Guaranty Association Benefits Company

The deafening alarm, the reflex reaction to hit your snooze button, be able to find this perfect cozy place in a nano-second you convince you really need 6 minutes to prepare today and hit snooze again - sound familiar

How? the morning is not the best thing to do, but it can set the tone for the rest of your day. Making small changes to your normal routine can have positive effects on productivity, mood and daily overall health.

Check out this list of seven tips to start your day off right.

Stop the snoozefest

We understand the temptation, really we do, but to hit the snooze button really puts you back for the rest of the day. When you press the snooze button and go back to sleep, you start a new cycle of sleep that you do not have time to finish. The result? This feeling groggy that can last all day. Avoid this indulgence by putting your alarm a few feet from your bed, you are forced to get up and move!

STRETCHHHHHHHHH

So you got your head from the pillow - well done! It is time to wake up your body, which was in the same position in the last hours. Stretching in the morning can improve posture, relax muscles, increase flexibility, and stimulate your circulatory system. Start by, light stretching as stretching your arms straight above your head, with your palms facing the ceiling. - Hold for 15 seconds

Do not forget to breathe

Have you thought about how you will breathe in the morning? Neither we, until we learned that breathing exercises may help lower blood pressure, improve concentration, and release any anxiety you may have about your day. Try this quick exercise: Hold your breath and tense your body for three seconds. Then open your mouth and exhale while releasing all the tension in your body.

Fill Up On H2O

We understand the need for morning coffee, but drinking water is instead a long list of benefits. Add a touch by pressing the lemon juice in water at room temperature to stimulate the immune system, cleanse the liver, improve your metabolism, fight against bad breath causing bacteria, and relieve constipation. In addition, you will have a leg up on the daily recommended 7-8 glasses!

break the fast

Even if you're not hungry, your brain is! The brain needs glucose from food in order to work well, so do not skip this important meal even if you are not feeling hungry. Not only eat breakfast leave you feeling more alert, you are also more likely to make healthy choices throughout the day and less likely to give into cravings. Try high-fiber, low glycemic small index items like oatmeal, egg whites, lean meats, whole grain toast or bagels.

Put Some Pep In Your Step

Whether Sir Elton John "The Circle of Life" from the Lion King or OutKast Hey Ya 'tunes have a benefits of the long list for our health. Start your day with your favorite beats to get you in a good mood that is likely to persist throughout the day. (bonus points to add your own dance move in!)

be Thankful

Cheesy? Perhaps, but often we do not take the time to appreciate all that we have been blessed with and spend all day So work for before starting the agitation which we call life. take some time to celebrate your health, your family, and well, life

The GoHealth family is pleased to welcome Mark Monitello to its growing team! Monitello GoHealth joined in September 2014 as SVP, Human Resources. He brings expertise in key human resources departments in high-growth companies that have intensive technology and sales.

SVP of Human Resources, Mark Monitello

Before GoHealth, Monitello was the Senior Vice President, Human Resources at FTD Companies , Inc. (NASDAQ: FTD), a recognized leader in the delivery of flowers, gifts, and related products in the US and abroad. During his tenure with FTD, Monitello oversaw human resources and functions facilities for a $ 650M + company publicly traded with about 1,000 employees.

Monitello also worked as vice president of staffing at headquarters United Online and as vice president, global allocation to international MasterCard, where he managed the human resources and staffing services personnel to Amdocs Inc., GE Capital and IBM.

Monitello received his Bachelor of Science Niagara University. GoHealth is pleased with this new addition to the Human Resources Department!

Open Enrollment can be confusing. Do all maturities blur together? You do not know when you can sign up for coverage? Do you know when your coverage ends in 2014? Otherwise GoHealth is there to help you. Discover all the important dates you need to know to make sure you and your family get the health insurance coverage you need for 2015.

There is a clear answer to this question: If you do not have health insurance, it is time to get covered.

It may seem like a daunting process, but thanks to GoHealth, registration can be simple and fast. GoHealth is a private exchange where you can compare plans, learn more about health insurance options, and even purchase the most appropriate coverage for you and your family.

It is time to join a health plan because it is the law. Law on the Protection and Affordable Care patients (ACA), also known as reforming health care or Obamacare, entered into force in 2014, requiring most Americans to have health insurance .

Maybe life got in the way. Maybe you were simply not aware of the individual mandate that requires you to have coverage. Or maybe, your job or marital status changed and you are now without insurance you need. Whatever your reason, this is your chance to put it aside and purchase your plan.

If you do not get the cover? You could face a fine. If you are required to have health insurance (most Americans are) and you do, you may be subject to a penalty tax. In 2015, the fines will be equal to two percent of income or $ 325 for each adult and $ 162.50 for each child, whichever is greater.

This penalty will only go up. The tax penalty will more than double in 2016 and continue to increase each year after that. The law allows a period of coverage. If you are uninsured for less than three months during a period of time, you will not be fined.

Like most rules, there are exceptions. The ACA provides some Americans to carry health insurance plans. If you live below the poverty line, are a member of certain denominations, or are a member of a clearinghouse for sharing health care ministries to share medical expenses, you may not be necessary to have a blanket.

If you have insurance through your employer, Medicaid, Medicare or CHIP, you are covered. Breathe deeply and take full advantage of all the benefits offered by your plan, such as screening for blood pressure, nutrition counseling, and vaccines against flu.

action today. Open Enrollment begins November 15 and runs through February 15, 2015. Prior to this, you can prepare by gathering all the information you need, make a list of questions and the benefits that will serve you and your family the better.

Make a plan for your plan. Set a calendar reminder or cell phone alarm for November 15, and light enough time to learn about your options and talk through your options with a licensed counselor so you do not feel press. This is an important decision, not only to comply with the law, but taking care of your family and yourself.

Once you are covered, set aside your concerns about fines and worry if someone in your house gets sick or injured. Know your plan and the benefits it offers. And take note of important dates for registration, all relevant websites and phone numbers of your doctors and health care providers.

Finally, take a healthy commitment to you and your family to get and stay covered and to avoid fines, so you do have to ask this question again.

We know, we know: Stay in shape during the winter is hard. Really, sometimes it feels impossible. When you combine a lack of motivation with freezing temperatures, it seems that there is nothing to do but sit on your couch until summer again.

But this winter, things can be different. We've rounded up a few tips and workouts that can help anyone stay healthy throughout the last snowfall.

Enjoy the snow.

If you live in a climate that gets a lot of snow each winter, use that fluffy, white powder to your advantage. Strap on cross-country skis and hiking through your nearest forest preserve, or lace up a pair of skates and hit your neighborhood rink.

Find your inner Zen.

Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and keep your muscles in shape during the coldest months. And not just for adults: Kids love this exercise, too. Find a yoga class for the whole family at your local gym, or pop in a DVD at home.

do some laps.

Think swimming is just for the summer? Think again. Indoor pools are open all year. And not only is swimming a full body workout, but it can instantly relieve stress. Swimmers also tend to live longer than people who do not exercise at all.

Take the stairs.

Want killer legs for shorts and swimsuits this summer? Say no to the lift or escalator and take the stairs instead. You burn more calories and have more energy to spend the rest of your day.

As mentioned above, the deadline to obtain health insurance coverage is February 15. However, you may not know exactly why it's so important to get coverage on that date.

looking more answers? Here, we break down a few of the reasons why you can not afford to go without insurance and why you need to take action before the 15 ^e .

A costly fine

If you do not receive health insurance before February 15, you could face a fine for going uninsured . In 2015, the penalty for not carrying health coverage is 2 percent of your household income, or $ 325 for each person and $ 162.50 for each child, whichever is greater. And fines are not getting any cheaper; they will only continue to increase each year.

If you do not have health insurance last year and think you have escaped the tax penalty, do not get too excited. The fines are in the form of fees that will be issued when you pay your income taxes. When you file your 2014 taxes, you have to pay the penalty for the period of time that you have not had health coverage this year.

costly medical bills

penalty tax does not mean you suddenly have health coverage. In fact, instead of this means that you have paid the fine the government and you could be stuck with costly medical bills you accumulate throughout the year.

The best way to prepare for unexpected medical expenses is getting health insurance now. Out-of-pocket medical expenses can be very costly. For example, without health insurance, M.R.I. average in the US is $ 1,121. This is not a number that most people want to deal with themselves.

Better luck next year

If you do not register in the cover February 15th, you'll be stuck with no health insurance until the beginning the next open enrollment period. Although there are some exceptions, most people, missing the deadline means waiting months to get coverage they may need now.

The, smarter and safer alternative cheaper? Get an Open Enrollment before coverage ends on February 15.

Comfort foods all have something in common: they are absolutely delicious! While these dishes can recall pleasant memories of Mom cooking, OSA, they are often high in calories and carbohydrates, which can leave you feeling stuffed and slow.

Try these easy, low-carb alternatives to your favorite comfort foods to satisfy the kitchen that meets your diet goals.

1. Zucchini Noodle Lasagna

You won, AOT miss the noodles in the meat, That, cheese lasagna AOS packed with fresh zucchini . Use two or three zucchini into thin slices to replace normal lasagna. Try this recipe in summer when farmers markets, AO and gardens full of vegetables.

2. Gluten Non-Mac and cheese

do it, AOS not macaroni and cheese without the macaroni? Think again! This cauliflower mac pasta recipe-less is all the proof you need. Cheese, creamy full coconut milk perfectly the vegetable. We guarantee that your guests will ask for more.

3. Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Channel your inner chef, and try to make your own meals, Äúdough at this recipe. It tastes delicious and it takes less time to prepare traditional pizza dough. grilled vegetables and goat cheese are tasty, trim low-carb for your masterpiece home. If you prefer a more traditional pizza, load it with marinara and mozzarella.

4. Low-Carb Southern Fried Chicken

Craving fried chicken just like grandma used to make? Try this version low carb classical recipe that is sure to satisfy your taste buds while meeting your diet goals.

5. Roasted Eggplant Bruschetta Slices

What, AOS the best thing since sliced ​​bread? The low-carb alternative: eggplant! This elegant spin bruschetta is a healthier version of the Italian classic. While the eggplant roasted in the oven, mix remaining ingredients and think about how nice you are to your body.