy that recommendation. I have alot and I mean ALOT. Regardless of the fact I go to the bathroom to do a number one quite frequently. That probably wastes more water than I consume per flush but it's all thanks to mass marketing. Great job there!
I'm only posting at this early hour because for the last 3 hours in brooklyn; there's this damn ship? boat? horn blowing every damn minute. I'm freaking a mile away from water. I cannot tell cause it seems to be coming from everywhere and most certainly the whole neighborhood heard it. I cannot sleep at all. Calling 311 again sucks cause they are no help. Don't the police work at this time? Where's all the money I'm paying for quality of life. Arrgghhh. I'm so grumpy and my whole day is ruined for a lack of sleep.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Homemade Yogurt
I recently started to make my own homemade yogurt after purchasing a Salton YM9 1-Quart Yogurt Maker like over a year ago along. Reason was it was getting pretty ridiculous expensive in the city. Three days ago I made a quart from a 6 oz vanilla "La Yogurt" lowfat yogurt that was 79 cents. They didn't have plain even though the instructions called for plain. I also bought non fat dry milk from pathmart which I also did not use. 6 hours in the yogurt maker and refrigerated overnight turned out an ok yogurt that was just a bit too tart but edible. The homemade yogurt was also a little runny after a short while but when scooping it seemed pretty firm.
Interesting things are that in my next batch, I will probably not scorch the milki. Seems in the USA all? milk is pasteurized which means the same thing. I measured the temperature in the salton after the finished yogurt maker and both the manual and digital thermometer showed 100 degrees.
Interesting things are that in my next batch, I will probably not scorch the milki. Seems in the USA all? milk is pasteurized which means the same thing. I measured the temperature in the salton after the finished yogurt maker and both the manual and digital thermometer showed 100 degrees.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Massive Nose Acne Cyst
So for the last week(around 6 days) I've been all alone suffering from a massive acne cyst on my nose. Here's a picture of what it is currently like after a layer of dried skin fell off due to some squeezing,scratching, and tinted acne cream:
The exact location is .75 inch northeast(45 degree) from the tip of my nose. Quite noticable but much nicer today.
For some reason, I didn't think of searching on the internet on what to do to speed things up so I'll list it here:
1) Take ibuprofen (generic name of advil, motrin) to reduce inflammation, redness. Same thing I was told to take after my root canal to reduce inflammation. Think I heard this was a modeling secret or something. Only use this when you go out since you shouldn't be taking this like vitamins.
2) Drink lots of water
3) Have some bowel movement... take a poop. this really helps reduce toxins in your body.
4) Apply heat but not hot that it burns on it to cause it to raise a head (provided there on visual inspection there might be pus or liquid otherwise skip this step) so you can needle it and drain some fluid. Do not pop it unless you are like me and don't scar...
5) Take a hot shower because the steam will help to open pores by stretching and moisturizing the surface. This is a really great idea in general and I use face wash during a shower to cut down on acne. You should use apply acne cream or some form of drying agent when unavailable like aspirin which contains small amount of salicylic acid. There is also garlic which you rub over the area or press it into a juice and mix it with white vinegar for the entire face but there are alot of options(some even use urine) if in a pinch soon after a shower.
6) Eat foods that healthy and detoxifying and limit junk food.
In general it will take 2 weeks to completely disappear but doing the above steps will speed things up.
On reflection... I think I might have a small nodule and not a cyst cause it does not seem to be puss filled. Oh well.
The exact location is .75 inch northeast(45 degree) from the tip of my nose. Quite noticable but much nicer today.For some reason, I didn't think of searching on the internet on what to do to speed things up so I'll list it here:
1) Take ibuprofen (generic name of advil, motrin) to reduce inflammation, redness. Same thing I was told to take after my root canal to reduce inflammation. Think I heard this was a modeling secret or something. Only use this when you go out since you shouldn't be taking this like vitamins.
2) Drink lots of water
3) Have some bowel movement... take a poop. this really helps reduce toxins in your body.
4) Apply heat but not hot that it burns on it to cause it to raise a head (provided there on visual inspection there might be pus or liquid otherwise skip this step) so you can needle it and drain some fluid. Do not pop it unless you are like me and don't scar...
5) Take a hot shower because the steam will help to open pores by stretching and moisturizing the surface. This is a really great idea in general and I use face wash during a shower to cut down on acne. You should use apply acne cream or some form of drying agent when unavailable like aspirin which contains small amount of salicylic acid. There is also garlic which you rub over the area or press it into a juice and mix it with white vinegar for the entire face but there are alot of options(some even use urine) if in a pinch soon after a shower.
6) Eat foods that healthy and detoxifying and limit junk food.
In general it will take 2 weeks to completely disappear but doing the above steps will speed things up.
On reflection... I think I might have a small nodule and not a cyst cause it does not seem to be puss filled. Oh well.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Brain fitness program and neuroplasticity
I managed to catch the broadcast at 9 of the brain fitness program on PBS and realized immediately how stupid I am. I do worry that I will have alzheimers because my memory is horrible as it is now. I also realize I do not have the capacity for intellectual or academic materials. I'm going by my writings previously and to my blog posts but there still appears to be a maturity difference between my writings in high school to now. Plus the fact I stopped going to the auto mechanic classes since december.
I have a lot of reasons to stop however they really are not the best reasons. In any case I'm going to start a more academic approach to my life hopefully; I really have to. Though the broadcast appears almost to be an advertisement, nevertheless it's probably cheaper than getting a psychiatrist to write me a prescription of ritalin.
Anyone have a program in the new york metro area? I would love to see what the material is like before purchasing. Thanks.
I have a lot of reasons to stop however they really are not the best reasons. In any case I'm going to start a more academic approach to my life hopefully; I really have to. Though the broadcast appears almost to be an advertisement, nevertheless it's probably cheaper than getting a psychiatrist to write me a prescription of ritalin.
Anyone have a program in the new york metro area? I would love to see what the material is like before purchasing. Thanks.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
My Mental Assessment Went OK
I kinda expected a little more. I went into the hospital at around 9:30am. Signed up with my insurance and preceded to wait. The wait was like an hour and saw a psychiatrist that is suppose to be short with preliminary questions. He mainly asked me why I was there... It's kinda stupid because I said for a mental assessment. He kept saying for any particular problem and I said not really. Basically it seems like only a few minutes. Went out to wait and that's like another half hour before I saw a female psychiatrist.
She asked some simple and basic questions. Some really simple cognitive functioning question like remember apple, chair, table. No ink blot or other props. Think around 20 minutes or less and I was told to wait outside... Than she comes back 3 minutes asking questions like do you believe the tv is talking directly to you and asking you to do things... hahaha. That was funny. Another 10 minute or more wait to be told I passed my Mental Assessment. Woohoo!!!
Though I have to say the experience doesn't really give me much faith in the psychiatric profession. Doesn't seem very thorough. Outpatient services are like 300 dollars a session. Ouch.
She asked some simple and basic questions. Some really simple cognitive functioning question like remember apple, chair, table. No ink blot or other props. Think around 20 minutes or less and I was told to wait outside... Than she comes back 3 minutes asking questions like do you believe the tv is talking directly to you and asking you to do things... hahaha. That was funny. Another 10 minute or more wait to be told I passed my Mental Assessment. Woohoo!!!
Though I have to say the experience doesn't really give me much faith in the psychiatric profession. Doesn't seem very thorough. Outpatient services are like 300 dollars a session. Ouch.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Mount Sinai Hospital - Dental Frustrations
I went for my dental appointment today... I'm telling you Dentists and Doctors are starting to piss me off. My previous experience with both has been awful. Dentists in general cause me allot of pain and frustration. For example... prior to going to Mount Sinai I went to Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, at Presbyterian Hospital... Guess what happened? I went in to register and I was told by the front desk that a "machine" is broken so they are not accepting new patients. However I had my radiographs and only needed to be look at to do some other work... Either way, I left after spending at least an hour getting there...
My last appointment at Mount Sinai I wanted to see my chart but was refused by the receptionist because they said I needed doctor approval?... I didn't bother cause I wasn't in the mood but made sure to ask today before seeing the dentist. Guess what, DENIED. They bitchy receptionists there sprouting crap about HIPPA and actually had the nerve at one time to say it suggests giving me access to my own records was against the law. The funny thing is another Dentist there was overhearing and flipping through my records next to me, less than 2 FEET from me. It became worst when I finally got to see the Dentist and SHE also won't allow me to review my chart. Apparently she is free to tell me what is on it of course.
After work was done, I had enough and went back to the receptionist and told her I want to speak with the Director of Medical Records to review my chart. That woman quoted 10 dollars for copy of radiographs... I have to fill a form for a copy of record and pay for the printing charges. I said i want to review the chart and write down my own notes (btw. this was printed on the patient rights hanging near the walls that I cannot be charged to review my records; wish I mentioned that to that receptionist). From the phonecall I heard, "Is he a doctor"... WTF. why is it I need a reason to view my records like it was beyond comprehension.
Finally an assistant director of medical records or whatever had to come to assist me to my OWN RECORDS. He couldn't find it cause of course it was with my dentist and she came out with my records which I reviewed while she was sitting next to me. It probably didn't help she didn't explain anything before doing the work. No information on which exact teeth, what's being done, no rubber damn, she didn't tell me she was "watching" 2 of my teeth but it was in her opinion was not necessary to do work. I went back to examine her treatment plan and noticed it was completely different than my nyu student and previous dentist (he was such a jerk).
It's just uncomprehensible the difference in opinions between dentists. After this year no more... No more dentists. Once I fix everything. I'm just going to floss and brush like a freak. No more dentists!!
On a lighter note... while I was taking the 6 train back... some lady sat next to me when I entered the train and started talking to me... So weird... she was talking to me about the train and asked me about my work and I responded but.... I just wasn't in the mood. Maybe a missed opportunity or she could be a mess.
My last appointment at Mount Sinai I wanted to see my chart but was refused by the receptionist because they said I needed doctor approval?... I didn't bother cause I wasn't in the mood but made sure to ask today before seeing the dentist. Guess what, DENIED. They bitchy receptionists there sprouting crap about HIPPA and actually had the nerve at one time to say it suggests giving me access to my own records was against the law. The funny thing is another Dentist there was overhearing and flipping through my records next to me, less than 2 FEET from me. It became worst when I finally got to see the Dentist and SHE also won't allow me to review my chart. Apparently she is free to tell me what is on it of course.
After work was done, I had enough and went back to the receptionist and told her I want to speak with the Director of Medical Records to review my chart. That woman quoted 10 dollars for copy of radiographs... I have to fill a form for a copy of record and pay for the printing charges. I said i want to review the chart and write down my own notes (btw. this was printed on the patient rights hanging near the walls that I cannot be charged to review my records; wish I mentioned that to that receptionist). From the phonecall I heard, "Is he a doctor"... WTF. why is it I need a reason to view my records like it was beyond comprehension.
Finally an assistant director of medical records or whatever had to come to assist me to my OWN RECORDS. He couldn't find it cause of course it was with my dentist and she came out with my records which I reviewed while she was sitting next to me. It probably didn't help she didn't explain anything before doing the work. No information on which exact teeth, what's being done, no rubber damn, she didn't tell me she was "watching" 2 of my teeth but it was in her opinion was not necessary to do work. I went back to examine her treatment plan and noticed it was completely different than my nyu student and previous dentist (he was such a jerk).
It's just uncomprehensible the difference in opinions between dentists. After this year no more... No more dentists. Once I fix everything. I'm just going to floss and brush like a freak. No more dentists!!
On a lighter note... while I was taking the 6 train back... some lady sat next to me when I entered the train and started talking to me... So weird... she was talking to me about the train and asked me about my work and I responded but.... I just wasn't in the mood. Maybe a missed opportunity or she could be a mess.
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