Will your health insurance cover talk therapy?

Want help for a mental health-related issue? The good news is that most health insurance plans will cover treatment like talk therapy, inpatient hospitalization, substance abuse treatment, emergency care, and medications. But your need for these services and pharmaceuticals must be deemed medically necessary, which requires a diagnosis.

Learn more about if and to what extent health insurance covers mental health treatment, how to confirm if therapy coverage is in place, what kinds of treatments are typically covered, how much therapy costs, and more by checking out my newest story for Forbes Advisor, published here.

The perks of pet ownership

Fido, Fluffy and friends with feathers, fins and scales can make a big difference in our lives, providing companionship, structure and distraction from our concerns. But pets can also contribute to better physical and mental well-being, yielding substantial health benefits.

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research indicates that the connection between individuals and their companion animals is associated with numerous health advantages, including reduced blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, fewer feelings of solitude and anxiety and diminished symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. Pet ownership also increases opportunities for physical activities and outdoor pursuits, improved cognitive capabilities in seniors, and enhanced occasions for social interaction.

Read my newest article for CTW Features, available here, to discover more of the benefits of owning a pet.

Not a "morning person"? Here's how you can still stay healthy

Have trouble staying alert in the a.m. hours? Feeling sluggish during the early part of the workday? Did you stay up too late last night because you had trouble falling asleep? If you are not a “morning person,” you’re not alone. But getting it in gear can be challenging when you consistently get insufficient slumber or if you can’t rise and shine efficiently.

When you have to wake up earlier than you prefer and struggle with this early schedule, there are things you can do to feel better, improve your energy levels, and maintain recommended health and wellness. Learn more by reading my latest article for The Daily Herald, found here. 

Cineversary podcast celebrates 60th birthday of Dr. Strangelove

Rodney Hill and Kenneth Turan

In Cineversary podcast episode #66, host Erik Martin heads to the War Room with former LA Times and NPR film critic Kenneth Turan and Hofstra University film professor Rodney Hill to decipher the top secret codes behind Dr. Strangelove, directed by Stanley Kubrick, in celebration of the movie’s 60th anniversary. Erik and his guests explore how this black comedy masterwork remains evergreen, Kubrick’s brilliant directing choices, and key themes underpinning this supreme political satire. Erik also chats briefly with Tom Lucas from Fathom Events, who unveils Fathom’s 2024 lineup of Big Screen Classics returning to theaters this year.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

A New Year's resolution to ruminate on: Modernize your home's look

“Out with the old, in with the new” is a credo that doesn’t have to exclusively apply to the turn of the year. In fact, it often pays to keep early tabs on trends coming down the pike and proactively implement what the experts forecast, especially when it comes to home improvement. Indeed, paying attention to interior design trends from year to year is a great way to get new inspiration for your home. Trends often emerge from innovative ideas, which can give you a fresh perspective on your abode.

Discover creative ways to update your home's design by reading my latest article for The Daily Herald, available here.

Housing market experts offer predictions for the next 3 months

We may be in the thick of winter, but many homebuyers and sellers are starting to have warm thoughts about the housing market. That’s because, looking ahead, market indicators suggest we’ll see increased activity thanks to lower mortgage rates. Yet home prices remain high and inventory levels are tight in many markets.

How will the first quarter of 2024 shake out when it comes to rates, prices, sales activity and more? In my newest story for Bankrate, available here, I asked top real estate experts to identify upcoming trends and offer their predictions.