Funerals: one of the most expensive purchases to be made

Buying a home, automobile and funerals are the most expensive purchases people ever make. Many funerals run well over $6000 in upwards of $10,000. This can be a great cost burden on many families which is why it makes sense to have final expense insurance in place. It is possible to pay for your funeral with funds which would otherwise go toward the cost of retirement, living expenses and/or nursing home care. Failing to have proper planning in place, your funeral can unnecessarily shift a major expense to your family. If you have dependents, timing of the purchase can be critical. The earlier the better. Funeral insurance policies are becoming more and more common. There are definite advantages to having a policy that include:  •you are spending dollars for a specific need  •most funeral and burial purchases are made when buyers are vulnerable emotionally and lack the time and information to negotiate prices effectively. Having a policy in force greatly reduces this problem. •preplanning ensures that all of your final wishes will be fulfilled. Death is a difficult subject to discuss, often times your true wishes may not be known or fully understood by your family.  •preplanning provides you and your family with the peace-of-mind in knowing that everything has been taken care of  in the manner you specified.  You might think, "well, I can just set aside money for my funeral and burial." However, this type of preplanning does not offer the advantages listed above. There are too many questions left behind for the survivors, funeral director, and of course, the cost of the funeral and cemetery expenses.  Owning a final expense policy to pay for your funeral and burial plans gives you complete control of handling the funds. A preneed package primarily sold by funeral directors will pay for your funeral only with nothing left over for your survivors. The more expensive the funeral, the more money the funeral home makes.  Respectfully, Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN http://www.nurseinsagent.com/

Funeral Planning with Burial Insurance

Burial insurance, also known as final expense insurance is life insurance with a specific need: to cover funeral expenses. Policy face amounts typically start at $6,000.00 and can be written up to $25,000.00. Face amounts are customized to your needs. At the time of application, you can decide what is best for you and the face amount may be adjusted accordingly. Your policy will cover the extra incidental expenses associated with funerals. Typically, those incidental expenses are not considered until it is too late.

Final expense insurance is not just-in-case insurance as with health insurance, auto insurance, flood insurance, etc. Death is the final chapter in life. We don't know when it will call upon us. The likelihood of death happening is 100%. Preplanning alleviates loved ones of having to make difficult decisions or to face financial concerns during a very emotional time.

If you just don't want to think about death and have not come to terms about your own mortality, here is something to consider. Throughout your life you earn a modest wage to provide food, clothing, shelter and medicine for yourself and family. The cost of living has increased, you want to cut corners and consider not buying any more insurance.  You might think it is burdensome. You might think it is worthless to you. Some day when your life ceases to exist,  your policy will come alive and get to work. Through your policy, your final expenses will be paid. Your policy will take away financial concerns. Your preplanned policy will give you peace of mind.

Respectfully,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
http://www.nurseinsagent.com/

What is a stroke?

Stroke is a cardiovascular event. Stroke happens when blood pressure is chronically high. Provided your not in the hospital and suddenly develope high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes a whole cascade of chemical events within the cardiovascular system, which over time causes cardiovascular disease. Irregular heart beats: arythmias alter blood flow which can form clots. These clots will form on the inside of the vein or artery and impede blood flow. The restriction of blood flow will increase the force of blood within the vascular system leading to clot dislodgement. This clot will then travel to the brain. At which time, stroke occurs. Brain cells will begin to die.

Historically, individuals who experienced a stroke had no idea of what was about to happen to them. With that being said, the best action you can take is to be pro-active. Prevent a stroke by living a healthy lifestyle. A few check points to help you get on track:

1. We know high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. Know your numbers. Go for your annual physical exam. Your goal is to have a low systolic with a lower diastolic within normal range. Discuss the range with your doctor.
2. Learn if you have a regular heart rhythm and rate. You can find out by having an EKG. Discuss this with your doctor.
3. Do you have diabetes? Diabetes has damaging effects on blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis: hardening of the arteries. This hardening causes restriction of blood flow.
4. Blood tests: lipid panels. This will tell you the amount of fats traveling through your blood system. If your cholesterol level is high, work to lower it. Again, fats will cause a clot.
5. Smoker? Smoke constricts the blood vessels thereby increasing blood pressure and damaging the inner wall of blood vessels, the heart, lungs, etc. Remember, once the pollutants from cigarette smoke enter your blood stream, those pollutants are carried throughout your body..not just the lungs. Simply put, quit. There are plenty of resources out there to help. You can start by visiting http://www.cancer.org/.
6. Maintain a healthy weight. Eat foods that are nutritionally sound. A balanced diet incorporated with daily exercise will decrease your chances of stroke. Your doctor is the best resource for you to learn about sound diets and exercise. Discuss this with him/her.

Stroke symptoms include sudden weakness, one-sided face droop, slurred speech, difficulty in speaking, visual changes, headache, dizziness, unstable gait.

While genetics, race and age cannot be controlled, you still can reduce your chances of stroke by making a few simple lifestyle changes you can control. 

Good health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN

Pancreatic Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. With that in mind, pancreatic cancer is the most deadly form of cancer. It occurs most commonly among black males. Prognosis is poor with most patients dying within 1 year diagnosis. Scientific evidence suggests that pancreatic cancer is linked to inhalation or absorption of carcinogens that are then excreted by the pancreas. Examples are:  cigarette smoke, high fat and high protein intake, food additives and preservatives, industrial chemicals. Other predisposing factors include chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, and excessive alcohol intake.

Pancreatic tumors are almost always adenocarcinomas (epithelial cells found in glandular tissue). Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:  dull, intermittent epigastric pain in the early stage leading to continuous pain that radiates to the right upper quadrant, nausea and vomiting, rapid, profound weight loss.

Treatment consists of total removal of the pancreas, combination of medicines, radiation and or chemotherapy. To learn more in depth about pancreatic cancer visit http://www.cancer.gov/ . Be pro-active. You can do your part by changing the factors you have control of. Every day you wake up presents another opportunity for you to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Good health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

Measles Exposure in Northampton County, PA

Please read the following article issued by the PA Department of Health regarding the possible risk of recent measles exposure at a department store in Easton, PA.


http://www.portal.health.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/department_of_health_home/17457

Final Expense Insurance

Final expense insurance is funeral insurance. You decide on how much insurance you will need for your funeral costs to determine the amount of insurance you want to buy. Policy face amounts can be written up to $25,000. The average funeral costs today are $6,000.

Life insurance is one of the lowest priced insurances. Car, house, health, etc. have a higher rate of premium. If you own any of these types of insurances, it would be a wise decision to add final expense insurance to your portfolio. Once you pass, your family will be able to continue to maintain their lifestyle without having the burden of paying for high funeral expenses from an already tight budget. Even the least expensive funeral package is enough to make the average family struggle to pay.

Most people are living paycheck to paycheck and have a looming threat of losing their jobs. If you become a victim of downsizing and lose your job, look at the heavy financial burden left on your loved ones should an unexpected accident occur. For those left behind, life and bills do not stop after your deceased. Leftover debt and current expenses must be paid.

Preparing for end of life issues can be difficult to discuss and it is not an easy thing to do. However, it is a part of our lives and it is the final chapter. We are mortal. Coming to terms with death and facing the inevitable, will enable a conversation on end of life issues and funeral preparation much more forgiving.

Respectfully,

Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
http://www.nurseinsagent.com/

Stroke: acute ischemia

Stroke or brain attack is a sudden impairment of cerebral circulation. A stroke is a cardiovascular event. It diminishes oxygen rich blood supply to the brain causing serious damage and necrosis of the tissue. Biological death occurs after 4 minutes when oxygen rich blood is not reaching tissue. Factors that increase your risk of stroke include history of TIA; transient ischemic attacks, atherosclerosis, HTN, kidney disease, arrhythmia, diabetes, high triglyceride levels, obesity, lack of exercise, use of hormonal medicine, and cigarette smoking.

A TIA is a neurologic deficit that last seconds to hours. It is usually a warning sign of an impending larger stroke. The most distinctive characteristics are transient in nature with complete return of function. Double vision, unilateral blindness, staggering, numbness and speech deficits are typically the result of a TIA. Early treatment is the key to preventing the stroke from further causing damage. Aspirin and anti-coagulants are administered after and between attacks and given for preventative measures.

Factors you can change to lower your risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event:  start an exercise regime, choose healthy foods, decrease intake of fat, salt, high carbohydrate foods, quite smoking and decrease amount of alcohol intake. Be proactive in choosing a healthier lifestyle. Factors you cannot change: genetics, family history.

Cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer in the USA. Do your part and be heart healthy. Change the factors you have control over. There are plenty of resources out there to help you get started. See your physician first as he will guide you in the best direction for your individual situation.

Good health,

Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com