**I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Aflac. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

The constant changes in healthcare have left many of us unaware of the true costs of medical emergencies. We assume that our health insurance will cover most of our families medical costs, but major medical does not cover everything. For instance, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services the mean charge for a hospital stay for a heart attack is $65,427! That means if you have a major crisis, the deductibles, co-pays and rehab appointments can add up quickly and catch any family off guard.

Our family has only had a couple of unexpected medical costs, one was a year ago this month. My son Kaden was running around with his sister when he tripped and fell hitting his head on our fireplace. He had to be put out and get 9 stitches for his very deep wound. It was a scary time and I had no idea what to expect when it came to insurance policies or what may be covered. Some of it was covered, but since he had a plastic surgery procedure, the unexpected medical costs were quite shocking.

After that incident, and still paying back the bills that accrued from his surgery, er visit and follow up visits...I have definitely learned it's important to be prepared. Not only have we decided it's important to have a savings set aside just for medical emergencies, but I've also learned that Aflac can help prepare you as well.

For those who are not familiar with Aflac, they can help prepare families for unexpected costs associated with unpredictable illness and injury with their Real Cost Calculator. This calculator is really easy to use and illustrates the comprehensive costs associated with medical conditions, estimating the expenses not covered by major medical insurance.  It then goes on to calculate everyday household costs (childcare, groceres, etc) and explores the out-of-pocket costs during pre- and post-treatment. It shows just how valuable Aflac's supplemental insurance can be and how it can offset these unexpected costs and helps to fill in the gaps of your health care plan. I love that it can help families better prepare themselves financially for unexpected medical emergencies and feel more secure in doing so.

In looking at the calculator and reading more about it, I have found some numbers to be quite surprising. For instance, the average cost to treat a broken leg is more than $10,000! Or, the average annual expense for people diagnosed with diabetes is $11,744.30!! I had gestational diabetes with my third pregnancy and I got a glimpse of all that goes into having this condition - but was still surprised by that cost! WOW!

I am  happy to have been introduced to the Aflac Real Cost Calculator. It has opened my eyes up even more about the real costs associated with medical emergencies and ways to be better prepared for them! You can learn more at Aflac.com.

Families with tighter budgets can still enjoy California. Here are some of the best attractions and activities for people visiting California.

Visiting Beautiful Beaches

Via Wikimedia.org

California's coast is lined with gorgeous sandy beaches. These beaches are crisp and clean, as well as unique. Nowhere else in the world can you see so many dolphins, such a wide array of landscapes, and so many different kinds of people in one setting. From nighttime campfires to daytime surfing, California is a great choice for beach retreats.

Strolling Through Fabulous Shopping Centers

The shopping centers in California are so splendid that many people consider them attractions, too. Fashion Island is particularly gorgeous, encompassing world-class shopping and labels most people only hear about on TV. From Versace to Gucci, Prada to Louis Vuitton, fashion bugs can see and touch all of the things their favorite celebrities own.

Exploring World-Class Museums

Via Wikimedia.org

Many of the museums in California are free on certain days, or always. Families with budgets can get family discounts or reduced rates for their children. There are so many great museums in California for families to visit that they could pick any topic and find a museum that covers that subject matter.

From World War II to native history, California museums cover every topic. You could learn about the Holocaust one afternoon, and then study the history of jelly beans the next day.

Photographing the Natural Beauty of California

The gorgeous sandy beaches of California aren't the only photography-friendly landscapes in this state. While visiting California you could photograph the mountains and vineyards, the excellent architecture of the big cities, and the deserts of Southern California, too.

Don't be surprised if your photographs require some manipulation, though: the colors in California are much brighter and more saturated than other places, so your camera might not read them correctly.

Experiencing a Pro Baseball Game

Via Flickr by Keith Allison

It's not every state or city that has a professional baseball team in the United States. When you visit a place like California you can finally see a professional baseball game up close and personal. Los Angeles Angels Tickets are affordable and easy to find for families hoping to see a game. Children of all ages will enjoy the park, which is designed to entertain kids and adults.

Browse the cool sports shops on site while you wait for the National Anthem to be sung, or grab a delicious hot dog. Baseball games are a unique experience for families.

Bike Riding Across Boardwalks

The boardwalks of California are old-fashioned and cool. They are great for photography and strolling, but they're even better for bike riding. Experience the crisp, cool air of California as you ride along the boardwalk with your family. Stop and enjoy some cotton candy before you ride away at night.

When you visit California you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars per person. Experience the natural attractions of California. Get your camera and bicycle out and see what the state has to offer in its glorious public spaces.