Maintaining your body’s health is a necessity. However, roughly 16% of Americans lack health care coverage. In most cases, this is due to unemployment, but in other cases, it’s due to its increasing costs. There are, however, other options for medical care without breaking the bank. With the rapid advancement of technology, the average individual is quite capable of maintaining their health, nipping complications in the bud, and avoiding multiple trips to the doctor’s or dentist’s office.

1. Create your own home-based preventative do-it-yourself hospital and gym
Family history is no longer the lone root cause for diseases. Today, cases of hypertension and diabetes are increasing rapidly, making them two of the diseases that need to be monitored the most. Luckily, monitoring both your blood pressure and glucose level can be done at home, quickly and effectively. To beat the high blood pressure blues and deflect diabetes, invest in both a home blood pressure monitor, as well as a blood glucose meter. You can find inexpensive monitors by manufacturers such as Samsung, A&D, LifeSource, OneTouch, Precision and Accu-Chek at your local drug store. All of the manufacturers offer a wide array of products suited for all your health monitoring needs.

Another problem that is tightening its hold on numerous individuals is obesity. By maintaining your weight, you can help decrease your chances of developing many ailments and diseases — especially heart disease and osteoporosis. If you dislike going to the gym, and have the means to invest in a treadmill and some hand weights, do it. Also, consider purchasing a combination scale and body fat analyzer. Manufacturers such as Tanita, HoMedics and Weight Watchers offer tools that can help keep your visits to the doctor close to non-existent.

2. To prevent, think prepaid
Honestly, if you’re healthy, paying excessive amounts of money for health coverage doesn’t really seem necessary. If you’re in need of some routine maintenance, you might want to consider seeking out organizations that offer prepaid plans. At this point and time, the nation’s largest prepaid organization is Kaiser Foundation Hospital. Dubbed ‘Medikaiser’, this form of coverage is soaring, with hopes of expanding to accommodate other areas.

3. Feel fantastic with Federally Subsidized Care
If you fall within a certain income level, a subsidized care plan could be the answer you’re looking for. Government funding of programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP allows those in critical need of health care coverage to receive treatment. By visiting any of the websites for the organizations listed above will educate you on whether or not you qualify.

4. Sign up for a customized health care plan and save
If you want health coverage, but hate the thought of paying the same amount of money that everyone else does, think about a customized health care plan that works for your personal needs. You will still pay a monthly fee, but it will be personalized for you and only you. Advantage, is a great example of a company that works with individuals, rather than groups. To find out more, visit their website at www.advantageplan.com.

5. Pay cash only when necessary
Not needing medical coverage on a regular basis? Consider paying cash for treatments only when needed. A great website that can steer your towards cash only medical, is www.simplecare.com. To sum it up, if you walk into the doctor’s office on a Thursday, payment is due that day. It really is as simple as that. This is a wonderful way to avoid hidden costs and paying prior to treatments.

6. Enhance your vitality with vitamins and mend yourself with home remedies
If you’re not getting the recommended servings of the food groups, consider taking a multivitamin. To get the best multivitamin, avoid unfamiliar brands. Your best bet is to stick with mainstream brands such as One-A-Day and Centrum. Just because a certain brand costs more, doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re the best. Giving your body the required nutrients it needs is a surefire way to keep your doctor visits to a minimum.

When it comes to supplements and home remedies, there are many websites that offer you ideas for treating your ailments at home. Two great sites to check out are www.home-remedies-for-you.com and www.herbalremediesinfo.com. Both sites offer vast information on what treatments bring optimum relief and healing.

7. Cut corners with medical and dental interns
Need a quick fix, but can’t afford to pay full price? Try searching out colleges that offer treatments from interns. Not only are the students educated on the latest and greatest treatments, you can walk away feeling great for a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re in need of dental work or an adjustment, many schools provide services you can use.

8. Learn the lyrics for O Canada and keep your passport handy
If you live close enough to the border, crossing it might be a viable option for you. With this said, no health care system is flawless. Sure, Canadians don’t pay high prices out of pocket, but they do pay in other ways, with denied care or poor treatment by a unionized medical staff. In the United States, you may pay more in terms of money, but you get the type of discretion, kindness and professionalism that brings you better results.

9. Need some coverage? Become a charity case
Many times, you can apply for charity care before or after a hospital visit. However, you may be charged for services if you fall within a certain income level. If you have a legitimate cause for being unable to cover costs, you can usually find help. To learn about what charities offer care and which ones you should avoid, visit www.charitynavigator.org.

10. Barter for better health
If you are capable of providing a service that can benefit a medical professional, consider a barter system. Sometimes, offering creative freelance work such as web design, or physical labor such as construction, can be enough for free doctor visits. In many cases, some sort of contract will be drawn up stating that you are swapping services for treatment. In situations such as these, the only items you might have to pay for are prescriptions or supplements.

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What it all comes down to is that you can find medical care. Paying bookoos of money is no longer the only option available. Be creative and find what works best for you. Happy health finding!