Health care needs and costs increase with a person’s age. These costs can harm the monthly expenses and make it difficult to gather funds to treat untimely health complications. Medicare is an affordable health care policy offering health benefits to senior citizens (aged 65 and older) and people who meet special criteria, which is provided by the federal government. There are two main types of Medicare plans including Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. The Medicare Part A plan provides hospital insurance, whereas the Medicare Part B provides medical insurance. However, in some cases, these plans might not suffice in providing a comprehensive health coverage, leading to an increase in the medical expenses. Medicare Supplement Plans come in handy when the basic Medicare plans fail to cover medical costs incurred by an individual. The Medicare Supplement Plans help in bridging the gap between the two main Medicare plans. Here are some advantages of enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plans that you should be aware of: Medicare Supplements cover for expenses that are not included in the original Medicare Part A and Part B. Some Medicare Supplement Plans cover for 100% of expenses after the original Medicare plan covers its share. They can cover deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and emergency foreign travel for a medical procedure. Following factors can help you choose the right Medicare Advantage Plan that can supplement your original Medicare plan: Cost of buying supplement plans This is the first and foremost factor you should consider while buying a Medicare Supplement Plan. A survey suggests that the average cost of buying a Medicare Supplement Plan is roughly $185. The three different pricing considerations mentioned below can help you choose the best supplement plan for yourself: Issue-Age – These premiums are age-specific as they offer cheaper initial premiums for younger applicants.

Many people in the world have asthma. However, now there are a number of treatments that help in efficient management of asthma as well. It is significant to follow all the Action Plan involved with asthma in coalition with a doctor. More importantly, you need to avoid the triggers for asthma as well as take medication on time but also following up on appointments regularly. Despite all the precautions, it is possible that asthma attacks can occur all of a sudden and could create quite an emergency. The trick to remember is that an asthma attack and never goes away on its own and unless you get the patient hospitalized things could not get out of hand. In case you have used an inhaler or a nebulizer, and yet these don’t provide any help, you need immediate medical attention. In case you have to glucocorticoid medicine, it can be immediately taken on the way to the hospital but then do not shy away from making the trip. Popularly, you could be hearing about severe asthma attacks known as asthma exacerbation or status asthmaticus. Discovering severe asthma symptoms The top symptoms for those having severe asthma attacks include the following: – Shortness of breath – Inability to complete sentences – A sense of breathlessness even while lying down – Tightness in the chest area – Blue tint on the lips – Inability to focus or concentrate – Having neck and abdominal muscles that are strained – Sense of unease while sitting A surprising fact to hear is that severe asthma symptoms might not cover excessive coughing or wheezing. You might be surprised that you might not sneeze more if you show severe asthma signs. Therefore, you cannot judge the intensity of the attack based on your wheezing or coughing frequency. In fact, extremely severe attacks might affect the airways to the extent that you will not even get ample sir supply into and outside of your lungs to produce a cough or a wheeze.

The key to finding the right kind of foods for people suffering from ulcerative colitis is to look for foods that contain all the essential nutrients but would not aggravate the digestive tract. Given below a list of food items that are good to eat when you have ulcerative colitis or colitis flare-up: Soothe symptoms with salmon Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids in high amount. It is excellent for your colon and heart health. According to a study, essential fatty acids ease inflammation. It means that salmon helps to counterbalance the inflammation caused by a colitis flare. Other food items containing a rich source of omega-3 include flaxseed oil, albacore tuna, ground flaxseed, and walnuts, which should be added to diets for colitis. Add yogurt to your meals Yogurt or any other fermented foods like miso, kefir, sauerkraut, etc. contain probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria present in our guts and fermented foods. These bacteria are important to maintain a healthy immune system and digestion. If you eat foods that are filled with active and live cultures, they would keep optimal levels of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Always buy yogurt that lists active and live culture on their contents’ list. However, you need to watch their sugar content. Go for only unsweetened and plain yogurt. You can add fruits or honey by yourself for some sweetness. Add squash to your diet for colitis Any variety of squash, be it spaghetti, zucchini, butternut or acorn, is a healthy choice. Squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. They are high in fiber as well. While antioxidants aid in repairing damage caused by inflammation, fiber keeps the gut flora healthy. However, if you feel that fiber worsens your symptoms during a flare-up then you may want to avoid eating raw squash.

Approximately 58 million people have been able to access affordable health care due to Medicare, which began in 1965. As a higher proportion of the baby boom generation crossed the 65 years age mark over the last decade or so, the number of people who became eligible for Medicare plans increased steadily. Nearly $709 billion were spent on Medicare as total benefits payments. From the cost coverage of lab tests to the payment of durable medical equipment such as nebulizers, kidney machines, and walkers, Medicare plans have been offering a range of benefits over the years. These benefits are offered under the original Medicare plan (comprising of Plan A and Plan B). However, these Medicare plans cover only the basic medical services. Additionally, there are limitations on the coverage of these plans, and the out-of-pocket cost a beneficiary has to shell out is also high. To fill in the gap in health care coverage offered by original Medicare plans and the actual bill, many people opt for Medicare plans supplements. The same government-regulated benefits are offered by all Medigap or Medicare supplement plans across all states (except Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Minnesota). The level of benefits offered by different plans (Plan A to N) may vary, as well as the cost of each plan, based on the insurance company and the state. Medigap plans are not alternatives to the original Medicare plans but are taken along with Plans A or B. A person can pick a supplement plan of their choice depending on how much coverage is needed and what costs they can afford. Below is a brief overview of the top three Medicare plan supplements of the year: Medicare Supplement Plan N A significant feature of this Medicare supplement plan is its low premium. The premium is due to the mandatory copayments for emergency room visits and certain office visits, which are quite small amounts.

Asthma is a lung disorder which results in breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. It is mainly caused by high air pollution, allergy, smoke, dust, cold conditions, and sinus. People who have asthma must focus on how to prevent asthma attacks and reduce it effectively for living a better life. They should follow certain tips for preventing asthma attacks successfully which help enhance the quality of life. Another thing is that they show ways for minimizing the risks in homes, working place, outdoors, and school to reduce potential threats. There are no proper medications available for treating asthma and one should know reducing and relieving the symptoms to improve the living standards. Asthma patients must keep some medicines with them in order to manage sudden attacks. Anyone who wants to know more about how to prevent asthma attacks can follow the below tips for accomplishing goals in life. Taking control over humidity Air quality contributes more in controlling the asthma problems. Poor air quality and extreme hot or cold might trigger asthma disorders in many people. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid them to minimize the symptoms. Moreover, it is always advisable to avoid the exposure of pollution in indoor and outdoor areas that ultimately give ways for keeping lungs in a healthy condition. The following pointers can help in controlling humidity. – Using an air conditioner in indoor areas will help to decrease high humidity levels. – It is advisable to live in an environment that is free from air-borne pollutants, dust, and high pollution. – Limiting the exposure to varying temperatures and damp climate might help prevent asthma attacks. Controlling the dust exposure Dust plays an important role in inducing asthma and people make sure that their home is in a tidy condition. It is an important one to reduce the dust levels and dust mites efficiently for living a trouble-free life.

Many factors can have a serious impact on the cholesterol levels in the body. To control these levels, having a proper and well-maintained diet is the most important thing on the priority list. Cholesterol and the saturated fat available in the food you consume increases the cholesterol levels in your blood. The prime factor is the saturated fat; however, you cannot undermine the importance of the cholesterol contents available in your food. You must consume foods that contain a reduced amount of saturated fat and cholesterol to decrease the blood cholesterol level. You can also refer a cholesterol level chart to keep track of your blood cholesterol. In a cholesterol level chart, you would find the various levels which would help you decide in which section the cholesterol level falls. The following points are essential as they contribute to knowing the factors that affect the cholesterol levels in the body. Body weight is an indicator of your cholesterol levels When your blood cholesterol levels rise, you become very susceptible to heart diseases. As per the cholesterol level chart, weight is an important risk factor for heart ailments. When one’s weight increases, the cholesterol level also increases. However, when one starts to lose weight, they can reduce the level of LDL cholesterol. It also helps reduce the triglyceride levels and optimize the HDL cholesterol levels. Never underestimate the importance of physical activity Physical activity is an important aspect that you need to consider. If you are not physically active, you are putting yourself at risk for heart diseases. Regular physical activity not only reduces the LDL or bad cholesterol levels but also increases the HDL or good cholesterol levels. When you are physically active, achieving the desired weight loss goal becomes easier. Focusing on being physically active at least for 30 minutes a day will help you see LDL levels decline on the cholesterol level chart.

Gout is a particular type of arthritis that is prevalent in the country and leads to severe pain and swelling in the joints, along with redness and tenderness. Excess uric acid in the body that is not excreted gets deposited in the joints in the form of crystals and leads to inflammation and swelling. People with gout are seen with swollen fingers, wrists, toes (especially the big toe), heels, and knees. When the uric acid content in the body goes up, it results in gout attacks that may last for 3 to 14 days. If left untreated, the condition can also lead to joint damage and deformity. This is extremely painful, but it can be managed with medication and a proper diet. Some foods trigger attacks as they raise uric acid levels, and this needs to be kept in mind while following a diet to manage the condition. Let’s take a look at the best diet for gout, including what foods to eat and what to avoid. What to eat The foods one is planning to eat should be low in purine and fructose as both of these can increase the risk of gout and trigger gout attacks. The best foods to include in the diet of gout patients are as mentioned: All kinds of nuts and seeds All types of legumes are safe like tofu, soybeans, lentils, and such Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and barley Plant-based oils like coconut, flaxseed, olive, and canola oil Any kind of dairy products are safe, but low-fat versions are better options All vegetables Beverages like green tea, coffee, and tea All herbs and spices All fruits, and cherries even help prevent gout attacks as they reduce inflammation and uric acid levels What not to eat High-purine foods should be avoided, along with high-fructose foods, as they are major threats to gout attacks.

The Federal Government features a health insurance program under Medicare for people who are 65 years or older and are suffering from any disability or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicare is one of the most popular options for comprehensive health insurance. The Original Medicare mainly includes two parts, Part A and Part B, which provide insurance coverage for hospital costs and medical costs. There is an additional insurance cover available from third-party private insurance companies that provide for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C). One must also note that the Original Medicare and Medicare Part C do not cover medication expenses, which is why Part D Prescription Drug Plan under the Medicare system pays for medical costs. The Original Medicare does not cover premiums for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, which is why one must also purchase the Medicare Supplement Plans that provide for these expenses. Medicare Supplement Plans mainly feature 10 policies under the federal health insurance scheme. Plan A to Plan F feature different benefits under the scheme, wherein Plan F is one of the most popular ones. There are many insurance plans that can be mistaken for Medicare Supplement Plans or Medigap policies. The health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, the Prefered Provider Organization (PPO) plan, the private fee-for-service plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicaid, Federal Employees Union Health Plans, TRICARE, Veterans Benefits, and other long-term insurance policies do not form part of comprehensive Medicare coverage. Points to consider when buying Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) The applicant must already have the Original Medicare before he/she can compare and purchase different Medicare Supplement Plans. Plan F is one of the most popular supplement plans for Medicare as it offers comprehensive coverage for health insurance. In comparison to other Medigap policies, Plan F provides better coverage for copayment, coinsurance, and deductibles, which ensure that the out-of-pocket hospital and medical expenses are paid for by the insurance.

For most people, health is one of the major areas of expense. This is why buying health insurance plans is one of the most prudent decision anyone can make to have a stable financial life. After all, nothing is more precious than our health. However, buying health insurance coverage is not an easy task. With a plethora of insurance providers and coverage options available out there, it can be quite a confusing and often daunting process. How can one sift through the multitude of pricing plans, policy offerings, and coverage benefits offered by each health insurance provider? Moreover, every person has different requirements and budget. Thus, there can be no cookie-cutter solution to finding the right health insurance plan. To make the process easy, here is a list of some of the popular and top health insurance companies you should know about. 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield Known to be one of the largest health insurance provider networks in the nation, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) was founded in 1929. It comprises of 36 independent and locally operated companies. Based on location, consumers can look for individual and family coverage as well as employer health insurance programs provided by a local BCBS provider. Additionally, BCBS also offers helpful resources to pick the right Medicare coverage. Along with this, individuals also have access to global coverage. Whether they permanently reside outside the country or are on short-term or long-term travel, individuals can purchase a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Insurance plan. Moreover, individuals or groups can enroll as BCBS members and get access to special member services and exclusive discounts on health and wellness services and products. Members receive a member ID card that can be used across all the 50 states to get the best insurance coverage benefits. 2. HealthCare.com An aggregator website, HealthCare.com helps consumers shop for and compare health insurance coverage.

Medicare and Medigap plans can be quite comprehensive and complicated to understand. When you are new to Medicare, it is imperative to choose wisely and take up a policy that will cater to your needs by providing best coverage and value for money. Understanding the difference between Medicare and Medigap is the first step. Medigap does not form part of your original Medicare insurance coverage and has to be purchased separately from a private insurance entity. Even the best Medigap plans do not cover long-term policies, vision care, private duty nursing, and sometimes prescription medication. A monthly premium is paid for Medigap along with your original insurance policy. Medigap is available to people who are already insured with Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B; the distinction is to pay for hospital services under Part A and cost for doctor services under Part B. The best Medigap plans are labeled from A to N, which offer different levels of health coverage under the various labels. Open enrollment for best Medigap plans is in the first six months after the applicant turns 65 to be eligible for the various policies under A to N; however, this excludes Policies E, H, I, and J which are not available to new subscribers. Major factors that influence the best Medigap plans and supplement insurance include your age, the location where insurance is being availed, marital status, and most importantly, the healthcare costs that you have incurred or plan to incur. Here are six things you should know to get the most out of the best Medigap plans: Understanding types of plans The major differentiating factor when it comes to Medicare and best Medigap plans is pricing policy. It should also be noted that Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement plans are completely different since Advantage plans will not be standardized and will vary in benefits offered by the various private companies.

Sinus infection or sinusitis is medically known as rhinosinusitis. It is a result of swollen, inflamed and infected nasal cavities. Sinusitis is often caused by a virus. The issue persists even after the respiratory symptoms are gone. Sinus infection rarely but may cause by fungus and bacteria as well. Other conditions like nasal polyps, allergies and tooth infections can cause sinusitis. Chronic Versus Acute Acute sinusitis will last from a short period of time only, which is less than a month as per the American Academy of Otolaryngology. An acute infection is generally a part of any respiratory illness or mere cold. Chronic sinus infections, on the other hand, last for more than three months and recur often. Specialist confirms the sinusitis is responsible for infected nasal discharge, facial pain, and congestion. There are many symptoms of sinus infection which are common to both chronic and acute sinusitis. When you feel or found out that you have certain symptoms that may be due to sinusitis, get in immediate touch with your doctor. He would be able to confirm whether you have an infection or not. If you have an infection, he would tell you the cause of the same and suggest you a treatment plan. Symptoms of Sinus Infection A headache is one of the symptoms. It happens when there is pressure in partially or fully blocked sinuses. The pain increases when the person bends over. There would be facial swelling or tenderness when the areas above the sinus zones are touched. Pain or pressure due to the pressing of mucus on the sinus tissue or sinus inflammation. Fever caused due to sinus tissue inflammation and infection. In bacterial sinus infections, you would always find a cloudy and discolored nasal drainage. Congestion occurs with both non-infectious and infectious sinusitis. Sinusitis causes post nasal drip, which is basically mucus overproduction which flows to the throat thereby irritating throat tissue.

The liver is also an important part of the digestion process as it helps break down the nutrients in the food, stores them as useful substances, and provides it to your body when required. Not just that, the liver also flushes out the toxins in your body. This makes your liver a vital body organ, which you cannot afford to lose. Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a virus which causes inflammation of the liver, and if left unattended for some time, it causes permanent damage to the liver. Many times, liver damage and Hep C go hand in hand. So, it is important that you start your treatments for Hep C as soon as you find out that you have caught the virus. Hep C is of two types: Acute hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis C. While acute hepatitis is less severe and a short-term viral infection, chronic hepatitis C can cause serious ailments like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The worst thing about Hep C is that most of the times, people don’t find out about their condition until they are nearing the last stage of the disease. This is because the symptoms of this disease in most cases are very generic and not easily distinguishable. Some of the popular medicines prescribed by doctors for hepatitis C include interferon, ribavirin, and many such similar drugs antiviral drugs. Talk to you doctor before taking them as these drugs come with potential side-effects if taken without considering the guidelines. Treatments for Hep C are expensive and there are various factors you need to consider before opting for it. What should you consider before opting for treatments for Hep C? The severity of your disease The type of hepatitis you suffer from Other health conditions you suffer from Your liver health condition Natural treatments for Hep C and lifestyle changes Milk thistle: