Non Infill Football Grass

Category: Non Infill Football Grass

  • Horse Virus Outbreak Across Multiple States

    The 2025 horse virus outbreak has grown much faster than anyone expected. It began with a group of sick horses after the WPRA World Finals & Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas. What looked like a small cluster has now become a multi-state equine health crisis. Cases of EHV-1 and the neurologic form, EHM, have been confirmed across the country.

    Horses that competed in Waco—or even passed through the venue—traveled home soon after. Many carried the virus with them. This has led to new cases in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington, and South Dakota.

    For trainers, owners, breeders, and event organizers, the speed of the outbreak has been alarming. Within days of the event, horses developed fevers, showed neurologic signs, and tested positive for EHV-1. The virus has already caused major event cancellations, including a key San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo qualifier. Several arenas and rodeo facilities in Texas have also shut down temporarily to stop further spread.

    This outbreak is serious. EHV-1 spreads fast, survives on surfaces, and can move quietly between barns through travel, shared gear, and even human contact. The neurologic form, EHM, can appear suddenly, which makes the situation especially worrying for owners.

  • Add Wildlife-Friendly Water Features

    A water source is one of the most powerful ways to attract and sustain wildlife. It offers washing, drinking, and breeding areas for birds, frogs, and insects. You do not need a large pond. Even a small barrel pond or a shallow stone basin can become a life source in your garden. Just make sure it has safe edges so bees, hedgehogs, and small creatures can use it without risk.

    Build Safe Havens for Tiny Creatures

    Insects are nature’s helpers, and creating homes for them adds both charm and purpose to your garden. A simple bug hotel made from logs, bamboo, and dry twigs gives ladybugs, bees, and lacewings a safe place to rest and reproduce. Leaf piles, log stacks, and undisturbed corners also make perfect shelters for hedgehogs and beneficial insects.

  • Create a Pollinator Pathway

    Pollinating insects need consistent access to nectar across seasons. Instead of planting flowers in isolated spots, build a connected pathway of pollinator-friendly blooms across your garden. Choose plants with varied blooming times to offer a year-round feast.

    Snowdrops, salvia, marigold, and sedum help attract bees, butterflies, and even humming moths, keeping your garden lively from spring to fall.

    Bring Life Back with Sustainable Landscaping Support

    Sometimes, wildlife-friendly landscaping needs a little expert guidance, especially when it comes to garden layout, soil restoration, or wildlife habitat planning. Working with professionals like Natures Own Landscapes can help you design a space that not only looks beautiful but also restores ecological balance by integrating ponds, wildflower meadows, native hedges, and natural shelters.

  • Does BetterHelp Take Medicare or Medicaid? What to Do If It Doesn’t

    Many people who use Medicare or Medicaid hope that BetterHelp will be a low-cost way to get therapy. But the truth is simple: BetterHelp does not accept Medicare or Medicaid. The platform is not part of any federal or state insurance program, so members must pay on their own.

    This can feel confusing for older adults, people with disabilities, or families who rely on state health plans. After all, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and many state mental-health programs do cover therapy with other providers. So why not BetterHelp?

    It comes down to billing rules. Federal insurance programs require therapists to follow strict laws, submit detailed paperwork, and meet set standards for every state. BetterHelp works with thousands of therapists across the U.S., and meeting every rule in every state would be hard and very expensive.

    If you depend on Medicare or Medicaid, you still have good choices. Many telehealth clinics do take these programs. Community health centers, nonprofit counseling groups, and state-approved online therapy platforms often provide free or very low-cost sessions. Some even offer appointments within the same week.

    So even though BetterHelp is not an option for Medicare or Medicaid users, therapy is still within reach. The best steps are:

    • Look for in-network telehealth providers
    • Ask your plan for a list of covered mental-health specialists
    • Check your state’s virtual behavioral-health programs

    Both Medicare and Medicaid have expanded online therapy benefits in recent years. That means many people can still get steady and affordable support — just not through BetterHelp.

  • When BetterHelp Might Still Be Cheaper Than Insurance-Based Therapy

    Many people think using insurance will always cost less. But that’s not always true. Once you add deductibles, co-pays, and long wait times, therapy through insurance can become expensive and slow. In some cases, BetterHelp can cost less and give faster access to care.

    High Deductibles Can Raise Costs

    Many U.S. patients don’t know that insurance often won’t pay for therapy until the deductible is met. Some plans have deductibles of $2,000–$5,000.

    This means you may expect a small co-pay but end up paying the full session cost—often $120–$200—until you meet that deductible. After only a few visits, you may pay more than an entire month of BetterHelp.

    Long Waitlists Can Delay Care

    Even if you find a therapist who takes your insurance, getting an appointment can take weeks. Many therapists are:

    • Already full
    • Only taking a few new patients
    • Booking 4–10 weeks out

    For someone dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, waiting that long can feel impossible.

    BetterHelp usually matches people with a therapist in 24–48 hours, so you can start talking or messaging right away.

  • Paying for BetterHelp With HSA, FSA, or EAP

    This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your costs.

    ✔ BetterHelp Is Eligible for HSA/FSA

    BetterHelp provides documentation that meets IRS requirements.

    ✔ EAP Programs May Cover Some Costs

    Some employers offer:

    • EAP reimbursement
    • Mental health stipends
    • Flexible wellness budgets

    Ask HR or your benefits manager.

    What BetterHelp Actually Costs in 2025

    BetterHelp pricing varies by location and therapist type, but most U.S. users pay:

    • $70–$100 per week
    • $280–$400 per month

    Plans include:

    • Messaging therapy
    • Live video/phone sessions
    • Worksheets and tools

    Compared to in-person therapy ($120–$220 per session), many patients find the cost manageable even without insurance.

  • Quick Answer: Does BetterHelp Take Insurance ?

    No. BetterHelp does not take insurance directly—not from private insurers, Medicaid, or Medicare.

    BetterHelp operates as a cash-pay service, meaning patients pay out of pocket rather than using in-network benefits. This can feel discouraging if you rely on insurance for most health services, but there are still ways to reduce your cost, including:

    • Using HSA or FSA funds
    • Requesting out-of-network reimbursement
    • Applying for financial aid discounts
    • Choosing a subscription plan that fits your budget

  • How Often Should You Deworm a Horse by Age

    Foals (Birth to 12 Months)

    Foals are the exception to low-frequency deworming. Their immune systems are immature, and they are vulnerable to specific parasites such as ascarids.

    Foals typically require more frequent, carefully timed treatments, guided by a veterinarian. This schedule gradually tapers as immunity develops.

    Yearlings and Young Horses (1–3 Years)

    Young horses still carry higher parasite loads than mature adults. Deworming frequency usually decreases during this stage but remains higher than for fully mature horses.

    Fecal testing becomes especially useful here to avoid unnecessary treatments.

    Adult Horses (4–15 Years)

    Most adult horses are low shedders. Many only need one or two deworming treatments per year, often timed for spring and fall.

    This is the group most commonly over-dewormed in the past.

    Senior Horses (15+ Years)

    Older horses may experience immune changes that affect parasite resistance. Some seniors remain low shedders, while others benefit from closer monitoring.

    Testing—not age alone—should guide treatment decisions.

  • What a Modern Horse Deworming Schedule Looks Like

    A modern horse deworming schedule is built around three principles:

    1. Testing before treating
    2. Adjusting frequency based on risk
    3. Timing treatments to parasite life cycles

    Instead of deworming all horses the same way, owners evaluate each horse individually. Many adult horses turn out to be low parasite shedders and require minimal intervention.

    This approach reduces costs, lowers chemical exposure, and helps preserve the effectiveness of available medications.

    Why Location and Management Matter in the U.S.

    Parasite pressure varies widely across the United States.

    • Horses in warm, humid regions often face longer parasite seasons
    • Northern climates may have more seasonal risk
    • Overcrowded pastures increase exposure
    • Regular manure removal lowers parasite load

    A small private pasture with one or two horses carries far less risk than a busy boarding barn with frequent new arrivals. That difference directly affects how often deworming is needed.

  • Types of Horse Dewormers

    Horse dewormers fall into a few main groups. Each works on different parasites and has different risks.

    Macrocyclic Lactones

    Examples: Ivermectin, Moxidectin

    These are common dewormers in the U.S. They treat many strongyles and bots.

    Some parasites are becoming resistant. Moxidectin lasts longer but needs careful dosing, especially in young or thin horses.

    Benzimidazoles

    Examples: Fenbendazole, Oxibendazole

    These drugs once worked well. Today, many parasites resist them.

    Vets may still use them in special cases.

    Pyrimidines

    Examples: Pyrantel pamoate, Pyrantel tartrate

    These drugs treat some roundworms and strongyles.

    Resistance can develop if used too often or without testing.

    Praziquantel (Tapeworm Treatment)

    Praziquantel targets tapeworms. Most dewormers do not kill tapeworms alone.

    It is often mixed with other drugs.

    Herbal and Natural Dewormers

    Herbal products use plant extracts or oils. Some may support gut health.

    There is little proof they control parasites on their own. They should not replace proven treatments.