Category: Uncategorized

  • The Top 3 Applicant Tracking Systems

    The Top 3 Applicant Tracking Systems

    An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software application that enables the electronic handling of recruitment needs. An ATS can be implemented or accessed online on an enterprise or small business level, depending on the needs of the company and there is also free and open source ATS software available. 

    When you apply for a job online, your resume isn’t typically going directly to a recruiter or hiring manager. It’s first being processed by an ATS. Whether that human recruiter ever sees your resume could depend on how well your resume is optimized for ATS algorithms.

    Why employers use applicant tracking systems

    Top employers hire for several jobs at a time and receive hundreds of resumes for any given opening. Because applying for a job online is easier than ever, many of these applicants are unqualified and figured “it was worth a try.”

    Applicant tracking systems keep all these resumes in one place, helping recruiters and hiring managers stay organized as well as EEOC compliant. In theory, these systems also save time by automatically surfacing and highlighting top candidates. In reality, ATS do help hiring professionals narrow their applicant pool, but top candidates slip through the cracks.

    Most large corporations utilize applicant tracking systems. Jobscan research found that 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS while a Kelly OCG survey estimated 66% of large companies and 35% of small organizations rely on recruitment software. If you’re applying to a large organization, chances are you’ll face an ATS. If you’re applying through any online form, you’re applying through an ATS. Even job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn have their own built in ATS.

    Viewing Applications

    Some recruiters still choose to glance at every job application that comes through their applicant tracking system. In this case, most take a quick glance at the applicant’s past highlights, job titles, and companies. They can make a determination about whether they want to learn more in about 6 seconds. It’s important to make sure your top skills and qualifications are easily identifiable.

    Automatic Rankings

    Some applicant tracking systems can automatically compare your resume to the job description. For example, Taleo calls this feature “Req Rank,” which ranks each applicant based on how well their resume scores based on the job description. A common way recruiters filter resumes in an applicant tracking system is by searching for key skills and titles. For example, if a recruiter is hiring for an Administrative Assistant position out of 400 resumes, their first step will probably be a search for “Administrative Assistant.” This will isolate candidates that have done the exact job before. Anyone that doesn’t have that exact term in their resume is out of luck. A search can contain multiple terms. For example, they might perform a complex search that contains a combination of titles and skills important for the job:

    Administrative Assistant AND data entry AND payroll …

    Candidates who can predict the correct resume keywords will have the greatest chance of being included in recruiter search results. The best way figure out which skills and keywords to include is by analyzing the job description. Jobs can automates this process by analyzing your resume against the job description to show the top skills and keywords missing from your resume.

    Our Top 3
    #3. Homebase

    Homebase makes hourly work easier for the whole team. With free online tools and mobile apps for managers and employees, Homebase eliminates the paperwork and headaches of scheduling, payroll, hiring and team communication. Start saving 4+ hours every week by visiting joinhomebase.com. Used by over 100,000 businesses of all sizes across the US.

    #2. BambooHR

    BambooHR offers easy, integrated applicant tracking (ATS) as part of our award-winning cloud-based HR platform. Onboarding tools, e-signatures, time-off tracking, performance management, plus easy reporting and a convenient mobile app set you free to do great work. Released from the data management spiral, HR professionals become more effective, more efficient, and more human. Visit bamboohr.com or give us a call to see a demo and start a free trial.

    #1. Breezy HR

    The most highly rated ATS on Capterra, Breezy streamlines your entire hiring process; giving you more time to connect with candidates by automating tasks like advertising on 40+ job boards, screening, interview scheduling & follow-ups. We include all the tools your team needs to hire more efficiently, from referrals & sourcing tools for LinkedIn and dozens of others to custom scorecards & interview guides. With Breezy, you’ll be making better, hiring decisions in less time. It’s GDPR compliant.

    If you own a business and found this article helpful, you might like our article about the top cloud services of 2018.


  • Solve Your Work From Home Issues With Cloud Computing

    Solve Your Work From Home Issues With Cloud Computing

    Has 2020 shaken your companies thoughts on work from home?

    Your employees like it and their productivity is high. Offering work from home as a staple of your company opens up your ability to recruit anywhere in the world and save a ton on monthly office spaces… but, you’re really not sure that you can effectively manage their work and keep it secure.

    This is where cloud computing, along with mobile technology, provides your customers’ employees the ability to work from any location that has internet access, via a virtual desktop or remote infrastructure.

    Cloud computing provides flexibility

    Cloud technology is what enables employees to work from any location, giving them access via a virtual environment to the same information that they’d have access to from the office. Collaboration and communication tools ensure that your customers’ employees can use the latest techniques and complete work at the same level as they would be able to from their office desktop.

    Employees can access documents and data that they need by using specific credentials to maintain security at the same time as giving them flexibility to work from home or any other location. This can be useful when your customers have multiple office locations, such as if they have a primary central office and smaller remote offices from additional locations. Cloud technology provides a greater level of flexibility and shared access to information centrally accessible via a single server.

    Increasing security for remote working

    Despite concerns your customers might have about security, cloud computing can actually work towards increasing their overall security levels as a business. Security measures can be put in place, such as user-specific passwords and encryption of files when there are attempts to open these by unauthorized users. Additional security measures can be implemented in the event of mobile devices or laptops being lost or stolen to prevent a security breach, so your customers need not worry about cloud computing compromising high levels of security in favour of remote working capabilities.

    Scalability for growing businesses – in the office and remotely

    Cloud computing also enables your customers to accommodate a large increase in a remote workforce very quickly, since employees can use their own mobile devices and laptops without incurring additional hardware costs. They can also access internal information via the cloud wherever they choose to work, and on any device. As long as each user is provided with access details, new employees can easily be granted access to all of the information that they will need, without them ever having to visit the office at all. This is ideal when there is restricted physical office space to scale up, and there is no restriction on the number of remote workers.

    Cloud computing and the future

    Cloud computing can offer a greater level of flexibility, security and scalability to your clients by enabling remote working. Find a specialist


  • What’s the Best Website Builder for 2020?

    What’s the Best Website Builder for 2020?

    When it comes to making websites, it’s much easier today than it was 20 years ago. If you’re looking to make a great website, look no further than these excellent resources. Below are our picks for the best web creation tools for 2020!

    The Best Website Builder tools for 2020

    Wix

    Wix is a cloud-based site building platform that is quite popular. It offers a lot of templates and tons of customization options. Their site builder is a drag-and-drop style, meaning it’s incredibly straightforward and easy-to-use. If you’re brand new to web design, it’s a great launching point. Their free version has limited bandwidth and storage, but you can use it to see if you like the style. If so, you can upgrade to premium and get to building more content for your site! The downsides are there, though: it’s unwieldy to move from Wix to another platform. That said, it’s still a good choice.

    Shopify

    A great resource for building online storefronts, Shopify is a fully-hosted site builder. All the data and backups are hosted on their servers. They’re a little on the pricey side, but they offer a great service. You can even integrate your Shopify page into WordPress! They also use a drag and drop style, meaning building your site is very straightforward. If you’re looking to open an online storefront, this is your way to do it.

    Weebly

    Weebly is another fully-hosted site, which is a pro and a con. While your data is backed up and safe, you also can’t change the site functionality. Their site builder is quick and intuitive, though, so you’ve got nothing to worry about there. They also have e-commerce integration, but they charge a 3% transaction fee. All said, they’re a good choice, but not the most popular.

    Squarespace

    Thanks in large part to aggressive advertising via YouTubers, Squarespace is a well-known name on the internet. The web-building tools are top-notch, and it’s easily one of the best out there. You don’t sacrifice a good-looking website for how easy it is to build with the platform. Many swear by the platform’s tools, and it’s rapidly gaining ground as a favorite of web-builders. The only downsides are the limited third-party integration. For instance, they only accept transactions through Apple Pay, PayPal or Stripe, so your options are limited.

    WordPress

    One of the most popular web platforms, WordPress is a fantastic resource. In fact, the site you’re currently on is powered by WordPress! It’s a relatively inexpensive service, but it has a bit of a learning curve. That said, it’s a flexible and robust tool to create any kind of site you would like to make. If you want to exert maximum control, this is a great tool for you! Consider WordPress if a small learning curve doesn’t deter you from making whatever site you have in mind.


  • What’s the Best SUV for 2020?

    What’s the Best SUV for 2020?

    If you’re in the market for a new car and wondering which SUV is right for you and your family, look no further! Today we’re breaking down some of the best SUVs on the market today and what makes each special. Important aspects, like price and average gas mileage, are high on our list of priorities. We’re also looking for SUVs with great comfort that offer a ton of bang for your buck. Let’s talk about some practical, comfortable vehicles.

    Honda Passport

    When you hear the word Honda, the first thing that comes to mind is usually “reliable.” The Honda Passport is no exception: reliable, comfortable and affordable, Honda’s midsize SUV is well worth your attention. The Passport starts at $31,990 for the base trim, though you’ll likely opt for the higher trim levels for even more cabin amenities, a stronger engine and a more robust safety suite.

    The vehicle gets an average of 20 MPG in the city and 25 on the highway, making it pretty standard among SUVs of its size. Even the base trim offers a pretty solid engine, ponying up 280 horses, making this vehicle fun as well as practical. The interior has a lot of cargo space, and seating for five. Thankfully, all five people get ample leg room and tons of soft-touch materials, making the cabin a peaceful and quiet space for long car rides.

    Toyota Highlander

    Another respected name in the automotive industry, Toyota’s Highlander is another solid midsize SUV you should consider. The cabin is one of the best in the class, offering up a ton of interior comfort for much less than higher-end competitors. Soft, sleek leather seats and a very upscale infotainment system make this SUV feel like it should be $20,000 more expensive. Thankfully, it starts at only $37,170 for the base trim.

    We highly recommend the hybrid version of the Highlander, as it offers a fantastic 30 MPG in the city, though this also means it gets only 28 on the highway. That said, this hybrid still packs a ton of power, bringing 306 horsepower to bear. It’s not exactly light or agile, though, so expect to take turns a little wide. However, this remains a great option for families, offering great cargo space, tons of legroom and a quiet, comfortable ride. Not to mention its stellar suite of safety features and great safety ratings!

    Kia Telluride

    The Korean carmaker has long been considered a leader in SUVs, and the Telluride’s 2020 model is here to continue that tradition. The Telluride is aptly named: riding in this vehicle is downright peaceful. The cabin is quiet and meditative, perfect for getting you through hectic morning commutes or back and forth dropping kids off at school. The suspension is incredibly smooth, the cabin is stylish and likable, and the engine is sufficiently powerful.

    Also making the vehicle appealing to families is the safety software suite. Emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, backup cams and more all make the Telluride a modern and easy-to-drive vehicle. Starting at $31,690, it’s also quite affordable for being a new (and luxurious) midsize SUV! As for the cost to own, it sports an average of 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.


  • What are the Best Mattresses in 2020?

    What are the Best Mattresses in 2020?

    If you’ve been looking to find a good new mattress, this is the article for you. Today we answer the question: what are the best mattresses in 2020?

    Hybrids

    Constructed from a combination of latex, memory, polyurethane foams, coils, and / or other materials, these mattresses usually are designed to maximize certain benefits, while also minimizing certain cons. For example, a latex + memory foam hybrid is able to deliver great bounce, cooling, and responsiveness via the latex, but also provide great pressure relief and support from the memory foam.

    Best for: Sleepers who want the best of all worlds. Great bounce, support, comfort, and cooling. A good all around option that is a very good choice for the majority of sleepers.

    Memory Foam
    Just like it sounds, these mattresses only consist of memory foam. Memory foam mattresses are known for their great support, pressure relief, and body contouring. Historically, memory foam has had a bad reputation as “sleeping hot”. However, many newer more advanced memory foams have been designed with superior cooling properties, creating a much cooler mattress than traditional memory foams.

    Best For: Sleepers who want great hug, body shaping, contour, pressure relief, and support. There is a wide spectrum of foams classified as “memory foam” and not all memory foams are created equal. A good option for sleepers who want a more pronounced hug than many hybrid or latex mattresses offer.

    Coils
    One of the most popular and widely used mattress types. Coil (aka innerspring) mattresses have one or more layers of spring coils (generally steel) that provide the support and comfort. As technology advances, the number, types, and layers of coils change. A larger number of coils typically means better comfort and support.

    Best For: Sleepers who want a more traditional coil / spring feel, great bounce, cooling, and strong edge support.

    Pillow-top

    Falling into an array of categories (coil, latex, memory, hybrid, etc.), pillow-top mattresses have a layer of soft material either stuffed or sewn into the cover. This works to add extra comfort and cushion for the sleeper.

    Best For: Sleepers who prefer a softer and more cushion comfort. If you enjoy a cloud-like type of support and comfort most pillow tops will offer the best sleeping surface for you.

    Contenders for Best Mattress

    #3. Purple
    Purple mattresses are luxurious and excellent. If you’re a fan of memory foam-style mattresses, you’ll love purple. The Purple Mattress has Smart Comfort Grid technology that keeps pressure on your body to a minimum. This ensures you awake comfortable and well-rested! If you find you often awake with painful pressure points from your mattress, this is for you. This mattress retails for $999, but you can often find it on sale for less. Purple’s website often has sales, as does Amazon!

    Also, a plus for Purple is their return policy. If you don’t love the mattress, you can send it back within 100 days for a full refund. These mattresses are made in the US, and they’re also covered by a ten-year warranty.

    #2. Sleep Number
    Sleep Number is well-known for their unique, adjustable design. If you’re not familiar with them, it works like this: each bed has a controller that allows you to choose a number. That number, your Sleep Number, represents how soft or firm you prefer your bed to be. The best part is, Sleep Number also offers beds that can be adjusted on both sides. That means if you prefer firm and your partner prefers soft, you can get the best of both worlds!

    You can also adjust the angle of the bed, allowing you to choose your preferred sleeping posture. You can even adjust the bed enough to watch TV or read while in bed! These mattresses are in the under-$1000 range, usually coming in between $700 and $900.

    #1. Saatva
    Saatva mattresses are made from all-natural, organic cotton. They also offer mattresses for $999 and offer a great set-up bonus. The cost of a mattress includes free delivery, setup and removal of your old mattress. Talk about full-service! Saatva mattresses are made in the US and Canada, meaning you know you’ll get quality construction.


  • Why Insiders Recommend You Drop What You’re Doing and Sign Up For This Bank Account Right Now!

    Why Insiders Recommend You Drop What You’re Doing and Sign Up For This Bank Account Right Now!

    It’s time to take control of your banking. It’s no longer necessary for you to make another trip to the bank during your busy day. Online banking can give you all the benefits of traditional banking and more.

    Make Things Easy

    There’s nothing worse than having to spend your lunch break in line at the bank because they don’t have hours that fit your schedule. That’s just one example of why signing up for an online banking account can make your life easier. Modern online accounts can also easily connect you with your landlord to pay rent or with your best friend to pay them back for buying you dinner. Another often overlooked perk of having an online banking is the fact that you don’t have to switch banks no matter where you move. Online banks are with you no matter where you go.

    Let Your Money Make Money

    Nontraditional companies are rapidly joining the online banking marketplace. From Cell phone companies to stock trading app development companies- the online banking marketplace is greatly expanding. These companies can provide you with simple, but impressive benefits because of their lack of traditional overhead. For example, Robinhood has recently launched a “banking account” that offers up to 1.8% APY on unused funds. T-Mobile also announced its intention of launching an online banking account that offers up to 4% APY with special terms.

    Get Rewards You’ll Use

    Many cards provide you with new redeemable rewards each week, month or quarter. When it comes to online banking, you are in high demand. That’s why banks develop partnerships with all types of retailers to pass the rewards on to you. The great thing about these rewards is that they’re often for places that you’d regularly shop anyway. They feature deals from companies like Airbnb, Five Guys, Staples, Nordstrom Rack, Advanced Auto Parts and dozens of others.

    Transfer Money With Security

    Online banking easily sets you up with the ability to transfer money cost-free. Zelle is an online service that’s joined up with multiple banks to securely transfer money to people and businesses alike. This is the first time you’ve had the ability to pay multiple types of sources from one app and from anywhere in the world. Secure money transfers have long been one of the main staples of traditional brick and mortar banks. But now they’re not the only ones able to offer this concrete feeling.

    It’s Not All Sunshine

    If you prefer having a person to have a live conversation with when banking, online banking doesn’t provide that. However online banking does provide a multitude of other ways to have your questions answered. Frequently their extensive FAQ sections will answer questions you didn’t even know you had.

    If you’re a person who gets mostly paid in cash online banking accounts can be a bit of a hassle. ATM’s can be difficult to find- making traditional cash deposits difficult. Also, if you need cash in a quick pinch, you’re limited to paying fees from other banks ATM’s, or getting cash back from other retailers.


  • Peloton VS Mirror – What’s the Real Cost of Getting in Shape at Home?

    Peloton VS Mirror – What’s the Real Cost of Getting in Shape at Home?

    Who loves going to a gym to get a sweat on- raise your hand. Who would rather work out from the comfort of their home with an extensive library of ever-expanding workouts- raise your hand… I thought so.

    In the last couple of years, the popularity of at-home connected workout devices has expanded exponentially. Right now, there are two different forms of workout dominating the space. We’ve done the research and broken down the benefits and downsides of each.

    Work Out is What Matters

    The popularity of class-based workouts has grown steadily over the years. Whether it’s cycling or body-weight based workout, the concept is the same. Use only a small amount of tools, add a motivating instructor and get your heart rate up. This has been the formula for decades. Except now, you have access to all of these things at home.

    Peloton, an at-home workout bike, claims that they currently have over 500,000 users using the bike or app. It features a Wi-Fi–enabled, 22-inch touchscreen tablet that streams live and on-demand classes and allows the rider to compete with other participants for a strenuous cardio workout.

    A hard ride on the Peloton can burn between 400 and 600 calories in a single hour-long ride. Over time, you’ll also increase your VO2 max by leaps and bounds. This is important for athletes because it’s a measure of how well your body is utilizing oxygen.

    Mirror offers a variety of workouts from numerous expert trainers. You have a wealth of information reflected back to you throughout your workout. Have an Apple watch? You can pair it to the Mirror to show how your current heart rate compares to your target heart rate. The fact that it’s a mirror is also something that reviewers consistently mention as one of their favorite attributes. You get a live view of how your form compares to that of your trainer. One of the biggest features that sets it apart is its personalization. You have the option of listing any injuries that you have and the mirror will show you alternative forms of the workout to the side of the screen.

    Cost to Own

    The Peloton bike requires a small amount of assembly, but don’t worry the price of the Peloton includes delivery and assembly by their team. Peloton also requires you to subscribe to their $39 a month archive of unlimited online classes. The first-year cost to own of a Peloton bike is roughly $3,000 and $500 every year after that.

    The mirror appears to be an easier option for setup. However, Mirror strongly advises you use their professional wall mount installation services which cost a flat $250 (including shipping.) Combine that with a required minimum $39 a month subscription and you’re looking at a minimum first-year cost of approximately $1,963 plus $500 every year after that.

    These first-year costs are estimates based on the bare-bones packages of both these at-home devices. However, both encourage purchasing additional goodies to take advantage of their full catalog of courses.

    Whichever device you chose, the ultimate determiner oh whether you reach your goal is dedication. They both provide excellent heart pumping workouts that are guaranteed to transform your physique.


  • Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Discover the Best Tech Deals From Your Favorite Retailers

    Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Discover the Best Tech Deals From Your Favorite Retailers

    To go out and fight the crowds or to stay home and vigilantly watch your favorite retail site- It’s an age-old debate between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Both are amazing times to get great deals. That’s why we’ve made the decision easier for you. We’ve highlighted the best deals on Tech from Amazon and your favorite retail store for tech, Best Buy. Read on and see what deals are coming this year!

    Best Buy: Microsoft Surface Pro 7: $649
    You save $300
    There’s something great about a portable tablet that also has nearly all the functionality of a full-sized laptop. It gives you the freedom to work from wherever you please. With a surprisingly fast i3 core processor, 4gb of ram and a 128 GB SSD, the Microsoft Surface Pro is a strong contender to replace your laptop. Best Buy has this laptop for just $649, that’s a savings of $300!

    Amazon: Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook: $179
    You save $100
    Some deals are so good you think they could only be offered to a select few customers who arrive early. This Chromebook is packed with 4gb of ram, touch screen and 32gb of storage. It comes highly recommended with a reputation for durability. This deal seems to be exclusive to Amazon.

    Amazon: Apple Watch Series 3 38mm with GPS: $170
    You save $30
    If you’ve been waiting to see a price drop on the Apple Watch now is pretty much your best time to pick one up. Amazon has the Apple Watch Series 3 for just $170. You even have your choice of three different bands.

    Best Buy: Apple Watch Nike Plus Series 4 GPS (40mm): $299
    You save $50
    Are you an active person who wants a more than capable smartwatch to take with them on their adventures? Then the Nike Plus 4 is for you. It’s almost twice the price of the base series 3 Apple Watch from Amazon though

    Amazon: LG Nano 8 Series 65-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED NanoCell TV with Alexa: $697
    You save $502
    When you’re looking for a quality television you can’t go wrong with LG. They’ve packed this 65-inch television with the latest in smart home technology. You have access to your choice of Amazon Alexa or Google’s Assistant for voice control. If you have an Apple device, this television will allow you to stream directly to it without having to purchase an Apple TV. You can get it for 42% off its normal list price.

    Amazon: Amazon Echo Show 8: $100
    You save $30
    Amazon has continued to push the bounds of in-home devices. This Black Friday they’re offering their latest Echo Show 8 for just $100. It’s got an 8-inch screen that’s a perfect companion for cooking your favorite recipe.

    Best Buy: 65-inch Vizio M-Series Quantum (M658-G1): $650
    You save $150
    Are you looking to finally upgrade to a 4k television but don’t want to go with the base package? The 65 inch Vizio M-series is a great compromise between affordability and performance. It features 4k picture quality, ultra-fast refresh rate and integration to google and apple streaming.


  • Is Medicare Supplement Plan F Being Discontinued?

    Is Medicare Supplement Plan F Being Discontinued?

    Plan F covers more costs than any other Medigap policy and is the most comprehensive of the standardized Medicare Supplement plans available in most states. But these plans might not be sold after 2020…

    Medicare Supplement Plan F is a specific type of Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) plan. This type of insurance can help pay for out-of-pocket costs of Medicare Part A and Part B. These costs might be coinsurance, copayments, or deductibles.

    Plan F covers more Medicare expenses than any other supplement plan. Medicare Part A and Part B make up the federal government’s Original Medicare program. Medicare Supplement plans are also named with letters, such as Plan F, but they are not the same thing.

    Plan F: Who is it for?

    – People on a fixed income: When your deductibles and most cost-sharing expenses are covered, your out-of-pocket costs may be more predictable.
    – International travelers: Plan F may cover most of your health care costs while traveling abroad.
    – People expecting high health care costs: Plan F’s higher premiums may be worth it for those with a lot of medical expenses to cover.

    Here’s what Medicare Supplement Plan F may cover:

    – Inpatient hospital costs and coinsurance under Medicare Part A for an additional 365 days after Medicare coverage runs out
    – Coinsurance for skilled nursing care facilities
    – Medicare Part B coinsurance/copayments
    – Part A deductible
    – Part B deductible
    – Limited emergency medical care overseas (80% up to plan limits)
    – Hospice care coinsurance/copayments under Part A
    – First three pints of blood
    – Part B excess charges (the amount a doctor is legally allowed to charge beyond the Medicare-approved amount for a medical service)

    Is Medicare Supplement Plan F being discontinued?

    Apparently so, for some people. According to congress.gov, starting in 2020, Medicare Supplement plans that pay the Medicare Part B deductible will no longer be sold to those newly eligible.

    – If you already have Medicare Supplement Plan F (or Plan C, which also covers the Part B deductible), you can generally keep it.
    – If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you may be able to buy Medicare Supplement Plan F or Plan C.
    – If you qualify for Medicare on January 1, 2020 or later, you may not be able to buy Medicare Supplement Plan F or Plan C.

    Is there another Medicare Supplement plan that may be comparable?

    Plan F offers the most comprehensive Medigap coverage available, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the most popular plan nationwide. Lately, however, Plan G has been giving F a run for its money—especially since Plan F will soon be phased out. The only thing F covers that G doesn’t is the Part B deductible ($185 in 2019), but Plan G’s lower premiums may make up the difference.

    If you become eligible for Medicare in 2020 or later, although you may not be able to buy Medicare Supplement Plan F or Plan C, you may be able to buy a very similar plan. Medicare Supplement Plan G generally has the same basic benefits as Plan F, except for the Part B deductible. So, you might want to look into Plan G.


  • 5 Psoriasis Myths Debunked

    5 Psoriasis Myths Debunked

    Psoriasis affects about 7.5 million people just in the United States. There are so many misconceptions about psoriasis, even by those who are affected. For the sake of those living with the condition, we’re here to clear up some of those myths.

    1. Psoriasis is contagious

    First things first, let’s get this out of the way – No, you cannot catch Psoriasis from someone, not even if you touch, hug or kiss them. It has nothing to do with their hygiene or how clean they are, Psoriasis is not contagious.

    2. Psoriasis is a skin disease

    Again, wrong. You cannot “catch” it – In fact, Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. The skin condition results from someone’s defective immune system, which in turn causes their bodies to start producing their skin cells much quicker than normal.

    It is, however, genetic. If one parent has it, this will increase your risk. While having two parents who have Psoriasis may increase your risk even more. Although it is genetic, this does not necessarily mean that you will ever get it.

    3. There is a cure

    While we wish this was true, it is not. Psoriasis is a lifelong condition. However, that does not mean it is not manageable. People who must live with Psoriasis go through times where they have almost non-existent flare-ups. They also go through periods where they will have a particularly bad flare-up.

    4. There is no treatment

    While it may be a journey of narrowing down treatments that work for each individual, there are plenty of treatment options out there. There are three goals when trying to treat Psoriasis: stop the overactive cells from reproducing, sooth the itching, and to remove all the excess dead skin. Many have also found relief with prescription drugs that work thought the body. The condition usually improves during the summer months due to sun exposure slowing the cell growth.

    5. Psoriasis is preventable

    While there are certain measures you can take to prevent a flare-up, Psoriasis is a lifelong condition. By managing factors such as you stress level, weight, alcohol intake, smoking, etc. you can reduce the risk of a flare-up. You can also prevent a flare-up with over the counter medications and light therapy!