Keeping your medical records organized simplifies and accelerates the preparation process.

According to Becker’s Hospital Review, a company that handles business and legal issues for health system leadership, there are about 4,330 cases per surgery center, and that’s only in the Southeastern part of the U.S.

With that being said, having your medical documents ready beforehand benefits not only you, but also every center. Imagine for a second: health centers receive thousands upon thousands of paperwork, which entails hours upon hours of intensive work. Wouldn’t you like to optimize efforts on both sides by simply organizing your paperwork? By keeping your medical documents in place, you ensure that the pre-surgery process goes smoothly and quickly.

And how do you do that?

Overwhelmed by paperwork from the hospital? Categorize them.

Divide and conquer.

Gather all pertinent documents, and then split them according to these categories.

Legal

• Form of identification
• Insurance cards
• Your hospital card  (for quick identification and system searches)
• Any document that requires your doctor’s signature

Record for Medication

• Have a list of all your current and most recent medications, including the
  • name,
  • dosage,
  • frequency, and
  • time of ingestion

for each medication. This curtails waiting that doctors and nurses use to prep you for the operation.

Emergency Contacts

• Have a list readily available of close family of friends who the hospital can contact incases of an emergency. Save this list in a location where you can quickly access it, as emergencies can occur at anytime. This simplifies the preparation process so you can focus on yourself for the surgery.

To save time, secure all this information with us, then retrieve the data at anytime, and from anyplace. For more information on what you should bring to the hospital, keep a copy of this checklist.

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Learn how to prepare yourself for surgery.

Are you going into surgery for the first time? Or are you about to go into a procedure for which you’re not quite prepared?

Don’t worry – others are on the same boat. Actually, about 45 million inpatient surgeries have been performed in the U.S. per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These 45 million surgeries, regardless of age, gender, or economic status, were required to comply with hospital procedures. This means proper health preparations, as well as financial arrangements.

Luckily, for you, we’ve compiled 9 steps to help you prepare for your surgery so you walk confidently into that hospital knowing that you’ve straightened all tangles.

Anxious before your surgery? Prepare your body and mind.

Your physical and mental health.

Nutrition

For many procedures, the doctor requires that the patient does not eat or drink anything, besides water, after a certain time before the surgery date. Patients must heed these instructions to the dot, as failing do so could cause jeopardize the operation, and one’s safety.

Here’s a great article from Urology detailing general health procedures and steps before surgery.

Psychological State

Often, surgeries make patients tense and nervous, as he or she fears the worst will happen during the operation (or maybe it’s the thought of needles, scalpels, and laying down helplessly…).

In these instances, sites like Preparing for Your Surgery offer relaxation techniques. The three primary methods are:

1. Regulatory Breathing – do surgeries take your breath away (quite literally)? This is common, as the idea of surgery may cause erratic breathing patterns due to anxiety, fear, or stress. A solution? Inhale three full breaths throughout the day to calm nerves and inebriate your lungs, as well as blood cells, with lovely oxygen molecules.
2. Meditation – Lowering lights, going to a secluded and intimate location. Sit in a comfortable position, with both feet on your floor and rest your hands. Close your eyes, then inhale and exhale slowly. Focus your attention to one object at a time, like your feet or the floor (perhaps an imaginary puppy will be more comforting). Allow your entire body to loosen, while easing your mind and releasing all inhibitions.
3.  Guided Imagery – This is exactly as the term appears: you replace negative thoughts or images by redirecting your imagination to more positive and assertive thoughts.
4.  Biofeedback – You use his psychological term, called proprioception, whereby you utilize your sense of relative positioning of your body parts. In this case, your hands become a “lie detector,” indicating whether or not you are stressed by the temperature of your hands, in addition to level of sweat being produced.

Now that you’re in the proper mental and physical state, you can tackle the task of preparing all your medical documentation for the procedure — you can even repeat these steps afterward, as the thought of paperwork can also prompt trepidation.

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As difficult the task may be, it’s not entirely impossible.

Work away from work with ease.

Here are some ways to accomplish your work when you’re out and about.

1. Be smart: get a smartphone. The option to have Internet with you wherever you go is ideal while traveling. You’ll have access to your e-mail account, Google, your company’s domain, and any other resource you’ll need via the web. Paul Davis, blogger for the traveling site, Vagabondish, used his smartphone’s tethering feature. This allows your web-access on your phone to be shared, so you can use the Internet on your laptop as well.
2. 

   Avoid messy computer desktops to optimize your time.

   Prepare your laptop for the road ahead. Have your laptop and all necessary files for work organized, not in piles of disarray on your desktop. This will shorten the amount of time you’ll be spending trying to locate important files, and give you more time accomplishing work. Download software like Dropbox, a place to easily store and share your files, or important business contacts. Or you can just keep your sensitive information with LifeCellar, and you can then access or share your files from your smartphone in Tip #1 with others.

3. Adapt to your environment. If you know that there will be regions that won’t have service, you must plan to work offline. This means having the majority of the work requiring Internet done beforehand, or having a timed schedule of when you plan to complete them. When working offline, Gmail’s offline e-mailing is a useful tool to view e-mails from your last sync – this way, when you don’t have Internet, you can still be replying to e-mails.
4. 

   Keep your phone charged throughout the day.

   Charge throughout the day. Make sure all your electronics have full battery. You don’t want a psychological meltdown because you failed to charge your laptop, and now your offline work has disappeared.

5. Know the location. If you prefer to work in a semi-busy, with some human activity, locate all cafés nearby that will have free Wi-Fi, along with a good cup of Joe. This way, if working from your phone gets too cumbersome, you’ll have the ability to work comfortably with likeminded people, and with free access to the web.

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Avoid the traffic and anxiety at the airport.

For a moment, you think, “I have nothing to worry about. I have plenty of time.” Then, you remember that you still have to check-in. The long lines for checking in baggage, claiming your ticket, and getting passed security… you begin to sweat uncontrollably.

Luckily, you read this article and you know how to check-in to the airport at record speed, so you’re calmed once again.

Now, what were those 7 ways for check-in expediency?

1. A tip from TSA: pack an organized carry-on bag. This way, all your items won’t be concealed due to layers upon layers of objects, and you won’t appear to have a dangerous weapon.
2. You might want to refrain from packing every single electronic device you own – you don’t want to drag attention to yourself, just because you’re a tech lover.
3. Another TSA tip: dress to impress. Remove any and all metal items, such as a belt, jewelry, keys, and body piercings – these items might trigger the security alarm, which will only bring you further than that cozy seat on the plane. Also, take off your shoes before entering the screening device – the goal is to make things simpler and smoother. Perhaps, where flip flops next time.
4. Have all your documents ready. This includes your boarding pass, passport, and identification.
5. Be careful what you say. The security guards at the airport tend to be a bit on edge when screening passengers. So saying phrases like, “that was the bomb!” might not be a good idea.
6. Be watchful. If you see a long line at security, don’t go into that line. Swerve into a different (and shorter) lane, according to MSNBC
7. Two words: fingerprint technology.  Although not all airports have integrated this sort of software yet, you can still do some research and suggest it to your local airport. If you register for this software, you’re unique fingerprint will become your passport, ID, and all other forms of identification. Talk about a swift passage.

These tips sound easy enough, right? Plus, they save you time and the extra hassle of the ungodly long lines. How awesome.

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How safe are your possessions in the aftermath of a disaster?

Did you know that, besides the damage that ensues once a natural disaster has struck, your chances of being victimized by identity theft increases? It’s true!

Once your home has been razed by a merciless wildfire or flood, it’s not just your home that suffers. Your identity, your financial security, your possessions – all are up in the air for identity thieves.

How?

For one thing, you no longer have an impenetrable fortress (otherwise known as your walls and ceiling) separating you from the outside world. Your possessions that once were secure in your home are now an identity theft’s reason for treason. Any physical data could easily get lost in the aftermath or get scattered in the debris and miles away, which is perfect for the ever so watchful vigilante.

What can you do?

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Key word: prepare.

In cases of physical damage to your property, online storage is the supreme way to protecting your documents. Fortunately for you, your LifeCellar repository and storage space online is limitless, so you can store all your information safely and securely.

Having your files copied onto a computer protects you and your data in such cases.

Which document should you store online?

The list is short. The data that you should save as a copy online are:

• Driver’s license
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Death certificate
• Adoption paperwork
• Social Security card and statements
• Insurance paperwork (Home, Health, and Auto)
• Lease or Mortgage paperwork
• Tax returns
• Bank and credit card statements
• Investment paperwork
• Utility bills

For extra preparatory measures, save a copy of these documents on your hard drive, in addition to our online files, because time is crucial, especially when facing emergencies or natural disasters. CNET gives a list of six other places you can store your online files.

Though fires and floods are unpredictable, you can increase your safety and the security of your identity by simple planning and preparation. For more coverage on assessing your risk for identity theft, read this article.

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Are you ready for retirement?

Retirement. It happens to everyone, but not everyone is prepared. We agree with Jonathan Clements, when he said,

“Retirement is like a long vacation in Las Vegas. The goal is to enjoy it the fullest, but not so fully that you run out of money.”

He hit the nail right on the head; retirement can be a great experience, but only if it’s arranged far ahead of time, especially in terms of fiscal planning.

Here is a list of 5 frequently asked questions, and the answers we found may surprise you.

• Where is the best place to retire?
1. According to US News, Flagstaff, Arizona falls under the top 10 most desirable locations to retire due to its consistently pleasant climate all year round, and frequent sunshine. Included into the batch are Boone, N.C, (for its mountainous landscape) and Walnut Creek in California (for its greenery – you may want to consider that retirees contribute to more than 25% of the population). Check also here.
• How much of my income goes into the system?
1. Based on the bloggers (and readers) from Get Rich Slowly, 10% of your paycheck is sufficient, if coupled with wise investments and early saving commitment. They call 10% a “convenient financial rule of thumb,” but we’d like to think of it as financial etiquette.
• Should I work after I’m retired?
1.  This question, drawn from TIME Magazine’s Five Big Questions About Retirement, is a major concern for those retirees who feel they’ll be bored to death (knock on wood) and would like to be active – even if that means they’ll still be working.
2. Our input?If you honestly cannot sit still and you’re in a financially sound place, then working would be a viable option. Not only will you be active (in both a mental and physical state), but you’ll also be supplementing your retirement savings with disposable income.But if you haven’t saved enough money, then we strongly advise you work. As Urban Institute says, “Staying on the job five years longer enables the average retiree to increase annual spending 56%.” In this case, this money will be your way out from constant worry once you’ve retired (though it won’t feel like it).

• What is a target-date fund, and should I get one?
1. According to ING Direct, a target-date fund, also known as a lifecycle fund, provides a simple pathway to retirement investing. You choose the fund in the year that is nearest to your expected retirement date. “The closer you get to your retirement date, the more conservative the fund’s investments will be.”

Now what to do with all those retirement records...

• Where should I keep all of my retirement documents? There are three approaches (we urge you to do all three) to storing your retirement documents, as well as the rest of your sensitive documents.

1. Storing online: like many in this digital age, moving toward online storage via cloud services is practical, is becoming increasingly safer, and makes data organization, well, easier. So once those retirement documents pile up — or get jumbled in your current stack of important paperwork — retrieving your information will be quick and painless (unfortunately, this excludes body aches). We know first-hand the advantage of online storage, as our customers benefit most from easy accessibility to their online data from their phone or computer, regardless of time and place.
2. Retaining hard copies: though your physical copies of your retirement documents are vulnerable to fire, flood, and the rest of Nature’s fury, you can share your retirement documents with your family or businessmen without the wary eyes of hackers surfing the web.
3. Placing on a personal hard drive: Another route you can take is backing up scanned copies of your data on an external hard drive. So if, for some strange reason, you’ve lost your online and original documents, you’ll be saved from the anxiety of having to restore your data. If you can’t decide whether to keep your files at home, with a lawyer, or with a probate court, lend your ears to NetPlaces.

So whether you’re preparing for the days winding down to your retirement, or you’re a retiree looking for ways to improve your life at this point onward, these tips will do the job for when you no longer have one.

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Drum roll, please…

Congratulations, Carina Hunt!

She’sjust as thrilled as us about this awesome trip! An opportunity to fly anywhere in the world? Who wouldn’t be!

Carina has agreed to an interview, which will be featured in our 2012 Newsletter, so check our blog, Facebook, and Twitter for when that’ll be published.

Find out why she entered, what she plans to do, and some other pretty exciting stuff… (And yes, she has Vegas somewhere in her sights!)

From,

The LifeCellar Team

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Here’s a quick review of travel items – some in vogue, some unheard of – that are sure to add thrill to your trips, while proving useful for your every activity.

Travel comfortably!

• The Travel Comfort Kit. Consists of a new pillow, eye mask, four compressed towels and ear plugs. Sounds like an absolutely comfortable plane trip!

Get a grip... of your luggage.

• The Luggage Grip. Ever find yourself standing at the luggage claim, fretting over which luggage is yours? Then stumbling to maneuver the bag for easy grabbing? Thankfully, this neat, two-in-one luggage grip and identifier has been masterfully created.

A new twist to traveling in style.

• Refillable Bottle Travel Set. Do you travel not only in style, but in scent? Then replenish your stock of body lotion, hand lotion, shampoo, and conditioner with these extraordinarily small bottles.

Networking and purifying at the same time? I'd call that a good deal.

• Credit Card Antibacterial Spray. Don’t let the unusual title dissuade you. Just imagine this: your cards and hand sanitizer, all in one! So after you shake hands with a fellow business acquaintance and offer your card — or perhaps after you make a purchase — you can immediately purge yourself from the amassed dirt on your hands.

Avoid attachment -- lint, hair, and all else!

• Travel Lint Sheets. Your lint-removal prayers have been answered! Travel with back up lint sheets to remove any lint or hair that adheres to your body throughout the course of the day. And yes, this means you can play endlessly with Spot, your cousin’s adorable puppy, while visiting.

Anything inflatable is something to be psyched about.

• Inflatable Ergonomic Travel Pillow. Ergo-what? Ergo, you must buy this pillow because of its soft-touch micro fleece material. Did we mention it comes with a carry pouch? How awesome.

Ladies, drop the heels & roll out these bad boys.

• Rollable Shoes. Sometimes, it’s just not feasible (or normal) to lug an extra pair of slippers or comfy shoes with you wherever your travel. These rollable shoes now make it possible! All you have to do is roll them up and throw them in your backpack or purse, then unroll them when you need them.

Never heard of the luggage strap? That's okay -- you can start the trend!

• The Luggage Strap. Quickly identify your luggage from a mile away with the fashionable luggage strap, available in seven stylish and discernible colors. You can’t go wrong with these heavy duty, wrap-around straps, which also have a place to put your information incase your luggage is lost.

All of these travel accessories can be found on ePromos, so not only are they fully functionally, but they also are available at unbelievable prices. Buy one, three, or all of these items now, and commence your amazing travel voyages!

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It's time to get rid of those heaps of receipts!

Now that you’ve be swayed by the numerous benefits listed in yesterday’s post, you’re wondering how to take that first step into organizing all of your paper receipts so that they’re all in place and in order. The more organized your receipts are, the quicker you can find purchases and monitor your spending habits.

Step 1:

Perhaps use a clip to keep them together.

Step 2:

Ever get a completely illegible receipt?

Step 3:

Fold receipts so that they are quick to read.

Step 4:

Avoid the pile up. No matter what you do, make it your sole duty to put a firm stop to receipt clutter. Add onto your routine from Step 1; have a blocked time once every week to allocated to consolidating receipts from the days prior, then storing them into whatever filing system you have.

Store your receipts in a small, yet handy receipt filer.

So there you have it — four simple steps to reducing receipt clutter that bring you closer to financial management heaven. Embrace them. Stick to them. Then reap the benefits.

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Is this how your receipts currently look?

You’re probably wondering, “Why should I save my receipts?” 

They’re cumbersome in large numbers. They seemingly multiply in wallets, pockets, purses, car compartments — you name it. And not to mention they’re not visually appealing (the mundane black/white color scheme can get a bit stale), especially those ridiculously long receipts you get after visits to the grocery.

Well, we’re hear to convince you to give receipts another chance.

Here are the six top compelling reasons that we found, and that we’d like you to consider:

1. They prove you made a purchase.
2. They permit you to make exchanges or returns.
3. They allow you to claim reimbursements.
4. They are the framework behind making tax deductions.
5. They can be used for budgeting means.
6. They enable you to track your transactions and help you avoid being overcharged.

Still not convinced? Still put off by the tediousness of managing and organizing receipts?

You can now scan your receipts.

We’ve got three innovative, new ways to help you handle your receipts as shoppers join the paperless age (or so New York Times calls it):

1. NeatReciepts: Mobile scanner for receipts, business cards, and more. A bit pricey, but it gets the job done. Plus, it looks really cool.
2. Billeo: Saves the confirmation pages, which are the modern day receipts, of online purchases. Every minute detail is saved, from confirmation numbers to the billing address.
3. alletronic: Links to your credit card or phone number so you can receive receipts, returns, and redeem coupons online once you’ve swiped your card.

Turn paper into digital receipts.

If you’re thinking, “I’m sold!” (no pun intended), then great!

Now… what should you do?

Check out tomorrow’s post on four effortless ways to get rid of the paper receipt clutter you currently have, then visit the above links as you transition into paperless management.

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