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Macular degeneration – Types, symptoms, treatments, and more

Macular degeneration – Types, symptoms, treatments, and more
Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision in both eyes. It is a painless condition that normally affects people who are older than 50 years. It is commonly known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are also rare cases of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, which affects young people. Certain genetic disorders are the cause of the development of juvenile macular degeneration. When a person suffers from Macular Degeneration, the central vision is affected. So, there is difficulty in focusing on objects that lie straight ahead. The result is that everything appears blurred, it becomes difficult to read, the faces of people appear blurred and colors of objects around you look pale and dull. Causes The exact cause for macular degeneration isn’t known yet. Aging can cause a person to develop this condition. In older people, the macula, which is a central spot in the retina, develops a problem and causes age-related macular degeneration. AMD can develop as wet AMD or dry AMD. Dry AMD The macula has light-sensitive cells that gradually break down as you age. As the light-sensitive cells reduce in number, the central vision deteriorates. Waste products start to accumulate in the retina and cause small deposits called drusen.

4 Frequently Asked Questions regarding Medicare and its coverage

4 Frequently Asked Questions regarding Medicare and its coverage
Medicare is a federal health insurance plan available for people over 65, those with disabilities, and individuals with ESRD. It ensures that people needing high-quality, inexpensive healthcare coverage receive it. However, the various regulations involved in Medicare can make it confusing. If you are eligible to receive its benefits, you should know its coverage and, more importantly, its limitations. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Medicare that might help clear confusion. I spent more than six months in a nursing home after a crucial surgery. Will Medicare cover my medical costs? The Original Medicare, a fee-for-service health plan provided by the federal government and Medicare Advantage, does not cover long-term care expenses. Unfortunately, this also includes long-term stays at nursing homes. Usually, long-term care involves some of the highest healthcare costs, especially for retirees. Basically, Medicare does cover limited stays in rehab facilities. For example, Medicare will cover your costs if you undergo hip surgery and need inpatient therapy for multiple weeks. However, the prices of long-term stays at a nursing home are beyond Med icare. To address this, you can consider buying private long-term care insurance. Or, if you have limited savings and income, you can check if other federal health programs can assist you.

5 key warning signs of thyroid cancer

5 key warning signs of thyroid cancer
The thyroid gland regulates hormones controlling key aspects of cardiovascular and blood circulation, and any imbalance in this hormone production can lead to serious health complications. Thyroid cancer is the development of abnormal cells in the gland. The condition can be triggered by an abnormal mutation in the gland’s healthy cells. Most symptoms linked to this cancer develop gradually, causing varying levels of discomfort. Here are a few key warning signs of developing thyroid cancer: Visible lumps The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck. The gland’s main function is to produce the necessary hormones that regulate vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and even body temperature. One of the visible signs of thyroid cancer is a small lump that starts forming around the gland, and it can be easily felt or observed through the skin. Even if the lumps have not formed yet, visible enlargement of the thyroid gland can indicate a developing problem. Persistent neck discomfort Commonly, people experience discomfort around the lower base of the neck when the first symptoms of swelling and enlargement develop as cancer progresses. This is similar to the feeling of wearing a collared shirt that is tight around the base of the neck.

6 mistakes that can damage the lungs and ways to avoid them

6 mistakes that can damage the lungs and ways to avoid them
Our lungs are critical organs of our body. But we often tend to ignore maintaining our lung health. Like other parts of the body, the lungs tend to become less flexible over a period of time. This can lead to breathing issues. Engaging in certain practices might unknowingly be bad for your lungs. Let’s spare some time and understand the mistakes that can damage the lungs and how to avoid them. Untidy houses and buildings Untidy homes and buildings can give rise to mold and dust mites, both of which can cause respiratory issues. These problems can be avoided with regular cleaning and sufficient ventilation. Also, the common carpets used at home can gather dust and allergens over time, especially if you have pets around. It is essential to vacuum them often and seek professional cleaning services on a regular basis. Exercising in heavy traffic areas Exercising in congested areas such as a city park might be harmful. To prevent the hazards connected with high-traffic regions, one should exercise in a safe and less crowded location, such as a gym. Additionally, the time of the day matters. The quality of the air can vary greatly depending on which time you choose to exercise.

8 lesser-known facts about Medicare

8 lesser-known facts about Medicare
Medicare, the popular government health insurance program, is a safety net that provides essential healthcare coverage for millions of people in the country. Medicare beneficiaries are undoubtedly familiar with its foundational benefits. The breadth of Medicare’s offerings, rules, options, and other hidden characteristics are extensive. Understanding these will ensure that one is well informed about it before opting for one. Here are some of the lesser-known facts about Medicare coverage. Preventive screenings and services Medicare not only emphasizes treatment but also prioritizes prevention. One can find options to get a regular checkup for one’s overall health with a primary care healthcare professional. These visits will help one to understand one’s existing health concerns and professional recommendations for any new treatment plans based on one’s needs. Telehealth services With the advancements in technology and the increasing demand for remote healthcare, Medicare now covers telehealth services. This means patients can now consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes through virtual appointments using either phone or video technology. It’s a convenient and accessible way to receive treatment without physically visiting a healthcare facility. Lung cancer screening Medicare covers annual screenings for beneficiaries at high risk of developing lung cancer. These screenings aid in the early detection of lung cancer, potentially leading to more effective treatment outcomes.

5 mistakes to avoid with dental implants

5 mistakes to avoid with dental implants
Dental implants are an excellent solution for restoring teeth and enhancing cosmetic appearance. They not only replace missing teeth but also stabilize adjacent teeth and prevent jaw bone shrinkage caused by bone loss. In addition, dentists use implants to maintain the health of surrounding bone and gums. However, to ensure the success of the implant procedure, it is essential to avoid some common dental mistakes. So, let’s know some of them. Neglecting periodic dental visits The procedure for a successful dental implant requires about six months. To ensure that one gets the best and most positive outcome from this intensive dental procedure, visiting one’s dental health practitioner is essential. Skipping routine appointments and missing out on follow-up visits, as advised by one’s dentist, can lead to several complications. It can also cause implant failure. Eating hard foods post-dental implants It’s important to avoid eating hard and abrasive foods in the first few days after getting a dental implant. These foods can irritate your gums and potentially dislodge the blood clot that forms during the initial healing process. If the blood clot is disrupted, it can cause significant bleeding and pain. Sticking to soft and easy-to-chew foods during this period is best to ensure proper healing.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress.
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