Online master program in education

A recent Survey of Online Learning (Online Learning Consortium) found that students taking one or more online courses is now over 6.7 million. This is an increase of over 550,000 students from year before. Students are now able to take advantage of entirely online master’s degree programs from accredited institutions and receive the same advanced degree as their traditional student counterparts. As the demand for online degrees increases, greater emphasis is placed on the quality and instruction of these programs.

Ranking Methodology

In order to be considered for this ranking of the best online master’s degree programs, institutions needed to have at least ten online master’s degrees and be accredited. Data points were obtained from College Navigator for ratio and tuition (unless specifically noted in the online program website). From those universities, we narrowed them down to the top 50 using the following point system.

Number of Online Programs:

Less than 20 – 1 point
Between 20-40 – 2 point
Greater than 40 – 3 point

Student-Faculty Ratio:

Greater than 30:1 – 1 point
Between 20:1 and 29:1 – 2 points
Less than 19:1 – 3 points

Tuition:

Greater than $20,000/year – 1 point
Between $10,000 and $19,999 – 2 points
Less than $10,000 – 3 points

Online Master’s Degree Programs vs. Campus-based Programs

Graduate Students are faced with more options than ever before when choosing a program that meets their professional and educational goals. Making the choice between a traditional brick-and-mortar program and a comparable online program has many considerations.

1) Students need to determine if they have the discipline and motivation to complete a program in a virtual environment. Campus based programs tend to provide more structure and accountability to students on an ongoing basis. Online programs rely more heavily on students being disciplined and organized enough to complete assignments, participate in online discussions and complete online group projects.

2) Students in either type of program need to be comfortable with technology, but online programs require students to be more self sufficient. Online students often need to be able to use technology such as video conferencing, message boards, chat, and web based learning platforms in order to participate in course activities. If students are not comfortable with that type of technology or getting themselves up to speed, then a more traditional program may allow them to be more successful.

Online Master’s Degree Programs vs. Campus-based Programs

Graduate Students are faced with more options than ever before when choosing a program that meets their professional and educational goals. Making the choice between a traditional brick-and-mortar program and a comparable online program has many considerations. An graduate education is not “one size fits all” so it is important that students do their due diligence to find a program that meets their needs and allows them to be successful.

1) Students need to determine if they have the discipline and motivation to complete a program in a virtual environment. Campus based programs tend to provide more structure and accountability to students on an ongoing basis. Online programs rely more heavily on students being disciplined and organized enough to complete assignments, participate in online discussions and complete online group projects.

2) Students in either type of program need to be comfortable with technology, but online programs require students to be more self sufficient. Online students often need to be able to use technology such as video conferencing, message boards, chat, and web based learning platforms in order to participate in course activities. If students are not comfortable with that type of technology or getting themselves up to speed, then a more traditional program may allow them to be more successful.

Selecting an Online Master’s Degree Program

When selecting an online program, there are several considerations students need to take in order to make sure the program will meet their professional and personal needs.

1) Students needs to ensure the program they are interested in comes from an accredited institution. There are six regional institutional accreditors in the United States and students will need to confirm that their institute is accredited by one of those bodies. Some professions, such as nursing and social work, require that the individual master’s program have specific accreditation. Students will need to make sure that the program they plan to enroll in meets licensing or certification criteria.

2) Students need to research the amenities included in the program. Will students have access to 24 hour tech support? Will online graduates have access to career services or an alumni network to assist with job placement? These are examples of factors that should be considered based on the needs of the student.

3) Not all online programs are 100% online. Some require students to come to campus for short residencies throughout the program to engage in face-to-face activities or professional development. Others may offer hybrid courses which combine online and classroom learning. Still others may require students attend an onsite orientation. Students need to be careful in reviewing course requirements ahead of time, especially if coming onsite is not an option.

Applying to Online Master’s Degree Program

Online programs can be just as competitive as their on-campus counterparts. Students may need to select more than one program to apply to depending on acceptance rates and a students own application portfolio. When applying to online master’s degree programs it is important that students carefully review admission requirements. Some schools will require applicants to apply directly to the program of interest, while others require students to apply to the university itself. Application deadlines are also important to review as they will differ from program to program. The deadline to apply to the university may be different than the deadline to apply to the program. Program requirements differ from school to school so it is important to note if applicants need a specific undergraduate GPA, graduate record exam (GRE) score or years of experience in the workforce to be considered. A school with lower admission standards may make it easier to be accepted, but the program may be less rigorous. Knowing these requirements up front will help applicants avoid surprises or have their educational goals put on hold.

Paying for an Online Master’s Degree Program

Whether pursuing an online or on-campus master’s program, students will need to complete a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). By completing the FAFSA early in the year, students will receive consideration for grants and loans by meeting specific criteria. Graduate students have scholarships available to them, and more and more online schools are making grants and scholarships available to their students. Online programs may appear cheaper, but students need to factor in program fees that might be overlooked when looking at cost per credit hour alone. Students will need to review costs for their specific program and determine whether those costs will vary with an online option. While graduate tuition can vary dramatically between schools, online and on-campus programs typically cost about the same once all costs are factored in.

Are Online Master’s Degree Programs Worthwhile?

Online degree programs can be an excellent way for students to obtain their master’s degree while continuing to meet their employment and family responsibilities. The flexibility provided by online programs can be invaluable if a student cannot afford to take time away from the workforce to complete a traditional program. By allowing students to continue working and earning an income, online programs can be a great way to utilize the skills and knowledge learned immediately. Employers benefit when students can apply higher level skills and abilities to their existing position.

When students are able to utilize self-discipline and motivation to complete their online program, the benefits are identical to those graduating from a traditional program. Most schools do not differentiate between online and traditional degrees on a transcript, which means students do not have to disclose that they earned their degree online if they are not comfortable doing so. Online graduates are often able to take advantage of career services and alumni associations in order to network and develop professional connections. Since students often do not reside in the same community as their graduate program, they need to be intentional about making these connections (providing the school provides these amenities). When thoroughly planned, online master’s degree programs can give graduates additional earning power, greater knowledge and skills, and a lifelong network of other dedicated and educated professionals.

Online nursing degree

Online nursing degree 

Enhance your skills with a Nursing degree. Earn your RN to BSN in about 14 months when you transfer in your ADN, or get your MSN in as little as 18 months.

You’re ready to make moves in your nursing career.  Earn an advanced nursing degree and take the next steps toward your future in healthcare. You can take one course at a time in your degree program, whether you choose to earn your bachelor’s or master’s nursing degree online or on campus. Feel confident with programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). With relevant, up-to-date curriculum, you’ll walk away with skills you can apply directly to your career.

Online nursing degree 

No matter the level of nursing degree you’re pursuing, our faculty and advisors will be with you every step of the way. Our on-campus and online nursing degree courses enable you to pursue your education without sacrificing your personal and work commitments. Your current RN license earns you 40 credits toward your degree. Save time and resources during your degree program with the opportunity to transfer up to a maximum of 87 credits into your CCNE-accredited nursing degree program.

Online nursing degree 

Our Nursing Pathways Program allows students who are interested in earning both their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) to enroll in courses that count toward both your RN to BSN and MSN. In these programs, you’ll learn the theory and practice of contemporary nursing including evidence-based practice; quality and patient safety; and leadership.

Earn your master’s degree in nursing with our Nursing Bridge Program. Designed for nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, this program helps working nurses quickly earn their MSN, while saving time and money. You’ll take the same MSN introductory course, along with three nursing upper division level bridge courses to provide you with the skills you’ll need to pursue your goals.

HEALTH CARE EDUCATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Online nursing degree Designed to accommodate your busy schedule, the online education options at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offer learning opportunities to those considering a health care career, specializing in a nursing field, or taking the next step to an advanced, evidence-based education to improve health care outcomes.

Online nursing degree 

Mesothelioma survival rate

>Mesothelioma Survival Rates
    Survival rates for mesothelioma refer to the amount of time patients with mesothelioma live after a diagnosis. Overall, about 40 percent of mesothelioma patients survive the first year after diagnosis. These rates vary based on many factors: Age, race, gender, cancer stage and mesothelioma type.

Historically, survival rates for mesothelioma are measured in terms of one-year survival. However, many mesothelioma patients are beating the odds and living far beyond median survival rates thanks to advances in treatment.

Additionally, five-year survival for mesothelioma patients has steadily improved since 1999, according to the latest report from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program.

Long-term survivors attribute their success to a multidisciplinary approach to treatment from mesothelioma specialists, alternative medicine, clinical trials and nutritional changes.

Mesothelioma Survival Rate vs. Life Expectancy

While these terms are often used interchangeably, mesothelioma life expectancy and survival rates carry different meanings.

Life expectancy refers to the average age a person is expected to live based on the year they were born, where they were born and other demographic factors. An aggressive cancer, such as mesothelioma, can shorten this average.

Survival rates come into play after a person is diagnosed with cancer or another serious health condition. These rates show the percentage of patients in a study or treatment group who are still alive for a certain period of time following a diagnosis.

Researchers describe the mesothelioma survival rate in several ways — usually six-month and one-year survival, but also the percentage of patients who live two years, three years and five years.

Mesothelioma has no definitive cure and most cases are diagnosed in the latter stages, after tumors have spread — a main reason why survival rates are generally lower compared to other cancers.

Factors that Affect Survival Rate

QUICK FACT

Current five-year survival for mesothelioma patients is around 9 percent, while 67 percent of patients diagnosed with cancer of any other site survive at least five years.

Survival rates for mesothelioma cancer vary by the patient’s age, gender, race and several other factors. The location, stage and cell type of the cancer, as well as your overall health, have the strongest influence on your mesothelioma prognosis.

Age

Overall, older mesothelioma patients have a much lower survival rate than younger ones. More than 55 percent of patients diagnosed before the age of 50 live one year, but less than 30 percent of patients 75 or older live the same amount of time.

This difference is largely because younger patients are eligible for more intensive treatments such as surgery. Older individuals may not be candidates for these procedures because of poor overall health or a high risk of complications.

Mesothelioma One-Year Survival by Age Range

Age Range	Survival Rate
< 50	57.2%
50 – 64	51.2%
65 – 74	40.9%
75+	28.5%

Rates are similar for long-term survival. Patients diagnosed before age 50 have nearly a 25 percent chance of surviving a decade, while that drops sharply — to 5.4 percent — for patients between the ages of 50 and 64.

However, it is rare for someone younger than 50 to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. The average age at diagnosis is 73.

The five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed between ages 65-74 is 6.7 percent. That rate falls to 3.8 percent for those 75 or older.

Gender

Research shows women with mesothelioma experience nearly three-fold better survival rate compared to men. After analyzing mesothelioma cases reported in the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database from 1988 to 2013, researchers found the overall five-year survival rate for men was 7 percent, compared with 15 percent for women.

Mesothelioma Survival Rates by Gender

Gender	1 Year	2 Years	3 Years	4 Years	5 Years
Males	37.6%	17.4%	10.4%	7.7%	5.9%
Females	45.4%	29.3%	22.2%	18.6%	16.0%

Most asbestos exposure occurs in the workplace, particularly in industrial jobs traditionally held by men. That helps explain why men account for the majority of all mesothelioma cases.

When asbestos use was far more pervasive decades ago, the few women who did develop a related illness were usually exposed because they lived near mines or factories — especially those that processed the mineral. Women also found themselves exposed by spouses, family members or friends who worked around asbestos and brought home the tiny fibers on their clothes.

QUICK FACT

From 1999 to 2015, 80 percent of Americans who died from mesothelioma were older than 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Although numerous factors contribute to patient survival, women with mesothelioma appear to survive longer than men regardless of age, cancer stage, race or type of treatment. For every age group studied in the SEER program, women fared significantly better than men.

There is currently no conclusive answer as to why, but some researchers believe the improved survival could be explained by hormonal differences between genders. 

Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, which carries a better prognosis compared to the more common pleural type.

Race

Mesothelioma is almost exclusive to white individuals, who make up 95 percent of patients.

This vast difference may be in large part because black and Hispanic individuals are less likely to be diagnosed with any type of cancer, mesothelioma included. Data from SEER shows blacks and Hispanics account for only 8 percent of all cancer diagnoses.

Mesothelioma Survival Rates by Race

Race	1 Year	2 Years	3 Years	4 Years	5 Years
White*	39.7%	20.2%	12.9%	9.8%	7.8%
Black*	35.2%	21.4%	16%	14.3%	12%
*Data includes Hispanics

Although race does not appear to impact mesothelioma survival rate much initially, race becomes a more telling factor as time passes. From three years on, the survival rate of white patients is slightly worse than black patients.

Five-year survival among whites is 7.8 percent, compared with 12 percent for blacks. After 10 years, only 4.4 percent of white patients survive, while 8.2 percent of blacks are alive a decade after diagnosis.

SEER data used to calculate these survival rates includes Hispanics among patients who identify as both black and white. Because mesothelioma is rarer among other races, reliable survival statistics are not available.

According to a 2015 study analyzing 13,734 pleural mesothelioma cases in the SEER database, black patients lived longer than white patients despite being less likely to undergo aggressive surgery. Only 18 percent of black patients in the study had surgery, compared to 24 percent of white patients.

Typically, mesothelioma patients who have surgery survive longer than those who do not.

Cancer Site

There are four types of mesothelioma, and the site where the cancer originates can greatly affect patient survival.

QUICK FACT

Half of peritoneal patients who undergo HIPEC live longer than five years.

Of the two most common mesothelioma types — pleural and peritoneal — survival is significantly better for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. This, however, has not always been the case.

Before the emergence of an advanced peritoneal mesothelioma therapy calledhyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) that combines cytoreductive surgery and heated chemotherapy, median survival for untreated patients was about six months.

This compares to a median survival of less than 12 months for patients with untreated pleural mesothelioma. In select studies, heated chemotherapy has boosted peritoneal mesothelioma survival to between 40 and 92 months.

According to a 2015 meta-study analyzing 20 years of data from 1992 to 2012, the five-year survival rate for peritoneal mesothelioma patients is more than five-times higher than the rate for pleural patients.

Mesothelioma Survival Rates by Site

	Pleural	Peritoneal
1 year	73%	92%
3 years	23%	74%
5 years	12%	652%
10 years	4.7%	39%
Source: “Changing Pattern in Malignant Mesothelioma Survival,” published in the journal Translational Oncology in February 2015.

The remaining two types — pericardial and testicular mesothelioma — when combined, account for less than 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Median survival for testicular mesothelioma, the rarest type, is 24 months. About 40 percent of patients die from the disease.

Pericardial mesothelioma, which develops on the lining of the heart, has a median survival ranging from six to 10 months.

Stage of Cancer

The stage of your cancer at diagnosis is a strong predictor of overall survival. Survival is best among people diagnosed with mesothelioma at an early stage, before cancer spread starts to limit treatment options.

Early-stage patients who receive prompt treatment experience improved survival because they are more likely to qualify for surgery and other aggressive treatments associated with better outcomes.

Pleural Mesothelioma Median Survival Rate by Stage

Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4
19.3 months	11.6 months	4.7 months	2.7 months
Source: “Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Population-Based Study of Survival,” published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology in November 2010.

Typically, pleural mesothelioma is not diagnosed until it reaches stage 3 or stage 4, the last stages of development. This can include a larger tumor or extensive cancer spread throughout the body. Later stages of mesothelioma are more difficult to treat effectively, so these patients have worse survival rates.

A late diagnosis is common because it can take 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to develop, and many people don’t experience symptoms until the cancer has already reached an advanced stage.

While there is no established staging system for peritoneal mesothelioma, some researchers have proposed their own systems based on the TNM system, which uses tumor size, lymph node involvement and cancer spread to describe the extent of many types of cancer.

One such novel staging system has three stages based on TNM characteristics and a measure of tumor burden called the peritoneal cancer index (PCI). In a 2011 international study involving 294 peritoneal mesothelioma patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and heated chemotherapy, researchers used this system to describe patient survival.

One-year survival for stage 1 patients was 94 percent, 87 percent for stage 2 and 66 percent for stage 3. The researchers also calculated five-year survival, which was 87 percent for stage 1, 53 percent for stage 2 and 29 percent for stage 3.

Tumor Histology

The histology, or cellular makeup, of a mesothelioma tumor is also an accurate predictor for patient survival. Mesothelioma has three primary cell types: Epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. They differ not only in appearance, but also in behavior.

With a median survival of 12 to 24 months, epithelioid mesothelioma — the most common cell type — has the best prognosis. Epithelioid cells are the least aggressive and respond best to treatment.

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, has a median survival of six months. Sarcomatoid tumors exhibit more aggressive behavior in terms of cell growth and invasive spread. Biphasic mesothelioma, which has both epithelioid and sarcomatoid features, has a median survival of 12 months.

Median Survival Rate by Tumor Histology

Epithelial	19 months
Biphasic	13 months
Sarcomatoid	8 months

In a large, multi-institutional study that investigated how tumor histology and other factors affect survival, researchers observed similar survival rates. Among more than 3,000 pleural mesothelioma patients, the epithelioid cell type had the best survival rate, with a median survival of 19 months. Sarcomatoid patients experienced a median survival of eight months, the worst outcome of all cell types. Median survival for biphasic patients was 13 months.

Navy mesothelioma

Asbestos Exposure Among Navy Veterans

Navy mesothelioma 

Navy veterans still are paying the price today. The Navy finally stopped filling ships with asbestos in the early ’70s, but those vessels remained in use for many years after production stopped.

Prior to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulating the use of asbestos, shipbuilders were using it in hundreds of applications. Engine rooms, boiler rooms, weapons and ammunition storage rooms – anywhere that needed heat resistance – all had the mineral. It was in the mess halls, the sleeping quarters and navigation rooms, too. Products like cables, gaskets and valves had asbestos. It covered the pipes, pumps, motors, condensers and compressors that helped run a ship. It was in the wall insulation and the floors.

The construction, demolition, repair or renovation of ships – or naval buildings on land – exposed Navy personnel to the microscopic asbestos fibers. As ships aged, asbestos became brittle. Any disturbance, especially in the close quarters of ships and submarines, would make the fibers airborne.Sailors aboard warships often slept in bunks that were below asbestos-covered pipes, forcing them to shake off the dusty material on a regular basis. The Marines that often were transported on the same ships were exposed, too. Personnel who worked below deck on ships were at the highest risk because of where the most heat-resistant asbestos was used, nearest the engine and boiler rooms.

Navy Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program

In the late 1970s, the U.S. Navy launchedthe Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program (AMSP), a comprehensive program that monitors the health of service members and civilian employees of the U.S. Department of the Navy who were exposed to asbestos.

AMSP helps the Navy keep records of exposed members so it can provide regular medical examinations and chest X-rays to detect asbestos-related diseases early on. Early detection is crucial for successfully treating mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that typically takes decades to develop after asbestos exposure.

When an asbestos incident occurs, medical officers can place anyone affected into the AMSP. The medical officer, usually the AMSP manager on a ship or in small facilities, will oversee the initial surveillance exam and the periodic exams that follow.

Once enrolled in the program, Navy service members fill out a questionnaire with information about their work history and any past or current exposures to asbestos. The form also asks a series of questions about lung health to identify early warning signs of asbestos-related disease, such as shortness of breath or a persistent cough.

Next, members visit an occupational health doctor for a physical exam. The doctor evaluates the member’s health and lung function, and then performs an X-ray that may reveal signs of an asbestos-related condition. Another common test, known as spirometry, helps the doctor assess how well the lungs are functioning.

With the results of the questionnaire and initial physical exam, doctors can identify asbestos-related health problems. The doctor documents the results of the exam and tests to use as a reference for future health exams.

If new symptoms appear or existing symptoms worsen, it may indicate an undiagnosed asbestos-related disease. Further testing allows doctors to make the correct diagnosis and promptly get members started with treatment.

Asbestos in homes - some helpful tips

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber. It can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.

How Can Asbestos Affect My Health? 

Three of the major health effects associated with asbestos exposure are:

1. Lung Cancer 
2. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung, chest and the abdomen and heart 
3. Asbestosis, a serious progressive, long-term, non-cancer disease of the lungs 

The risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma increases with the number of fibres inhaled.
The risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibres is also greater if you smoke. People who get asbestosis have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 10 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibres, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibres can remain there for a long time, increasing the risk of disease. Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is much more likely to create a health hazard.

READ:MESOTHELIOMA INFORMATION

Where Asbestos Hazards May Be Found Houses?

STEAM PIPES, BOILERS, and FURNACE DUCTS insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. These materials may release asbestos fibres if damaged, repaired, or removed improperly.

RESILIENT FLOOR TILES (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing on VINYL SHEET FLOORING, and ADHESIVES used for installing floor tile. Sanding tiles can release fibers. So may scraping or sanding the backing of sheet flooring during removal.



PATCHING AND JOINT COMPOUNDS for walls and ceilings, and TEXTURED PAINTS. Sanding, scraping, or drilling these surfaces may release asbestos.
SOUNDPROOFING OR DECORATIVE MATERIAL sprayed on walls and ceilings. Loose, crumbly, or water-damaged material may release fibres. So will sanding, drilling, or scraping the material.
RESIDENTIAL CEMENT ROOFING, SHINGLES, and SIDING. These products are not likely to release asbestos fibres unless sawed, drilled, or cut.
ARTIFICIAL ASHES AND EMBERS sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces. Also, other older household products such as FIREPROOF GLOVES, STOVE-TOP PADS, IRONING BOARD COVERS, and certain HAIRDRYERS.
CEMENT SHEET, MILLBOARD, and PAPER used as insulation around furnaces and wood-burning stoves. Repairing or removing appliances may release asbestos fibres. So may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, or sawing insulation.
DOOR GASKETS in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves. Worn seals can release asbestos fibers during use.

READ:MESOTHELIOMA LAWSUITS

Asbestos Do's and Don'ts for the Homeowner

• Do find out whether asbestos materials are present before you have your home remodelled or renovated if it might disturb suspect material. 
• Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos. 
• Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material. 
• Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals. 
• Don't dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. 
• Don't saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials. 
• Don't use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor. 
• Don't sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. 
• Don't track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If the material is from a damaged area, or if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos professional. 

Expat Life Insurance

Expat Life Insurance

We have all heard about life insurance, but what actually is it? Why would you need it? How much does it cost?

In this article, we break down the key information about Life Insurance to help you make an informed decision.

What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a financial protection that pays out a lump sum of money should the policy holder pass away.

Why do you need life insurance?

There are several reasons why you might want, or need, to take out life insurance:

Current life insurance does not cover you as an expat: It is often the case that life insurances are not transferable if you go and live overseas.

If you have life insurance in your home country you need to check if it covers you as an expat. Unless you specifically requested this when taking out the insurance policy, it is unlikely that you will be covered and you may need an additional policy in your new country of residence.

To secure a loan/mortgage: It may be a requirement by the lender that you have life insurance if you are borrowing money, such as a mortgage, or it may be a choice to take out an insurance to make sure that, should the worse happen, your family or loved ones do not have to take on your debt.

Financial support for loved ones: Many life insurance policies are taken out to help support the family of a loved one should they pass. In this case, lump sum payments are often paid out, and sometimes mortgages and debts may be wiped clean.

This payment will also provide a lump sum for loved ones to help them financially. This could be used for whatever they wish, including paying for any future education, healthcare or living costs.

How much does life insurance cost?

Costs can vary greatly depending on your age, the amount of cover you want; your location; occupation; your health and smoking status. Please get in touch with us and we can provide you with an obligation-free quote taking all these factors into consideration.

Insurance company that offer expat life insurance quote

 In the cause of this article I will recommend health care international as the best in expat life insurance.

Health care international: healthcare international have over 35years of experience in international health insurance. They provide solution that meets the needs of international workers

The benefits of our international life insurance include:

• a choice of life cover options and premiums appropriate for your particular circumstances
• our insurance policies are fully flexible to reflect your new circumstances - for example, new-borns or a house purchase
• 24-hour claims line, 365 days a year, for immediate emergency assistance and advice

Donating to Fight Diabetes

Donating to Fight Diabetes

As many as 25 million Americans have diabetes. That’s over 8% of the population. South Dakotaalone, one of the least populated states in the Union has a 6% rate of diabetes. Affecting both young and old alike, this disease is life-altering and often life-threatening as well. The American Diabetes Association is working to educate people about diabetes, promoting research, and advocating for affordable treatments for diabetic patients all over the United States. With your car donation to them through Donate a Car, you can help them keep moving forward in the fight against diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

There are 3 different types of Diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational. Each type has different indicators and risks, and are treated differently by doctors and patients.

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is a condition where the body doesn’t produce it’s own insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows your body to absorb the sugars from carbohydrates and use it to provide energy for your body. This condition is typically diagnosed in young adults and children. Type 1 diabetes can be affected by diet, but it can’t be controlled by it. Medication is required to manage this kind of diabetes.

Type 2

Type 2diabetes, or hyperglycaemia, occurs when the body’s blood sugar levels rise above normal. This is caused because the body doesn’t use insulin properly to keep the sugar regulated. This kind of insulin resistance, depending upon the severity of it, can be handled with medication, diet, or a combination of both. This kind of diabetes often becomes apparent in adults.

Gestational

Gestational diabetes is specific to pregnant women. Women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes don’t necessarily have diabetes before their pregnancy, and won’t usually suffer with it after giving birth. The cause of gestational diabetes isn’t known, but it’s believed that the extra production of hormones that go into growing a foetus interrupt the natural production and absorption of insulin in the mother’s body.

Reduce Your Risk

Unless you have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, there is much you can do to prevent being diagnosed with diabetes in the future. Here are just a few suggestions to help keep you healthy:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid highly processed sugars and grains, sticking with whole grains as much as possible
• Reduce sodium consumption
• Don’t smoke

The efforts you put into staying healthy can save you money, discomfort, and even your life later on.