Health Insurance
You probably do not plan on you or someone in your family getting sick or hurt, but it happens and it costs. Health insurance can protect you from potentially large expenses. In fact, two thirds of personal bankruptcies are due to medical costs.
Aside from the cost, people without health insurance are less likely to seek and receive preventive care, recommended screenings, and help in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. When they do seek help it is usually after they have been sick for awhile – when it is harder to regain health and more costly.
As a result of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, a Marketplace for purchasing health insurance has been established. The Marketplace may be able to reduce the cost of insurance for you and your family. If you are not insured you may have to pay a fee if you do not get insurance.
Close to a half million Mississippians remain uninsured. Most do not know that the law might give them financial help to assist with the cost. Health insurance does not guarantee good health, but it certainly sets the stage for maintaining and improving health. It can also reduce the stress of financial pressures that can arise if illness or accidents strike.
Information to help you learn more about available health insurance and how to get help:
- Health Insurance For you, For Your Family
- What Do I Need To Know About Health Insurance Costs …Before Considering My Options???
- Do I Qualify for Lower Health Coverage Costs?
Publications
News
Almost 37% of American adults do not get the recommended seven hours of sleep a night, and that lack of sleep is causing some serious problems.
Leslie Woolington, safety specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said a lack of sleep can affect a person’s productivity, mental and physical health, driving ability and even their chances of getting hurt at work.
A new year is perfect for resetting and refocusing on your health and wellness goals. Being more present or mindful is a great way to start. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the process or practice of gently focusing on your awareness in the present moment. Being more mindful can help you feel your best and meet the goals you set for yourself.
RAYMOND, Miss. -- An instructor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service was recently recognized by the Mississippi Public Health Association for her commitment to helping Mississippians live healthier lifestyles. Qula Madkin, a dietitian nutritionist in the MSU Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion, was awarded the Vonda A. Webb Nutritionist of the Year Award at the association’s fall conference.
Success Stories
In Rolling Fork, the Mississippi town in Sharkey County devastated by a twister on March 24, 2023, despair was not an option.
You don’t have to have diabetes to benefit from the principles of the Dining with Diabetes (DWD) program.
Dining with Diabetes covers healthy eating, physical activity, disease monitoring, medication compliance, and risk reduction, and the course empowers participants by giving them access to nutrition knowledge and resources for food preparation. Classes include research-based education, cooking demonstrations, and healthy recipe tasting. These tools can help people make positive changes by planning menus, counting carbohydrates, controlling portions, and reading labels.
