Choose Health
The current commercials for Delaware’s new healthcare insurance initiative feature young adults getting hurt or sick, with the cost of their care quickly popping up on the screen. What’s the message? Accidents happen, and if you are without health insurance, accidents can be very expensive. I know the new initiative, Choose Health, is one fraught with political views and since this is not a political blog, I wanted to focus on the benefits of these media messages for this younger age group.
Young adults in Delaware can now stay on their parents’ insurance until they are 26 years old. What happens to those same sons and daughters once they hit their 27th birthday and are struggling to find employment? Whether it’s a virus or an unexpected bone break, young adults need to know they are covered. Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace may be perceived by most as an opportunity to provide insurance for the medically underserved, but young adults from all economic backgrounds can benefit from the Marketplace.
“We definitely wanted to target the young uninsured adults so they know this is an option,” says Jim Grant, communications coordinator for Health Insurance Marketplace. “The scenarios in the commercial demonstrate that anything can happen and that no one is invincible.”
The Health Insurance Marketplace—found at choosehealthde.com—is a one-stop shop for people to view private plans and analyze the best match. The insurance companies then compete with offers so people can choose which plan is most affordable.
Eligibility is quite simple:
- Your employer does not offer health insurance
- You are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid
- You live in the United States
- You are a U.S. citizen
So if you know any millennials who are getting too old to be covered under their parents’ insurance policy, let them know about Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace. They may not feel they need the coverage, but if something happens to them, they will certainly need a loan.
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Spinach Ravioli with Zucchini Ribbons
Leave it to the good people at the Newark Natural Foods Market and eatingwell.com to work those seasonal vegetables into a delicious pasta dish. First, they had me at “ribbons.” I want to eat something called ribbons. According to the recipe, to make said ribbons, slice the zucchini lengthwise with a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer. I don’t know about you, but I happen to know more people with vegetable peelers than mandoline slicers. In fact, if you are a proud owner of a mandoline slicer, please write in because I want to know you. Enjoy!
2 medium zucchini, very thinly sliced lengthwise
1 pound fresh or frozen spinach-and-cheese ravioli
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup half-and-half
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 large shallot, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1. Put a pot of water on to boil. Place sliced zucchini in a large colander and set it in the sink. Cook ravioli according to package directions. Pour the ravioli and cooking liquid over the zucchini in the colander.
2. Meanwhile, mash garlic and salt together in a small bowl with a fork to form a coarse paste. Combine half-and-half and flour in another small bowl and place near the stove.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and the garlic paste and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine and cook, stirring, until almost completely evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes more. Add the flour mixture and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened, about 30 seconds. Gently stir in the ravioli and zucchini, basil and pepper. Divide among 4 plates. Top each portion with 1 tablespoon Parmesan.
Nutrition per serving: 351 calories; 11 g fat ( 6 g sat , 2 g mono); 53 mg cholesterol; 48 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 14 g protein; 2 g fiber; 541 mg sodium; 345 mg potassium.
» More from Get Healthy, Delaware! blog
Splitting Hairs
By 2016, the hair-product manufacturing sector is expected to reach the $15 billion mark, according to IBISWorld, which conducts industry and market research. The marketing firm also reports that the hair loss treatment and hair-removal industry is expected to top $550 million. Whether you’re losing it, gaining it or removing it, getting to the root of the matter can help you cope with it. (more)
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Health Events
Saturday, Nov. 9
American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb
Location 1201 N. Market St., Wilmington
Time 7 a.m. registration, 8:30 p.m. climb begins
More info. sdenardo@lunginfo.org or 737-6414, ext.17
Thursday, Nov. 14
Celebrating Women’s Health Lecture Series: Get the Word on GERD
Location John H. Ammon Medical Education Center, Christiana Hospital campus, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark
Time 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
More info. (800) 693-2273
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Delaware Diabetes Wellness EXPO 2013
Location Dover Downs Hotel & Casino Conference Center
Time 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More info. dediabetescoalition.org or 698-9227
To submit your health-related event, email shari@shortanswerconsulting.com
