Life Insurance For Seniors - The New Way

Seniors searching for life insurance are often confounded by the array of products available. Whole life, Universal, Term? One thing is clear, however, and that is the obvious-sky high premiums.

Many seniors choose to get diluted coverage because of the premium expense, or forego life insurance completely instead of purchasing this asset, which might be extremely worthwhile for their families. The cost of providing for their loved ones is just too high to bear during retirement years.

Are there any alternatives? The answer is, unequivocally, YES! A specific new life insurance for seniors product has evolved over the past few years and it is called Premium Financing. It is not a new life insurance concept, but one that has come to the forefront recently.

Premium financing is where, typically, an independent institutional funder decides to pay the premium for the insured. Financing is done for a period of years, or even for life. Financing rates vary, but are typically related to the U.S. prime rate or LIBOR.

Why would the funder do this? The funder believes that they will get a better return, overall, than investing in traditional financial vehicles. They fund an enormous basket of these transactions, and know through the law of averages, that overall, their returns should yield a few hundred basis points higher than bonds. The institutional funders include Hedge Funds, Large U.S. and International Banks, Pension Funds, College Endowments, and even Insurance Companies themselves.

Why would a senior do this? The senior typically has no out of pocket expenses, or, at most, minimal cash outlay. Imagine getting millions of dollars of coverage with no cash outlay or a few thousand dollars one time total investment.

If the senior dies while the note is in force, premiums and reasonable interest are recouped by the institutional funder, and the balance is paid to the heirs. These new senior life insurance programs are set up so that the proceeds pass to the heirs both income tax free (standard with life insurance), and estate tax free. This is an awesome advantage, once only utilized by the very sophisticated and wealthy.

In some cases, depending upon the initial structure, seniors may even choose to offer the policy for sale into the burgeoning secondary market called life settlements at the end of the note term, continue financing, or even buy the policy outright if their health status has changed.

As you can tell, there are numerous variations on this theme. The concept of costly life insurance for seniors is a thing of the past. To find out more, you might want to explore life insurance for seniors [http://www.life-senior-insurance.com/]

Jon Thomas has been involved in finance and insurance, specializing in emerging growth markets since 1979. He continues to write articles to help with senior life insurance [http://www.life-senior-insurance.com/] and premium financing.

Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70

Selecting a life insurance plan when you are a senior over 70 does not have to be so complicated. It really all comes down to the same questions one may ask when they are under age 70. What does the plan cover and how long is my coverage good for?

What should your plan cover if you are over 70?

Fist of all, if at all possible, your plan should offer immediate coverage. In other words, should the insured die shortly after the coverage is in force, the full face amount should be paid to the beneficiary(ies). Although cash value is a nice added benefit, we do not feel that it is of prime importance to a senior's life insurance plan. Some may say that with full endowment polices, the senior will have the advantage of getting the full face amount of their policy in cash at the end of the term. We do not feel that this is a great advantage as, unlike the face amount, the cash value may be taxable. So, what should have been a tax free payment upon death becomes a possible taxable payment to a senior who outlived the insurance policy. If at all possible, if a insured outlives a whole life insurance policy, the owner of the life insurance policy, should request an extension of coverage rather than a cash payout.

Some insurance policies will also offer a terminal illness rider. That rider is often included at no extra cost to you but it may need to be requested to be included. The terminal illness rider, allows for the insured senior to use a portion of the face amount of the policy before death and in case of a covered, diagnosed terminal illness. Another rider that may be important, although not often available, is the long term care benefit rider. This rider can be very useful, particularly if you do not carry a long term care insurance policy. Briefly, long-term care (LTC) is a variety of services which help meet both the medical and non-medical need of people with a chronic illness or disability who cannot care for themselves for long periods of time.

Please be aware that some whole life insurance policies, when the insured is not in the best of health, will postpone coverage for two to three years. What that would mean for the senior or mainly the beneficiary, is that during first the two to three years of coverage, should the insured die, the face amount will be limited to the premiums paid plus some interest. If applicant cannot qualify for a standard life insurance policy, we have found these polices (graded life insurance) are a very good choice. After all, some of these policies may pay you 5% to 10% on your money for the first two to three years until the full face amount kicks in. How many people can get 5% to 10% on there money without risk in bad or even in good economic times. So if you are a senior over 70 and cannot qualify for level whole life insurance, then graded life insurance may be a very good choice.

How long should coverage and rates be guaranteed on life insurance policy for a senior over 70?

The answer is simple, as long as possible! The reason is that many seniors today will live to age 90+. So if a senior over 70 gets a term life insurance policy and, most likely, will only be able to get a 10 to 15 year term, the insurance coverage may run out at a time it will likely be most needed. In a situation where the life insurance coverage, a senior needs, is very specific to a liability (mortgage, car loan...) a term life insurance policy may be the better choice. Most senior policies are used for the purpose of taking care of final expenses including among other things, burial cost though. Your coverage is more likely to be a long term need and if you do a term life insurance plan, after it runs out, you may have to get re-approved for coverage and will pay much more in premiums and are more likely to be highly rated or declined (depending upon your health and other factors). If a term policy is absolutely needed, we recommend that seniors over 70 also take a whole life policy. The whole life should guarantee rates and full coverage to at least age 100 or longer (age 120 maybe available). Beware of whole life polices, particularly group sponsored or government issued whole life policies, that grade down the coverage after age 70 or 75. Those could be as bad as having term life insurance. Get your own senior life insurance plan!

Exam or no exam life insurance for seniors over 70?

We have covered the exam or no exam issue in many other articles. We felt though that it would be important to mention the major factors for seniors over 70. Simply, if you need a smaller amount of coverage such $5,000 to $50,000, we recommend the no exam route. The policy is more likely to be approved and approved fast. If you need a large amount of coverage, then the no exam plans will either not be available or become too expensive. The full underwriting exam route is best.

Irregardless of which plan you select, as we say in all of our articles, ask, ask and ask more questions. Be well.

Philippe Deray - About the Author:

Philippe Deray is President and CEO of MCD Financial Services and MCD Life. Our web site address is http://www.mcdlife.com/life_insurance/seniors_life_insurance/life_insurance_for_seniors.htm

Company Profile

MCD Life is a successful, dynamic company built on the principal of serving our customers FIRST! Our primary mission is to bring peace of mind to our clients by offering innovative, value-added products and information that place emphasis on short and long term benefits, benefits backed by selected companies with high quality assets and written guarantees.

Our Focus Life Insurance for senior over 70

With many years of experience in the insurance business, we have developed proprietary methods to help seniors get affordable insurance. We offer term insurance, whole life and universl life insurance. We will make this process as simple as possible and get you an answer as fast as possible.

All About Senior Life Insurance

In young age you are energetic, full of glamour and perfection, but with time they all fade away. What were all beautiful and filled with colours change into gray. This is all but nature's law and you should happily accept this changing phase in your lifetime. As you grow old your body gets easily susceptible to various physical ailments - you need to go regularly to the hospital; do various tests and then undergo treatments and all these cost you a fortune. To make yourself feel safe in old age you should get a senior life insurance.

Senior life insurance pays for almost all the major mishaps in an individual's life. If you are suffering from a chronic disease, senior life insurance will bear your medical expenses. Senior citizens are most susceptible in regard to illness; hence, many government corporations and private companies provide senior life insurances. Life insurance policies even provide money for funerals and other ceremonies after death. So each and every senior citizen should go for a senior life insurance.

Senior life insurance can be obtained for people in the age group of 55-75. You should do a bit of research work before buying your policy to know the authenticity and reputation of that company or discuss with an expert before choosing a senior life insurance.

Some benefits of choosing a right senior life insurance:

1. A fixed premium, which will not increase.

2. You can also avail a no medical life insurance, which is also called as no exam life insurance.

3. You will get death benefits, which will not decrease up to three years.

4. With senior life insurance you will get facility of senior life settlement or life insurance settlement: Senior life settlement is a deal where a senior citizen sells his life insurance policy and in reward gets some cash, which can be utilized for some other purpose.

5. Guaranteed cash value on tax deferred basis.

A senior life insurance benefits also depends upon the insurer. The policy of benefits differs from one company to another. If you are net savvy can get free online life insurance quotes from various web sites and can then go for the best offer.

We offer the best life insurance source. Check it out on the Online life insurance quotes and information guide [http://www.leandernet.com/Life_insurance/Life_insurance.php]. All about life insurance on [http://www.leandernet.com/Life_insurance/Life_insurance.php]

Life Insurance For Diabetics

When most people are diagnosed with diabetes, life insurance usually is not the first thing that comes to mind. Most people when they're first diagnosed may not realize the implications that diabetes will have on them financially, other than with medical bills. With many major insurance companies, diabetes is a major concern. Fortunately, there are companies that are very lenient with diabetics and can offer rates that are exactly the same as they are for non-diabetics.

Generally speaking, these companies that are lenient about diabetes have three basic questions that they want to know when you apply for life insurance. The first question pertains to whether or not you have had or experienced diabetic coma or insulin shock within the last 2 to 3 years. Secondly, most insurers will ask if you have ever had an amputation due to complications with diabetes. Third, you may or may not be asked whether or not you are using pills or insulin shots to control your blood sugar. These are the three main concerns.

Also, insurers that are lenient about diabetes are generally life insurance companies that specialize in senior life insurance. Seniors, according to life insurance companies are people that are 50 years and older.

Some term life companies ask very few health questions, but have a waiting period before the full death benefit of your policy is paid upon death. Avoiding a waiting period for the full death benefit to be payable is a major concern for many diabetics that are shopping for coverage.

The best way to find companies that are lenient about diabetes and that can offer you the most coverage for the least amount of money, as well as, provide a death benefit that has no waiting. Is to use an online insurance comparison website.

http://www.LifeInsurance4All.com/ is a free tool that you can use to compare life insurance quotes and policies, including those with diabetes.

Christy Love is a Platinum Level Expert Author at ezinearticles.com.

No Medical Exam Life Insurance for Seniors

So you are a senior and need life insurance. Or you are the child of a senior and need to get your parent insured. Well, there are really two basic ways to accomplish that. You can either go through a full underwriting plan which will include an exam, medical records ordered and other needed items and also wait weeks for an answer, or you can just apply for a no exam life insurance plan. In most instances, we have found that, when a child needs life insurance for a parent, no exam life insurance is much more likely to be accepted by the parent. Does no exam life insurance for seniors give me the same coverage as regular insurance?

The answer is simply yes or most of the time. Let me explain. If you apply for a level policy, then the coverage is level from the beginning of the policy. What that means is that if, for example, a man named Bob applies for a $50,000 no exam life insurance and gets approved, his full coverage starts immediately. In other words, if Bob dies the next day, the full amount ($50,000) is payable to the beneficiary. There are some polices that do not pay the full face amount right away. Those are called graded life insurance policies. In this case, Bob would need to wait at least two years before the full face amount of the policy is payable. So, if Bob died the day after the policy was approved (or within two years), then beneficiary would most likely be only paid the premium Bob had paid plus some interest (usually 5% to 10%). Some polices even have a longer graded period so make sure to read your approved policy carefully. A table showing the insurance coverage usually is on page two or three of the insurance policy.

How long does it take to get an answer for no exam life insurance

Unlike traditional life insurance, when seniors apply for no exam life, they can get an answer in as fast as the same day. Answers from underwriting usually average three days. That is not bad. If you do need a very fast answer (1 to 3 days) make sure to ask about the process of underwriting. Some companies that offer no exam life to seniors may still order doctor's medical records. That can delay the answer by weeks. So ask!

Can the child of a senior get life insurance on a parent?

Generally, yes, a child can get life insurance on a parent. The parent must be aware that the child is applying. Although, the parent does have to sign to apply for the no exam life insurance, a child must explain to the parent what they are signing for. The child is usually allowed to pay for the policy with no problem. We actually have found that for seniors over the age of 80, children are the one to most likely request the insurance rather than the senior.

How about pre-existing health problem?

Past or present health conditions do not always prevent a senior from getting no exam life insurance. The number of companies available may be more limited though and the senior may end up having to settle for graded life insurance (as explained above). What we have seen is that as long as the senior can take care of themselves and are not in a nursing home, then no exam life should available. It has often been misunderstood that no exam life insurance means no health questions. That is totally incorrect. We know of only one company that is no exam and no health questions. Rates are very very high!

Should a Senior do No Exam Whole Life, Universal Life or Term Life?

In most situations, we recommend that, if available, that a senior select no exam universal life insurance. A main advantage of universal life is that it prices better than whole life and can offer the same lifetime coverage guarantees at level premiums. For most seniors, cash accumulation is really not the goal. Being able to maintain an insurance policy for life without having to worry about increasing premiums should be the goal. No exam term life insurance for seniors is also a good choice if universal life is too pricey at the moment. As far as term life, keep in mind that although it will price lower than universal or whole life, the rates will not remain the same for life. As an example, if a man named Bob selected a five year term plan. During the first five years his monthly rate may be $35 but after the five year is up his monthly rate may jump to $150+. So, select term life only if you really cannot afford universal life. Also, make sure that the term life plan is convertible (ask your agent). As far as no exam whole life is concerned, as we mentioned, it is priced the highest. Whole life is selected when a senior has nothing else available because of age or health issues. Yes, whole life is often easier to get approved on than term or universal. Note that, no exam universal and term life are not usually available past age 75.

We hope this article has helped you better understand no exam senior life insurance. As we often write in our articles, please make sure that all your questions are answered before you apply for any insurance. Once you receive your policy, review it carefully and ask more questions if needed. Be well!

Philippe Deray - About the Author:

Philippe Deray is President and CEO of MCD Financial Services and MCD Life. Our web site address is http://www.mcdlife.com

Our Focus Life Insurance for seniors

With many years of experience in the senior insurance business, we have developed proprietary methods to help seniors up to age 90, get affordable life insurance. We offer term insurance, whole life and universal life insurance. We will make this process as simple as possible and get you an answer as fast as possible.

Company Profile

MCD Life is a successful, dynamic company built on the principal of serving our customers FIRST! Our primary mission is to bring peace of mind to our clients by offering innovative, value-added products and information that place emphasis on short and long term benefits, benefits backed by selected companies with high quality assets and written guarantees.

No Exam Whole Life Insurance Explained

What is whole life insurance without an exam?

Simply put, it is a life insurance that does not require an insurance exam as part of the underwriting process. In most cases, only an application is needed and possibly a quick phone interview. Once these requirements have been met, you should have a final answer on your application within 24 hours. Some of these life insurance plans are really simplified in that they do not even ask any health questions; while, some will not require an exam but request medical records (although that is very rare). With most plans, a variety of health questions need to be answered and those questions can greatly vary from company to company. Keep in mind that the less you need to do to qualify for the policy the higher the premiums and/or lower the benefits (read you policy carefully when it arrives!)

How much No Exam Whole Life Insurance can a person qualify for?

If there is one major difference that distinguishes a no exam life policy with exam required life insurance, it is the size of the face amount. Depending on the insured's age, no exam whole life face amounts may be limited to as little as $15,000 and be as high as $200,000. For example, an 85 year old may be able to only qualify for a maximum of $20,000 in no exam whole life while a person under the age of 50 may be able to get as much as $200,000. The amount of insurance that you apply for does not usually affect the underwriting process.

What riders are available with No Exam Whole Life insurance?

The second mot common difference between no exam whole life and full underwriting life insurance (exam required and more) is the riders. In most no exam plans riders may be limited to just accidental life insurance. With that rider, if the insured dies in an accident, the regular death benefit plus and additional death benefit is paid to the insured. Other riders such as the waiver of premium, other insured rider, child rider... may not be available. Rider availability may also be greatly affected by the insured's age. In many no exam whole life plans, we have seen the critical illness rider automatically included. Due to the many types of critical illness riders available, I suggest you ask your insurance company or broker about them.

What if you have pre-existing health conditions?

If there is one big benefit that no exam whole life can provide individuals, it is its flexibility of approval and wide acceptance of past or present health issues. With no exam whole life insurance, in many cases, pre-existing as well as past health conditions can be acceptable for underwriting. It can often be the only plan that will allow someone to get quality life insurance... Please note that in some cases the insured may only qualify for a graded or modified plan as opposed to a level plan. A modified or grade whole life will usually limit the amount of the death benefit during the first two to three year of the policy. Note that, just because one insurance company has declined you, does not automatically mean that others will to. If you have been declined for no exam whole life, keep looking and be as specific as possible in your online search. For example, if you are a diabetic you may want to type in "no exam whole life insurance for a diabetic". Some insurance companies may specialize in a certain illness while another may not. One more thing, if have previously been declined (usually in the past one to two years) some insurance companies may not offer you any coverage. Try to avoid a decline but don't worry, most companies we have seen do not care to ask about your previous declines.

Things to look out for in the no exam whole life plans

Not all No Exam Whole Life plans are the same. A lower premium on one plan that seems to be the similar to another may actually indicate major differences. One difference could be in future automatic death benefit changes. Many people are aware of the limited death benefit we mentioned above in the case of a graded or modified no exam whole life insurance. Few look at the later years of a policy. For example, if you examine your policy, the benefit page should show you the death benefit value on a year by year basis.

If you bought a $25,000 policy then it should show $25,000 from the first year of the policy all the way to age 120.

If the policy you bought is a graded or modified plan, the first few years (usually 2 to 3) may show a smaller death benefit that but later years should show a level death benefit for life. For example, you bought a $25,000 life insurance policy, the first year may show a death benefit of $5,000, the second year may show a death benefit of $12,000 and from year three and on, the death benefit should be for the full value of the policy at $25,000.

Beware of policies that have decreasing face amounts either year after year or by a certain age (often age 75). For example, a policy may start with a death benefit of $50,000 but decreases to a death benefit of $25,000 by age 70 and continue decreasing after that. Please read your policy proposal pages carefully and ask questions.

What type of individual is most likely to apply for no exam whole life?

We have seen people of all ages show an interest in no exam whole life but the most popular ages are between the 1 and 12 and 70 and 85+. For younger ages, you may see these plans offered as children whole life or grandchildren whole life insurance. With older ages, you may have seen these plans called final expense whole life, burial life insurance, senior whole life or some other variations of these names.

I hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what is no exam whole life insurance. Note that it is your responsibility to make sure that you have the plan you think you have so read your policy carefully when it arrives. As we say in all of our articles, please ask a lot of questions before during and after you have applied for your life insurance. Be well!

Philippe Deray - About the Author: Philippe Deray is President and CEO of MCD Financial Services and MCD Life. Our web site address is http://www.mcdlife.com/no_medical_exam_life_insurance/whole_life/no_exam_whole_life_insurance.htm

Our Focus No Exam Whole Life Insurance
With many years of experience in the insurance business, we have developed proprietary methods to help individuals get affordable no exam whole insurance. We also offer term life insurance and universal life insurance. We will make this process as simple as possible and get you an answer as fast as possible. We accept people between the ages of 0 to 85!

Company Profile
MCD Life is a successful, dynamic company built on the principal of serving our customers FIRST! Our primary mission is to bring peace of mind to our clients by offering innovative, value-added products and information that place emphasis on short and long term benefits, benefits backed by selected companies with high quality assets and written guarantees.

Senior Life Insurance Settlements

A senior life insurance settlement is the financial option available in the hands of a senior citizen to sell his/her life insurance policy to others and availing the death benefits before the maturity period or the demise.

In contrast, viatical life insurance settlements offer premature death benefits to the policyholder who is suffering from severe diseases like cancers, AIDS etc and whose life expectancy in future is only in days. If a senior citizen, having the age over sixty-five years, is in financial crises and badly in need of money, he/she can opt for life insurance settlements. Generally the senior citizen receives the amount which is higher than that he would receive if he surrenders his policy to the insurance company. So even though he will receive a fixed percentage of the policy amount from the senior life insurance settlement transaction, it is beneficial to the policyholder. The amount so obtained by the policy owner can be used for discharging debts, for buying a house, for a vacation trip, or anything else.

In order to avail the benefit of senior life settlement, the senior citizen should be over the age of sixty-five years and have some health issues, or seventy-five or above irrespective of the health issues. Any type of life insurance policy of senior citizens - like variable life insurance, term life insurance, whole life insurance, or joint survivorship - is eligible for senior life settlement. Moreover, the face value of the insurance policy should be $250,000 minimum. Generally senior life insurance settlement companies purchase these policies from the senior citizens and submit all the necessary documents to the insurance company asking for the change of the ownership and the beneficiary of the policy. Once this is confirmed by the insurance company, the settlement company starts paying premiums and will receive the full policy amount on the maturity date or on the demise of the old policyholder, whichever is earlier.

Life Insurance Settlements provides detailed information on Cash Life Insurance Settlements, Corporate Life Insurance Settlements, Life Insurance Settlement Loans, Life Insurance Settlement Options and more. Life Insurance Settlements is affiliated with Insurance Settlement Loans [http://www.e-insurancesettlements.com].

Senior Life Insurance Questions and Answers!

What is Senior Life Insurance?

Senior life insurance or final expense insurance is simply a smaller face value whole life insurance policy. Because of the permanent nature of whole life insurance, it is suitable for older people, and can often be applied for up to age 85.

The life insurance does not expire after a term, and so it can be in effect when people really need it, in their elder years! Besides, many term life insurance policies, or those that only last for a set amount of years, are not designed for older people.

Immediate Benefit vs. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Most of the senior life insurance policies as few health questions, and accept most reasonably healthy people who do not have a terminal disease and are not in a nursing home. They will provide an immediate death benefit. So let's say you want to buy a $12,000 life insurance policy. As soon as the policy is in force, your beneficiaries would be entitled to that entire amount if you passed away.

They can use the money to help pay for your funeral, transport your body, settle debts, or anything they choose. For example, a senior citizen could leave the $12,000 to his or her child. That child may need $8,000 to pay for funeral expenses, and be able to keep $4,000 as a legacy from their parent! The money from a life insurance policy is usually tax free.

However a Guaranteed or Graded Benefit Life Insurance policy may be suggested for a senior with a serious disease, or for one who is in a nursing home. In this case, the policy will have a waiting period. If the person survives the waiting period, they will be able to leave the entire face value to their beneficiary. If not, their beneficiary will usually get the sum of the premiums already paid plus an pre-determined interest rate.

For those who cannot qualify for immediate life insurance, a guaranteed life insurance policy looks like a no-lose deal. However, if a person can qualify for an immediate benefit policy, they should choose it because the rates will be cheaper and their beneficiary can get the entire amount right away if the person passes away.

Why Buy Senior Life Insurance?

Funerals are expensive, often costing from $7,500 to $10,000 and more. A senior life policy is an affordable way to plan for the expense. Sometimes the children of the older person will offer to pay for it because they know they will have to make final arrangements. Instead of having to worry where they will find $10,000 when they are already experiencing a sad time in their life, they can feel secure, knowing that money will not be a problem.

I cannot give you an exact price quote, but many seniors can find a plan for $50 to $100 a month. Keep in mind that these are also cash value policies. When they have built up cash value, they can also be borrowed against. Some senior life policies can even be paid up after a time. A healthy retired person could buy a very affordable final expense plan at 65, pay it up after 10 years, and know that they never have to worry about it again.

Before you buy a senior life insurance policy, read our tips on how to buy a senior life insurance policy here!

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About Senior Term-Life-Insurance

Senior term life insurance is one of the better options available for elderly people who want to buy an insurance policy. Many people argue that senior people don't even need an insurance policy since they are already retired but there are cases when this need is genuine.

Till some time back, there were hardly any companies which offered insurance products for this category of people. But now they have realized that this is a growing market and they should have products catering to this population. The main reason why companies are offering insurance policies to senior people is that over 90% of life insurance policies never make a pay out because policy holders allow them to lapse.

Senior people need insurance for different reasons than younger lot. Younger people buy insurance thinking long term and the coverage amount is usually pretty high. But in case of insurance policies for seniors, the coverage amount is smaller. Even the duration of the policy is much shorter which is usually between 5 and 10 years. The premium of insurance policies for senior people is often much higher due to their age and health issues.

There are various reasons why senior people choose to buy an insurance policy. They may want to buy a funeral insurance policy so that they don't become a burden on their family after death. They may want to leave some extra cash for their children and grand children or they may still have some loan pending in their name which they want to cover. For any of these reasons, a senior term life insurance policy is a very good option.

The insurance companies have come up with new and different types of policies for this category of people. These include guaranteed acceptance life insurance, term life insurance for seniors, whole life insurance for seniors and single pay insurance for seniors. Senior people have the option to choose the best policy as per their need.

The author writes articles on various types of insurance policies including no physical term life insurance policies and senior term life insurance policies.

Selling Your Life Insurance (Viaticals and Life Settlements)

Selling your life insurance is an option you might consider if you're in a difficult financial situation for which you don't see a close end. A terminal illness or old age could cause you to think twice about paying those hefty premiums at this stage of your life. Selling your life insurance carries with it complex implications and substantial risks, so it is important that you educate yourself regarding the big picture. If you're interested in selling your life insurance, this is a good starting point to obtain some basic information.

Basics: Vocabulary

If you've already done any research on selling your life insurance, chances are good that you've come across two main terms: viaticals and life settlements. Both refer to the selling of your life insurance to a third party. So what's the difference? "Viatical" is typically used to refer to the transaction involving a chronically or terminally ill insured, while a "life settlement" is a transaction involving a senior (generally over the age of 65) who is not terminally ill.

Even though you now know the difference, it does not mean that your state does. These terms might be used interchangeably, or your state might use one of them to refer to both transactions. For example, your state could use "Viatical Settlement" to refer to any type of transaction regarding selling your insurance. Be aware that this kind of ambiguity may exist in relation to the vocabulary used in the sale of your life insurance.

How it Works

The owner of the life insurance policy will sell it for a percentage of the death benefit a lump sum to a third party and, in exchange, receives an often substantial lump sum payment. The third party then becomes the new owner and/or beneficiary of the policy and pays all of the future premiums and eventually collects the death benefit when the insured passes away.

Those considering selling their life insurance may either directly approach a viatical company or settlement firm, or they may choose to work with a broker. The broker will act as an intermediary and present the information to several different companies/firms in an effort to find the highest price for the sale.

The settlement firms buy the insurance on behalf of investors. In this situation, the investors become the owners and beneficiaries, and the settlement firm pays the premium until the insured dies. The firm then collects the death benefit and either pays its investors a percentage of the annual return or repackages the policy for sale to another party.

Take comfort in know that the process of selling one's life insurance is typically very confidential. Most viatical companies and settlement firms understand the discretion necessary to make the process run smoothly and easily. However, a company may act disrespectfully and become borderline intrusive by trying to keep track of the insured's condition. For this reason, it is important to work with a respectful, experienced organization.

Who Considers Selling

Those with serious, life-threatening illnesses are most likely to consider selling their life insurance to provide cash for various expenses, such as mounting medical bills. For those who are not terminally ill, selling the life insurance might be a good idea for a number of reasons. If the owner's beneficiary has died or if the owner can't afford to keep paying the premiums, it would appear that they no longer have sufficient use for the life insurance. Seniors around retirement age may also consider selling their life insurance, even if they are free of debt, in order to receive a lump sum of money with which they may do whatever they please.

Keep in mind that different companies may have different eligibility requirements to be able to sell your life insurance policy.

Advantages to Selling Your Life Insurance

It might be easy to see some of these benefits, but others are a little less obvious.

You'll receive a lump sum cash payment right now. As mentioned above, this is especially useful to the terminally ill who have mounting medical bills.You will receive more by selling your life insurance than you would if you simply surrendered it to the insurance company. It is possible for an insured person who is 65 or older or who is terminally ill to sell a policy with little or no cash value for a $100,000.00 or much more.You won't have to pay any more insurance premiums. If your financial situation is becoming strained with no end in sight, eliminating premiums is a way to alleviate the burden.You don't have to repay the money, like you do when you borrow against your insurance policy.Even though your life insurance benefits won't be available once you die, you can still leave money to a certain person or organization - it will just come from the money that is leftover after using the funds from selling your policy. So, selling your life insurance does not

mean that you're definitely robbing your beneficiaries of their gift.

In some cases, the money you receive is tax-free.There are no regulations or restrictions on how you make use of the money you receive. You may spend as much of it or as little of it as you wish, however you please.

Risks of Selling Your Life Insurance

Understanding the risks associated with selling your life insurance will help you make an informed decision. Be sure to consult a financial advisor or tax attorney to make sure you understand the implications of the sale.

You might lose your eligibility for some public assistance benefits, especially those based on your income and assets (such as food stamps, welfare, Medicaid and some Social Security benefits).There could be tax issues. Selling the policy will

result in a tax bill if the settlement amount exceeds your cost basis.

With improved medical care, the ill person may live longer than expected.You might face unhappy heirs. This might not be a problem for you, but it could lead to a long road of (possibly legal) complications and battles. Some settlement actually companies require the beneficiaries to also sign off on any sale, which could be good or bad, depending on whether or not you're dealing with a cooperative beneficiary.

Other Options

If you come to the conclusion that selling your life insurance policy is not for you, there are other options (though none that would provide you with such a large lump sum). An insurance agent should be able to help give you more information on some of these ideas.

Borrow against your insurance policyCash out the policy if it has surrender valueLook into accelerated benefits or living benefitsBorrow money (from family or friends perhaps) and use the life insurance policy as collateral

If you believe that selling your life insurance policy is the right decision for you, make sure you deal with a dependable, experienced broker or settlement company to ensure that you get the best service and results from your transaction.

David Springer is a consultant for Sovereign Funding Group. An experienced, reputable company that offers convenient, no-risk services to help you with the selling of your deferred payments, business financing solutions including viaticals and life settlements.

Romantic Picnic Ideas For Your Next Date

January 6, 2012 in Dating, Featured, Love & Sex With the warmer weather approaching now is the perfect time to think about a romantic picnic with that special person in your life. Grab a picnic basket a blanket and head to a scenic spot to enjoy each others undivided company.

Picnics of the romantic variety work best in secluded or remote locations. However with that remoteness comes a certain level of pressure.

There is no room service or corner store to call on for the last minute forgotten items. With some planning and our helpful tips you can create a perfect picnic that will long be remembered.

The must take items are,blankets and cushions, Plates, glasses, napkins and at least 1 sharp knife food and drink, (don’t forget a bottle opener) sunscreen and insect repellent a first aid kit

and to really impress a CD player with mood music (make sure the batteries are charged) big stable candles, (don’t forget the matches) and flowers

A picnic menu is best if kept simple. Try cold chicken or meats, a selection of cheeses, fresh fruit like grapes and strawberries, dips and of course a fresh baked baguette. Foods you can share or even better feed to each other are winners.

Champagne or a crisp Chardonnay work well for most picnics, but don’t forget to take plenty of water it is easy to get dehydrated on a hot summers day.

To keep ants away sprinkle talcum powder around your picnic site, ants can’t stand the smell or feel of it and won’t cross the barrier you have set up.

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How To Decide What Color Of Rose To Give

January 7, 2012 in Dating, Featured, Love & Sex

Flowers have been given a special significance for centuries. They have long been treasured for their scent and their beauty. Perhaps nobody has esteemed flowers, however, as highly as the people of the Victorian age.

For them, flowers were so important they even used them to convey secret messages. Today, we still use flowers to convey messages of love. Here are some of the meanings of some of the most popular roses which are a sign of love and friendship. Study these meanings to be sure that you are giving the appropriate rose.

First on the list is the constant favorite, the red rose. Red roses have long been a sign of love and represent romantic and passionate love. These are the flower of choice to give if you want to show someone they are the love of your life. You don’t have to go out and buy an entire bouquet either; just a single rose will suffice.

White roses are a special variety used as a sign of purity and innocence. They are sometimes used to give to people who are shy and to tell that person how special they are. White roses are often used in weddings as a symbol of new beginnings.

Use pink roses as a sign of appreciation and thanks. They can be given as a symbol of friendship as well. Yellow roses are also a sign of friendship as well as a sign to loved ones who are coming back from a long absence.

Orange roses are a symbol of enthusiasm and often given at graduation and commencement ceremonies to show the transition between to different stages of life.

If you are head over heels crazy in love with someone at the moment you met them give them Lavender or Purple roses to show them this is how you really feel.

One color that is traditionally used in a negative fashion to show dislike is Black but they can also be used humorously. My brother for instance, gave me a dozen black roses for my 40th birthday. It was funny and I will always remember it, especially when he turns 40!

These are the traditional meanings behind the basic colors of roses but don’t be afraid to give some other variations especially if you have been in a relationship for a long time. There are many growers of roses who have come up with new and exciting hybrids with exciting color variations such as peach, apricot, and even multi colors.

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Is Your Pain Medication Making Your Migraines Worse?

January 11, 2012 in Featured, Headaches, Health

When you feel that throbbing pain on one side of your face, you reach for your migraine medication. After all, no one wants to waste a day cowering in pain. But if you’re experiencing migraine headaches more often or your migraines are getting steadily worse, your pain relief pills could be to blame.

Taking too many pain medications too often – as little as three times a week or 10 times a month – can put your migraines in a rebound cycle. Your body becomes accustomed to the pain medication being in your system, so when it wears off, you start to get another headache – prompting you to take more medication. Any painkiller can cause rebound headaches, though doctors think that drugs containing caffeine, aspirin and acetaminophen, and ergotamines and triptans carry the most risk.

How can you tell if you’re suffering from rebound headaches? Most patients with rebound migraines experience low-grade headaches almost continuously. Many wake up with their head already hurting. Some find that their headaches get worse within a few hours of taking medication.

If you’re experiencing frequent migraines while taking pain medication, your best option is to go cold turkey – stop taking painkillers, and you will break the rebound cycle. Of course, giving up pain medication makes many patients nervous. Migraines are excruciating, and facing them without medication can seem like a terrifying prospect.

However, some all-natural remedies can provide relief without creating the rebound cycle caused by over-the-counter and prescription medications. Lipigesic-M, a migraine pain reliever, uses a unique sublingual delivery method to send its medicinal ingredients into the bloodstream quickly for fast relief. The individually packaged dosages contain migraine-fighting ingredients, including feverfew and ginger. Best of all, none of the ingredients are associated with rebound headaches, so you can relieve your migraine pain without worrying about making your headaches worse.

Provided by: CFC

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Can You Use Diet and Exercise to Enhance Your Love Life?

January 14, 2012 in Dating, Family, Featured, Love & Sex

It is a well known fact that eating healthy and exercise can make you physically healthy but did you know that it can also make your love life healthier too? It is true. Diet and exercise can give you all of the energy needed to increase your stamina during sex and boost your self esteem to the point where you may be able to get rid of all of your hang-ups about sex. When you feel good about yourself, many of your inhibitions fly out of the window.

A healthy body will always make your love life easier because of the many effects that dieting has on your mind and body. Food is the key to boosting your metabolism and when it comes in its most natural forms, it can also be your best tool in maintaining a great weight for your body size and type. When I say natural forms I mean for example, when you eat vegetable and fruit it helps to eat them in the form that they naturally come in. if you eat fruit from a can, it is contained in syrup and sugars that will not be good for you so eating them raw is the best choice.

When you are eating vegetables it is best to eat them raw and steamed because it keeps all of the vitamins and minerals in them. You should also avoid processed foods and fried meats. Don’t get me wrong fats are a necessary aspect of nutrition however saturated fats are not. The right balance of foods in a day can give your metabolism a boost that pills and fads can’t.

It is best to eat at least three meals a day that are balanced with each food group as prescribed by the food guide pyramid and in between snacks as well. What people don’t know is that it is ideal that you eat five small meals a day instead in order to get the most our of your metabolic system. The more foods that you intake in a day that are healthy the better to boost your stamina and sex life.

It is not always easy for most of us to follow the food guide pyramid, however, it is still the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your efforts. Diet and exercise combined is the best way too boost your metabolism naturally, but if you can’t do both walking and eating right is the way to go.

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Quick And Easy Ways To Enjoy The Season’s Best Produce

You’ve read the articles, seen the news stories — you know that cooking from scratch means feeding your family healthier, less expensive meals. But when you’ve just left the office and need to get home so you can drive the kids to soccer practice, opening a few jars, much less turning out a gourmet meal, seems impossible.

Creating quick, healthy meals at home might be easier than you think. The right equipment can certainly speed things up. For example, one blender, the Vitamix 5200, is so powerful that it can liquefy whole fruits and vegetables, including their peels and seeds, in seconds.

Those using the Vitamix 5200 can make homemade smoothies, sauces, pestos, hummus and soups in minutes, so convenience is no longer an excuse for choosing the drive-thru. And while high-end blenders aren’t inexpensive, they will eventually pay for themselves, as families stop buying jarred tomato sauce and canned soup — even peanut butter and mayonnaise.

As fresh, seasonal produce hits farmer’s markets, families should take advantage of the naturally delicious food available. Try serving a whole-wheat pasta with Pesto Sauce, followed by a healthy Peach Sorbet for dessert. If you don’t have a Vitamix, you can still make the recipes using a blender or food processor.
Pesto Sauce

Makes 1 1/2 cups (enough for one pound of pasta)
1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 medium garlic cloves

2 cups fresh basil leaves

3 tablespoons pine nuts

salt and pepper, to taste
Place all of the ingredients, except for salt and pepper, into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Select Variable 1. Turn on the machine and quickly increase the speed to Variable 7. Blend for 1 minute, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.
Peach Sorbet

Makes three cups
3 fresh peaches, ripe, halved, pitted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup sugar

4 cups ice cubes
Place all of the ingredients into the Vitamix in the order listed and secure lid. Select Variable 1. Turn the machine on and quickly increase the speed to Variable 10, then to High. Blend for 30 seconds. The sound of the motor will change and four mounds should form. Stop the machine. Do not over mix or melting will occur. Serve immediately.

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How About A Little Romance?

January 28, 2012 in Dating, Family, Featured, Love & Sex

What woman doesn’t want to be treated to a little romance every once in a while? Many women will agree that romance is all about the details. Small gestures really do make a normal night out into something romantic. So listen up…because these tips will sure earn you some points…

The key to being romantic is thoughtfulness…so start being a little less selfish. Learn that mood, location, situation and ambiance can heighten romance with dramatic effect. Communicate with your partner on every level and anticipate their desires and needs. Look at your partner when they are talking and hold their gaze.

Try doing little things to get right at your partner’s soft spot. Phone just to say hello, I love you and give your partner a nice surprise. Send them notes and small cards telling them you are thinking of them. Be spontaneous and do little deeds that show you care. Bring home take out from their favorite restaurant or take them to their favorite ice cream shop. Flowers are always a nice touch at any time of year. Be creative and pick out their favorite colors and types for a personal touch. Remember birthdays, anniversaries and landmark days such as the day you first met or first kissed, and plan something…maybe a return to the first date location. Listen to clues that your partner might drop, such as their favorite dessert or books they like, and surprise them with little gifts.

Learn how to hug, cuddle and make physical contact. Dance together when the occasion arises. Hold hands and do anything to make your partner feel close to you.

Write him/her a letter and let them know that you love them and you mean it. Use nice stationary, or make your own card, which shows thought and inspiration.

In terms of dates, learn how to cook your partner’s favorite dish. Plan a surprise candlelit dinner followed by a romantic movie. Take your partner on a picnic to the park or beach and prepare in advance without involving them. This initiative is very romantic.

Once you have been together awhile and you are comfortable with each other or you are moving into a more intimate relationship you could start looking into some sexy lingerie. If the feeling is mutual you will make some bi brownie points not to mention create an atmosphere of excitement and sensuality by giving her a sexy lingerie gift for your first time together or vice versa if you are a woman you can really impress him by wearing something sexy for him, just make sure it is new. No guy wants his woman wearing lingerie another guy bought!

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Gift of Peace and Passion

Nothing tells a woman you love her more than your time and attention. This article is going to cover the basics of giving her a special night of massage and passion and also offer some ideas that you may never thought of before!

It’s a popular gift item to get gift certificates for a professional massage. That is a very nice gift. It’s sure to bring stress relief and significantly improves physical and emotional health. There is only one thing that is lacking with this gift. That is passion. My suggestion is to give her a gift certificate for a massage from you! That’s right, you are going to give her a nice, long, slow body massage that will completely relax and refresh her. It’s going to be sensual and loving and your imagination can lead you to how the massage will end up!

The first thing to do is to learn the techniques of a good massage. For an extra special gift, enroll both of you in a massage class that you can take together and then practice on each other. The rest of your gift can be your own special “graduation” party for the two of you when classes have ended.

If you don’t have the time to enroll in a class, or can’t find one close to where you live, do some Internet research. Go to your favorite search engine and type in “How to give a massage”. I ran the search and found dozens of sites that will teach you to massage like the pros do! I’m not going to spend a lot of time in this article describing the information I found, because I’m more interested in sharing the complete event with you.

Now, before you give the massage there are a few things you want to make sure you have on hand that will help set the mood and will enhance the complete experience. You want to involve all of her senses during your special time together.

Set a time where there will be no distractions. To make the time extra special, book a room at a nice hotel close by your house. There will be no thinking about the dirty dishes or a ringing telephone when you are away from it all. Otherwise, turn off the phones and make sure your time will be alone time without interruption from children or a barking dog.

The room you choose to be in should be warm with no drafts. Find some extra soft blankets and put them on the floor, or even a long sturdy table if you have one of those handy. Your goal is to provide a hard, but comfortable surface for the massage.

Next you’ll want to make sure and have some beautiful music ready. There is a big selection of romantic music you can choose from. Set it at a comfortable listening level, making sure it’s not too loud. My personal favorite romantic CD is Euphoria, Sensual Soundscapes. This CD is ideally suited for massage and passion!

Next, turn off the lights and have a variety of lighted candles around the room. The more candles, the better, without creating a fire hazard. Try to find unscented ones if the massage oil you will be using is scented. If the massage oil isn’t deliciously scented though, find candles that have an earthy, not fruity smell. The earthy smells are more relaxing and sensual.

Pick massage oil that is also healthy for her skin. This will leave her feeling scrumptious long after the massage is over. HappyHer Massage Oil contains Soybean Oil, Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Vitamin E. It also comes in a huge assortment of light scents to pick one you think she will like the best. Remember, she may end up returning the favor someday, so get something that you can both feel good about having rubbed into your skin.

Now that you have the room ready, bring your partner in. You don’t want to start with the massage immediately and here is what a lot of articles fail to tell you. Setting the mood is the most important element of the entire time you spend together. Share a glass of wine, or gourmet tea. Look deeply in your eyes and talk about the things about her that you are grateful for. It doesn’t have to be too emotional if you aren’t comfortable with that, but talk about nice things and let her know in detail what you plan to do to her. Your goal is to establish an emotional and mental connection. She will feel more secure and loved and will enjoy the rest of the evening’s attention a hundred times more.

During the massage, don’t talk. Gently let her know that you don’t want any talking to interrupt her feeling the massage from the deepest levels. Now, take your time and enjoy using your hands all over her body. The last tip I’ll leave you with is to make sure and let her know when the massage has ended how beautiful she is to you. Massage can be very intimate and you both might feel vulnerable afterwards. Making sure you are reassuring to her will assure you that you melt her heart completely!

I hope this article has your creative juices running over what you can do for the woman who has your heart. If you would like more suggestions, please feel free to email me anytime!

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Senior Life Insurance Policy

Seniors are one of the most valuable parts of the community. They are also the most fragile and near-the-end-of life citizens. Many of the death benefits that seniors have (e.g. social security, pensions) will pay only so much, usually leaving spouses or children to pick up the balance. This is why insurance for senior citizens is critical. Plus, a life payout cannot be seized from debtors or have taxes levied on inheritances in most states.
What a senior life insurance policy requires and how it benefits you
Many insurers make seniors take a health exam; some do not, though. A senior citizen is, generally, far more likely to forego a health exam with a whole life policy than other types of coverage. A whole life policy usually requires a larger upfront payment, but protects a senior up to about 120 years old (dependent on the insurer).
A senior's life insurance policy will provide peace of mind when considering things like outstanding debts and funeral costs. This way, the surviving family will not be burdened with these and other potential costs. These "other" costs may include: estate taxes, back-taxes, and so forth.
Senior Life Insurance
The type of insurance just for senior citizens is senior life insurance. Not all insurance companies offer this, so it is generally advised to find one that does. These policies are tailored specifically to the needs of those 50 years of age or over, and are available in whole and term life varieties. Additionally, many insurers have what is known as final expense insurance; this is commonly attached to a whole or term life policy and provides extra benefits such as burial costs.
The most affordable rates and the highest benefit amounts will generally be reserved for those senior citizens who are willing to take a medical exam-as well as score highly on it. Nonetheless, there are plenty of insurers who require no health exam: only a few health questions. Furthermore, many will not even ask health questions-but the coverage will almost always be lower and the premiums higher.
Guaranteed life insurance for seniors
The guaranteed acceptance life insurance is a type of coverage that generally does not require a health exam and is a variety of permanent (whole or universal) life insurance. If the insured dies within the first two years from an accident, the full benefit will be disbursed. However, if he or she dies from natural causes within the first two years since the policy's inception, a limited benefit (typically the sum of the premiums paid-to-date and the interest accrued on a cash value) will be disbursed. If the insured lives past the two-year mark, then he/she becomes fully insured against both accidental and natural death.
Insurance for seniors on a fixed income
Term life is popular among seniors who live on a fixed income and who cannot necessarily afford a higher-priced permanent life insurance policy. Additionally, seniors who opt for term life are usually willing to forego the cash value investment option that whole and universal life offers, because they may not need it at their stage in life.
Permanent life insurance for seniors
For seniors who worry about outliving a term life policy, a whole life policy should be considered. Once the premiums are paid-up, it cannot be canceled and will be in effect until death. Plus, the amount of the premium cannot go up and a cash value (with a pre-determined interest rate) is standard.



Steven Hart writes personal finance advisory columns -- educating and helping consumers shop for Annuities and Insurance. Compare various types of Insurance for free at: http://www.lifeinsurancestar.com or check out our blog at: [http://lifeinsguide.wordpress.com/2010/09/01/variable-life-insurance-for-the-single-man/]

Hang On To Family Meals

As children grow older and increase their extracurricular activities, meals eaten as a family often decrease. But, studies show that families who manage to continue to eat dinner together benefit from better communication, stronger relationships and improved nutrition.

Here are simple and creative ways to turn meal time into family time.

Cook Together Before You Eat. Bond by cooking with your kids. It may take longer to get the meal or snack done, but the moments with your children will be priceless. Plus, kids are more apt to eat what they help make. They’ll boost their self-esteem by accomplishing a task, practice creativity and feel the importance of contributing to the family. Even toddlers can help wash fruits and vegetables, measure and stir.

Take It Outside. Plan an outdoor activity each weekend and take dinner with you. The entire family will quickly see an improvement in energy levels, sleep habits and moods. This Kiwifruit Shrimp Banh Mi sandwich is the perfect ‘pack-and-go’ meal, paired with a cold salad if desired.

Plan Weekly Menus Together. This activity gives each family member a favorite dish to anticipate all week. Gather together around the computer or your favorite cookbook. Big families may want to create cooking teams to each prepare a few of the chosen meals.

Try New Ingredients and Add Color. A child needs about 12 tastes of a food to develop a preference for it. So, don’t give up if your child doesn’t like something on the first try. Some kids love the tangy-sweet flavor of kiwifruit on its own, but it also makes a tasty addition to smoothies, yogurt and salads. Kiwifruit can also be used to boost the color and flavor of cooked foods. Just add it to hot dishes at the very last minute to retain the fruit’s bright color.

Look for plump, smooth-skinned kiwifruit with no wrinkles or bruises. Ripe kiwifruit will yield to gentle pressure, like a ripe peach. If kiwifruit is still firm when purchased, you can put it in a paper bag with bananas or apples to speed up the ripening process.

New Zealand kiwifruit growers (Zespri brand) use only natural growing methods for a safe and high-quality eating experience. Zespri kiwifruit are easy to find in your local retailer, and are available May – November.

Find more family recipes at www.zesprikiwi.com and go to www.TheGreatKiwiAdventure.com for your chance to win a trip for 4 to New Zealand, including airfare, accommodation and day trips.

2 Zespri green kiwifruit, peeled, halved and sliced16 medium shrimp, cooked and peeled1/2 cup carrots, shredded1/2 cup cucumbers, seeded, halved and thinly sliced1/4 cup red onions, sliced2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, packed2 teaspoons lime juice1 teaspoon sugar1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise2 teaspoon Sriracha Chile Sauce or favorite chili sauce (if desired)4 French-style baguettes, 6-inches longCombine kiwifruit, shrimp, carrots, cucumbers, onions, cilantro, lime juice, sugar and fish sauce in medium bowl.Blend mayonnaise and Sriracha Chili Sauce in small bowl. Spread mixture onto baguettes; stuff with kiwifruit filling.

4 servings

Zespri

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Why Does Tom Brady use Chiropractic?

I love Sundays like this past Sunday. I got some chores and shopping done in the morning and set my DVR to record the first game of the day. When we got home I put a pork roast in the oven, lit the fireplace and watched the first game of the day. It was a great game and an exciting finish. I followed this game with the second game and enjoyed watching that also. During the game one of the San Francisco 49ers players had back spasms and the TV announcer stated that the player was looked at by the team chiropractor and sent back in to play. Years ago a major NFL quarterback (I can’t reveal his name due to confidentiality) who was at the end of his career came to my office looking for some relief for his lower back pain, on the intake form where it says “Reason for Today’s Visit” he stated “Sundays” Professional athletes put a high degree of stress on their bodies. The constant practice and the physical nature of a sport like football can permanently damage a player’s body. We have all heard of the retired NFL players who can barely walk when they hit 50 and many have shortened life spans because of their injuries. It got me thinking who is using chiropractic to help increase their performance.
Lance Armstrong came back almost literally from the death bed having been diagnosed with testicular cancer than had spread to his lungs and brain. Just surviving cancer at this stage is a miracle but he was not done, he went on to win the most grueling athletic event in the world, The Tour de France, not just once but 7 times! He shattered the previous record of 5 times. An article from Nike.com explores the relationship Lance has with his chiropractor, Dr. Jeff Spencer it states, “Jeff has been working with Lance since January of 1999, helping him to keep his body together for the harsh demands of the Tour de France. After last year’s Tour de France, Lance said that he could not have won without Jeff’s help.”
The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Many of the players who will be participating in the big game this year receive chiropractic care, including future Hall of Famer Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. In fact, players from all four championship teams utilize chiropractic care. Tom Brady who will be leading his team to the Super Bowl in 2 weeks had this to say, “Chiropractic just makes you feel so much better. When I walk out of the clinic, I feel like I’m about three inches taller and everything’s in place. And as long as I see the chiropractor, I feel like I’m one step ahead of the game.”
Jerry Rice is considered the greatest receiver in the history of the NFL. His durability and work ethic is legendary. He initially sought chiropractic care because of a crisis after being injured on the field. After learning about the benefits of Chiropractic from his teammates he made chiropractic care a regular part of his training routine and lifestyle. He is a three time Super Bowl Champion and today he is an official spokesperson for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.
Another chiropractic advocate, 2012 Hall of Fame Semi-finalist Roger Craig, was a pioneer in the NFL. He is the only player to ever make the Pro Bowl as a fullback and a halfback, the first player to rush and receive for over 1,000 yards in a single season , a feat that took fourteen years to be duplicated – and he is the only running back in NFL history to ever lead the league in receptions. He is a three time Super Bowl Champion and is the only NFL player to make the playoffs for eleven straight years. Like many children, Roger began receiving chiropractic care at an early age and today, like the others, still receives Chiropractic care.
These athletes have learned that chiropractic care can help you recover from an injury but even more important can help you from getting injured. If you are a weekend athlete or more serious chiropractic should be a part of your routine health care plan.
Article Provided by: www.rsmchiro.com
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Are You Mattress Shopping? Rest Easy With These Expert Buying Tips.

February 27, 2012 in Back Pain, Featured, Health
Everyone likes to save money, but some purchases it just doesn’t pay to skimp on. If you’re buying an item that affects your well-being – like shoes or a mattress – it’s smart to buy the best you can afford.
Your mattress directly affects your ability to get a good night’s sleep, according to WebMD. Poor sleep has been linked to a host of physical and mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, hypertension, memory loss and appetite changes.
If you’re not resting as well as you know you should and it’s been 10 years or more since you bought a mattress, you may need to take advantage of summer mattress sale season. The summer holidays – Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day – and the weeks in between are a great time to find a new deal on a mattress, as retailers tend to ramp up discounts and promotions at this time of year.
“The Better Sleep Council recommends that you replace your mattress every five to seven years,” says Jim Ruehlmann, a mattress expert with mattress-maker Simmons, which has marketed the popular Beautyrest brand for 86 years. “If you haven’t gone mattress shopping in a while, you may be surprised and a bit overwhelmed by the variety of choices, advances in technology and plethora of sales you’ll find this summer.”
Ruehlmann offers these tips for making your next mattress purchase:
When it comes to comparison shopping, patience pays off. Watch the sales fliers that will be arriving in your mailbox or tucked into your local paper. The “red, white and blue” holidays are prime sale time for mattress sellers. If you have an idea of what you want, chances are it will go on sale this summer.Play the pricing games to your advantage. Stores near each other rarely carry the exact same make and models of mattresses, so it can be difficult to do a direct price comparison. To get a fair comparison, note the construction of a model you like, including the types of foams, coil count, etc. Then take that information to a competing store and see if they have a bed of similar construction and quality that feels just as good – but for less money.Brush up on new technology. If it’s been 10 years or longer since you bought a mattress a lot has changed. For example, if you tried memory foam years ago and didn’t like the hot, quicksand sensation older foam types created, you may be pleasantly surprised at how new technology has eliminated that problem. For example, Simmons Beautyrest NXG mattress line features memory foam that provides the supportive sleep, contouring comfort and pressure relief of traditional memory foam, but helps dissipate heat and has quick recovery – meaning the foam doesn’t make you feel hot when you lay on it and springs back to shape quickly as you move.Coils count. In traditional coil mattresses, those coils are what make a mattress comfortable – or uncomfortable. Quality coil construction equates to better sleep. Coils should provide motion separation, comfort, conformability and back support. Beautyrest Smart Response Pocketed Coil Technology is a dual-action design. The top section of the coil, which is tapered, conforms to your shape for comfort and pressure relief. The firmer barrel-shaped bottom section reacts to body weight and sleeping position for individualized back support and alignment. You can learn more at www.simmons.com.Never settle. You’ll spend more hours in bed than on your couch, so keep searching until you find one that you feel good about. When testing in the store, lay on the bed however you normally sleep and stay that way for a few minutes. Be sure to try the bed with your sleeping partner beside you, so that you can feel the level of motion when one of you moves around.Ask about the store’s policies for delivery charges, returns, testing periods and removal of your old mattress. Every store is different, and the policies may affect where you decide to buy.
Finally, says Ruehlmann, “Buy the box spring.”
A mattress and foundation complement each other. Buying just the mattress may reduce its comfort and support – and shorten the bed’s lifespan.
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