Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a serious and growing concern nationally. HAIs are infections that people get while receiving treatment for another health issue. HAI infections result in over 86,000 deaths per year and result in huge costs to healthcare systems. While a cause for concern, the good news is that these infections are easily preventable if healthcare professionals are diligent about maintaining sterile conditions and closely monitoring patients. Programs advocating for HAI prevention awareness have shown that adopting a few simple measures can reduce the rate of HAIs by two-thirds and save hospitals $200 million in just 18 months. Click here to read more about studies on HAIs and their costs. Click here to read about the Department of Health and Human Services’ plan to reduce the burden of HAIs nationally.

Tired of the same old leftovers? Ready to toss those vegetable extras like carrot ends and celery tops? Think that stale bread is ready for the trash? Think again. There are a lot of creative ways to put leftovers to good use. This list of 50 ways to never waste food again offers healthy and green ways to stretch your food dollar.

It’s important to understand where your food comes from. Food consumed in the U.S. now travels an average of 1,500 miles before ending up on our plates. Individual health and local economies are better supported when we buy from local growers and producers whenever possible. Find out what the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is doing to promote the local food movement and click here to locate a farmer’s market in your part of Louisiana or elsewhere. Photo: Original work by Grant Wood, 1930.

Balancing a hectic schedule with one’s career, family and friends can leave little time for cooking healthy and buying fresh foods at the grocery or farmer’s market. However, giving into the drive thru and eating out regularly can both add to your waistline and expenses. Here are 10 tips for eating healthy on a budget.

You may think the dollar value menu at your local fast food chain is a bargain, but the low cost of foods high in fat and calories can come at a much bigger cost to your health. Superfoods are foods high in nutritional value. Check out this dollar value menu for six superfoods that deliver the most nutritious bang for your buck (or less).

The state of Louisiana has approved $7 million of federal disaster-recovery money for the Fresh Food Retailers Initiative program, which is designed to provide healthy foods at affordable prices in underserved New Orleans neighborhoods. Read the press release from the Louisiana Recovery Authority.

A survey of 200 small business owners in Louisiana shows that the majority supports changes to the U.S. healthcare system. Most participants believe that national healthcare reform is necessary, and they feel a responsibility to offer health care services to their employees. For small business owners who do not currently offer health insurance, 87% stated that they simply can’t afford it. Many small business owners are optimistic healthcare system reform will help control costs related to coverage. Read more about the report and learn why small business owners in Louisiana are supporting changes in health care.

Proper medical insurance coverage is important for everyone, but private insurance plans can be extremely costly. According to several insurance experts, many health insurance plans regularly overcharge patients in common situations that can easily be avoided - and insurance companies would prefer that you didn’t know about them. Learn about these money-saving techniques and discover nine strategies for reducing the price of healthcare.

As the cost of medical care continues to rise in the United States, more and more Americans are implementing personalized healthcare plans and managing their own medical expenses. There are several financial tactics for lower health costs without sacrificing quality care, but being informed is crucial to receiving these benefits. Read strategies from CNN Money.com and learn how to survive the rising cost of medical care.