Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19):

You didn’t get all that you wanted. It’s better this way. Some degree of hunger keeps things exciting. Hunger causes action. Overindulgence causes lethargy and is generally unattractive. Taurus (April 20-May 20):

People pick up on your signals whether or not you are consciously aware of what they are. Know yourself and be empowered. Ten minutes of honest reflection will do it. Relationships transform as your intention does. Gemini (May 21-June 21): What good is your charm if you are not using it to forward your purposes? You didn’t exactly wake up this morning knowing what those purposes were, but it’s OK. You can make up for lost time by getting clear on it now. Cancer (June 22-July 22):

The reason you haven’t met the goal yet is that you’re not totally sure you’re ready. In the back of your mind, there’s fear as to the responsibilities that go with the prize. Grab on anyway. Don’t borrow tomorrow’s problems today. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): These circumstances are not inherently entertaining. This fun you’re having, that’s all you. Know it. Own it. Claim it. The world is your playground and people love being around you because of your unique way of being in it. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Good conversation leads to even better things — a deal, a friend, a meaningful and possibly life-changing exchange. Your communication skills are a golden ticket.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): To enjoy a thing fully, you must empty your mind of fantasies, assumptions, prejudices and expectations in all directions. Into that void will flow experience in which you can revel in Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21):

You’ve tended toward criticizing and directing yourself lately, and an amazing thing happens when you stop that. Chaos doesn’t ensue. Everything gets done. The vibes simultaneously elevate and relax.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

You do quite a lot in a day and yet you find, when your head hits the pillow, you still want more. There is more, right? The question sticks with you even after you’ve closed your eyes to sleep. Ambitions fill your dreams.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

The words, “I love you,” can only be interpreted inside of context. Consistently loving behavior reflects one meaning, and if these words are unsupported by such things they could mean literally anything.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

You’re dedicated to work. You manage time well, and you’re conscientious. It’s when your high standards of performance extend to those around you that you realize how much you need to team patience with your other virtues.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Though you may turn to other worlds as a fun escape, you do not wish to have the lives of others, only to make your own more brightly reflect your heart and ideas.

Today’s birthday (Feb. 25): In the same way you can turn the mighty sun on and off with a flick of your eyelids, you can change the trajectory of a relationship with tricks of the mind. This you’ll do often and well, finding ways to think of things that give you power and options, and then exercising that potential to create one magnificent outcome after another. Virgo and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 12, 22, 4, 44and 18.

(Family Features) Managing a chronic disease takes plenty of special planning and attention, and in many cases, a lot of money. In some cases, the expenses associated with disease management are overwhelming, forcing patients to skip essential treatments or medication and risk serious health complications.

One example is diabetes. A study published in the “Journal of American Medicine” found that

1 in 4 individuals with diabetes had rationed their insulin, which can impact short- and long-term health. Since 2002, the list price of insulin has risen, often costing customers without health insurance or on high-deductible insurance plans upwards of $1,000 for a one-month supply.

Consider these ideas to help manage the expense associated with a chronic disease:

1. Health Insurance

Whether you have a chronic condition or you’re generally healthy, it’s important to understand the different types of health insurance available to you. Commercial health plans can be purchased by anyone and may be available through your employer, or you may be eligible for government-funded health care, but there are numerous other options and variables to consider.

Understanding the costs associated with insurance plans means taking into account both your monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs like co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles. When choosing a plan, decide whether you’d rather pay a higher amount each month (premium) and less when you see the doctor (co-pays, co-insurance or deductible), or if you’d prefer to pay less each month and more when you need to see the doctor or fill prescriptions.