“It (cancer insurance) allows you to focus on your recovery not worry about the bills piling up,”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Cancer cell growth inhibited by new drug, Healthy Habits News. December 23, 2020: A just-published report reveals that a newly developed compound starves cancer cells. The compound attacks the cancer cells’ “power plants”. As a result, the new compound prevents the genetic information within mitochondria from being read.

These findings was based on researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne, Germany as well as the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and the University of Gothenburg. Their report finds that this compound could be used as a potential anti-tumor drug in the future.

According to the summarized report in Science Daily, the international team of researchers managed to establish a potential cancer drug that targets mitochondrial function without severe side effects and without harming healthy cells.

Cancer cell starvation

They note that previously the growth of cancer cells was assumed to be independent of mitochondrial function. However, the scientists undertaking the research noted that this long-standing dogma has been challenged in recent years. They note however that drugs that target mitochondrial functions are usually very toxic. As a result, it has so far proven difficult to target mitochondria for cancer treatment.

The research team designed a test method for identifying a chemical compound that strongly decreased cancer cell viability and tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice. It was generally well tolerated by the animals. “Our data suggest that we basically starve cancer cells into dying without large toxic side effects, at least for a certain amount of time.

Cancer awareness important because chances of survival increase

“Millions of American men and women will be diagnosed over the next few years and thanks to scientific discoveries like this the likelihood of survival following treatment increases dramatically,” says Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. “A cancer diagnosis is no longer a death sentence. But in addition to the health implications there is a financial impact that planning can help avoid.”

“Even with good health insurance, those who get cancer may face bills for medical treatments, health insurance plan deductibles and out-of-pocket costs not covered by their insurance,” Slome explains. “In addition, income is often reduced because people will take time off from work.” A modest cancer insurance policy that provides $20,000 of immediate cash benefit can cover those uncovered costs and replace lost income. “It allows you to focus on your recovery not worry about the bills piling up,” Slome suggests. And, the premium costs can be surprisingly affordable.”

Cancer Cost Calculator shows cost for $10,000 of cancer insurance

The American Association for Critical Illness insurance website offers an instant insurance cost calculator. The online calculator provides an example of costs for $10,000 or cancer insurance protection. A benefit of $20,000 would cost twice the shown amount in yearly premiums.

• Source: Science Daily, December 23, 2020
  Photo credit: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
  Cancer survival 2020: Access other cancer facts and data on the Association’s website.

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“The new findings suggest that maintaining lifelong cardiovascular health, particularly in the areas of smoking, exercise, and body mass index, can reduce dementia risk later in life,”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Healthy Habits News Report – December 16, 2020 A study of nearly 1,500 people in Finland found that those with better heart health in midlife had a lower risk of dementia later in life.. The research was based on scores of cardiovascular health especially for behavioral factors such as smoking.

“The new findings suggest that maintaining lifelong cardiovascular health, particularly in the areas of smoking, exercise, and body mass index, can reduce dementia risk later in life,” shares Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness insurance and editor of the Healthy Habits News Report.

The research was conducted by the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. In releasing the findings, it was noted that previous research suggested that efforts to address risk factors that impact heart health could reduce the number of people with dementia by up to one third. However, there has been a lack of evidence regarding potential links between risk of late-life dementia and scores on standard heart health metrics in midlife and late life.

The researchers analyzed data on 1,449 participants in the Finnish Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia stud. Study participants were enrolled between 1972 and 1987. They were assessed in 1998, and 744 dementia-free survivors were followed further into late life between 2005 and 2008.

Study participants’ heart health was evaluated from midlife to late life. Six factors classified as three behavioral (smoking status, physical activity, and body mass index) and three biological factors (fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, and blood pressure) were evaluated. Dementia was diagnosed in 61 persons in the first follow up, and additional 47 persons in the second.

The researchers found that participants with intermediate or ideal cardiovascular health scores from midlife onwards, especially for behavioral factors, had a lower risk of dementia later in life than participants with poor scores.

Heart brain connection

Learn more about critical illness insurance

”Heart attacks are a real risk for men and women,” explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. “This year about 805,000 Americans will have a heart attack, with three-in-four of those first heart attacks. Thanks to better emergency treatment and medical advances such as this new research more and more heart attack victims survive. The same can’t be said for their finances following a heart attack. That’s why planning for the financial consequences of a heart attack or stroke is so important for all men and women starting in your 40s and 50s.”

• Source: Article information source: Science Daily December 15, 2020
  Photo credit: Image by ElisaRiva from Pixabay

Find critical illness insurance rates on the Association’s website

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“planning for the financial consequences of a heart attack or stroke is so important for all men and women starting in your 40s and 50s.”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Healthy Habits News Report – November 27, 2020 Researchers studying data on over 400,000 United Kingdom individuals report a significant finding. Adults with the healthiest sleep patterns had a 42 percent lower risk of heart failure regardless of other risk factors. Healthy sleep patterns include rising in the morning, sleeping 7-8 hours a day and having no frequent insomnia, snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness.

Their findings compared to adults with unhealthy sleep patterns. The research was just published in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation.

The observational study examined the relationship between healthy sleep patterns and heart failure. Data on over 408,000 United Kingdom participants was included. Participants were between ages 37 to 73 at the time of recruitment (2006-2010). Incidence of heart failure was collected until April 1, 2019. Sleep duration was defined into three groups: short, or less than 7 hours a day; recommended, or 7 to 8 hours a day; and prolonged, or 9 hours or more a day.

Insomnia heart disease, better sleep reduces risk

The researchers recorded 5,221 cases of heart failure during a median follow-up of 10 years.

After adjusting for diabetes, hypertension, medication use, genetic variations and other covariates, participants with the healthiest sleep pattern had a 42% reduction in the risk of heart failure compared to people with an unhealthy sleep pattern.

They also found the risk of heart failure was independently associated and 8% lower in early risers. It was 12% lower in those who slept 7 to 8 hours daily and 17% lower in those who did not have frequent insomnia. Heart failure risk was 34% lower in those reporting no daytime sleepiness.

“Our findings indicate that endothelial-derived EVs (EEVs) could protect cardiac tissue from reoxygenation injury in part by supplementing the injured cells with proteins and signaling molecules that support different metabolic processes, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches,” said André G. Kléber, a Visiting Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and co-author of the study.

Insomnia heart disease – learn more about critical illness insurance

”Heart attacks are a real risk for men and women,” explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance and editor of the Health yHabits News Report. “This year about 805,000 Americans will have a heart attack, with three-in-four of those first heart attacks. Thanks to better emergency treatment and medical advances such as this new research more and more heart attack victims survive. The same can’t be said for their finances following a heart attack. That’s why planning for the financial consequences of a heart attack or stroke is so important for all men and women starting in your 40s and 50s.”

• Source: CDC
  Article information source: Science Daily, November 16, 2020
  Photo credit: Image by Erik Erik from Pixabay

Find critical illness insurance rates on the Association’s website

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“Men and women after reaching age 40 should be aware of the risk of cancer and some planning today is essential,”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Antidepressant helps cancer inhibition, Healthy Habits News. November 18, 2020: New research published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research reports that the antidepressant sertraline helps to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The study on cell cultures and lab animals was performed by research labs of KU Leuven.

According to the summarized report in Science Daily, cancer cells use different biological mechanisms to stimulate their growth. In certain types of breast cancer, leukemia, skin cancer, brain tumors and lung cancer, the malignant cells produce large amounts of serine and glycine, two amino acids. This production stimulates the growth of cancer cells to such an extent that they become addicted to serine and glycine.

Antidepressant helps cancer; sertraline was most effective

“This mechanism is an interesting target because cancer cells are so dependent on it,” says Professor Kim De Keersmaecker, head of the Laboratory for Disease Mechanisms in Cancer. “Healthy cells use this mechanism to a lesser extent and also take up serine and glycine from food. This is not sufficient for cancer cells, however, meaning they start producing more. If we can halt this production, we will be able to fight the cancer without affecting healthy cells.”

The researchers searched for a substance that influences the synthesis of serine and glycine. According to the report, they tested 1,600 substances on cells. The researchers reported that the antidepressant sertraline was the most effective substance. The researchers noted that other studies had already indicated that sertraline has a certain anti-cancer activity. They added that there was no explanation for this yet. In studies with mice they noted that sertraline in combination with another therapy strongly inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. Zoloft is the most common sertraline medication.

Setraline us an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Cancer awareness and planning is important

“Men and women after reaching age 40 should be aware of the risk of cancer and some planning today is essential,” says Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. “A cancer diagnosis is no longer a death sentence. But in addition to the health implications there is a financial impact that planning can help avoid.”

“Those who get cancer may face bills for medical treatments, health insurance plan deductibles and out-of-pocket costs not covered by their health insurance. Plus, it’s more than likely that one will take time off from work. A modest cancer insurance policy can cover those uncovered costs and replace lost income. “It allows you to focus on your recovery not worry about the bills piling up,” Slome suggests. And, the costs can be surprisingly affordable.”

Cancer Cost Calculator shows cost for $10,000 of cancer insurance

The American Association for Critical Illness insurance makes available a Cost Calculator. The online calculator provides a pretty accurate example of costs for $10,000 or cancer insurance protection. It can be accessed on the Association’s website.

• Source: Science Daily, November 17, 2020
  Photo credit: Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
  Cancer survival 2020: Access other cancer facts and data on the Association’s website.

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Health and dietary records of over 570,000 individuals were used to compare the outcomes of those who consumed chili pepper to those who rarely or never ate chili pepper. The people lived in the United States, Italy, China and Iran.  According to the findings reported by ScienceDaily.com, the analysis found that people who ate chili pepper had:

• a 26% relative reduction in cardiovascular mortality;
• a 23% relative reduction in cancer mortality; and
• a 25% relative reduction in all-cause mortality.

Prior studies reported benefits of eating chili pepper which has an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and blood-glucose regulating effect.  The effect is due to capsaicin, something that gives cp its characteristic mild to intense spice when eaten.  As part of the work that will be reported, researchers screened 4,729 studies from five leading global health databases.  Their final analysis includes four large studies that included health outcomes for participants with data on chili pepper consumption.

The researchers noted that dietary factors  play an important role in overall health.  They note that the exact reasons and mechanisms that might explain their findings regarding health benefits of chili pepper are currently unknown. Therefore, they note, it is impossible to conclusively say that eating more cp can prolong life and reduce deaths, especially from cardiovascular factors or cancer. More research, especially evidence from randomized controlled studies, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.”

Cancer Insurance Worth Considering In Your 40s and 50s

While the American Association for Critical Illness insurance  organization has the words ‘critical illness’ in our name, we acknowledge that for many individuals in their 40s, 50s and 60s, cancer is the larger risk faced during those ages.

Critical illness insurance policies cover a multitude of conditions. Cancer is definitely one of the primary risks.  Better insurance policies available today offer consumers the option of ‘cancer-only insurance’ as well as the more comprehensive critical illness coverage.  The cancer only coverage will typically be significantly less expensive because it only covers the one condition.

Find latest cancer facts, data and statistics to help learn more about your risk.
During Medicare Annual Open Enrollment find local Medicare insurance agents by visiting the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance’s website at www.MedicareSupp.org.

Source: Science Daily, November 9, 2020
Photo Credit: Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

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“According to the American Heart Association, 805,000 Americans will have a heart attack in 2020, with three-in-four of those first heart attacks. Most heart attack victims survive.”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

High flavanol diet: Healthy Habits News Report – October 27, 2020 Individuals who eat flavanol-rich foods and drinks, including tea, apples and berries, could benefit from lower blood pressure. The findings come from the first study of thousands of British individuals. Professor Gunter Kuhnle, a nutritionist at the University of Reading headed up the effort.

Researchers studied the diet of more than 25,000 people, measuring what they ate along with their blood pressure. Unlike to most other studies that look at the link between nutrition and health, the U.K. researchers did not rely on study participants reporting their diet. Rather this study measured flavanol consumption objectively using nutritional biomarkers.

Flavonoids are various compounds found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in flavanoids include onions, kale, grapes and red wine, tea, peaches, berries, tomatoes, lettuce, scallions and broccoli. They’re also in plant products like wine, tea, and chocolate. There are six different types of flavonoids found in food, and each kind is broken down by your body in a different way.

High flavanol diet offers blood pressure benefits

According to the study, the difference in blood pressure between those with the lowest 10% of flavanol intake and those with the highest 10% of intake was between 2 and 4 mmHg. The report summarizing the findings note that this is comparable to meaningful changes in blood pressure observed in those following a Mediterranean diet or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. The effect of consumption was more pronounced in participants with hypertension.

One heart attack every 40 seconds

”Lowering blood pressure is vital because reducing heart attack risk is vital for men and women,” explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance and editor of the Health Habits News Report. “According to the American Heart Association, 805,000 Americans will have a heart attack in 2020, with three-in-four of those first heart attacks. Most heart attack victims survive. The same can’t be said for their finances and that’s why planning for the financial consequences of a heart attack is so important.”

• Source: Scientific Reports, Nature.com
  Photo credit: Image by dungthuyvunguyen from Pixabay

Find critical illness insurance rates on the Association’s website

Heart health news 19: Healthy Habits News is the Facebook posts maintained by the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. Latest reports from major health-related research entities. To read more go to https://www.facebook.com/ciexperts and Follow (or Like) to page.

The post A high flavanol diet offers heart benefits appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

Researchers at MedUni Vienna’s Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism report that cold ambient temperatures increase vitamin A levels in both mice and humans.  The scientists report that this helps convert (bad) white adipose tissue into (good) brown adipose tissue that stimulates fat burning and heat generation.

In a report featured on Science Daily and published in the journal Molecular Metabolism they note that this fat transformation is usually accompanied by enhanced energy consumption.  The researchers explain that this offers a promising approach for the development of  obesity therapeutics.

The scientists explain humans have both white and brown fat tissue. During obesity development, excess calories are mainly stored in white fat.  In contrast, brown fat burns energy and thereby generates heat.

The report explains that more than 90% of the body fat depots in humans are white which are typically located at the abdomen, bottom, and upper thighs.  They postulate that converting white into brown fat could be a new therapeutic option to combat weight gain and obesity.

MedUni Vienna researchers demonstrated that moderate application of cold increases the levels of vitamin A.  They explain that most of the vitamin A reserves are stored in the liver.  Cold exposure seems to stimulate the redistribution of vitamin A towards the adipose tissue. The cold-induced increase in vitamin A led to a conversion of white fat into brown fat with a higher rate of fat burning.

They note that this is not an argument for consuming large amounts of vitamin A supplements unless not prescribed.  Vitamin A must be transported to the right cells at the right time,” explains Florian Kiefer from the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine III at MedUni Vienna. “We have discovered a new mechanism by which vitamin A regulates lipid combustion and heat generation in cold conditions. This could help us to develop new therapeutic interventions that exploit this specific mechanism.”

Source: Science Daily, October 21, 2020
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Healthy Habits News Reports are shared by the American Association  for Critical Illness Insurance.  Learn more about and get critical illness insurance information throughout the Association’s website.

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“planning for the financial consequences of a heart attack or stroke is so important for all men and women starting in your 40s and 50s.”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Heart health news 19; Healthy Habits News Report – October 19, 2020 Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences report a significant finding.

They share findings that can revive cells following a heart attack. In addition, it can keep cells functioning while deprived of oxygen during a heart attack.

Heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions, occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Medical professionals explain that the best way to treat a heart attack is to restore blood flow. However, they note that the process of restoring blood flow actually may cause more damage to the cells in the heart. So-called ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) or reoxygenation injury, happens when blood supply returns to tissue after a period of lack of oxygen.

“Our findings indicate that endothelial-derived EVs (EEVs) could protect cardiac tissue from reoxygenation injury in part by supplementing the injured cells with proteins and signaling molecules that support different metabolic processes, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches,” said André G. Kléber, a Visiting Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and co-author of the study.

One heart attack every 40 seconds

”Heart attacks are a real risk for men and women,” explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance and editor of the Health Habits News Report. “This year about 805,000 Americans will have a heart attack, with three-in-four of those first heart attacks. Thanks to better emergency treatment and medical advances such as this new research more and more heart attack victims survive. The same can’t be said for their finances following a heart attack. That’s why planning for the financial consequences of a heart attack or stroke is so important for all men and women starting in your 40s and 50s.”

• Source: CDC
  Article information source: Science Transitional Medicine, October 14, 2020
  Photo credit: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Find critical illness insurance rates on the Association’s website

Heart health news 19: Healthy Habits News is the Facebook posts maintained by the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. Latest reports from major health-related research entities. To read more go to https://www.facebook.com/ciexperts and Follow (or Like) to page.

The post Reviving heart cells after a heart attack appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

“There are 57 million U.S. gig workers who work either full-time or part-time and the Covid virus will only increase that number.”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Self-employed cancer planning: Critical Illness Awareness Month News. October 13, 2020: The freelance or gig worker economy is growing three times faster than the traditional workforce in the United States according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance (AACII). 

“According to the Bureau of Labor projections, the percentage of Americans who are defined as gig economy workers will increase to 43% this year,” shares Jesse Slome, director of the national organization.  “There are 57 million U.S. gig workers who work either full-time or part-time and the Covid virus will only increase that number.”

“Gig economy workers depend on their ability to work in order to pay their rent or mortgage, to pay bills,” cites Slome.  “If they are unable to work, what will replace the loss of income?”

New research shows that 44 million workers, or 28 percent of the U.S. labor market were self-employed at some point during a given week in 2019.   “One study reported that 14 percent of U.S. workers said being an independent contractor was their primary job, ” Slome cites.  “Current estimates project two million Americans driving for Uber and Lyft.  Another two million are real estate agents.”

Far too few of these self-employed or gig workers have a Plan B to replace lost income resulting from an illness or a critical illness diagnosis.  To help educate more Americans, the Association has initiated an educational effort in conjunction with Critical Illness Awareness Month (October).   “Our research shows that a significant percentage of adults in their 40s and 50s have never heard about cancer insurance or critical illness insurance,” Slome notes.

Nearly two million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year.  “Breast cancer risk really starts when you reach your 40s and prostate cancer risk really begins when men turn 50,” the critical illness insurance expert explains.  According to the Critical Illness Insurance Cost Calculator, a cancer insurance policy that pays $10,000 upon diagnosis can cost less than $100 a year for someone in their mid-40s.

Cancer awareness and planning is vital for self-employed and gig economy workers

Two million American men and women will be diagnosed with cancer this year. “For women, breast cancer risk starts after you turn age 40. Men start to face increasing prostate cancer risk rafter they turn 50,” the critical illness insurance expert explains. According to the Critical Illness Insurance Cost Calculator, a cancer insurance policy that pays $10,000 upon diagnosis can cost less than $100 a year for someone in their mid-40s.

Our goal is simply to increase awareness of the risks and the planning options for those who depend on their ability to work to pay bills,” Slome explains. “The worst thing is hearing from people who’ve been diagnosed with cancer, calling us in financial despair,” he adds. “They tell us they never heard about these options and while it’s too late for them to obtain coverage, we want to make sure others are aware.”

Cancer Cost Calculator shows cost for $10,000 of cancer insurance

Use the Association’s Cost Calculator to see an instant example of costs for $10,000 or cancer insurance protection. A cancer-only insurance policy like this would pay $10,000 as a lump-sum cash payment following a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer survival 2020: Access other cancer facts and data on the Association’s website.

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“After age 50, men should be concerned about the risk of prostate cancer,”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

PROSTATE CANCER STATISTICS 2020: Critical Illness Awareness Month News. October 12, 2020: Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society’s estimates about 191,930 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2020.  About 33,330 deaths will be attributable to prostate cancer.

“Every day somewhere in the U.S. multiple men will hear the dreaded words, you have prostate cancer,” explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, “The good news is that many will survive as the five year survival rate can be extremely good.”

Prostate Cancer Statistics 2020 – New Rates

Around 60% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over 65. The average age of diagnosis is 66 years. The disease rarely occurs in those younger than 40.

The number of new cases diagnosed in black men is 60% higher than to the number of new cases diagnosed in white men.

Prostate Cancer Survival Rates – 2020

The 5-year survival rate for most men with local or regional prostate cancer is nearly 100%. For men diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 31%. The 10-year survival rate for local, regional, and distant prostate cancer combined is 98%. The numbers below are based on men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2009 and 2015. To learn more go to the American Cancer Society website.

Prostate cancer awareness and planning is paramount for men

“After age 50, men should be concerned about the risk of prostate cancer,” explains Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. “During Critical Illness Awareness Month we hope to do all we can to raise awareness of the issues and options available.”

For men a modest cancer insurance policy or a more comprehensive critical illness insurance can cover costs not covered by their health insurance. It can also replace lost income especially important for the growing number of gig economy workers. “What I like to say is that critical illness insurance allows you to focus on your recovery not worry about the bills piling up,” adds AACII’s Slome.

Cancer Cost Calculator shows cost for $10,000 of cancer insurance

The American Association for Critical Illness insurance provides a Cost Calculator that gives a pretty accurate example of costs for $10,000 or cancer insurance protection. “Men who are between the ages of 40 and 60 should learn more about the enormous potential benefits of having even a small amount of cancer insurance,” Slome concludes.

Source: American Cancer Society
Photo Credit: Image by marijana1 from Pixabay
Cancer survival 2020: Access other cancer facts and data on the Association’s website.

The post Prostate cancer statistics 2020 appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.