One of the primary concerns facing the recently unemployed is the loss of health benefits. Most U.S. workers receive health benefits through their employers, so they associate health insurance with employment. As unemployment rises, more people must find a way to pay for health insurance on their own.

Unfortunately, most Americans are unfamiliar with the options that they have as individual consumers. A recent survey conducted by Aetna found that the majority of consumers were unaware of an important option — individual health insurance plans. The survey also found that many consumers had significant misperceptions about the cost of coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, also known as COBRA, another insurance alternative which can cover a person for up to 36 months after losing a job.

“Our research found that 69 percent of consumers had never heard of individual health insurance plans or did not know much about them, and 38 percent said they expected to pay the same premiums for COBRA coverage as when they were employed when they could actually pay almost double in many instances,” says Frank McCauley, head of Aetna’s Consumer Business Segment. “With more and more people entering the individual health insurance market, it is essential for people to have a clear understanding of all of the options that are available to them.”

Knowing All of Your Options
According to McCauley, there are a number of different options that people should consider in this situation. This includes becoming a dependent on their spouse’s plan; receiving coverage through an alumni association or club membership; or finding out if they are eligible for free or low-cost state programs. Almost 11 million Americans are actually eligible for these free or low-cost plans, such as Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP), but are not enrolled and remain uninsured.

Another option is COBRA coverage, which allows people to keep the same coverage they had through their employer, even after they lose their job.

While this serves as a good safety net, it can be expensive. Families USA, a consumer health organization, found in January 2009 that the average national premium to cover a family with COBRA eats up almost 84 percent of unemployment benefits.

A temporary solution to the high cost of COBRA came as part of the national economic stimulus package. Under this package, people who were laid off (or lose their jobs) between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 are eligible for a 65 percent subsidy to help them pay for COBRA coverage. This means they will have to pay 35 percent of the usual cost of COBRA.

However, even with this subsidy, many consumers may be able to find a more affordable individual health insurance plan. Many insurers sell these plans directly to consumers, and McCauley says that Aetna has a wide range of plan designs.

“We have plans that are similar to what a person would receive from their employer, as well as lower-cost options that might be a better fit for their budget,” McCauley adds.

People can go to Aetna’s Web site www.aetnaindividual.com to learn more about these plans, get a quote and even apply online. McCauley adds that consumers can also go to a Web site like www.ehealthinsurance.com to compare plans from different insurers.

To help educate consumers on all of the different health insurance options that are available to them, Aetna also developed information on the Plan for Your Health Web site www.planforyourhealth.com. This free site is a good starting point when searching for health insurance on your own.

Questions to Consider
As you start to search for the right health insurance option for you, McCauley says there are three questions that every consumer should keep in mind:
* How long do you expect to go without insurance? Not having insurance for a few months is very different from not having it for a few years.
* How much coverage do you need? A young man looking for his first job and a mother of two who owns her own business will make very different choices.
* How much do you want to pay? A lower premium (the amount you pay each month) might seem to be the best way to save a few bucks. Just be sure to find out how much more you will have to pay if something happens to you.
Whichever option a person chooses, it is extremely important to find some type of coverage.

“Health insurance is one of the primary ways that people can protect both their health and their financial well-being,” says Tracey Baker, a certified financial planner and co-author of “Navigating Your Health Benefits For Dummies”. “Even during difficult financial times, it is important to try to provide this security for you and your family.”

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Through her Aetna health plan, Kerecz uses her Personal Health Record (PHR) as a single resource for physician names and phone numbers, her children’s immunization records, health history, allergies and other information. Just like Kerecz, you may be asking yourself: “Exactly what types of tools and information are available to help me get organized and engaged in making the best health care decisions for me and my family?”

A number of resources are available — from secure Web sites to personalized health information tools. But many consumers are now finding that a PHR, which is typically available through an individual’s health plan or through Microsoft HealthVault — a new security-enhanced, Web-based consumer health platform — can house information such as insurance claims, doctors visits and prescribed medications in a secure, password-protected online record. To learn how easy and safe it is to organize and store your health information online, visit: www.aetna.com/showcase.

“The PHR provides consumers with secure, reliable and current information that they can share with their doctors so that, together, they can make better informed decisions about their health care needs,” says Karen Weinseiss, Aetna’s vice president of Product Management.

So, how can a PHR benefit you? Here are a few ways:

* More information leads to better care. Not only do health plan PHRs like the Aetna CareEngine-powered PHR typically have your claims data automatically loaded into the PHR, they also let you add information such as family history, over-the-counter medicines and allergies. Having this personal health information and sharing it with your physician online can lead to more productive visits to the doctor and help consumers and their physicians make better informed decisions about their health.

* Tracking your prescriptions and doctors’ visits will help you keep your own health a top priority and may help you better comply with treatment recommendations. After all, the more information you have at your fingertips, the more likely you are to follow your physician’s advice, such as finishing all your antibiotics or sticking to your diet.

* Using a PHR may also save you money. If your doctors know about your previous tests and lab results, they can avoid unnecessary and duplicate tests. More importantly, they can provide better care, since information like past medications and allergies should be listed on your PHR.

* A PHR can come in handy when you’re away from home — whether you’re around the globe on vacation, or displaced from home after a natural disaster. With a PHR, your health history is available online to you and your new doctors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ask your insurance company or employer if a PHR is available to you now, or if it will be in the future. Millions of consumers can expect to have a basic or more advanced online PHR available to them this year.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – With unemployment at an all-time high, it is becoming a necessity for Americans to put their best face forward.  More of us are turning to less costly, non-invasive cosmetic “touch ups” to look competent and feel confident, whether in the workplace, or pounding the pavement.

Recession-driven job losses have put more baby boomers and workers in their 50s back into the job market, and they are competing with people in their 20s and 30s.  Many are looking at improving their appearance as an investment they need to make.  Fortunately, a number of safe, effective and non-invasive anti-aging treatments, offered by trained and board-certified facial plastic surgeons, are now available at competitive costs.

“Patients in today’s economy are looking for value: good results but priced fairly,” says Dr. Donn R. Chatham, president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).  “It is also important to trust your face to a facial specialist, one who focuses on the health and appearance of the face.”

Six Popular Treatments for Cost-conscious Consumers

1. Botox injections – In use for medical purposes for more than five decades, the FDA approved Botox in 2002 for the temporary improvement of glabellar lines, the vertical lines between eyebrows.  Since its approval, millions have been treated with Botox, and to date, it is still the most requested non-invasive procedure according to the annual survey of the AAFPRS.

2. Cosmetic fillers – Wrinkles not only make you look older, but they can cause others to misread your emotions, especially if the wrinkles are in areas of the face normally associated with frowning or other negative expressions.  Cosmetic fillers like collagen, hyaluronic acid, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra, Evolence and others add volume to the skin to soften or eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and provide a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

3. Laser treatments – Non-invasive laser procedures can help reduce wrinkles around the eyes and lips, even the surface of the face, and remove blemishes like birthmarks, skin growths, acne, spider veins, warts and even some tattoos.

4. Skin resurfacing/rejuvenation – Chemical peeling and dermabrasion both remove aged, damaged skin cells to create a smoother, younger-looking surface.

5. Minimally invasive surgery – Facial plastic surgeons have developed methods for minimizing the invasiveness of some of the most popular facial surgeries, including face lifts, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and rhinoplasty, reducing pain and recovery times for many patients.

6. Lip augmentation – Several procedures are available to give lips a fuller, plumper, and more youthful look while reducing the appearance of fine lines around the lips.

Americans undergo more than 2 million facial plastic surgery procedures each year.  If you, or a loved one, is considering enhancing your competitive edge in the workplace by improving your appearance, it’s important to find a compassionate, knowledgeable facial plastic surgeon you trust.  The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery offers helpful resources, including information about different types of surgery, on its Web site, www.facemd.org.  With more than 2,700 members whose practices concentrate on the face, head and neck, the AAFPRS can help you find the right, qualified facial plastic surgeon for your needs.

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(ARA) – Obesity is a mounting health problem locally and worldwide. More than 1 billion adults globally are overweight, and at least 300 million are obese, according to the World Health Organization.

Obesity not only takes a toll on personal health, it can inflict a huge monetary cost on individuals as well as the economy in general:

• When compared with their healthy-weight counterparts, healthcare spending among the obese is 37 percent higher, reports The Policy Journal of the Health Spheres.
• The rise in obesity contributed to the increase in spending related to diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Fortunately, a sustained 10 percent weight loss may reduce an overweight person’s lifetime medical costs by $2,200 to $5,300 by lowering costs related to hypertension and high cholesterol, among many other related illnesses. Additionally, sustaining a 5 to 10 percent weight loss over six months or longer has been shown to improve health by helping to:

• Lower the risk of heart disease.
• Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Reduce the risk of some kinds of cancer.
• Reduce the strain on joints.

So if weight loss is your resolution this year, or you want to make an important investment in your health, consider an approach that is not just designed to take weight off, but to help you change your behavior.

Just in time for the new year, Weight Watchers has introduced the Momentum program which encourages smarter food and lifestyle choices. Your weight loss plans can absolutely stay on track in 2009, but it’s important to choose a weight-loss plan that truly teaches you how to make healthy, sustainable changes.

Here are Weight Watchers 10 Tips for a healthy 2009:

* Look for low-calorie substitutions that don’t sacrifice taste. For example, switching from mayo to mustard can add to big calorie savings over time.

* Losing weight with a friend or group of friends really helps with weight-loss success.

* Ounce for ounce, the nutrition in fruits and vegetables can’t be beat. To get the best blend of nutrients, include as many colors as possible.

* Put a napkin over your plate as soon as you’re satisfied — it’s like turning off a light switch.

* Purge unhealthy food from your pantry, freezer and fridge.

* Make physical activity as convenient as possible. Keep your sneakers and jacket ready and nearby for short, frequent walks.

* Try creating a new favorite dish. Visit www.weightwatchers.com for delicious recipe ideas.

* Wear something you feel fabulous in — a compliment goes a long way in sustaining motivation.

* Set new goals to keep yourself motivated. Goals do not have to be weight related.

* Know what you’re doing. Write down what you’re eating each and every day to keep you on target.

To find out more, visit a Weight Watchers Meeting for free or go to www.weightwatchers.com.

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(ARA) – Budget-minded families are looking to cut expenses that seem like a luxury, or even just frivolous — including gym memberships. Yet mounting evidence suggests that cutting out the gym may be exactly the wrong move for even the most cash-strapped family.

In its just-released report of annual health spending figures, published in the journal Health Affairs, the federal government confirmed that chronic illness accounts for 75 percent of all health spending. Yet exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risks for chronic illness and your medical bills.

“To put that in financial terms, for every dollar you spend on wellness, you can save as much as five dollars or more on illness,” says Dr. Richard Kreider, director of the exercise and sport nutrition laboratory at Texas A&M University. He has studied the effectiveness of the Curves women’s fitness program for the past five years.

“The women in our studies have been able to lose weight, gain muscle strength, raise metabolism, and make significant medical improvements in blood pressure, resting heart rate and aerobic fitness,” Kreider says. “Many of them no longer suffer from the chronic conditions that cost them so much money for medications and doctor visits.”

This can add up to a bundle of savings. The Health Affairs report shows that the average annual out-of-pocket expense for someone with cancer is $8,411, but the good news is that regular exercise can help you avoid the disease and the costs associated with it. A major report by the American Institute for Cancer Research published in 2007 found that obesity plays a key role in increasing the risk for many cancers — including breast cancer — by as much as 60 percent. And a study just published in the journal Cancer found that obesity increased women’s risk for ovarian cancer by a whopping 80 percent.

The benefits go beyond reducing the risk of cancer. A recent landmark study by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota found that people who went to the gym at least eight times a month had significantly lower healthcare costs than those who did not. These frequent gym attendees had:

• 39 percent fewer emergency room visits
• 41 percent fewer hospital admissions
• 18 percent lower overall claims costs

The research, then, is clear. “Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can save not only your life, but your money as well,” says Kreider. “Your health is your most precious asset, and not taking care of it is going to cost you more in the long run.”

So how can you get to the gym without breaking the bank? Many clubs are offering great deals on memberships because of the economy. Also, check with your health insurance provider to see if they have a wellness program that offers rebates on dues and membership fees. Some fitness centers, like Curves, have partnered with major health insurance and third-party providers, including Healthways SilverSneakers, AARP and Blue Cross Blue Shield, to make the cost of membership even more affordable. To learn more, visit www.curves.com.

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(ARA) – West Nile virus arrived on the east coast of the United States in 2000, drawing plenty of media attention. Since then, the virus has gradually migrated west to the Pacific coast, and human cases have been documented in nearly all of the 48 continental states.

While the disease is no longer grabbing the same volume of national headlines it did upon its first arrival and during the most severe outbreaks, it remains a threat worthy of serious consideration, thought and preventative action. In 2008, reported human cases and West Nile-related deaths were both down nationally to the lowest levels seen since 2001, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, certain areas saw an increase in overall West Nile activity. The state of Washington, for example, saw a re-emergence of documented human cases after reporting no human West Nile infections throughout all of 2007.

“The weather plays a big role in determining where mosquito populations are going to be the most severe, which makes knowing where West Nile virus will pose the most serious risks in the coming year unpredictable,” says Allen James, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. “Total human cases in the United States have been on the decline for the past few years, but almost 1,400 confirmed cases were reported in 2008, and that is a substantial number that we can work to reduce even further.”

The numbers of documented human West Nile virus infections hit a peak in 2003, with almost 10,000 reported cases, and have gradually declined since as municipalities and communities across the country have adopted effective measures to manage troublesome mosquito populations. Still, since 2005, the CDC has reported over 12,000 people in the country diagnosed with West Nile virus infections, resulting in nearly 500 documented deaths.

“Unfortunately, West Nile virus is here to stay and it’s something that Americans are going to have to be cognizant of every year moving forward,” James says. “Especially within more susceptible populations like young children and the elderly with weaker immune systems, this disease represents a very real and potentially deadly threat. It’s important to help minimize this risk by reducing mosquito populations where we can.”

West Nile virus is a vector-borne disease transmitted to humans almost exclusively through the bites of carrying mosquitoes. The best way to prevent an outbreak of the disease, according to the CDC, is through the use of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to control both adult mosquitoes and their larvae before they can hatch and mature.

“There is no single magic bullet that works to effectively control mosquitoes,” James says. “It takes an integrated approach where citizens and public officials work together to remove breeding grounds, monitor mosquito activity, use biological and chemical controls, and educate their friends and neighbors about proper prevention measures.”

Support for community mosquito reduction and education programs, combined with the use of proven larvicide and adulticide products, is the most effective action communities can take to prevent West Nile virus from becoming a major public health risk. Larvicides are approved pesticide products applied to mosquito breeding grounds to eliminate developing mosquito larvae before they have the chance to become adults. Similarly, adulticides are another type of pesticide product, most often applied as ultra-low volume (ULV) mist or fog that kills adult mosquitoes on contact. These products represent a prudent and cost-effective way to manage large, problematic mosquito populations and have been deemed by the CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be the harmless to people, children, pets and the environment when applied correctly by trained personnel.

Around home, individuals and families can follow a few simple steps to help reduce the risk of mosquito bites and eliminate potential breeding grounds on their own property. The easiest and most important preventative action to take is to apply an approved insect repellant to all exposed skin when going outdoors for any period of time. Remember that mosquitoes are most active in the morning and evening, so adults and children should all take additional care to reduce the amount of exposed skin susceptible to a mosquito bite when outside, especially at these times.

Also, take the time to eliminate all areas of standing water around the home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface of calm, stagnant water, and reducing the prevalence of these potential breeding grounds can greatly impact the number of mosquitoes immediately around homes and properties. Drain low-lying areas, clean out clogged gutters, drain birdbaths and turn over any miscellaneous containers like unused buckets and flower pots that may have the potential to hold rainwater. These simple actions, in addition to the support of other local mosquito-control efforts, can help to significantly reduce the risk of West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses in many areas.

While it may not be a fixture on the front page every day anymore, West Nile virus still poses a serious risk that warrants considerable attention from local groups across the nation. It is not a problem that is ever going to disappear completely, but through the use of an IPM approach, education programs and proper mosquito-control products, the threats posed by this potentially deadly disease can be substantially reduced.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Proper Inspection, Protection and Detection Can Safeguard Your Family from the ‘Silent Killer’

(ARA) – Bitter cold weather can bring more than just frosty mornings and runny noses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the odorless predator — carbon monoxide, also known as CO — sends more than 15,000 people to the hospital each year.

Because you can not see it, smell it or taste it, you or your loved ones could be exposed to CO without even knowing it. The symptoms — headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath — are often mistaken for the flu.

“Each day, first responders are called upon to help people who have unknowingly been exposed to carbon monoxide and are suffering from CO poisoning,” says James Shannon, president and chief executive officer of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “It is vital for people to learn how to keep themselves and their families safe from CO before they are exposed to it. When it reaches a dangerous level, its effects may leave them unable to make that life-saving call for help.”

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent product safety certification organization, and the NFPA urge families to INSPECT, PROTECT and DETECT when it comes to CO safety this winter:

1. Have a qualified technician INSPECT fuel-burning appliances once a year.

* Fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves require yearly maintenance. Over time, components can become damaged or deteriorate. A qualified technician can identify and repair problems with your fuel-burning appliances.

2. PROTECT your home by purchasing and installing a CO alarm.

* Purchase and install UL-Listed CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement and any other locations required by applicable laws; be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before installing the alarm.

*If you already have CO alarms installed in your home, make sure to test them monthly and replace the battery at least once a year.

3. Be prepared should your CO alarm DETECT a problem.

*If your alarm sounds, immediately open windows and doors for ventilation.

*If anyone in the home is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, immediately evacuate the house, call the fire department and seek medical attention.

*Be alert to some of the danger signs that signal a CO problem. This includes: Streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-burning appliances, moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms and fallen soot from the fireplace or small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney.

“A CO alarm should not be confused with a smoke alarm,” says John Drengenberg, manager of Consumer Affairs for UL. “A smoke alarm tells you to get out immediately. A CO alarm warns of a potential poisoning risk, usually long before symptoms are apparent, which allows you adequate time to get help. You need both life-safety devices in your home.

To learn more about the potential dangers of CO and how to keep your family safe, visit: www.ul.com/newsroom.

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(ARA) – With the economy taking a nose dive, Americans are cutting back on spending — from food and travel to even medical treatments. Both health care and dental care are taking a back seat to more urgent needs.

According to a recent survey by Cigna, a leading provider of health benefits, 41 percent of Americans are taking worse care of their health because of the economy. In fact, nearly half of Americans report that someone in their household has skipped necessary health care in the past year due to the cost, according to a recent Kaiser Foundation Poll. A recent study published in “Health Services Research” found that an increase in unemployment may be associated with fewer preventive care visits.

Even though times are tough, it is still important to take care of your body, particularly your oral health. With 92 percent of adults ages 20 to 64 experiencing dental caries — which can lead to cavities — in their permanent teeth at some point in their lives, proper oral care routines and preventive dental care visits are more essential than ever for achieving a cleaner, healthier mouth.

New York-based dentist Dr. Gregg Lituchy advises “include a fluoride rinse in your daily oral care routine to help protect your teeth against cavities. I recommend my patients use an anti-cavity fluoride rinse that delivers multiple benefits, such as Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash from the makers of Listerine Antiseptic, a product that has been trusted for more than 100 years and has more than 50 clinical studies supporting its safety and efficacy.”

Dr. Lituchy offers four easy tips to help reduce the risk of oral care problems and maintain a beautiful smile — without hurting your wallet:

• Multitask. Rinse your mouth with an anti-cavity mouthwash while you’re washing your face.
• Avoid sticky situations. Foods that stick to your teeth create an environment for bacteria to thrive, so the best strategy is to brush your teeth after meals and snacks.
• Don’t skip your dental check-ups. Visiting your dental professional at least twice a year is the best way to maintain good oral health and detect problems early on that could cause you more economic pain in the future.
• Technique matters. Learn the proper way to brush and floss. Ask your dental professional or visit the American Dental Association Web site, www.ada.org, which offers educational tutorial videos.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – The sun is shining, the grass is green and the flowers are once again in bloom. It’s one of loveliest times of the year. So why do you feel so miserable?

Chances are you’re one of the estimated 50 million Americans who are affected by some form of allergies.

Fortunately, you can keep sniffs, sneezes and itching at bay with some simple suggestions for the home that significantly reduce the number of allergens roaming through the air.

Dust every room – One of the easiest paths to an allergy-free home -– dusting -– may already be a part of your spring cleaning routine. Dust mites can collect in a variety of materials around the house; especially those with fabric, including upholstered furniture, mattresses and pillows.

Make sure to check under and behind all large furniture and appliances including tables, dressers, refrigerators and ceiling fans. You should always use a damp cloth when dusting, as a dry cloth only spreads the dust around.

Pull up the carpet – Bacteria, dust and dirt can easily become embedded in carpeting and beyond the reach of vacuuming. To solve this, consider installing hardwood flooring throughout the home. When properly cared for, hardwood floors are extremely resistant to the microscopic allergens that carpet can attract including pet dander, pollen and mold. Carpet is also known to trap dust mites that are too small to be seen and cause allergic symptoms, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

“Hardwood flooring is much easier to install and less expensive than most homeowners realize and provides a significantly healthier home environment,” says Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators. “In addition to being great for allergies and easy to keep clean, wood floors also provide a beautiful look.”

Hardwood floors still need a cleaning every few weeks. Products such as the popular Bellawood Floor Care Kit include a soy-based cleaner, perfect for keeping floors clean and in the best shape possible.

Uncover the AC - Although it may be tempting to crack the windows to enjoy the breeze, allergy sufferers should choose air conditioning instead of an open window. When the season is in full bloom, the air coming through the windows may carry a welcoming smell, but it’s actually carrying tons of allergens into the home.

Homeowners already using air conditioning should check the filters regularly to ensure the system is functioning properly.

Use the exhaust fan – Keeping surfaces dry helps prevent the growth of mold in moist areas of the home. Installing and regularly using an exhaust fan while showering helps keep mold at bay. Also make sure to thoroughly wash your shower curtain every week or buy inexpensive liners that you can replace regularly.

Following these easy home update ideas will allow everyone in the household to breathe a little easier.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – New mothers are considering a relatively new factor in the bottle versus breast debate — the economy. In fact, 88 percent of new moms are weighing the budget benefits of breastfeeding right alongside the health benefits, a recent survey shows.

“My husband figures we have saved around $1,200 in the past year using breast milk rather than formula,” says Cristin Diekmann, a new mother from California. “Plus, the health benefits of breast milk so outweigh formula that for me it seemed wrong to not give my child the best start possible.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for the first six months, and then continue to be nursed at least for the first year. While many moms are aware of the health benefits, they may not realize breastfeeding can cut a significant amount of money from their monthly budget.

With the recession making it necessary for most families to cut expenses, breastfeeding can be a healthful way to keep feeding costs down for the newest member of the family.

Depending on the cost of formula, a newborn baby can consume from $43.86 to $194.22 in formula just in the first month, according to Kelly Mom, a popular online breastfeeding resource. By six months, the cost for formula can add up to be $375.34 to $1,662.22. Over one year, a family with one infant could save between $714.42 to $3,163.86 by feeding breast milk rather than incurring the cost of formula. And, in the long run, breastfeeding also helps save on health care costs, as breastfed infants typically need fewer health care visits, prescriptions and hospitalizations.

And while breastfeeding may pose some challenges for working moms, those surveyed agreed that even with the investment in a high-tech, high-quality breast pump, the health and cost benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh any challenges.

“When doing the math regarding formula cost I realized that I could buy a pump for less than the cost of four months worth of formula,” says Nebraska mom Cassidy Peterson. “I have nursed two boys for a total of 30 months with just the same Medela pump. It was very economical for my family. I work full time and suffer from low milk supply. With pumping, my children never had to have formula and we were able to get by with the same pump for both boys. I hope to have another baby and plan to use the pump again.”

“Breastfeeding truly does pay off for moms and babies both in health benefits and cost savings,” says Irene Zoppi, a registered nurse, licensed lactation consultant and clinical education specialist with Medela, Inc. “For moms purchasing a breast pump to aid in providing breast milk to their child, the initial investment may cause a bit of sticker shock. However, when compared to the annual expense of formula, the cost is justified. In addition, there are also rental options through the Breastfeeding National Network for those who do not wish to incur that initial investment.”

To learn more about the cost and health benefits of breastfeeding, visit www.medela.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent