Each day, Americans find themselves in a different role. They are a family caregiver for someone suffering from chronic pain.

Experts believe that pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer. People with chronic pain may have difficulty doing their daily activities and may need support from family members and friends. Caregiving for someone suffering from chronic pain poses unique challenges. You need to ensure that your loved one is able to report the pain to his/her healthcare provider.

“Each person may feel pain differently. Although it is a physical sensation, perceptions of pain are influenced by social, cultural, and psychological factors,”Suzanne Mintz, President and CEO of National Family Caregivers Association. “It can be difficult to make sure your loved one’s pain is evaluated appropriately.”

It is difficult to find the right information and resources to support family caregivers with these challenges. The National Family Caregivers Association and Partners Against Pain have teamed up to create Caregiver Cornerstones. This program provides support, encouragement, tools, and information to family caregivers caring for chronically ill loved ones.

These are the four Caregiver Cornerstones:

1. Learn about pain management. Being involved in the management of a loved one’s pain can help you feel more useful and less anxious.

2. Care for someone with pain. This means that the patient is properly assessed and follows their treatment plans.

3. Caring for your family. It can be difficult to care for your family. Let others help you to be a support system.

4. Promoting pain relief for all. Caregiver Cornerstones offers guidance in raising awareness about how important it is to have access to effective and appropriate pain care.

You can find more information about Caregiver Cornerstones and tips to care for chronic pain sufferers at www.Caregivercornerstones.org www.partnersagainstpain.com.

Today’s life is very fast. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, except their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. For those who are struggling to pay their medical bills and need health insurance, 98 per cent of claims can be processed within 30 working days.

It’s not enough to simply be insured when nearly two-thirds American households make less than 2002. It is important to find out how fast and easy your insurance company processes and pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.

Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% of workers have over $1,000 to pay out-of-pocket costs. Employers are being forced to reduce costs as rising health care costs put even more financial pressure on their employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies strive to provide fast service with better technology and better understanding of customers’ needs. This is just one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is a necessity in today’s world. It’s vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. Your insurance company should be able to respond quickly.

Aflac’s One Day Pay guarantee can be found on aflac.com/onedaypay.