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Updates from Utah Gov, Organizations & other new things

Thursday, February 16, 2017 - 11:00am
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‘When Life Hurts’ shares experiences of pain in solidarity with others

Amber Sirstad, M.A, announces publication of her first book

TROUTDALE, Ore. – After having some complications in her life, Amber Sirstad, M.A., realized life is too short not to accomplish the things in life that were important to her. One of those things was writing a book. “When Life Hurts: Real Experiences. Real Pain.” (published by WestBow Press) is Sirstad’s attempt to show others that they are not alone in their suffering.

 

“When Life Hurts” includes a compilation of Sirstad’s life stories and those of a selected few others. The book is not, as Sirstad says, about telling others how to adapt to changes in their lives; the author wants people to know that it’s acceptable to cry and to grieve.

 

“In today's day and age, emotional pain is very relevant,” Sirstad says. “People today try to cover up their pain. They want people to think everything is okay, while in the meantime they are a wreck inside.”

 

 

“When Life Hurts”

By Amber Sirstad, M.A.

Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 134 pages | ISBN 9781512765649

Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 134 pages | ISBN 9781512765632

E-Book | 134 pages | ISBN 9781512765625

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

Amber Sirstad, M.A., currently resides in Troutdale, Oregon. She received her master’s in counseling through Corban University in Salem, Oregon. Sirstad has dedicated her life to helping people through difficult times in their lives. She is also a Christian who has produced two instrumental CDs: “Hymns That Made A Difference” and “Music From The Heart.”

 

WestBow Press is a strategic supported self-publishing alliance between HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Author Solutions, LLC — the world leader in supported self-publishing. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan.  For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com or call (866)-928-1240. For WestBow Press news, click “Like” at www.facebook.com/WestBowPress and follow @westbowpress on Twitter.

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Four Ways to Keep Your Healthcare Costs Down

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, USA, February 16, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Healthcare is expensive everywhere. But Utah does have the lowest per-capita health expenditures in the U.S. and Utah insurance rates are also some of the lowest in the nation.

One contributing factor is because of Utah’s young, healthy population, but another is the state’s highly effective healthcare providers. For example, initiatives at Intermountain Healthcare have lessened the cost of care for patients by an estimated two billion dollars since 2011, all while maintaining high-quality care. You can learn more about these initiatives here.

Everyone can do things to help lower their own healthcare costs. Here are four ways to keep healthy, and from that, lower your medical expenses.

Get Healthy and Stay Active

Utah’s outdoor playground gives many the opportunity for an active lifestyle. In general, Utah residents also lead healthier lifestyles. America’s Health Rankings for 2016 listed Utah first in non-smokers, fifth in being physically active, and sixth in lower obesity rates. Being active and having healthier habits has a strong connection to staying out of the hospital and doctor offices. This can lower your chance for most cancers, heart disease, and diabetes, just to name a few. Evaluate your habits and see if there is room for improvement with some helpful information at Intermountain Healthcare’s LiVe Well website.

Get Screened and Vaccinated

There are a host of medical screenings that can provide you with a snapshot of how healthy you are. Look at your gender and age guidelines for what regular exams are needed. Schedule regular dental visits and annual physicals. Typically, most of the screenings are free preventative services covered by your health insurance. It may save your life. If there is a problem detected in these screenings, you could lower your health costs by catching a health problem early and having easier or fewer treatments. It’s also important to make sure your family has up-to-date vaccinations and an annual flu shot.

Take Advantage of Pharmacy Changes

How and where you get your medications have changed in the last few years, including quantity and delivery. You can save money by ordering 90-day supplies instead of a typical 30-day supply. Intermountain Pharmacies offer home shipments of medications at the same cost with no shipping charges so you can save time and gas by not picking them up. Another cost-saving tip is to use generic prescription options when possible.

Use Different Venues to Fit Your Needs

The doctor’s office has rapidly evolved over the past decade and is a great first option for your medical needs. When you regular doctor isn’t available, InstaCares are also an effective option for urgent medical conditions. Emergency rooms are great for emergencies, but more expensive than most other options.

Telemedicine is the next game-changer in healthcare. Intermountain launched Connect Care in early 2016. The patient uses their computer, tablet, or smartphone to hold a video call with a medical professional. The health provider can diagnose certain ailments, send prescriptions to a pharmacy, or schedule an in-person visit if needed. The cost is a flat $49 for the entire visit—and some insurances will even cover the fee. Connect Care can be accessed at www.IntermountainConnectCare.org or by downloading the app for Apple or Android.

Intermountain Healthcare is a Utah-based not-for-profit system of 22 hospitals, 185 clinics, a Medical Group with about 1,500 employed physicians and advanced practitioners, a health plans group called SelectHealth, and other medical services. Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare through high quality and sustainable costs. For more information about Intermountain, visit www.intermountainhealthcare.org.

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REP. TIMOTHY HAWKES RECEIVES TERM LIMITS AWARD

 

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 6, 2017) — State Representative Timothy Hawkes (R-Centerville) was given the Champion of Term Limits Award from U.S. Term Limits for his tireless work to pass legislation limiting the terms of members of Congress.

 

“We are honored to have Rep. Hawkes on our team. He is a real leader for our cause nationally to limit the terms of Congress. People are tired of business as usual in Congress and term limits are the only way to change the status quo. We applaud Tim for his important work in Utah to get this done,” said Nick Tomboulides, the executive director of U.S. Term Limits.

 

Timothy Hawkes is the State House sponsor of a resolution calling for an amendment-proposing convention to term limit Congress. To have such a convention, 34 states across the country must pass resolutions calling for such a meeting. Utah is an important part of the process.

 

“Congress needs to be more like Utah's legislature. A group of citizen legislators who work part time for the people of Tennessee and who have real jobs at home. Utahans are tired of a do nothing Washington and our resolution calling for a Term Limits Convention will pave the way to limit the terms of career politicians,” said Powers.

 

For more information, contact Rep. Hawkes’ office at 801-928-9008.

 

Utah is one of eleven battleground states that are pushing for a constitutional convention resolution, and Rep. Hawkes is the chief sponsor in the State House.

 

Timothy Hawkes represents Centerville, Farmington, and parts of both West Bountiful and Kaysville.

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