About Angel Blair

I am a Client Services Specialist here at MSAA. I hold both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Counseling from schools outside of the Philadelphia area. I love reading, music, movies, and writing. And one of my most favorite places I've traveled to is Disney World!

All I Really Need to Know I Learned In…..

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Angel Blair

So this week marked the time for many students across the country to head back into the classroom to begin a new school year. School supplies being emptied on store shelves, heavier morning traffic caused by school zones and bus stops, and the sun rising a little differently in the mornings all represent this significant time of year. It makes me think of the book by Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

The book highlights some very important and notable lessons we need throughout life that were actually taught to us in our earliest phase of education. It may not have seemed like it at the time, as we were having snack, playing with classmates and enjoying circle time, but values were being engrained in us that we would use for years to come. Remembering to share, to say you’re sorry if you hurt someone, and to be aware of the world around us were just some of the imperative teachings we learned amidst play time. It got me thinking though, what other times throughout life are we taught these and other significant lessons? The answer: every day.

It’s true. We learn important life lessons every day, for those younger and older, in school or not, there are constant teachings around us every day that continue to instill life’s lessons and morals in us. We hear about other people’s experiences and we look at them as examples, to model or not. We see good and bad and find our place in where we wish to be amidst the chaos. We strive to continue learning and to be vulnerable to new experiences and feelings. We try to remind ourselves of who we are and what we learned years ago and how it can still have meaning now.

People show interest in the world around them every day, even if it’s just by watching the news—again, to be aware of what’s out there and what’s bigger and different. So while many of life’s important lessons were learned as tots on those first days in the classroom, life itself continues to be the classroom; with continuous trainings and encouragement all around.

What lessons have you continued to learn about or have tried to teach others?

What To Do If You’re Uninsured

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Angel Blair

We know that life can be very unpredictable at times and no matter how much we try to anticipate obstacles and changes, there may be times that we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory, not knowing how to navigate the shift. With these changes sometimes come circumstances where one might find themselves without health insurance coverage for much needed medical care. It’s important to know where to go to try and find help with continued medical care needs.

If you’ve experienced some type of life change, like the loss of a job, moving to a new location, or getting married or having children and you find yourself uninsured, you may qualify to enroll in a Special Enrollment Period through the Health Insurance Marketplace to see if you can obtain healthcare coverage outside of the open enrollment deadline.

Local hospital systems sometimes offer financial assistance programs called ‘charity care’ to help those who are uninsured with medical costs accrued through the hospital. You can contact the hospital’s financial billing office for information on this assistance to see if you qualify to receive care from doctors and services provided through the hospital.

You can also try to access primary/general medical care follow up through federally qualified health centers in your area that work with individuals who are uninsured. These centers offer different services that include primary healthcare, dental care, women’s health services and routine immunizations, and physical exams. For those without insurance, a sliding fee scale payment option (based on your income and ability to pay for services) is sometimes available through the centers.

For possible help with medication costs, you can contact the manufacturer of the medication directly for information on any prescription cost assistance programs they provide. The MS Disease Modifying Therapies also have patient assistance programs that help uninsured clients by providing information and guidance for cost assistance they may qualify for with the treatment. By working with these different resources, uninsured individuals can try to continue maintaining their medical care and follow up.

Life Decisions

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Angel Blair

It’s not an easy thing to talk about or consider, but when it comes to making important decisions about the future it’s near the top of the list. It’s life insurance coverage. Yes, it can be a morbid topic to discuss sometimes but it’s one that warrants attention when making plans and preparations for future needs.

Life insurance can help pay for funeral costs, bills and other future financial needs of your family. The nonprofit organization Life Happens provides general information and education about life insurance and what to consider. It can be a challenging issue to face, and for those who experience chronic illness there may be some obstacles along the way to obtaining this coverage.

Some insurance companies may have stricter policies or limitations they impose for those who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness. This can vary according to the company’s policies and rules regarding coverage, and other issues like one’s medical history or current health situation. For these reasons it’s important to research a company and its policies before purchasing a plan. Higher premiums or limited coverage may be some of the barriers experienced by those trying to find a life insurance plan.

Working with your state department of insurance and certified insurance brokers/agents can help you find a life insurance plan that works for your needs. Agents who specialize in ‘impaired or high risk’ life insurance can help as they have experience finding coverage for individuals with medical conditions. The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors has a search option to help find agents in your area. Looking for professional support in the insurance arena can hopefully help you attain beneficial outcomes when finding coverage.

*Be sure to use discretion when researching insurance professionals in your area.

Have you had any experience with life insurance planning?

Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh….

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Angel Blair

So I don’t think many people would argue the fact that there are some days that just plain stink! I mean those days where it doesn’t seem like anything can go right and you have a giant bulls-eye on your back that the universe is using to its full advantage. We find ourselves stuck in this limbo of imbalance and misfortune and it can be a real downer! So what can help pull us out of these moments that seem chuck full of calamity? How about laughter?

We’ve heard the saying ‘Laughter is the best medicine’ but how true is this statement? How can humor really heal or remedy a situation for us? According to an article in Psychology Today, laughter can help make you feel better, literally. It can decrease blood pressure and stress levels and positively affect mood and even sleep habits. Laughter causes physical changes in the body that helps to reduce tension and increase endorphins that lead to positive feelings.

Sure there will be times throughout life where a situation does not call for any kind of humor or laughing elements, but there will be other times that are so comical or ironic that you can’t help yourself but to laugh at the circumstances. You’ll notice that laughter can be contagious as well, a good kind of contagious, like smiling is, where you can’t help but to join in with others who are experiencing the joy. If you find yourself in a moment where you can treat yourself to a good, hearty laugh, take advantage of it, and feel free to spread the wealth.

Reference:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-heart/201401/laughter-improves-overall-health-0

Positive Surroundings

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Angel Blair

I recently saw a quote that said “Negativity may knock at your door, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it in.” This really resonated because there are times in life that negativity does try to seep in and corrupt happiness and positive feelings. It emits toxicity and wants to take control over everything – and sometimes it’s hard not to feed into it and become consumed by it, especially when it presents with life circumstances that are unexpected and unwelcome.

It’s inevitable that at some point throughout life everyone experiences difficult times that unfortunately they have no control over. Things happen, obstacles or illnesses that we can’t foresee, but it’s important to know the aspects of your life that you do have control over. The people and influences that you choose to make a part of your life can be positive ones – you can make the choice to surround yourself with positive reinforcement and encouragement by choosing who you want to be a part of your inner support network. Are there times that we can’t control who are a part of our day to day lives? Of course. But sometimes you can control the frequency or duration of these interactions with others – even though sometimes this may be more difficult to accomplish. Let’s say if it’s family or friends that emit negativity, it can be more challenging to control and limit these exchanges because of the nature of the relationship. However, if there are moments that their negativity is all consuming and blocks out all that can be uplifting and positive, you can respectfully remove yourself from the situation.

One way to decrease negative energy is to purposely and consciously surround yourself with positive energy. Doing things you enjoy, communicating with others who make you feel supported and inspired and letting yourself experience good moments are ways to increase affirmation and optimism. When you have the chance to remove yourself from a negative encounter, be sure to book end it with a positive one, so that way at the end of the day, light conquers all.

Summertime Memories

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Angel Blair

The summer season usually conjures up warm memories for me (sorry, no pun intended!) of times when things were simpler being young and summer was the best time of year. Growing up, my family used to gather at my aunt and uncle’s house for get-togethers and special occasions, especially during the summer months because their house was attached to a private elementary school where there was a lot of open area. They acted as caretakers to the school grounds so we had access to two different playgrounds equipped with slides, swing sets and jungle gym activities and a large tot-lot for playing basketball and volleyball. We often had family barbecues there and were so excited when the 4th of July holiday was celebrated because we could watch the fireworks right from their porch. These are some of my best memories I hold from my childhood – playing outside with relatives and being with family and thinking the summer should never end.

As we grow older our memories stay with us – as special pieces of time you’ve stored for yourself to take out and reminisce over whenever you’re feeling sentimental, or just want to recall something good. There are certain triggers that can activate these memories – songs, movies, places, things. For me, my summer memories are triggered by the smell of flowers and grass, barbecue grilling – and the charcoal kind, not the fancier gas grill devices seen all over the place nowadays. Rice Krispy treats – my grandmother used to make the best treats for summer occasions. And mosquito bites – I know this one is a bit strange, but those little buggers would eat us alive playing outside during the summer!

The point is, no matter what the memory is or its trigger, these precious fragments of time that represent moments throughout our lives are something to treasure and hold onto with care. They allow us to go back to times we remember fondly and that gives us hope that the memories could possibly be recreated again someday.

What’s your favorite summertime memory?

Things to Consider for Summer Traveling

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Angel Blair

It’s here again – the summer season is upon us! Though for some people it actually may feel like it’s been here for quite a while depending on where you live. But the recent Memorial Day holiday really kicked off the start of the season for most around the country. With the arrival of summer some people start making travel plans and agendas for how to spend these months. Trying to schedule a trip can be stressful, and for those traveling with a disability or chronic illness, the planning process can be extra demanding. Ensuring certain accommodations are in place, scheduling stops and making arrangements for accessible travel are some of the necessary steps to take when planning a trip. Here are some things to consider in the planning phase:

Where are you going?

If they are needed – does your destination have disability accommodations? Like accessible bathrooms and sleeping areas, accessible activities/restaurants/shopping/travel routes within the town? It may help to call hotels and destinations beforehand to ensure their facilities meet your needs. This can help to decrease the stress of arriving at your destination and not having what you need to enjoy your trip.

What will you need for your trip?

Packing necessities like toiletries is just one part of the process. Having the appropriate amount of medications/treatments, equipment, and other products is important to ensure you won’t be left without something significant for your health condition while you’re away.

Who can you contact for help?

While planning a trip you will find there are resources available that can help you with the process. For example, you can work with a travel agent who specializes in accessible and disability travel that has knowledge on how to find locations and services that are accommodating for your requests. You can also get in touch with disability organizations and resources in the area where you’ll be traveling for additional assistance regarding local services and what’s available. Websites like Disabled Travelers and Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality can provide information for accessible travel needs as well.

Do you have plans for the summer? What does your planning process look like?

Sometimes Things Change…

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Angel Blair

Change is something that can be unavoidable at times and not always favored, nor asked for or necessarily welcomed. Though sometimes it can be difficult, there may be times when change is needed to make certain things more manageable. As it can be known to cause shifts in all types of roles, relationships, plans, or daily routines, adjusting to change can have impacts not just on yourself but those around you as well. One of the significant pieces needed throughout the change process is communication. Communication with family, friends, support networks, medical teams and others within your circle is important to be able to discuss what change has occurred and what can be done to accommodate it.

When dealing with something like a chronic illness, change can particularly affect family and relationship roles and dynamics. This can be difficult for all the family members involved. It can be difficult to change a routine and how things used to flow from one day to the next. Say one family member has been known to be the ‘caregiver’ to the others, taking care of the household duties and responsibilities. What if they suddenly need to be the one being cared for due to an illness? This can create a shift in how the household duties are shared and now need to be assigned to others.

Communicating how these changes affect the relationships is important. Feeling frustrated, confused, or even angry at times is ok because things are different. The critical point is to make sure that these thoughts and feelings are expressed to ensure that all people feel they are heard and that their feelings are validated and valued. Seeking some type of family counseling supports can be beneficial to talk about change in a safe and open format—so that all of those affected can discuss it.

Has change affected any of your relationships? How did you approach this?

Hi! It’s nice to meet you. What do you do?

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Angel Blair

Such a direct question, right out of the gate! And it’s one we encounter often when meeting new people – report your name and occupation for informational purposes, please. Because of the nature of this interaction (which feels very unnatural at times), meeting new people can be intimidating. It can be an awkward situation with pressure to ask or answer certain questions that may be sensitive to you or the other person. It can also be stressful to open yourself up to new people because the outcomes can be uncertain. How will the other person interpret what you said? Will they be accepting of you? And the detailed request to explain what you do rather than who you are can feel uncomfortable too, especially for those who may not currently be in the workforce to identify themselves as their work first.

Ok, so new conversations don’t exactly occur like this: “Hi, I’m John. I like traveling, going to the opera, and fishing.” But they don’t necessarily have to evolve into interactions that make you feel like you’re filling out paperwork at the DMV either. There can be a balance, where you can actually learn about the person’s character and their likes before judging them solely by what they do or don’t do for a living. It may not feel like it, but perhaps those who are no longer working are at an advantage at times in this new meeting scenario. This leaves the discussion open to actually discussing matters that are not just work related!

Other topics of conversation can be brought into the encounter and people can learn who the other person is and not just what they do. Maybe this conversation flow can include “tell me something about yourself,” thus creating a whole new direction of discussion between new people.

Even though meeting people can be scary sometimes, it can also open up so many exciting doors for increased interactions and forming relationships with others, which can be of great value!

How do you meet new people?

Spring Fling

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Angel Blair

Ahh, the time of year that brings colorful flowers into bloom and comfortable temps is finally here! April showers that bring May flowers help mark the arrival of spring type weather and a time for people to get outside and enjoy this time of year. It’s not too warm yet in most of the country, which allows for outdoor events to be enjoyed, not denied because of the heat. So what are some things people can get out and enjoy doing during this spring time?

Doing outdoor chores like gardening or yard work can be relaxing at times while you go at your own pace, or just sitting outside during this season can be refreshing, breathing in air that the winter months made most people hibernate against. Attending ball games, community events and outings, exercising or taking a ride can all be welcomed activities to appreciate this month. Spring doesn’t seem to last too long in relation to the sizzling summer and frigid winter months, so consider this period a ‘fling’ to do what you like, no matter what the activity is.

You can get together with people you enjoy spending time with and make up your own activities or events this season. Try something new – like a project or artwork you’ve always wanted to create, and have others help you to make it a fun group activity. It’s important to let yourself be present in the moment, especially if you’re engaging in something new, so that you can appreciate the situation for what it’s offering. The seasons come and go, so be sure to make your ‘spring fling’ a memorable one!

What’s your idea of a fun ‘spring fling?’

FOLLOW MSAA ON: