Getting To The Heart Of The Matter On Health

Here's some news you can take to heart: Experts say more than 70 million Americans currently live with a cardiovascular disease. And coronary heart disease is a leading cause of premature, permanent disability in the U.S. workforce. 

Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the health threat posed by heart disease. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, much of the burden of heart disease and stroke could be eliminated by reducing major risk factors: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, physical inactivity and poor nutrition. 

For example, studies suggest a 10 percent decrease in total cholesterol levels may reduce the development of coronary heart disease by as much as 30 percent. 

Twenty-five years ago, the treatment for heart attacks was simply bed rest. Today, doctors have medicines that can stop a heart attack in midstream as well as other high-tech treatments. 

And more good news is on the way. According to a survey by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), there are 146 new medicines currently in development to treat heart disease and strokes. 

To help Americans get the information they need to fight heart disease and strokes, PhRMA has launched a new multimedia national health education campaign. 

"Coronary vascular disease impacts one in every three Americans and is the number one killer according to the American Heart Association. It's important for patients to know that there are steps they can take today that can reduce their chances of developing these killer diseases tomorrow," said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO. 

PhRMA's public service health information campaign stresses the importance of consulting with health care providers, as well as visiting helpful Web sites that provide information on preventing and treating coronary disease. 

"PhRMA members and their scientists want to help Americans find answers to their questions about heart disease and strokes," said Tauzin. "I hope everyone will take a moment to visit these sites and get the information they need to learn how to treat and ultimately prevent these killers."

3 Things To Look For In A Credit Repair Company Online

If it's been a while since you've looked at your credit report, you may be surprised to find errors, mistakes, or even a black mark or two. Fortunately, a Credit Repair Company can help you fix those mistakes and erase those black marks. Watch out for scammers, though, and choose a reputable Credit Repair Company with these tips:

Don't pay anything up-front

Avoid a Credit Repair Company that wants you to hand over a fee or payment before they meet with you. Reputable companies will first talk to you, assess your credit report and discuss your current situation before asking for any type of payment for their services. An up-front fee is a red flag that the company will probably take your money and run. And no matter what type of charges you may incur, be sure they aren't exorbitant. If a Credit Repair Company claims your case will cost thousands of dollars, look for another one.

Watch out for "re-inventors"

Some companies will tell you that you can wipe your credit slate clean by "re-inventing" yourself with a new social security number. But that's not true! In most cases, what they plan to do is get you a new credit report by applying for an Employee Identification Number (EIN)--used by businesses--which resembles a social security number, and you're told to use it as such. But this practice, known as "file segregation," is a scam, and it's also illegal! Avoid any Credit Repair Company that suggests this practice.

Look for one that helps you help yourself

A good Credit Repair Company will tell you (for free!) what you can do yourself, such as writing letters to creditors and contacting the credit reporting bureaus about errors. Avoid any Credit Repair Company that encourages you to do anything illegal or unethical--such as disputing a legitimate charge or fee on your credit report.

Before signing up with any Credit Repair Company, make sure you check with the Better Business Bureau. They'll have records of any formal complaints against the company, so you can avoid scammers and rip-off artists.

3 Major Credit Bureaus – Which One Should I Contact?

There are 3 major credit bureaus that have information on your regarding your credit history. Anyone that has ever applied for a loan or credit of any kind has a file at one of the 3 major credit bureaus. Since merchants usually report to only one of the 3 major credit bureaus, you may have to request a free report from all three to get an overall look at your credit report. 

To request a free credit report from either or all of the three major credit bureaus, all you have to do is to request a free report online. You can also send the request by mail and you have to provide all your personal information. There are sites that will charge you for a credit report from one of the 3 major credit bureaus, but it is necessary for you to know that by law you are entitled to one free credit report a year. You should contact the credit bureau directly to get your free report.

When you do receive your credit report from the 3 major credit bureaus there are certain sections of this report that you need to pay particular attention to. The first section details your name and address. You should check this to make sure that it is correct. If there are any inaccuracies in this section, you need to contact the credit bureau that sent the report with the correct information.

The next section will give details of your current bills. Each of the three major credit bureaus may contain the same information or one of the three may have different information regarding your credit history depending on which merchants report to that credit bureau. You should also note that you might have an excellent credit record with two of the 3 major credit bureaus and a poor rating with the other.

Check the listing of your bills, the amount of the payment and the due date. If you have been late with a payment or missed one altogether, this will show up on the credit report you receive from the 3 major credit bureaus. You also need to check to see who has been inquiring about your credit history to make sure that no unauthorized person or company has been making inquiries without your permission. When you see that everything is as it should be, then you know that your information is safe with the 3 major credit bureaus. If there are any inaccuracies in the debt information, you will need to contact the credit bureau to start taking the necessary steps to have it corrected. 

There are 3 credit bureaus and you need to know about them if you are concerned about your credit report.