More Americans are paying more of their health care costs out of pocket every year because they lack insurance, have higher deductibles and co-payments, or have chosen a Health Savings Account plan.

There are ways they can save money without jeopardizing their health and there are steps they should take to ensure they're getting the best value for their dollars, says physician Angel M. Garcia (www.DoNoHarmDrs.com), an internist who has been in practice for more than 25 years.

Garcia, author of Do No Harm: Saving Our Health-Care System, says patients themselves are the first line of defense in an industry where increasing tensions have created new stressors at every level.  "No physician is beyond becoming burnt out," he says. "Physicians who are working mechanically, who are no longer interested, committed and enjoying practicing medicine can be a danger to their patients."

"I've heard many patients excuse their doctors by saying, ‘Oh, he's just burnt out.’  While such loyalty is kind, the issue is one the patient should talk about with their doctor.  "You could just say, 'Hey, Doc, you seem tired. Are you OK?'  You may be surprised how much your doctor appreciates your concern."

Garcia offers these simple ways patients can save money and ensure their health care dollars are well spent:

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Tooth decay affects children in then US more then any other chronic infections disease.  Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems, such as eating, speaking, playing learning.  Luckily, there are things you can do to protect your child’s teeth.

Dr. Singh is the founder & C.E.O of Arch Dental and editor of the Journal of Oral Implantology.  He also regularly visits schools to teach kids how to brush their teeth, accompanied by a large stuffed alligator on which he demonstrates how to brush.  Here are his top tips for keeping your child's smile healthy:

• How do you get kids to brush their teeth? - There are toothbrushes that light up for the amount of time the kids should be brushing for, and toothbrushes that sing songs for as long as you should be brushing.  My philosophy is TELL, SHOW, DO: TELL them why they need to brush their teeth, SHOW them the right way, DO it with them.  Other parents have had success by having their kids practice on a favorite doll first, or brushing in the bath where kids can’t get away, or even singing them their favorite song.  If they bite down on the brush or try to run off, you stop singing.  As a last resort you can even do it in front of a favorite TV show or movie.

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Most parents are careful about learning what’s in the stuff their kids eat and drink. They avoid artificial dyes, preservatives, chemicals, and sweeteners. Yet ask just about any of those same folks if they have ever looked at what is in their toothpaste and you’ll likely get blank stares.  Considering the fact that children – and adults -- ingest toothpaste twice a day every day, it’s probably the most frequent thing we put in our mouths other than water or other beverages. And still, most people have never looked at what is in their toothpaste.
 
Dentist and national oral health care expert Harold Katz, (www.therabreath.com), suggests that needs to change. Many ingredients in some commercial toothpastes are of questionable benefit and some are just plain bad for you.  Consumers have become increasingly aware of the hidden toxins in foods, beverages and eating and drinking utensils, he says. They avoid high fat and high sodium foods, sulfates in their personal care products, aerosol sprays, and toxic chemicals in their household cleaners.

“They’re taking no chances, and rightfully so. Remember the rush to replace plastic baby bottles with glass ones after the BPA scare in 2008?” he asked.  However there has been a surprising lack of attention to toothpaste, Katz says. The dentist suggests that all consumers – but especially parents – take the time to read their toothpaste tubes today. Effects of potentially unhealthy toothpaste ingredients are multiplied in the smaller bodies of children.

Here are a few ingredients to stay away from:

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Now that winter is officially over, it’s time to begin shedding the layers of clothing that concealed our bodies during the colder months. For many, bathing suit panic hits as we begin to think about the warm summer months and that means stepping up your exercise program to get the beach body that you always wanted.

Here are some tips for avoiding sports injuries as you increase your exercise this spring from Laurie Towers, top New York City celebrity trainer and CEO of Physical Advantage PC, the sports and performing arts massage center in NYC.

Diet and exercise work hand in hand and one will support the other tremendously. "You can't out train a bad diet," says Towers. To see the results you will do well to honor both of these principles.

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Now that school is back in session, you are probably wondering how to make it a great experience for both your child and your family. Before becoming a work-at-home mom to my daughter, I was a school teacher for six years and have a few insider's tips for how to stay healthy and happy this year.  Keep reading to learn more!

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Labor Day is around the corner and families are planning their last minute vacations and day trips. The last thing you want is for your kid to get sick when they are supposed to be enjoying themselves during the holiday weekend. Plus, if your child does get sick, it's more likely that you and others in your family will get sick too.

Dr. Yael Halaas, an ear nose and throat (ENT) doctor in the NYC area, came up with these great tips on how to avoid getting sick over the Labor Day weekend.

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