Smaller list of coupons compared to competitors. Find this site less appealing to me for searching coupons, prefer to use them for price comparison.
Click Here

9. CurrentCodes

Has a small database, but will provide well as long as they offer coupons for whatever store you are searching coupons for. I tend to pass over this site because of the small selection.
Click Here

8. Savings.com

A great source for finding coupons online. They have a great selection of coupon codes as well as grocery coupons. This site has also partnered with Local.com to provide coupons for their website.
Click Here

7. MeFindCoupon

Let the caveman find you a coupon. This site has helped me in the past, offers restaurant as well as printapons. Has over 19,000 coupons for over 4,000 stores.
Click Here

 6. CouponCodes.com

Great job in offering coupons for over 4,000 stores. I tend to use them the third most because of their reliability and success rate.
Click Here

 5. CouponMountain

Another popular coupon site with a huge selection of coupons and offers.  Claims to be the most reliable, trusted and straightforward coupon website. This site has one of the largest coupon databases and has helped me in the past as well.
Click Here

 4. Bradsdeals

Excellent list of coupons, may not provide what your looking for, but the coupons here work. This site currently has over 7,094 Coupons and 706 Handpicked Deals for 2,425 Stores.
Click Here

 3. CouponCabin

Famous for ranking high on search engines and having no coupons. This site can be frustrating, but they still offer a huge list of coupons. Every time I visit this site I’m afraid they won’t have the coupon I’m looking for.

Click Here

 2. Coupons.com

Easy to use site, offering thousands of the most popular coupons online. They are excellent at providing working coupons. Only negative is it’s not likely at all that you will find coupons for a lesser known brand.
Click Here

 1. Retailmenot

The coupon giant in this industry, provides the largest list on the web and one of the first major coupon sites on the web. Have had the most success with this site and have helped me save the most. Has over 100,000 coupons in it’s database, may want to try this one first.
Click Here

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• Crazy Products Online (wouldnotbuythis.com)
• Best Coupon Sites for Moms (verybestsites.com)

1. Tennis is an excellent way to meet new people and make new friends and you don’t have to be Wimbledon level to be able to play. You can either sign up for some tennis coaching sessions if you don’t feel confident enough to jump straight onto the court, or join your local club and put yourself forward for some matches.

2. Skiing or snowboarding might seem like something of a solitary activity but there are actually plenty of group activities to get involved in on the piste, from snowmobiling to trekking. And if you don’t meet people on the slopes there’s always the après ski, which is of course one of the main reasons many people choose to take snow holidays in the first place.

3. 5 a side Football is a great team sport that most people will already know the rules to and that you can play pretty much anywhere, from a park to a proper pitch. From team bonding over the half time oranges, to post match drinks, there are plenty of opportunities for meeting new people and because the group is small-ish your face won’t get lost in a crowd.

4. Golf is the perfect option for anyone who is looking to make new friends in a slightly more serene and less sweaty way than spending several hours running around a court or a pitch. After a few friendly rounds, head to the club house for a sociable drink to discuss handicaps and swap your stories of your time on the green.

5. Netball is a really invigorating way to spend a couple of hours and is also a proper group sport that requires communication and plenty of teamwork. Whether it’s a tactics planning session beforehand or celebratory drinks at the local pub after a win, this is a great sport for meeting new and like-minded people.

6. Cricket is the kind of team sport that is perfect for socializing, as there is plenty of opportunity for leisurely chats and discussions of play for those not on the pitch. Factor in the tea and lunch breaks, as well as the post match nights out with friends and other halves, and you have a sure fire way to expand your social circle.

7. Jogging is something that many people do on their own, with a dog or with only an iPod for company. However, most cities in the UK now have one or more running clubs, which are the perfect opportunity to meet like minded souls, to arrange joint runs and to train together for big events.

8. Swimming is a great way to introduce some new faces into your life, especially if you sign up for aqua aerobics or swimming classes at your local pool. If you have a new baby, this is a particularly good way to meet other mothers who are also introducing their little ones to the water for the first time.

9. Aerobics classes are the perfect way to meet new people in an atmosphere that is always upbeat, lively and great fun. OK, so you might be getting a little sweaty and not looking your best but everyone in the room will be in the same boat and this kind of physical exercise can really encourage people to let their guard down.

10. Sailing is an exhilarating and unusual team sport that can bring a whole crew of new people into your life. Sign up for some group lessons anywhere on the coast of the UK and then introduce yourself into the local sailing club, as these are often at the heart of the local community.

These different sports are an easy way to make new friends and widen your social circle. Meeting other people whilst doing something that you love is a situation where you are almost guaranteed to come across similar minded people with similar interests. And most of the time it’s much cheaper and healthier than going to the pub!

John is a guest blogger from Go Mammoth netball London – a social sports club where you can meet new people while playing the sports you love.

Finances

Money is one of the biggest causes of marital problems. Couples who take the time to discuss finances and money arrangements before getting married are starting their life together with more security. It’s important to be aware of a partner’s debt and spending habits. They also need to decide whether to keep separate bank accounts, have a joint account, their long and short-term saving goals, and how to deal with large purchases. Other important considerations are financial record keeping, taxes and whether or not to inform one another of every major or minor purchase.

Young couples getting married right out of high school or college may not be secure in their careers yet, and may need to consider their need for temporary medical insurance. Any couple at a crossroads in their careers might be faced with the need for short-term health insurance. No couple wants to incur a mountain of debt due to unexpected emergency medical expenses.

Children

A couple should talk about their feelings regarding children before they get married. This includes talking about whether or not to have children, the length of time they intend to wait to start a family after marriage, whether or not to use birth control and how many children they wish to have. A couple may also want to discuss things like raising children. Clarifying expectations regarding childcare once a baby is born is also important. Some women may feel very strongly about continuing to work when their children are infants. Not reaching an understanding about this before marriage may cause major disagreements after the birth of the child.

Communication

By taking the time to engage in communication before marriage, soon-to-be spouses gain an understanding of their partner’s needs. Important points to cover include dealing with disagreements, handling criticisms when something bothers one partner and not holding in intense feelings to the point where a small issue turns into a big fight.

Religion and Moral Values

One of the most important things any couple can discuss before marriage involves their religious beliefs and moral values. Even if both members of a couple don’t belong to the same religion, differences in views may become more important after marriage, especially when children are involved. Come to an understanding about how to deal with religious differences so there aren’t surprises once children are born. Couples should make sure they share the same life values and moral compass.

Extended Family

When families are spread out over great distances, decisions about where to spend holidays or whether or not to visit siblings are a big deal. Taking the time to hash this out before marriage may prevent unpleasant discussions, and there are fewer chances for anyone to feel hurt. By acknowledging the sensitive nature of the situation and working out a satisfactory arrangement before marriage, everyone will be happier.

Household Responsibilities

Household duties are never a pleasant topic of discussion. When couples take the time to discuss their expectations and come to an agreement regarding responsibility for certain chores, there’s less chance that one partner will wind up feeling angry and resentful of the other partner because they don’t pitch in enough. In households where both people work full time, it isn’t fair to expect one person to do all of the housework, laundry and cooking. By creating a plan before marriage, a couple begins their marriage as equal partners.

Balancing Time With Friends and Time Together

Most couples have a well-established circle of friends before they get married. While living the single life, each partner probably developed rituals for spending time with friends. A woman who’s used to having a girls’ night out, and a man who’s used to watching sports with his guy friends on a certain day of the week, may expect to continue these activities even after marriage. Discussing this before marriage can prevent some nasty arguments. Setting aside a special date day or night is a great way to create that together time, especially when schedules are very hectic.

Hostile In-Laws

Sometimes parents have a difficult time accepting that their son or daughter is in love with someone and intends to marry them. A parent who is openly hostile to a would-be son- or daughter-in-law may try to drive a wedge between the couple. By discussing the issue before marriage and making sure each partner stands behind the other, the marriage begins as a strong partnership.

Regardless of the length of a relationship before marriage, there are many things fiancés won’t know about one another until they live together as a married couple. By taking the time to discuss issues that typically cause problems and agree on how to deal with them, a couple begins life together without the excess baggage that might otherwise create tension and discord in the marriage. Through honest communication, marriages are built on a solid foundation.

Upgrade Your Appliances

After years of use, many homeowners find that their appliances need an upgrade. When this time comes in your home, consider upgrading to energy efficient appliances, such as whirlpool refrigerators or washing machines. These energy efficient appliances maximize the use of their energy, and use fewer resources to function properly. They are proven to save hundreds of dollars each year on utility bills, and also make a positive impact on the planet as well.

Change Your Light Bulbs

You would be surprised to find out that doing something as simple as changing your light bulbs can save you money each month on your electricity bill. Go around your home and take out all the standard light bulbs from your lamps, ceiling fans and other light fixtures and replace them with energy efficient bulbs. These bulbs are brighter and use less energy, ultimately saving you money on your bill each month. This is one of the easiest green home trends out there, yet still has a big impact.

Install Solar Panels

If you are looking to do major home improvements that not only have a big impact on your energy bill but also increase the value of your home, consider installing solar panels on your home. These solar panels can be installed on your roof, allowing you to utilize solar energy for your home. While this might seem like a big undertaking, it is becoming more and more common for homeowners to have a few working solar panels on their home. This project has one of the biggest impacts on your utility bills each month, allowing you to rely less on gas and electricity and more on the resources available to you for free.

Reuse Rainwater

Reusing rainwater is a great way to save on water, without skimping on the love for your lawn and garden. Purchasing a rainwater bin from your local hardware store will allow you to collect rainwater each time it rains, and you can then subsequently use that to water your lawn and garden. Millions of gallons of water are used each year to water the lawns across the country. A rainwater bin protects our natural resources while maximizing use of the rainwater available to everyone.

Install a Composting Toilet

This is one of the larger green home renovations, and the people who choose to do this are truly dedicated to the eco-friendly movement. A composting toilet allows human waste to break down naturally so that it can be used for compost. This isn’t a project for just anyone though — you have to be truly dedicated to the cause, monitoring your toilet’s temperature and other items.

Ultimately, by improving your home and making it a more eco-friendly living space, you will begin to save money on your monthly expenses. In addition to saving some cash each year, you also can rest easy at night knowing you are doing your best to take care of the planet that we live on. These green home trends are good for you, good for your neighbors around you and good for the entire planet — so take a few minutes and have a peak around your house. The time is now to decide how you can go green.

Holly spends her active time moving her feet, a soccer ball or (when lucky) a shopping bag. She spends her inactive time blogging for Sears and “repining” green and DIY home ideas. Don’t worry, she’ll get off Pinterest and back into the gym; just hold on one more second, after this pin, and this one …

How We Get Our News

The average person signs on to Facebook as soon as they roll out of bed in the morning. Users report that signing on to Facebook happens before they’ve greeted their spouse, kissed their kids or made their morning cup of Joe. Friends and contacts on Facebook are increasingly becoming the trusted sources for news and events occurring in the world.

How We Meet People

People will never stop meeting people in bars, church or parties, but meeting people on social media sites is quickly becoming the preferred option. Why? The answer to that is simple: we immediately know if these people share our likes, dislikes and world views. What can take weeks to find out face-to-face is discovered instantly on social media sites.

How We Stay in Touch

Communicating with people via social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter is slowly taking over the way we stay in touch. In the same way that email took over snail mail, wall posts and Tweets are taking over email. This instant communication has become the preferred method of contact for the majority of Americans.

How We Conduct Business

Sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter have changed the way that we start and conduct businesses. With little to no start-up capital, budding entrepreneurs can get a business off of the ground, find employees and market their goods or services to thousands of potential customers.

What We Tell People

In the past, people were wary of revealing their inner thoughts and feelings to the people they know, let alone complete strangers. With the advent of social media, the tide has turned. People are now much more apt to share their opinions on social issues, and that willingness to share spills over into the real world.

The Change We Influence

Social media gives us a voice in the world. One post on Facebook, one tweet on Twitter or one video posted on YouTube can ultimately be shared with millions of people. Our circle of influence has spread from immediate family and friends to the entire world.

How We Learn

Prior to the advent of social media, school lessons were centered around textbooks, newspaper articles and documentaries. Thanks to social media, teachers are able to share far more information with their students than ever before.

How We Save

Forget clipping coupons, savvy shoppers are looking to social media for savings. Look for your favorite food or beverage on Facebook and chances are that you’ll find a fan page. These fan pages often contain links for discounts and printable coupons that can’t be found in your Sunday fliers.

How We Eat

Believe it or not, social media is changing the way we eat. From locating local markets to discovering exotic recipes, users are finding that social media can transform the way they feed themselves and their families. Dieters who use social media for support often have more success than those that attempt to go it alone.

Our Self-Esteem

By broadening their horizons, sharing their opinions and expressing their views, people, particularly teenagers, are finding a new sense of self. For the introverted among us, social media allows for a free exchange of opinions and ideas. By interacting in a positive way with people from all over the globe, people are becoming more self-assured and confident.

Sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Google+ have changed the way we live. If you’ve been bucking the trend, it’s time to create an account! Your life may just change for the better.

Victoria Fricke is a freelance blogger for keek.com as well as an avid vlogger. She often recommends Keek to other blogging or vlogging enthusiasts as one of the easiest ways to upload and update videos, even from your phone.

Canada

Canada has some distinct financial and cultural advantages for retirees. The Canadian system for retirement savings is similar to the United States, but with significant tax differences. For example, the Registered Retirement Income Fund allows you to take a tax deduction every year you participate and contributions can be made until you are 71. Canada also provides a countrywide healthcare system that is unparalleled.

Besides the financial benefits, Canada has landscape that will appeal to retirees. Halifax, for instance, sits on the southeast Atlantic coast near New York and surrounds one of the largest, natural harbors in the world. Those more culturally inclined can consider Stratford, home of Shakespearian and music festivals plus a diverse selection of art. Canada is close to home, which makes finding moving services easier and visiting the States easier. The summer weather is mild and the lifestyle is similar to the U.S.

Panama

Panama may seem like an unlikely retirement option, but is, in fact, one of the top spots today. The cost of living in Panama is low and the real estate is affordable. What will buy a small home in the United States can buy you an ocean front condo with security and amenities in Panama.

The diversity of the landscape is another reason Panama makes the list. You can enjoy the nightlife in Panama City, travel to the beaches on the coast and visit the mountains all in a few days. Panama has a stable, democratic government and guaranteed territorial sovereignty from the U.S. Between the balmy breezes and sweet economy, Panama should be way up on your list for possible retirement destinations.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country known for its stable, democratic government and peaceful environment. The cost of living in this picturesque country is lower than what you would find in the United States and even in most Central American nations.

When it comes to climate, there is no better place than Costa Rica. The weather tends to remain warm and breezy all year round. Costa Rica is the right place for seniors who are nature lovers. In the capital city of San Jose, you can visit INBio, part museum and part nature park then make a stop at the Rainforest on your way back. INBio is just one of a number of nature reserves to see in Costa Rica.

Argentina

Argentina is for the retiree who wants fine dining and entertainment to go along with the beaches and a low cost of living. For nightlife, culture and the best restaurants, Buenos Aires, a city known internationally for its entertainment and friendly people. The climate in Argentina is similar to what you would find in other Central American countries, warm and balmy.

Argentina is still expanding, which makes the real estate very attractive. Much like other countries in this area, you can live in Argentina for less and get more.

Mexico

Mexico has a little bit of everything. This would be the place to move if you enjoy diversity. You can travel to Cancun for beaches, celebrities and entertainment, move on to the vibrant city of San Miguel de Allende for culture and history and do some silver mining in Guanajuato. May Mexican cities are full of Mayan ancient ruins, museums, Spanish art and authentic Mexican restaurants.

Mexico is known for a low cost of living, inexpensive healthcare and friendly natives. The weather stays comfortable year round. Between the beaches and the culture, Mexico is a top retirement country for Americans.

Whether you want art, nightlife or just a quiet breeze while lying on the beach, chances are you will find it cheaper and better in a country other than the United States. When investigating your retirement options, look abroad for the perfect place to settle.

Fashionplaytes.com

FP Girl is perfect for girls and tweens. There are 11 different styles of tees to choose from, ranging from long-to short-sleeve. Once the style is chosen, users can choose their shirt color, decorate the shirt with choices of 100 designs, design a label and then preview their shirt. Prices are incredibly reasonable and the styles are trendy enough to please your budding fashionista.

Cafepress.com

Cafe press is one of the oldest and most popular T-shirt design sites. On Cafepress.com, you can design one shirt for yourself, or design a line of clothing for everyone else. There are 37 blank tees to choose from: organic, short-sleeved, long-sleeved, women’s, men’s and baby. You can even create a tee for your pooch if you are so inclined. Users can choose from clipart, their own photos, symbols or words to adorn the front and back of their shirts. There are literally thousands of combinations to choose from!

Customink.com

This site offers a wide variety of design options and style choices. From trendy tops to V-necks; ringers to team wear, this site is your one stop shop for all of your T-shirt needs. Shirts are available in a myriad of the latest trendy colors, ensuring that you’ll find something for everyone in your family to love. Users can upload their own images, choose from clipart, add text, add names or combine the design features to make their own, unique tee.

Vistaprint.com

Short-sleeve shirts start at $6.00 for men and $7.00 for ladies, making this site both affordable and fun. Choose from over 1500 designs or upload your own custom graphics. Color choices for shirts are limited to white, ash gray and black but, for the price, we’re willing to sacrifice color. Users can design shirts with full front graphics or keep the graphics confined to the left chest. With the hundreds of design options, you can find a shirt perfect for your next reunion or just a day out on the beach.

Spreadshirt.com

Spread Shirt guarantees that its advanced techniques will turn out a T-shirt that won’t crack or fade after the first wash. Choose your shirt, choose from one of the hundreds of pre-designed graphics or upload your own image! Pick your color and you’re done. The designers at Spread Shirt will custom make your T-shirt for you and deliver it right to your door.

Zazzle.com

At Zazzle.com, you can create a shirt for yourself or for your entire team. Choose from dozens of shirt styles and colors for a look that is all your own. There’s no set-up fee for group T-shirts, and a minimum order of only 12 shirts. With a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and free-shipping, the site makes designing your own shirts hassle-free and cost-effective.

Creating your own T-shirts has never been easier. Choose from any one of these six sites to create your own custom look. Whether you need a T-shirt for your night on the town, or a set of T-shirts for the company’s softball team, these sites have got you covered; literally!

Michael Isbell is a freelance blogger for tshirtprinting.net where you can find services for T shirt printing London.

Table games have much better odds than slot machines, even if you aren’t quite sure of how to play or have yet to develop your winning strategy. Before you go to Vegas, study the rules of these six games and you stand an exponentially better chance of walking away with at least a few bucks in your pocket:

Blackjack

Blackjack is, in essence, a very simple game. To win your hand, you must get closer than the dealer to the number 21. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? What you need to know is that face cards are equal to ten, aces can count as one or ten and all other cards count as face value. If you have a knack for counting cards, this is the game for you. Because you must act first, the dealer always has a slight advantage. Until you get to know the game well, it’s to your advantage to err on the side of caution when making your decisions.

Craps

Craps is an exciting, fast-paced game in which the house edge is less than two percent. If you’re new to the game, stick to betting the pass line. If the shooter rolls a seven or 11, you win! If the shooter lands a two, three or 12, you lose. It’s just that simple! If a four, five, six, eight, nine, or ten is hit, you win if the shooter rolls that number a second time before rolling a seven.

Roulette

There isn’t much to the game of roulette. There’s a large wheel at one end of the table which is covered with corresponding numbered red and black squares. Simple decide which number you think the ball will land in once the wheel stops spinning and, if you’ve chosen correctly, you win! To better your chances of winning, look for a wheel that has a single zero rather than one that has both a single and a double zero.

Baccarat

The game of Baccarat takes very little skill, especially for someone new to Vegas gaming. To play Baccarat, you simply place your bet and the dealer lays down cards. You have a choice of three bets: Tie, Banker or Player. Because Banker is always the best bet, bet on Banker each time and you’ll give up only a 1.06 percent edge to the house.

Poker

The best news for poker newbies is that you never play against the house. Poker is a game of player versus player and, as such, you stand a much better chance of winning. The house makes its money by taking a percentage of the pot. Poker is a game that takes some skill so be sure to practice before you hit the tables in Vegas. When you think you’re ready to play, look for tables with lower limits or buy-ins; you’ll stand a better chance of walking away with your shirt.

Don’t let your lack of gaming experience keep you out of Vegas. Everyone has to start somewhere! If you’re a newbie, that “somewhere” is one of these five games. Look for tables with low betting limits or minimum buy-ins until you have gained some necessary skill; you’ll have a great time even if you don’t win the jackpot!

Heather Arakaki is a freelance blogger and is writing on behalf of poker.org.uk.

 1. Sightseeing

When you’re in a new country, make some time to see the area’s most popular historical landmarks. The Opera House in Sydney, Australia and Paris’ Eiffel Tower are two examples of must-see landmarks. Plan your trip for the off-season to increase your chances of saving money and of exploring the sights without too much of a crowd. Check online for discounted tickets, package deals and other discounts.

Take advantage of local spots where you’ll find less tourist traffic and better deals. Ask local shop owners for recommendations or contact the visitor’s bureau for popular local destinations. Sure, you want to see the listings in the travel brochure, but you often find more affordable and intriguing deals when you trek off the beaten path. Avoid chain restaurants you’re used to and give local spots a chance, most time the food is authentic and the recipes have been passed down for years. You will get a better feel and taste of the area.

2.       Possible free/assisted traveling options

Consider volunteering as a way to travel on a budget. Contact your local Optimist or Rotary Club for possible locations where you can make a difference and see the world. Organize fundraisers to finance your trip and allow your friends, family members and the general public to support your volunteer opportunity. College and even high school students now should look into study abroad opportunities; you can work towards your educational goals and see the world at the same time. If you have financial aid or grant money available, check to see if those funds can cover your semester or few months abroad.

3.       Protect yourself while away

Purchasing temporary health insurance for your vacation is a necessity. While traveling on a budget, you can’t afford expensive medical bills that quickly accumulate after an illness or accident. Depending on where you go the odds of getting sick or running into trouble vary but there is always a chance something can happen. It’s better to be prepared and not need it then not be prepared and run into trouble. Consider insurance as a necessary investment for your next trip.

4.       Transportation

Take advantage of last minute deals on domestic or international flights. For discounted tickets, search online, call the airline’s phone operator and contact your travel agent. Some sites give you the ability to compare ticket prices and name your own price in some instances. You may have to fly standby, but if you’re alone the odds of getting a seat on a flight greatly increase. For standby, try early morning flights when fewer travelers need seats.

If you’re traveling within driving distance or wish to rent a car after you arrive at your destination, call local rental car agencies or relocation companies. These agencies hire drivers to move their cars between locations. With this flexible option, you save money on transportation from point A to point B.

5.       Accommodations

Do you really need a luxury suite to have a good time? Consider participating in a house swap or home exchange program. These opportunities save you money and provide you with a living arrangement you don’t have to pay. If you participate in a house swap, screen the candidates carefully since they will be living in your home while you live in theirs. The best option is to go through an agency designed to connect house swapping partners because they do background checks and have ways to keep everything legit.

For free room and board, look into volunteering with WOOF (World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). You will be helping to support sustainable and local farm initiatives with your labor, but you will get fed, a bed and save money on travel expenses. You could also work on a cruise ship. Offer your services as an educator or entertainer for a flexible and comfortable sea voyage. In both instances you can use your free-time to explore the area.

Traveling on a budget can be challenging, but exercise creativity to find great deals. Poll seasoned travelers, and implement their money-saving secrets. Make travel a priority even on a limited income when you employ a variety of affordable travel solutions.

Reason #1 – It is Probably Required by Your Insurance Company

While the simple diagnosis of a cancerous condition doesn’t necessarily require a second opinion, the expense and length of the recommended treatments often make insurance companies red flag the cancer diagnostic codes for a second opinion. Most healthcare experts recommend second opinions even when they aren’t required by the responsible insurance company, for the patient’s sake.

Reason #2 – Your Condition Might Not Be Cancer

A second look at a patient’s laboratory work, biopsy results or imaging scans by a second and different set of eyes might lead to another diagnosis that doesn’t involve cancer at all. Misdiagnoses are more common in certain types of cancer than others, but this option needs to be discussed with the diagnosing oncologist, often to assure the patient and enlist their full cooperation in the treatment plan.

Reason #3 – Treatment Recommendations May Differ

One of the primary reasons for a second opinion is not only verification of the diagnosis, but to seek approval of—or alternatives to—suggested treatment. Cancer treatment and medications change very frequently, and newer therapies with fewer side effects may have become available since the diagnosing oncologist last reviewed the latest research. IU Health, for instance, offers an established and highly-regarded proton therapy treatment program for certain cancers like chordoma, chondrosarcoma, prostate cancer and other malignancies that allow patients markedly fewer side effects and an overall improved quality of life.

Reason #4 – You May Need to Choose Among Treatment Options

Another reason for patients to seek second opinions is to gather as much education about the various medical tests and treatment options as possible. Different individuals and families have varying degrees of available resources and options. Only by being completely aware of the requirements of alternative types of treatment can patients knowledgeably choose among their options based upon their resources.

Reason #5 – You May Need an Expert

Oncologists are physicians who have received additional training and education in treating cancer. Among doctors, they are experts in cancer. Some oncologists, however, have additional specialized experience in treating specific forms of cancer. Such specialists may be necessary to provide a fully knowledgeable second opinion and up-to-date recommendations for treatment.

Healthcare experts recommend—and most health insurance companies require—second opinions for good reason. In situations involving a diagnosis of cancer, most patients can only benefit from obtaining a second opinion and another doctor’s perspective on their case. If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with cancer, please seek out a second opinion to make the most informed decision possible.

Photo by Aerzte3welt (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%C3%843W_-_Diagnosis_in_India.JPG)