Pagan emblems are symbols that hold significant meaning in pagan religions and practices. These emblems can be found in various forms, such as tattoos, artwork, and jewelry. Each emblem carries its own unique interpretation, representing different aspects of the natural and spiritual world. One of the most well-known pagan emblems is the pentagram. The pentagram is a five-pointed star surrounded by a circle. This symbol is often associated with the elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
Few older adults use direct-to-consumer health services; Many who do don't tell their regular provider
Date: January 14, 2024 Source: Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan Summary: A new poll finds that 1 in 10 people aged 50-64 have used direct-to-consumer services, and most have gotten prescriptions from them; 4 in 10 people in this age group may be interested in future use. Share:
FULL STORYOnly a small percentage of older Americans have jumped on the rising trend of getting health care services and prescriptions directly from an online-only company, rather than seeing their usual health care providers in person or via telehealth, a new poll finds.
But that could change rapidly, the University of Michigan survey suggests.
In all, 7.5% of people between the ages of 50 and 80 have used at least one direct-to-consumer health care service from an online-only provider, according to the new findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging (https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/).
Of those who did use such a service, most said they were driven by convenience. More than 60% of them received a prescription, mostly for a one-time treatment. But only one-third of them told their regular health care provider about the prescription.
People in their pre-Medicare years of 50 to 64 were more than twice as likely as adults over 65 to have used direct-to-consumer, or DTC, online health services (10% vs. 4%). Meanwhile, 47% of those over 65 said they had never heard of such companies.
Looking to the future, nearly a third of all older adults, and more than 42% of those age 50 to 64, said they'd be interested in using such services in the future.
The poll is based at the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, and supported by AARP and Michigan Medicine, U-M's academic medical center.
For the DTC survey, the poll team worked with members of U-M's Center for Value-Based Insurance Design, who are interested in how cost and convenience influence people's health care decisions and the continuity of care delivery.
A rapidly growing sector spurs concerns
The rise of DTC sites and subscription-based apps that promise convenient online access to providers who can evaluate symptoms, make diagnoses and prescribe medicines has received a lot of attention, especially amid a national crunch in availability of primary care providers and timely appointments.
Such companies include Amazon Clinic, Sesame, Roman, BetterHelp, Rosy, Lemonaid, Hims & Hers, and don't require a referral or health insurance. Drug companies and membership-based organizations including Weight Watchers and Costco have also started offering access to such direct services.
But the trend has raised concern because of the potential for patients to receive care and prescriptions from providers who don't know their full health history, don't have access to their full medical records, and may not check for potentially dangerous interactions between medications.
One-third of those who had used a DTC service said their primary care provider wasn't aware they had done so. If they received a new prescription through an encounter with a DTC health service, one-third said their regular primary care provider was not made aware of the new medication they were prescribed. The majority of those who received prescriptions through a DTC service said it was for a one-time treatment.
"These compelling findings have important implications for patient safety and continuity of care," said Mark Fendrick, M.D., director of VBID and IHPI member who is a primary care physician at Michigan Medicine. "With rapid growth in this sector of health care predicted for this year and beyond, all providers, insurers and regulators need to pay more attention to how patients are using these services and why, and the impact on care quality and safety." Fendrick is a professor of internal medicine in the Division of General Medicine at the U-M Medical School.
His colleague Nicole Hadeed, M.D., who also worked on the poll and is a clinical assistant professor, notes that while the number of poll participants who said they had used DTC services was relatively small, the analysis gives clues that should inform further research.
Types of care received
Nearly half of those who had used a DTC service said it has been for general health care such as treatment of allergies, sinus infections, pink eye or acid reflux, though again there was a clear divide between the 50-64 and 65-80 age groups.
Overall, nearly 12% said they'd used a service for mental health reasons, but the proportion was much higher (50%) among respondents who said they considered their mental health to be fair or poor and had used a DTC service of any kind.
As for other types of care, 15% had sought help from a DTC service for a sexual health issue, 9% had used it for skin care, 6% had used it for weight management, nearly 5% had used it for hair loss and a similar percentage had used it for pain management.
Convenience topped the list of reasons for choosing a DTC service, with 55% saying this drove their decision. But lack of access to their regular health care provider, not having a regular health care provider, or needing a service when their health provider was not open or available were each cited by around 20%. Discomfort discussing a sensitive health topic with a provider -- often cited in marketing by such companies -- was only mentioned by 10% of those who had turned to a DTC service.
"For both patients and providers, these findings drive home the importance of open dialogue and transparency about the potential uses, benefits and risks of these services -- and the importance of maintaining contact for ongoing primary care," said Jeffrey Kullgren, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., director of the poll and a primary care provider at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System who is also an associate professor at the Medical School.
More than 55% of the poll respondents who had used a direct-to-consumer service said the overall quality of care they get from their primary care provider is better than what they received from a DTC provider.
Fendrick and Hadeed wrote about the potential long-term change to primary care use from telehealth services in a piece published early in the COVID-19 pandemic in the American Journal of Managed Care.
And in fact, 58% of poll respondents who had used a DTC service had started doing so in 2020, 2021 or 2022.
The rapid pivot during the pandemic to vaccination in pharmacies, and not just primary care clinics, has also changed how people think about alternate ways of getting care that might be closer to home or have more flexible hours.
However, Fendrick notes, pharmacies share information about vaccination with insurance companies and statewide immunization registries that primary care providers can access.
"Patients will increasingly seek care online because of the convenience it can provide, especially for those willing to pay the cost out of pocket," said Fendrick. "Its use will likely be boosted by the rapidly increasing number of online vendors and the national shortage of primary care clinicians. The recent launch of a telemedicine platform offering home delivery for the new highly popular weight loss drugs is a noteworthy example of this trend."
He added, "Given a likely expansion of online care, it is critical that individuals inform their usual clinician and that we providers consistently ask our patients regarding their use. Similar to my routinely asking patients about which supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter medications they're taking, it should become standard practice for me to inquire about prescriptions or diagnoses they've received online, as it might influence their care."
The poll was a nationally representative survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for IHPI and administered online and via phone in July and August 2023 among 2,657 adults aged 50 to 80. In all, 168 respondents reported having used a DTC health care service. The sample was subsequently weighted to reflect the U.S. population. Read past National Poll on Healthy Aging reports (https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more) and about the poll methodology (https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/survey-methods).
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Everything Genie, Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane - Please Read Posts 1-7
I have a question about the photo benefits with Genie+. On Disney's site, it says you receive digital downloads on select attraction images and you unlock special PhotoPass lenses. Does this essentially give all the same benefits as the MemoryMaker? What are the differences? TIA
No, they are very different. Genie+ gives you attraction photos for some attractions but MemoryMaker gives you those plus photos taken by Disney photographers.
Reactions: mickey916Lang23
Earning My Ears
Joined Feb 4, 2020There might have been a change to Genie plus. We are regular Disney goers. What we usually do is arrive at the park early, use our first genie plus selection and then after that select one after the other. We went this weekend and we had to wait two hours after each Genie plus selection. Double tapping the first selection did not allow us to make another one. We tried three different days. Did anyone else have this problem?
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Moderator
Moderator Joined Nov 7, 2010There might have been a change to Genie plus. We are regular Disney goers. What we usually do is arrive at the park early, use our first genie plus selection and then after that select one after the other. We went this weekend and we had to wait two hours after each Genie plus selection. Double tapping the first selection did not allow us to make another one. We tried three different days. Did anyone else have this problem?
Were you tapping into your most recently booked LL reservation? You must tap into your most recently booked LL in order to be eligible to book the next one.
There have not been any announcements that G+ is changing or has recently changed.
Last edited: Yesterday at 1:24 PM Reactions: DoryGirl1963SF5
Earning My Ears
Joined Feb 23, 2014Here's what we just did this past Saturday and Sunday. We purchased ILL for Guardians, Tron, Flight, Rise).
On Saturday, we were able to get two LLs at Epcot, and then stacked five LLs for Magic Kingdom (could have gotten more, as park was open until 11 pm, but the rain was steady all day, and our ponchos were no longer keeping us as dry as we would have liked).
On Sunday, we didn't book any LLs for Animal Kingdom. Booked Slinky at 7am, of course, and at 10:30 when eligible for 2nd LL, no DHS attractions had return time after 2:00 pm yet. Had to wait until 10:50 to get 2:00 LL for Mickey & Minnie Railway (this will no longer be a factor for trips after January 9, 2024). We got a total of 6 LLs for DHS.
So if you have only 2 days to do all four parks, and if you don't have children in your group (we were one adult and two teenagers who were primarily interested in doing the major attractions), I think the Epcot/MK hop, and the AK/DHS hop is the way to go. We all had very sore feet by the end of Day 2, but it was fun challenge, and our Master Plan basically worked.
For those interested in the details.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 [Rain all day]
7:00 am: Got Remy LL (9:15), Got Guardians ILL (10:25), Got Tron ILL (4:10)EPCOT
8:25 am: Rope drop (near Test Track)
8:30 am: TEST TRACK
9:15 am: SOARIN OVER CALIFORNIA
10:00 am: REMY’S RATATOUILLE ADVENTURE (LL)
10:00 am: Got Frozen LL (12:40)
10:50 am: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (ILL)
11:30 am: Lunch (CONNECTIONS EATERY)
12:00 pm: Got Jungle Cruise LL (6:20)
12:30 pm: MISSION SPACE
1:05 pm: FROZEN EVER AFTER (LL)
1:25 pm: GRAN FIESTA TOUR
1:55 pm: SPACESHIP EARTH
2:00 pm: Got Haunted Mansion LL (4:10)
2:20 pm: JOURNEY OF WATER
2:45 pm: Monorail to MKMAGIC KINGDOM
3:05 pm: At park
3:20 pm: MICKEY’S PHILHARMAGIC
4:00 pm: Got Space Mountain LL (5:40)
4:10 pm: HAUNTED MANSION (LL)
4:40 pm: TRON (ILL)
5:10 pm: Dinner (COSMIC RAY’S)
6:00 pm: Got Buzz LL (6:05)
6:10 pm: BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
6:10 pm: Got Big Thunder LL (6:15)
6:25 pm: SPACE MOUNTAIN (LL)
6:55 pm: JUNGLE CRUISE (LL)
7:10 pm: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
7:25 pm: BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD (LL)
8:00 pm: Called it quits because of rain (but could have done Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with 15 min. wait time posted)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17
7:00 am: Got Slinky LL (5:05), Flight of Passage ILL (11:35), Rise ILL (2:30)ANIMAL KINGDOM
7:15 am: Rope drop at entrance
7:35 am: EXPEDITION EVEREST
7:50 am: NAVI RIVER JOURNEY
8:15 am: Went to Safari but it was temporarily closed
8:20 am: EXPEDITION EVEREST
8:40 am: DINOSAUR (Safari came up while we were in Dinosaur)
9:10 am: KILIMINJARO SAFARI (said 30 min, actual 15 min.)
10:00 am: KALI RIVER RAPIDS
10:30 am: FEATHERED FRIENDS IN FLIGHT
10:50 am: Got Mickey & Minnie Railway LL (2:00)
11:15 am: Lunch (FLAME TREE BARBECUE)
12:00 pm: FLIGHT OF PASSAGE (ILL)
12:45 pm: IT’S TOUGH TO BE A BUG 3D
12:50 pm: Got Rock n Roller Coaster LL (4:35)
1:30 pm: Bus to DHSHOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
1:55 pm: In park
2:00 pm: MICKEY & MINNIE’S RUNAWAY RAILWAY (LL)
2:30 pm: MUPPETS 3D
2:50 pm: Got Tower of Terror LL (7:25)
3:15 pm: RISE OF THE RESISTANCE (ILL)
4:00 pm: INDIANA JONES STUNT SHOW
4:50 pm: Got Millenium Falcon LL (7:45)
5:10 pm: ROCK N ROLLER COASTER (LL)
5:45 pm: SLINKY DOG DASH (LL)
6:20 pm: Dinner (ABC COMMISSARY)
7:20 pm: TOWER OF TERROR (LL)
7:20 pm: Got Toy Story Mania LL (8:10)
8:00 pm: MILLENIUM FALCON (LL)
8:30 pm: Skipped Toy Story Mania for early arrival to Fantasmic
9:00 pm: FANTASMICNow you can sing YOURSELF to sleep! Bizarre device attaches to your forehead to analyse your brain waves - and creates custom music tracks that it claims will improve your slumber
Forget relaxing lullabies - now you can sing yourself to sleep. A gadget has been invented to turn users' own brainwaves into a symphony. When played back before bed, it is claimed to vastly improve the quality of sleep. The MyWaves device was invented by leading neuroscientist Dr Alain Destexhe after he discovered the strange phenomenon by accident. Studies now suggest hearing the sound of your own brain activity – which is unique like a fingerprint – can improve the time spent in REM.
A gadget has been invented to turn users' own brainwaves into a symphony. When played back before bed, it is claimed to vastly improve the quality of sleep
READ MORE: Incredible graphics reveal what each section of your BRAIN does - with more than 70,000 thoughts processed every day
AdvertisementThis is an important part of the sleep cycle as it is when we process memories, develop our brains, and dream. To work, users first need to spend one night with the MyWaves Pebble device attached to their forehead. This then records the brain when in the deepest sleep and, in turn, is converted into three music tracks that mimic the waves. Dr Destexhe said the mind was like an 'orchestra playing a thousand instruments' and the song created often became warm Blade Runner style symphonies. For best results, the company recommends users listen to the music created by the device for at least 30 minutes every night before bed. Unveiling the tech at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, MyWaves are set to launch properly next month and will charge around £400 for the product.
To work, users first need to spend one night with the MyWaves Pebble device attached to their forehead
The device records the brain when in the deepest sleep and, in turn, is converted into three music tracks that mimic the waves
READ MORE: We trialed a dystopian helmet that monitors your BRAINWAVES while you drive - and barks at you if you're not paying attention!
Before the driving simulation began, Macnica staff calibrated the EEG device to get a proper reading of my brainwaves
AdvertisementDr Destexhe, an internationally renowned neuroscientist who has studied sleep for 30 years at the prestigious Université Paris-Saclay, said: 'We have a science-backed technology that basically uses your delta waves, which are linked in your brain to sleep, to tell you all the activities of your sleep, from deep sleep to rapid eye movement (REM). 'By selecting a very specific part of your [delta waves while you] sleep and turning it into music, we can produce music that triggers your brain to fall asleep quicker, longer and better.' Dr Destexhe made the discovery by accident while on a flight listening to recordings of his own brainwaves for a research project. Though usually unable to sleep on the plane, he fell asleep – and the same happened on the way back when he repeated the process. On his return, he set up several trials to see it had a similar effect on other people. The first was a blind test with his students, where he gave them six recordings – three of them from their brain and three from other people's. He said: 'We asked them to try and to tell to tell them which ones they were finding more efficient in getting them to sleep and they clearly pointed to their own, even though they didn't know whose it was. I thought "wow!"'. Several said they felt they were dreaming more, which Dr Destexhe said was a good thing because 'it indicates the sleep quality in general is better'.
This symbol is often associated with the elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. The five points of the star represent these elements, while the circle represents unity and protection. The pentagram is considered a symbol of balance and harmony in pagan traditions.
Another popular pagan emblem is the triquetra, also known as the Celtic knot. The triquetra is a three-pointed knot that represents the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. It is often associated with the triple goddess and the phases of the moon. The triquetra is seen as a symbol of transformation and the cycles of life and death. The tree of life is another significant pagan emblem. It is a symbol found in many mythologies and spiritual traditions. The tree represents the connection between the physical and spiritual realms, with its roots reaching into the earth and its branches reaching towards the heavens. The tree of life symbolizes growth, wisdom, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The spiral is yet another pagan emblem that holds deep meaning. It represents the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The spiral can be found in various forms, such as the spiral of a seashell or the winding path of a labyrinth. The spiral is seen as a symbol of personal and spiritual growth, as well as the eternal cycle of existence. Overall, pagan emblems are powerful symbols that carry profound interpretations in pagan religions and practices. They represent various aspects of the natural and spiritual world, such as balance, interconnectedness, transformation, and growth. These emblems serve as reminders and guideposts for pagans on their spiritual journeys..
Reviews for "The cultural significance of pagan emblems in different regions"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I found "Pagan emblems and their interpretations" to be quite disappointing. The book promised a deep dive into the meanings and symbolism of pagan emblems, but it fell short on the delivery. The interpretations provided were shallow and lacked depth. I was hoping for more insightful and thought-provoking analysis, but unfortunately, this book didn't provide that.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "Pagan emblems and their interpretations" was a complete waste of time. The author seems to have a very limited understanding of pagan symbols and their significance. The explanations given were superficial and lacked any real substance. It felt like the author was simply regurgitating basic information that could easily be found with a quick internet search. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of pagan emblems, but this book failed to deliver.
3. Mark - 2/5 stars - I found "Pagan emblems and their interpretations" to be quite underwhelming. The book started off promising, but as I delved further into it, I realized that it lacked originality. The interpretations provided were often repetitive and seemed to be a rehash of common knowledge. I was hoping for a fresh perspective and new insights, but unfortunately, this book didn't offer much in that regard.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars - "Pagan emblems and their interpretations" left me feeling unsatisfied. While the book attempted to analyze pagan symbols and their meanings, it fell short in its execution. The interpretations provided were often vague and lacked supporting evidence or examples. I was hoping for a more rigorous analysis of these emblems, but this book failed to deliver the level of depth and understanding I was seeking.
5. David - 1/5 stars - I did not enjoy "Pagan emblems and their interpretations" at all. The book was poorly researched and lacked any real scholarly analysis. It felt like the author was simply offering their personal opinions without any solid evidence or historical context. The interpretations provided were often subjective and lacked objectivity. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of pagan emblems.
Understanding the healing properties of pagan emblems
- Health & Medicine