Microinsurance provides health protection for low-income people

One key for bringing health care to the masses
by Craig Churchill, Team Leader of the Microinsurance Innovation Facility

Craig Churchill 

Our work on financial inclusion is difficult to understand fully from Geneva, where nearly everyone has access to a huge range of financial services.

Fortunately, I have had a number of opportunities to do field research, conduct surveys, and organize focus groups in developing countries. That is when you get clear insights about the huge challenges that workers in the informal economy, day labourers, and microentrepreneurs face on a daily basis.

These discussions often evolve into conversations about risks – what are the risks that people are most concerned about, what keeps them up at night? Of course, the answers vary a great deal depending on the person and country: not having enough food to eat, no employment opportunities, concerns about their children’s future, natural disasters, theft and so on. But in general, the one concern that is mentioned most often is health: being able to afford decent health care without being impoverished in the process.

Promoting universal health coverage

Fortunately, in many developing countries, this concern is beginning to be addressed. Over the last five years, many governments have expressed an interest in promoting universal health coverage. And governments are increasingly recognizing the role microinsurance plays in achieving it.

Microinsurance provides protection for low-income people in return for small premium payments. The providers are usually private organizations, such as community-based organizations, NGOs and insurance companies. Microinsurance can cover a range of risks, including illness, death, drought and natural disasters. The ILO’s Microinsurance Innovation Facility, initially funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has played a key role in promoting better insurance services for low-income people in the developing world.

Positive impacts

Organizations that offer health microinsurance often share the aims of governments and have experience extending access to health care. Governments therefore see the potential of collaborating with them. The contribution of these organizations takes many forms, including laying a potential foundation for universal coverage, providing a means to experiment and test new approaches, and supplementing basic government benefits, as summarized in one of our recent papers.

Increasingly, we are seeing evidence of the positive impact that these kinds of schemes can have. Recent research across a number of countries shows that insurance for low-income households reduces out-of-pocket expenditure and increases the use of health services. For example, our research in Kenya found that insured people had fewer medical expenses, allowing households to consume more. In terms of health outcomes, our findings from Guinea and Bangladesh show insurance-enabled access to health services reduced maternal and child mortality.

These positive results are enhanced when governments collaborate with insurers, community groups and organizations that distribute insurance, like microfinance institutions, cooperatives and even cell phone companies. But this collaboration between the public and private sectors is not a given. This is something that the Facility will focus on over the next five years: working even more closely with governments, insurers and other stakeholders to develop stronger microinsurance markets and promote public-private partnerships.

The ILO has been developing this approach since 2009 in Ethiopia and since 2010 in Zambia. As a result, nearly 3 million low-income people have access to some sort of insurance in those countries. The next step is to improve the quality of products and to make sure that they cover the risks that concern and affect low-income people the most, like a lack of health care. You can find out more about microinsurance market development in the recording of our latest webinar.

By engaging at all levels, with regulators and policymakers, with insurers and distribution channels, with low-income households and communities, we believe that we can make a significant difference in helping the working poor to manage risks more effectively, and to break the vicious cycle of poverty.

Begin each day with a smile...KindNotes

We all have received a certain gift that made us smile or meant a lot to us. In giving gifts, we also want to give something that means a lot to the receiver. I think I may have found one of the coolest gifts to give and to receive. I honestly can’t think of anybody that wouldn't love this gift.

I recently was the recipient of KindNotes and was amazed at what a great gift idea this is. KindNotes are jars enclosed with adorable miniature envelopes to be opened by the recipient once a day. Each miniature envelope contains an inspirational or uplifting note intended to bring a smile to the receiver’s face. I was so excited to open an envelope to read what was enclosed each day. I always smiled when I read the enclosed message. At times I found myself reading the message to my husband or children. There are enough notes to last you an entire month. Once all of the notes have been read and the jar is empty, you can then put all the notes back in the jar and enjoy reading the messages again.

What makes this gift even better is that KindNotes has several styles of jars, envelopes, ribbon, and message themes to choose from, which can be mixed and matched in a custom order. Personalized notes are also available where you create your own messages to be printed on each of the 31 notes. (Blank notes are also available if you want to write your messages by hand.)

KindNotes can be given to a loved one far away, to your loved one on your anniversary, to a mother, father, husband, wife or friend on their birthday. They can be given to someone going through a hard time in their life. These also make great gifts for co-workers, employees or that amazing teacher your child has in school. The options are endless.

KindNotes has created a special edition jar in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month (October) and it’s the perfect and most personal way to reach out to your friends or family with your best words of encouragement. Words are the most powerful tools we have. Use them to make someone’s day with Kind Notes!

 
I honestly cannot say enough amazing things about KindNotes. KindNotes has been seen on the Today Show, Bobbies Buzz, The Huffington Post, and Women’s World, just to name a few, and featured on several news stations throughout the country.

Here are some of the reviews that customers have left regarding KindNotes:

 "I ordered a KindNotes Jar of Personalized Messages for my mother's birthday this year. I loved the idea of a sweet note and kind saying for her to read each day. Her response to the gift was more than I could have expected the little envelopes were beautifully packaged and placed in the jar and the notes inside touched her deeply! I am greatly pleased with this wonderful gift and recommend it for all your special occasions!" 


I was so excited when I found KindNotes online! My Dad was turning 60 and I wanted to get him something special for his birthday. He journals everyday and has often said You will learn all kinds of things when I am gone. As we talked about the things he had learned during 60 years of his life I thought I would love for my children to have Words of Wisdom from their Grandfather. So, I bought him a jar with blank notes and gave him a note that said write down you thoughts and wisdom to us, the kids as a whole, or individuals to open at a certain point in time (i.e. Graduation). I pray that he is here to celebrate all of those milestones with us and share one-on-one but this was a great way tap in to something he loves anyway, writing. He has enjoyed this gift and I can't wait to read the notes! 

KindNotes has also released a new product line called Keepsake Gift Cards. These gift cards can be used in conjunction with your KindNotes or all on their own. These are not your typical gift cards that you redeem at the store; these are gift cards to be given to somebody and then redeemed for things that mean so much more than something bought at the store. For example, one of the gift cards can be redeemed for one Mother Daughter Day. On the back it then gives the redemption rules. "Redeem this gift card for one mother-daughter day to do anything you want, as long as you enjoy it! Please arrange a date in advance. Can be combined with other offers". These gift cards offer you so much more than your average homemade gift card.

 
I promise that if you give the gift of KindNotes, Keepsake Gift Cards, or both, that this gift will be something the receiver will always remember.  KindNotes says is perfectly:

“Begin each day with a smile!”

Truckload Carriers Association Health Fairs a Big Success

Wide variety of activities across the country gave professional drivers a fresh perspective on what it means to get healthy

Alexandria, Virginia --Recently professional truck drivers across the nation were spotted dancing, walking, practicing yoga, sampling healthy foods, and learning ways to improve their lifestyles, courtesy of free health fairs sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). The last two of the 18 fairs will take place today. Held in conjunction with National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW), the events took place at TravelCenters of America / Petro Stopping Centers (TA/Petro) locations and were coordinated with the assistance of the corresponding state trucking association and/or various companies and organizations. Each reflected the theme "Make Your Destination Another Birthday."

"I really believe these health fairs are making a difference in the lives of some of our professional truck drivers out there," said Steve Sichterman, chairman of TCA's Health & Wellness Taskforce, which organized the events. "Often, people get caught up in their routines and just don't realize they need to make changes until it is too late. Our fairs focus on showing people simple changes they can make now, while there is still time to do something about it."
Some commonalities existed at each fair. For example, TA/Petro provided giveaways and samples from its StayFit menu. Also, almost every location offered blood pressure screenings and glucose testing by health care professionals. But the rest of the action varied with activities as diverse as the geographic locations themselves.

Trucker appreciation 2013

In Texas, at the TA New Braunfels location, getting people to move was a major focus, with participants dancing, throwing beanbags, and playing volleyball, football, basketball, and Frisbee. In California, at the TA Ontario West fair, the Greenland Holler Band performed while attendees played health trivia and checked out dog adoption services ("Adopt a Dog – Gain a Walking Partner!"). In Fultonville, New York, ladder ball, a washer toss, and hula hooping were all the rage. Several locations featured live radio broadcasts and windshield washing stations.
The health fair in Pennsylvania, at the TA in Harrisburg, was one of the busiest held on Tuesday. A highlight was two drivers who spoke about making healthy food choices on the road, including one who displayed wrappers from popular fast food items and pointed out the high calorie and sodium counts. A medical/health coordinator for a local trucking company told the crowd about "The 7 Habits of Highly Healthy People." Other professionals conducted body analyses or calculated body fat and BMI. A yoga expert demonstrated simple yoga and breathing exercises, as well as stretches that can be done easily inside a cab.

"We had such a great time yesterday, but we always kept in mind the real reason why we were there – to try to counteract the many ill effects that a sedentary lifestyle can bring," said Nancy Wilkes, communications director for the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, which coordinated the Harrisburg health fair. "Obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes… it's a huge issue for this industry, especially when you consider that the average life expectancy for professional drivers is often said to be less than that of the average person. At our fair, we tried hard to show people some small changes they can make to improve their lifestyles. TA/Petro did a great job, and it was just plain fun!"

Along with TCA, Comdata, McLeod Software, Progressive, TA/Petro, U.S. Bank, XRS, and Bayer were official sponsors of the health fairs. They not only helped cover expenses for the event, but also paid for special giveaways. The state trucking associations of Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah were also major players in planning and producing their respective fairs.

Two more health fairs took place September 18, in Tampa, Florida (I-4, Exit 10) and Corfu, New York (TA Pembroke location). TCA encourages everyone to follow the events on Facebook at www.truckload.org/Health or Twitter using hashtag #TCAHealth13.

TCA is the only national trade association whose collective sole focus is the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry.  The association represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, and intermodal container carriers operating in the 48 contiguous states, as well as Alaska, Mexico, and Canada.  Representing operators of more than 200,000 trucks, which collectively produce annual revenue of more than $20 billion, TCA is an organization tailored to specific truckload carrier needs.

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Chelatian Therapy Gives Hope to those With Chronic Eye Diseases

DADE CITY, FLORIDA – (September 18, 2013) – Millions of Americans face a variety of chronic eye diseases, ranging from macular degeneration to cataracts and everything in between. While some people may feel there isn't a lot of hope for treating these conditions, one doctor is making strides through the use of chelation therapy.

"Chelation therapy is an effective way to help prevent chronic eye diseases, and to address ones that are present," explains Dr. Edward Kondrot, founder of the Healing The Eye & Wellness Center. "It is the most effective solution we have for removing heavy metals from the body. And what most people don't realize is that heavy metals in the body are a contributing factor in all chronic eye disease."

Chelation therapy was used when military sailors were contaminated with heavy metals while painting the ships. The therapy is used to treat heavy metal poisoning. It is also used as an alternative therapy for treating heart disease, cancer, and some other conditions. The treatment involves a series of injections of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, which is a chemical that will bind with the heavy metals and help remove them from the body.

In addition to chelation therapy removing damage-inducing heavy metals from the body, there are additional benefits, including:

• Studies have shown that it can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• The therapy has been used safely for over 50 years.
• In addition to removing heavy metals from the body, it also cleans the arteries, reducing cholesterol.
• It can help to prevent strokes and blood clots, as well as helping to improve circulation.
• It can help to improve vision.

Healing The Eye and Wellness center

"Chelation therapy has helped many people with chronic eye disease problems," adds Dr. Kondrot. "It's a safe and effective way to address such conditions. As a bonus, people get the additional helpful effects that the therapy provides."

High concentrations of heavy metals in the body can be dangerous, leading to a variety of diseases that include heart disease, thyroid problems, dementia, autism, and infertility. They can be accumulated a number of ways, including through the high amounts of mercury found in some fish. The body is unable to break down heavy metals, so they continue to accumulate.

Dr. Kondrot is the author of three best-selling books, including "10 Essentials to Save Your Sight" (Advantage Media Group, July 2012), and president of the Arizona Homeopathic and Integrative Medical Association. He has founded the Healing The Eye & Wellness Center, located just north of Tampa, Fla., which offers alternative and homeopathic routes to vision therapies known as the "Kondrot Program." The program focuses on such conditions as macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye, cataracts, and others. His advanced programs have helped people from around the world restore their vision. The center sits on 50 acres of land and features a 14,000-square-foot state-of-the art complex, an organic ranch, jogging trails, swimming pool, hot tub, and more. For more information, visit the site at www.healingtheeye.com.

About Health The Eye & Wellness Center

The Healing The Eye & Wellness Center is located 30 miles north of Tampa, in Dade City, Fla. Founded by Dr. Edward Kondrot, the Center offers world-class alternative therapies for vision conditions, including color and vision therapy, the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eye, and more. The center also offers a variety of seminars, webinars, and training sessions for others in the medical community. Dr. Kondrot is the world's only board-certified ophthalmologist and board-certified homeopathic physician. He is also author of three best-selling books in the field. For more information, visit the site at www.healingtheeye.com.

Chronic Care Management Program Does Not Result in Increased Abstinence From Alcohol and Other Drug Dependence

Richard Saitz, MD, MPH

Persons with alcohol and other drug dependence who received chronic care management including relapse prevention counseling and medical, addiction and psychiatric treatment were no more abstinent than those who received usual primary care, according to a study in the September 18 issue of JAMA.

Chronic care management (CCM) is a way of delivering care that has been shown to be effective for chronic medical and mental health conditions. “Chronic care management is multidisciplinary patient-centered proactive care, a way to organize services that provides coordination and expertise, and has been effective for depression, medical illnesses, and tobacco dependence (a substance use disorder),” the authors write. Trials of integrated medical and addiction care suggest that CCM may be effective for treating addiction, particularly since care elements long known to be effective for addiction overlap with CCM approaches.

Richard Saitz, M.D., M.P.H., of Boston Medical Center, and colleagues conducted a study to examine whether CCM for alcohol and other drug dependence improves substance use outcomes compared with usual primary care. Participants (n = 563) were recruited between September 2006 to September 2008 from a freestanding residential detoxification unit, and from referrals to an urban teaching hospital and from advertisements; 95 percent completed 12-month follow-up. Participants were randomized to receive CCM (n=282) or no CCM (n=281).

The chronic care management group received longitudinal care coordinated with a primary care clinician; motivational enhancement therapy; relapse prevention counseling; and on-site medical, addiction, and psychiatric treatment, social work assistance, and referrals (to specialty addiction treatment mutual help). The primary care group received a timely appointment and a list of addiction treatment resources including a telephone number to arrange counseling.

The researchers found no difference in abstinence from stimulants, opioids, and heavy drinking between the CCM intervention and control group (44 percent vs. 42 percent, respectively, at 12 months). In a subgroup of patients with alcohol dependence, there were fewer alcohol problems among those who received the intervention.

The authors did not detect differences in secondary outcomes of addiction severity, health-related quality of life, or drug problems.

The authors write that current health care reforms in the United States include a focus on CCM in patient-centered medical homes to reduce chronic disease burden and to reduce costs (both of which are among the highest for those with addiction), in part because numerous studies have found such benefits for medical and mental health conditions. “Even though CCM is effective for a number of chronic conditions, it may be premature to assume that CCM will be the solution to improve the quality of care for and reduce costs of patients with addiction,” the authors write. Further research is warranted to determine whether more intensive or longer-duration CCM, or CCM designed differently, might do so.”
(doi:10.l001/jama.2013.277609)

Editor’s Note: This study was funded by a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. All authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Dr. Cheng reports having served on data monitoring committees for Johnson & Johnson and Janssen. No other disclosures were reported.

Editorial: Managing Substance Dependence as a Chronic Disease - Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

“How should clinicians, clinical leaders, researchers, and policy makers interpret the results of this negative study?” asks Patrick G. O'Connor, M.D., M.P.H., of the Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., in an accompanying editorial.

“… The findings may suggest that the glass is half full rather than half empty. This study places the evaluation of CCM for the treatment of substance use disorders firmly on the agenda for future research in this area. The CCM concept is sound, at least for some chronic illnesses, and highly relevant to today's evolving health care system. More research on CCM of addiction is clearly warranted to identify specific CCM approaches that may be useful for specific substance-using populations. Clinicians and health care organizations should move forward cautiously in this area pending convincing evidence that specific CCM models are effective for the treatment of substance use disorders in selected patient populations. Comprehensive, integrated management of addiction can only benefit patients—it remains to be seen how best to deliver substance abuse treatment effectively in an evidence-based manner.”
(doi:10.l001/jama.2013.277610)

Editor’s Note: The author has completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none were reported.

Gluten-free Pancakes that everyone will love.

A few months back we posted a recipe for cottage cheese pancakes.  Well I recently found another recipe that is pretty close to the original recipe we posted on April 22 but with a few changes. I really love this recipe.  If you are like me and always wanting to find new breakfast recipes that taste good, are filling, and healthy, then you'll love this.  My worst critics, my 4 kids, ate them and LOVED them.  They couldn't tell the difference at all from the normal pancakes we make.  The cinnamon in the recipe almost makes them taste a bit like french toast. 



Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cottage Cheese and Banana Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup cup gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 medium banana
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (another 1/2 teaspoon can be added for a more cinnamon taste if wanted)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup  cottage cheese
• 3-4 tablespoons milk

Fruit, chocolate chips or even peanut butter could be added to the batter to add a little twist to the recipe.  Next time I make these I want to try them with peanut butter.  Yum!

Directions:

Place all of the ingredients into a high powered blender and mix until completely smooth.  If the batter isn't smooth or doesn't pour easily then add a bit more milk.  You don't want the batter to be too runny or too thick.  Pour the batter onto a  greased griddle or pan at medium heat, forming 4 inch circles.  For a little extra twist I added blueberries right onto the freshly poured batter.

Flip the pancakes over after the batter starts to bubble. You want the pancakes to be golden brown in color.  Once the pancakes are cooked through, top with your favorite fruit, syrup or anything else you love on pancakes.  I topped mine with syrup, fresh mangos and kiwi fruit.  So yummy.

Serves 4 generously

Note: This recipe can be made with egg whites and almond or soy milk as an alternative.  If using egg whites, use 4 eggs instead of 2.  Also gluten-free oatmeal can be purchased at many grocery stores.

Addicts: puzzling behavior a mystery, surprising new information

West Palm Beach – September 17, 2013 -  A pervasive social issue, addiction and addictive behavior could touch each and every one of us at some time in our lives. If the behavior of your alcoholic or drug addict is puzzling, then Understanding Addiction could bring a better understanding of them. Much of the new information in Christopher O'Brien's book might be surprising----- reducing the mystery surrounding our view of addiction. .

If the alcoholic or addict is your child, your life partner, a business associate, or even you; Understanding Addiction is intended to supplement what has already been learned from clinical and grass roots recovery (12 Steps and other groups).  It will assist in identifying the particular components and methods that continually improve the quality of recovery.

"For each person, there is a unique mix of influences, symptoms, and consequences.  This book might bring a better understanding  that could improve your ability to accept them, love them, and perhaps assist them in achieving recovery."

About the Author
Christopher O'Brien holds an M.S. in Counseling Studies and a post-gradate certification in "Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior". A Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), Mr. O'Brien maintains a private practice as an addiction counselor and interventionist.

"Finding Boundless Joy in Unusual Places"

DESTINATION: HAPPINESS
Finding Boundless Joy in Unusual Places
By Linda Crill

Many important discoveries are made by accident; most of us have heard about inventions that were discovered by people searching for something different. The pacemaker, penicillin, post-it notes, corn flakes and even the slinky and silly putty are a just a few. But scientists aren't the only ones who can be surprised by results that defy logical assumptions.

I've found that one thing many of us want more of is "happiness." Even better yet is its more elusive cousin—radiating joy. The way I describe joy is this: it's an internal feeling that swells up from deep from inside of us and can't be easily restrained. This genuine expression can't be faked, even when photographers ask for it. Since we can't demand joy to appear on command, where do we find it?

Three Routes

Imagine yourself after a major setback deciding that it's time to feel boundless joy again. You're standing in the countryside with three road choices in front of you marked:

• Route 1 Self pampering,
• Route 2 Instant Pleasures,
• Route 3 Difficult Challenge with another road sign directly behind it stating, "Travel at Your Own Risk!"

You assess your options, asking yourself which road is most likely to take you to your destination of boundless joy. Which one would you choose? I've recently traveled these three routes and made an unusual discovery along the way.

Destination—Boundless Joy

A year after losing a husband to cancer, I was ready to reengage in life and most of all experience deep joy again. Experts' advised me to choose Route 1, to pamper and be good to myself. Dutifully, I splurged on 800-thread-count bed linens, joined a gym, knitted 40 scarves, and tried dozens of other things.

Friends encouraged me to indulge in instant pleasures. Exploring Route 2, I enjoyed previously forbidden rich desserts, scheduled a spa day, bought a stack of new jazz CDs, and turned off my alarm and slept in late.

Although Routes 1 and 2 were pleasurable while I was doing them, the feeling from each soon wore off, and I found myself needing a new fix soon thereafter. But an even more important limitation of these two routes was that I hadn't experienced the kind of boundless and sustaining joy that makes lasting memories and would renew my spirit again and again.

Defying Tradition

Eighteen months later, I was still miserable. Needing to shake up my life. I decided if traditional advice doesn't work, it was time to try something radically different. I signed up for a 2,500-mile motorcycle road trip down America's Pacific Northwest Coast riding a Harley. The problem was that I didn't know how to ride and had only thirty days to learn.

This motorcycle journey that started out as an escape vacation quickly turned into a formidable challenge. Learning to ride and balance a full-sized-800-pound machine was much harder than I imagined. I failed the 3-day motorcycle training class and couldn't pass the DMV's motorcycle license road test in three more attempts. But I kept practicing in spite of the setbacks and difficulty. On my fourth attempt, I shocked myself and passed with a perfect score. When I did, I erupted spontaneously with uncontrollable joy. I was happier than I had been in the previous two years.

Joy came from accomplishing what I had grown to believe was an insurmountable goal.

However, thirty days of riding practice wasn't adequate preparation for the 10-day motorcycle road trip. I faced new difficult obstacles daily that I'd ride white-knuckled through—jumping into Vancouver rush-hour traffic, riding up a long steel ferry ramp, maneuvering across a gravel road filled with washed-out gullies and riding at night up a mountain road covered with black ice were just a few. But, after completing each tasking challenge successfully, I'd erupt in exuberant joy. A new self-trust grew inside me proving I could count on life - and myself - again.

Repetitious Celebration

Route 3 isn't just a route that was the right answer for me to discover joy; there are numerous stories of people finding it after accomplishing something equally difficult and laced with fear of failure. When we do something difficult that we know how to do, we may feel satisfied and happy afterwards. But when we accomplish something formidable that we think we're not good at or fear—like making a public speech or successfully completing an arduous training—the reward is sustaining joy. Years later we can still smile and be excited as we remember our success.

The Washington Post recently published an article about adults attending classes to learn to ride a bicycle. These adults had given up or missed this normal childhood activity and now as mature adults, decided to tackle their fears and pursue it. Just as kids do when learning to ride a bicycle, they experienced the usual spills, skinned knees and bruises. But by not giving up, the ones who continued and learned to ride expressed tremendous joy at removing a barrier that had embarrassed and deprived them of a normal rite of passage.

My advice is this: if you're looking for tumultuous joy, challenge yourself to a difficult task; one you may be fearful of accomplishing. Be ready for setbacks and failure, since that's a part of every learning process. But see if choosing the "Difficult Challenge Road" doesn't end up with you discovering joy in an unusual place.

Linda Crill is a motivational speaker based in Washington, DC. In Blind Curves: One Woman's Unusual Journey To Reinvent Herself and Answer, "What Now?," Crill describes her own road to reinvention and shows readers how they too can tackle unexpected change. Blind Curves (Opus INTL, $16.95) is available at www.amazon.com and other online retailers. For more information, visit: www.lindacrill.com.