Archive for March, 2010
As a kid I remember that when I would get a tummy ache, my mom would ask me to lie down and slowly sip through a drink of homemade lemonade with a dash of black salt, before dad could take me to a physician.Today when I look back and remember, I reckon that to treat my tummy ache I was put on a course of an integrative medicine Alternative Medicine (the lemonade) + Conventional Medicine (physician prescribed drugs). Alternative Medicine & Its UsageComplementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM, comprises a broad range of healthcare practices, products, and systems, which don’t form a part of the conventional medicine. For instance, herbal materials, preparations and products used by Asian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese medicine. It also includes practices viz. Acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, or mind body approaches such as prayer, mental healing, meditation, etc.Moreover, a lot of people around the world use Alternative medicines, for example in China it makes up for about 40% of healthcare delivered, in Africa 80% of the population uses it, about 48% Australians have used it at least once. In North America, 42% of USA and 70% of Canada have used it at least once. Usage is similar in Europe too, for instance 75% of France has used it at least once.Is It Effective?”It is,” “it isn’t,” and “I can’t say,” all of these at the same time. Given the scientific research conducted on Alternative medicine till now, it appears that a sweeping statement would be a bit too far fetched.
For instance, evidence in support of acupuncture, many herbal medicines and manual treatments does exist. On the other hand St. John’s wort didn’t seem to have an affect on the symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents (Weber W, Vander Stoep A, McCarty RL, et al, 2008). And that, “I can’t say,” because research on many such treatments is unavailable.
Is It Safe?
Today, a perception exists that if something is natural or organic, it can’t be harmful. This belief might not be true in all cases, e.g. Snake venom is all natural and organic, but is it safe for human consumption?
Sometimes herbs can be harmful by their very nature, e.g. kava and comfrey are herbs but still have been associated with liver damage.
At other times inappropriate regulation or administration of herbs and therapeutic procedures could render highly effective alternative treatments hazardous. Consider acupuncture, though it’s been found to be effective, but if unsterilized needles are used it could lead to infection. Similarly, an overdose of Ephedra, a herbal remedy of respiratory congestion may lead to heart attacks, strokes and even death.
Forget herbs, an overdose of water too can lead to water intoxication and even death. Herbs aren’t an exception and some of them may even react undesirably with other conventional medication, or some might not be suitable for consumption during pregnancy.
However, undesirable consequences of alternative treatments due to inappropriate administration, by no means imply that alternative treatments are unsafe by themselves. Rather, proven alternative medicines when properly administered, are not only safe, potent and cost effective, but also offer patients a choice.
All in all, an absolute yes or no answer vis-a-vis safety and effectiveness of Alternative medicine doesn’t exist. Assuming quality formulation of Alternative medicines, they can either be a boon or a bane depending upon which treatments are administered, as also when and how they’re used.
BTW, I still relish the lemonade my mom makes, whether I have a tummy ache or not!
This article will seek to answer some frequently asked questions about home improvement loans, and help you make an informed decision about whether a home improvement loan is right for you, and what kind to choose.
What is a home improvement loan?
A home improvement loan is a loan which is secured on your property, allowing you to free up cash to spend on whatever improvements you might wish to make.
Why get a home improvement loan?
Whether it is a loft conversion, a new kitchen or bathroom, or even a swimming pool, a home improvement loan can be used to make those changes you have always wanted to, but never quite got around to making.
How much can I borrow?
It depends on your circumstances, and the value of your property. Generally you can borrow an amount equivalent to a significant proportion of the value of your home.
What period can I repay a home improvement loan over?
Specific terms vary, but home improvement loans tend to be repayable over a period of between 5 and 25 years.
How do I choose the right home improvement loan company?
Look at the interest rates on offer, and also the reputation of the companies offering them – there are a lot of lenders in the market nowadays, and not all of them necessarily have the best track record.
What other factors do I need to bear in mind when applying for a home improvement loan?
Apart from the interest rates, look out for insurance schemes to cover you for changed circumstances such as unemployment or illness, the possibilities for early repayment, and penalty clauses for late repayments.
To further complicate matters, even if a loss is covered, the policy most likely includes a deductible as well as coverage limits. Depending on the nature of the loss, multiple insurance companies may be involved. For example, if a storm strikes and you have both wind and flood damage, you may have to file a claim with your homeowners insurance for the wind damage and another with the national flood insurance program (if you have flood insurance) for the water damage.Depending on where you live, your deductible may be higher under certain circumstances. For example, in Florida, your insurance deductible for hurricane damage is much higher than if your home was burglarized. So, will your local insurance company pay or won’t they? Look at it this way, insurance companies DON’T want to pay. They are in business to generate profits and will need to be convinced BY YOU that the claim should be paid. The burden of proof lies on you, the homeowner. This means that you will need to prove your case and do it well. The better prepared and more organized you are, the better.
Start with documentation. You may need to take dozens of photos and provide your direct insurance agent with detailed estimates to counter against the insurance company’s original settlement offer. You may need to demand to see how the agent depreciated your property and negotiate a more reasonable method. While your homeowner’s insurance policy is a contract, the claims process does provide room for negotiations with auto insurance company (more information on best negotiation tactics in How to Contact with Auto Insurance Company? article).
Your best bet is to be prepared for a fight. Your tools in this battle include a detailed home inventory, digital photos and video documenting the damage, estimates from local contractors, and a willingness to demand a better offer. You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, many contractors are willing to be present during the insurance adjuster’s visit to help point out damage that the adjuster might have otherwise ignored. In addition, public home or auto insurance adjusters act as advocates for the homeowner and work on your behalf to negotiate a higher settlement offer.Arm yourself with knowledge, documentation, and real-world estimates while also considering professional representation and you’ll be better equipped to answer the question, “Will they pay for it?”