When a woman becomes pregnant, it is supposed to be a time of joy for her and her family. But unfortunately for many women in California, it is the beginning of a nightmare as they face the sexist policies of their insurance companies.

I was disheartened to hear the story of Holly Shannon of Santa Cruz, who was almost 20 weeks pregnant when her maternity insurance nightmare began. She and her husband had purchased a basic health insurance policy for themselves and their two children. However, it did not cover maternity care, so as soon as Holly thought she might be pregnant, she applied for a second policy. This would have resulted in two monthly premiums and a $4,000 deductible for maternity care. In the end, the insurer denied her maternity coverage because her pregnancy was considered a pre-existing condition.

When she applied for a second, more expensive, health plan, she was denied by the same insurance company. Her only recourse: apply to the government-run Access for Infant Mothers (AIM) program.

For the past two years, Assembly member Hector De La Torre, D-South Gate, has been working toward gender equity in health coverage. Despite overwhelming support for his Equity in Maternity Coverage bill in the Legislature, as well as support from Kaiser Permanente and Blue Shield, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the measure.

De La Torre reintroduced the bill. AB98 would require all individual health insurance products regulated under the Department of Insurance to cover maternity services, as is required for health maintenance organizations (HMOs).

The data, apart from what should be a fundamental right to this coverage, support this policy. Approximately 805,000 Californians have insurance policies that exclude maternity coverage - a number that has quadrupled since 2004. Just eight years ago, 82 percent of women in the individual insurance plan market had maternity coverage. As of 2008, just 22 percent had maternity coverage. This gap leaves many women without critically important prenatal care while transitioning from private insurance to state-run programs or without any coverage at all if they do not qualify for government programs based on income.

It has been shown that women pay more for health coverage than men. According to the National Women’s Law Center research, women often have to pay from $106 to $1,000 per month on top of their monthly premium for maternity coverage.

California ranks 40th in the nation for women of childbearing age who do not have health insurance, according to a recent March of Dimes report. In addition, more than 14,000 pregnant women had late-term care only or no prenatal care at all.

Women who pay for individual policies already have coverage for services they will never use, such as prostate cancer treatment.

The idea of including services a woman will never use in her base coverage but requiring her to pay additional premiums for services she will use is just obscene to our collective sense of fairness. De La Torre’s AB98 requires that insurance companies provide maternity coverage so that the only thing that will keep women and their families up at nights will be their baby, not their insurance company.

Patricia Bellasalma is the president of CA NOW (National Organization for Women California).

 

individual health insurance

 

 

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finance

EasyToInsureME.com offers clients the easiest way to buy individual health insurance. Free services include instant online health insurance quotes, custom proposals for each client, free phone consultation, and 10-minute application by phone. Our services are free because we are paid by the health insurance company not by our clients.

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We recently had the Marks & Spencer quarter update with a 40% fall in profits.
So what’s really happening at Marks & Spencer? My sister-in-law was at Westfield today, she said the parking had gone down in cost and it was empty.
I’m a bit of a fan of the company, it strikes me as a good old-fashioned British company that attempts to do things properly.

I think Rose, 60-year-old executive chairman of Marks & Spencer has done a decent enough job, I rarely walk round the food hall of my local M&S without feeling almost pride that I’m there and enjoying the fine quality before me. Rose has done an incredibly successful job of, in the main, regaining customer loyalty and, indeed, much of their custom, during times when it has seemed prudent for many to trade down. This success will become very evident only when sales and profits resume their upward trend as trading on the High Street normalises - as it will, at some point. In this respect I think he’s playing the long game, so as to hand over a healthy morsel to his successor. Very laudable.

Conserving cash by cutting the dividend is the clue (some had expected it to be cut by as much as 50%). This will permit continued renovation to stores, systems, infrastructure, and distribution, and innovative marketing. Some say that their food-hall offering has already been fixed, and that the summer women’s’ wear is again exciting. Meanwhile, the present fall in profits and dividend reduction were both widely signalled, and the Board seems to have a sure touch in handling the City (unlike Lord Myners, who seems recently to have become a bete noir).

It is the rest of M&S that gets to me though. Apart from their suits, which are really hard to get wrong, I think their men’s clothing is generally aimed at a dying, perhaps already dead, breed of male who perhaps went to university in the 80’s, became a Doctor or Lawyer and feel a bit laid back about his dress sense and wants to chill out with rugby tops of multi-coloured striped polo-shirts. Rather them than me. Personally, I find the menswear generally overpriced (why should I pay more for shirts at MKS than for the immeasurably finer-quality ones at the likes of Charles Tyrwhitt for less money)?

When I have to accompany my partner into a River Island or the like I can tell the products look good, are good value and contemporary, uber. In Marks and Spencer’s you are essentially shopping for your church-going granny or mother who wants something conservative but reasonably colourful to wear to her Bridge class. You’d have thought someone who’d want to buy something so hideous wouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for it but they do!

Marks and Spencer’s still feels all wrong to me in that respect, perhaps it’s time they aimed at a different type of shopper, a younger shopper. They, after all, will need to be shopping in M&S in the future for it to survive in the years to come.

As for the retail sector in genera I’ve never ever seen so many voids up and down the High Street and the malls. The easy explanation is in just one word: Recession. Too easy?

Part of the problem is that landlords have got away for far, far too long with crazy rental demands, upwards-only rent reviews, shorter and shorter rent review patterns, and generally onerous lease covenants - none of which likely to be sustainable in the long run, particularly in the down-cycle of a cooling economy.

To that extent, the likes of Land Securities have much to answer for, particularly now that they themselves are passing round the begging bowl for fear of breaching their own banking covenants.

And where has it got us? Thousands of shop-workers out of a job, uncollected rates from busted companies, and lousy returns for the investments and pension plans of millions. Sad. But true.

 

financials

 

 

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hydroponic gardening

Contracts for Differences Trading Center, is a resource for people who want to learn more about investment and finance. It is a constantly evolving and developing site with free resources available including a stock market course.

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The idea of growing plants without dirt is a foreign concept to many traditional growers but hydroponic gardening has been around for thousands of years and is beginning to show resurgence on small farms. In its simplest form, hydroponic gardening can be envisioned as a plant stuck through the top of a glass canning jar with its roots covered with fertilized water. Despite the simplicity of the concept, there are different ways to accomplish the same result and the size of the operation will determine in which direction the hydroponic farmer goes.

There are different methods in which the nutrients are delivered to the plants in hydroponic gardening, including static, continuous and ebb and flow. The roots of the plants can also be held in place by a growing medium or essentially left dangling in the nutrient-rich water. Experimentation since the early 19th century has shown benefits to hydroponic gardening and research continues today to find better methods of growing plants without the need for soil.

In tradition gardening, the soil works as a storage reservoir for all the fertilization needed by the plants. The soil holds in the nutrients, releasing them to the roots as needed while in hydroponic gardening the hairs of the plant’s roots can sip at the nutrient rich water at any time they need something to eat.

Healthier, Larger Fruit Produced In Hydroponic Gardens

When plants are growing in soil, the roots typically grow larger than on plants in hydroponic gardening. This allows the part of the plant above the soil, or in this case, out of the water, to grow larger and the fruit it bears to grow bigger. Most plants grown through hydroponic gardening are larger, bear more fruit and have a better taste and texture than the same plants grown with tradition gardening methods.

The growing medium used to hold the roots in place in hydroponic gardening is also based on the opinion of the grower. Rockwool is the most common growing medium, is lightweight and reusable and allows the plant to have a firm grasp on its growing environment. Clay stones, rocks and sand are also commonly used in hydroponic gardening.

With static immersion, the roots are below the water level on a constant basis, with the water changed about once a week to maintain fertility in the hydroponic gardening. With continuous flow, the water is constantly changed in the growing tank, with fresh nutrients continually available to plant roots and with ebb and flow, fresh water is supplied to the growing tank where it slowly drips away into a reservoir from which it is recycled back to the growing tank.

 

hydroponic gardening

 

 

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kitchen gardening

For more information about gardening please visit my Gardening and Moon Phases website where you can find more articles and information about hydroponic gardening

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There are many ways that you can create gardens even when you don’t feel that you have the right amount of space to do so. Doing things like kitchen gardening can be a great way of allowing yourself to have the fun of having a small garden, without worrying about needing a large outdoor space to put it in. When you are looking at kitchen gardening you are looking at a way to create your own garden in your own space.

How Does It Work?

Have you ever wanted to have a garden but you just don’t have the room outside or your climate is such that there isn’t the right kind of growing season anyway? You should know that you can have a kitchen gardening where you will be able to have plants and grow food, but where you won’t need to worry about having the hassle of making room outdoors or going outside to weed your garden.

You can buy several pots and grow just the things that you would like to grow. Of course, you will have to do this indoors, so you are going to need enough space for your kitchen gardening and enough places to have your pots and your soil. You will be able to grow food almost year round in your kitchen garden, because it will be just the space that you need and it will also be easily accessible for you.

There are plenty of benefits to doing your own kitchen gardening. First of all, you can do it as you would like to do it. You can grow food all year round and you don’t have to worry about going anywhere other than your own kitchen. This can be a great way for you to be able to get the most out of your garden, without having to worry about doing much during the summer outside.

There are also benefits to kitchen gardening that you might not have even thought of. Since you will be doing your kitchen gardening inside, you will not have to worry about the types of bugs and other pests that will come into your regular garden. You can also cut down on the amount of weeds because there will be no pollen in the air and you won’t have to worry about them. All in all, kitchen gardening can be a great way for you to grow plants and to enjoy the feeling of growing plants, without having to worry about it.

 

kitchen gardening

 

 

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jewish genealogy

For more information about gardening please visit my Gardening and Moon Phases website where you can find more articles and information about kitchen gardening

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Many of Jewish decent will turn to the Internet in search of their Jewish genealogy in hope of finding a lot of information. And it is true that a lot of information can be found on the Internet about Jewish genealogy and a lot of the resources used are most often free of charge. Sometimes it can take people years to find everything that they are looking for. But for the lucky ones, a few quick searches on the Internet can give them everything that they have been looking for.

Databases

There are many databases that allow people who are looking for their Jewish genealogy to register themselves so that in the event someone in their family is looking for them, they will be easier to find. There are also a lot of discussion groups about Jewish genealogy that will allow someone to chat with other people who are in the same boat that they are. Through these type of forums, on many genealogy web sites of all nationalities, a person can often times find a lot of tips and hints to make their search go a little easier.

When You Find Information

While a lot of people know that they want to learn more about their Jewish genealogy, they may not really know what to do with the information once they have found it. Some people use that as an opportunity to contact living relatives that they have never met and often times, these relatives are living in another country.

Also, some people will take all of the information found and create a family tree of sorts so that they can pass that information on to their children. This allows them and their decedents the chance to know about their family history, which not many people know about. For some people, they use their search of their Jewish genealogy as a means of closure if they were really confused about their history.

Sometimes, people have to know a little more about their family line in order to get a true sense of who they are as a person as all of your relatives are a big part of who you are as a person whether you realize it or not. Searching for Jewish genealogy can also put a close to many years of questions, concerns, and dreams so that the person can move forward with the knowledge that they belong to a long line of history.

 

jewish genealogy

 

 

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For more information about genealogy please visit my Mo. Goodman Genealogy website where you can find more articles and information about jewish genealogy

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Eliminate Credit Card Debt

Eliminating credit card debt is a top concern among millions of consumers. However, many people fail to outline a realistic strategy for reducing debts. There are many approaches that will put you on the path toward becoming debt free. Each person must assess his or her own situation and create a plan. Here are three tips to help you become debt free within a few years.

Recognize the Problem and Alter Spending Habits

Before you can take the necessary steps to reduce and eliminate credit card debt you must first acknowledge excessive spending and resolve to change your lifestyle. Unfortunately, many people choose to live beyond their means. Furthermore, many acquire excessive debts because of trying to ??oekeep up with the joneses.???

Credit cards serve a valuable purpose. They are great during emergencies and when you are financially strapped. However, if you are charging more than you can afford to pay, this creates a huge problem. As you endeavor to eliminate debts, be determined to stop using credit cards. Do not cancel credit accounts. However, you may consider cutting your cards or storing them away.

Pay Double, or Triple the Minimum Payment

If you are hoping to reduce credit card debts, you must be willing to pay more than the asking minimum payment. In fact, paying only the minimum will make it practically impossible to become debt free. Instead, attempt to double, even triple your monthly payments. If possible, make a large payment toward reducing your balance. This method is most effective.

Obtaining a lump sum of money is challenging. You may choose to use a tax return or bonus money received from work. Getting a part-time job may also provide you with the extra cash. If you own a home, take advantage of your home???s equity. Home equity loans or cash-out refinancing generally present homeowners with enough cash to pay off high interest credit cards and other debts.

Use a Debt Management Company

If you need assistance with managing large debts, think about contacting a debt management agency. Trained debt management specialists will review your credit and outline a plan for reducing debts. Furthermore, the company will contact creditors and negotiate a lower interest rate. By doing so, a larger portion of your monthly payments will go toward knocking down the principle balance. Thus, helping you achieve your ultimate goal of eliminating credit card debt.

For more useful information on ways to eliminate credit card debt, please visit Debt Relief.us

 

debt-consolidation

 

 

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yoga intensive

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Where do you start, when considering the many paths of Yoga teacher training? It is always best to compare Yoga certification programs to each other. There are many factors that you might want to take into consideration. Unfortunately, much of your decision making, when choosing a course, depends on time, obligations, money, and flexibility in your schedule.

All of these factors are important, but let’s take a closer look at what it can cost you to attend a Yoga teacher intensive. Not everyone has $3000.00 in US dollars to pitch a tent on a mountain side for a month. This may be your lodging cost only, and does not include the extra $3000.00 for tuition.

Do you want a private room and bath? That option is available. It may cost you $6000.00 for a private room. Hidden fees and additional costs are the keywords of some Yoga teacher intensive courses. You should be aware of extra fees for registration, application, fund transfers, testing, tutoring, consulting, counseling, mentoring, additional testing, membership, books, DVDs, CDs, and any other form of learning tools.

Did I forget anything? The bottom line is questionable fees. Interns should question them from the very start. This is much like renting a car when you are on vacation and realizing you should have bought it for the price you paid. Therefore, if you are going to spend a "king’s ransom" for your training, you should insist on full access.

Please do not forget food. If you are going to be at an intensive for two weeks or a month it is not going to be free. If you are in the middle of a tourist trap disguised as a Yoga instructor course, you may want to bring some food that does not require refrigeration.

Two more items to consider: Calculate your lost wages and your transportation costs involved, in traveling to and from, your destination. If you are presently employed, your employer will not likely understand why you want to become a Yoga teacher. You may have to "make up" a tactful excuse.

Transportation costs can vary, but how close is your retreat to the nearest airport? If you travel by car, your costs depend on the price of gasoline and the condition of your car.

Read any agreements before signing them. Be completely aware of the policies of the certifying Yoga organization. For example: Does the certifying body place a 50 mile radius around their existing studios? This would bar you from teaching within that radius.

Finally, you may want to make a cost comparison with a Yoga teacher distance learning program. Before spending an astronomical amount of money, it might be wise to become certified through correspondence. In this way, you are able to begin your journey, without having to pay for it over a fifteen year period.

Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

 

yogi

 

 

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joint inflammation

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

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Ayruvedic medicine is an ancient system of natural medicine from India that has been practiced there for centuries. Dr. Deepak Chopra has helped bring this ancient healing art to the North America. Now you can have arthritis natural treatment using Ayruvedic medicine.

With regard to arthritis, most pains are caused by the aggravation of one of the three doshas, (vata) and a build up of toxins (ama).

Fasting is a great way to expel toxins and the fast should be accompanied by taking two teaspoons of lemon juice with a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water every day ??" once in the morning and again in the evening.

Here are the 7 ways:

??? Reduce inflammation and pain (vata) with a body massage using sesame or mustard oil.
??? A light exercise routine is recommended. Listen to your body. If exercise causes you pain after one hour then stop ??" even if you???re only walking.
??? For skeletal pain, take orange juice, lime juice or vitamin C.
??? There is an Ayruvedic herb called guggul and this can be taken with warm water twice a day after meals.
??? Foods that can help:
Vegetable juices and soups, which are easily digested. Also carrot, cucumber and red beets juice. Green salad with lemon and salt. Cooked vegetables include zucchini, squash and pumpkin. Fruits include apples, oranges, grapes and papaya. Spices for cooking: cumin, coriander, fennel, turmeric, ginger and asafetida.
??? Foods to avoid:
Fried food, spicy food and foods that form wind like okra, spinach, potatoes, cauliflower and broccoli. Don???t indulge in an excess of tea or coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yoghurt, chocolate and cocoa. Sweets generally should be avoided as should smoking.
??? Your Daily Routine:
Don???t sleep during the day and don???t stay up late. Avoid emotions such as excess fear, anxiety, worry, grief and stress.

You should consider the wisdom of Ayruveda if you have arthritis. These steps are simple to do and could ease your arthritis pain. Arthritis natural treatment using Ayruvedic medicine is very significant. Naturally, it is important to consult your doctor before doing this.

 

health

 

 

article submiter

brad callens

Ayruvedic Medicine has been practiced in India for thousands of years and is a great Arthritis Natural Treatment to consider. Sandra Fierling is an avid researcher of arthritis related articles, programs and products and runs a successful website dedicated to debunking various arthritis myths for the benefit of the consumer For great free arthritis tips, discount offers and more, see Sandr

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Welcome to your new blog. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

An email has been sent to you giving you details of how to log in to the administration section. From there you can change the design by clicking on the tab MANAGE and then click on the tab THEMES. If you have any questions, ask them in the forums — we are only too willing to help.