You hear a lot about heart attacks caused by high cholesterol and high blood pressure. But there may be another condition that is sneaking up on you. critical limb ischemia(CLI).
CLI is the most serious stage of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) worldwide. In the United States, PAD is responsible for at least 160,000 amputations annually. It occurs when blood vessels block blood flow to the limbs, primarily the legs.
CLI is a condition that occurs when PAD isn’t treated. This causes leg tissue to literally gasp for air and can lead to the death of your legs. Poor circulation can lead to the death of leg and foot tissue, which causes gangrene and persistently achy feet. This is a serious condition that could eventually result in loss of limb.
“If you have PAD and develop significant discomfort in the leg muscles while at rest, you are at increased risk and should get checked by a physician,”Dr. Emile MOHLER, director of vascular medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Health System and spokesperson for Vascular Disease Foundation, said:
Here are some things you should know about CLI. Who is at-risk and how to protect yourself.
* Just stop smoking. This may seem old-fashioned, but it will be repeated as long as people continue to do it. Smoking can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, as well as PAD and CLI.
* Pay attention to the condition of your legs and feet. Are your feet frequently in pain, numb or sensitive when you elevate them? Are your toes slightly bluish? Other signs of CLI include dry, shiny skin and thickening nails.
* CLI is closely associated with advanced age (55 and up), diabetes and, yes, cigarettes. These groups are at greatest risk. Women who smoke pose a greater risk. Doctors believe that women who smoke cigarettes while taking birth control pills are more likely to be harmed than men because they have smaller blood vessels.
* Ischemic rest pain is a common symptom where legs ache and cramp during exercise or movement. Skin lesions, skin ulcers, and slow pulses in the legs and feet are other symptoms.
Many CLI patients are not diagnosed. Find out more at www.vasculardisease.org.
Today’s life is very fast. People can check their kids’ soccer scores on the phone, while also sending emails to work with the help of digital technology. 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 is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It is vital to understand how fast your insurance carrier pays claims and how they process them. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.
According to a recent survey, 66% of workers would struggle to pay for the financial burdens associated with serious illnesses and injuries. Only 49% of workers have over $1,000 to pay out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, rising healthcare costs are forcing employers into cost-saving measures that are putting employees under greater financial pressure.
* 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 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’s a necessity. 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.
