In the modern world today, many people don’t know about the importance of an insurance policy which leads to various problems. Insurance allows a person to ensure more protection from financial loss during critical situations. There are different types of insurance policies available in the markets which help to overcome risks in life. A medical insurance or health insurance covers expenses for injuries and illnesses that ultimately give ways for reducing the burden. It is a suitable one for individual, family, and employees to gain major benefits. Leading insurance companies offer health insurance plans with best premium rates to save money. The importance of having a family health insurance plan The medical treatments are becoming an expensive one, and many families find it difficult to afford them due to low income and other factors. A health insurance policy will ultimately help to manage them effectively for accomplishing goals in life. Another benefit is that it provides methods for reimbursing the amounts after undergoing treatment in a hospital. Some of the key features of a health insurance policy include cashless treatment, ambulance charges, tax benefits, medical check-up, no claim bonus, co-payment, pre and post hospitalization. A family health insurance plan covers all the members, and the costs are usually high than an individual plan. However, the costs may vary with the gender and age allowing them to receive better care services in hospitals. An indemnity plan can benefit a family a lot which gives ways for accomplishing goals in life. At the same time, it is a difficult one to choose a right plan that exactly suits a family. The following tips can help a family to select a plan at affordable rates. Determining the plan type Most insurance companies provide health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), exclusive provider organization (EPO), and point of service (POS) plans to families at the best prices for reducing expenses considerably.

Affecting the small intestine, bowel disorders affect the way in which food is digested and absorbed by human body. Bowel disorders not only affect small intestine but also other parts of the digestive tract. It is important to note that bowel sickness is curable. However, first, it’s essential to have a clear idea of the problem that you are facing. Common symptoms of bowel disorders are constipation or diarrhea. Other symptoms include: Discomfort or pain in abdomen Abdominal bloating Bleeding from back passage Blood in stool Alteration in bowel habits Lump in the tummy Tiredness and unexpected weight loss It is best advised to make an appointment with the doctor if any of the above-mentioned systems persists. They can help diagnose the disease better and accordingly recommend a treatment plan. There are different types of bowel disorders depending on the symptoms. Common ones are: Celiac Disease Crohn’s Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Intestinal Obstruction Celiac Disease – It is an autoimmune disorder wherein gluten generates an undesirable reaction. In this type of bowel disorder, when food having gluten, a type of protein, is consumed, the immune system attacks the inner lining of the small intestine. In such cases, a person consuming grains such as barley wheat and rye feel uncomfortable and experience unexplainable pain in the tummy. Crohn’s Disease – An autoimmune disorder, Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. In this disorder, the body is seen to attack its health tissues, thus injuring tissues in mouth, intestines, and anus. IBS – Another type of bowel disorder, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS, affects both small as well as the large intestine. It is a group of intestinal symptoms that usually happen together. Gastrointestinal problems are common when suffering from IBS. This type of bowel disorder is also known as irritable colon, spastic colon, spastic colitis, and mucous colitis.

Everybody knows that with abdominal bloating one experiences physical discomforts. When air or gas fills in your GI (gastrointestinal) tract, you experience stomach or abdominal bloating. People suffering from abdominal bloating feel full and tight, and there can be a swollen feeling in the abdomen as well. Pain, flatulence, belching or burping, and abdominal rumbling follows bloating, and this condition reduces the quality of life seriously. The major causes of bloating are chewing gum, eating fast, wearing loose dentures, smoking, IBS, Crohn’s disease, heartburn, weight gain, food intolerance, stress or anxiety, eating disorders, hormonal flux, giardiasis, constipation, visceral hypersensitivity, and altered gut motility. If you’re wondering how to get abdominal bloating relief, the following tips will help. Make efforts to get maximum protection from lactose intolerance and allergies Many people suffer from bloating due to food intolerance and allergies. First of all, you have to seek the help of your doctor to identify the cause of bloating. Self-diagnosis is not at all an advisable practice to follow. When you take decisions without adequate knowledge, you may end up inviting a lot of health complications. If you sense intolerance or allergy, consult with your doctor to identify the cause. The amount of the suspected food can be lowered, or it can be consumed with other foods to reduce the negative impact. If you find that dairy products are causing the problem, you can select yogurts and aged cheeses because of their reduced lactose quantity. These will help in providing abdominal bloating relief. Be cautious about sugar alcohol Various studies show that several people suffer from bloating due to their increased consumption of sugar alcohol. Artificially sweetened drinks and food contain a lot of sugar alcohol, and it makes you highly vulnerable to bloating. Health experts advise people to limit their consumption of artificially sweetened foods and drinks into 2 or 3 servings a day to get abdominal bloating relief.

Treatment for diabetes aims to bring blood sugar level as close to normal range as possible. It is important to know what are normal blood sugar levels and if and how normal ranges of blood sugar can be attained by yourself. The information regarding the difference between “glucose” and “sugar” must be given first. Sugar is the general term used for sweet carbohydrates that can dissolve in water. Carbohydrate is characterized by the type of food that is made of oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen only. There are several types of sugars. Living beings use the sugar called “glucose.” Other sugars are fructose from fruit or lactose from milk, which we eat. These get converted in our bodies into glucose. Then the same is used for energy. Human bodies also break down starches into glucose. Starches are sugars fused together. When people ask what are normal blood sugar levels or what is blood glucose, they mean the same. In the US, blood sugar is usually reported in milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood (mg/dl). Whereas in the UK and Canada, blood sugar is measured in millimoles/liter (mmol/L). What are normal blood sugar levels? Blood sugar levels vary throughout the day. Thus, the normal levels also vary accordingly. For those who do not have diabetes, they must have a fasting blood sugar level below 100 mg/dl, when they wake up in the morning. Normal sugars range from 70–99 mg/dl before meal time. Postprandial sugars, measured after two hours of lunch, should normally be less than 140 mg/dl. If you’re wondering what are normal blood sugar levels, these ranges are for those who do not have diabetes. For people who have diabetes, should keep their blood-sugar levels before meals between 80–130 mg/dl and after meals, the levels should be under 180 mg/dl as per the advice of the American Diabetes Association.

In the past few decades, it has become increasingly difficult for retired seniors to manage their healthcare expenses. Realistically, in the near future, medical services are estimated to become more and more expensive. Even out-of-pockets costs like Medicare co-insurance and deductibles can hit day-to-day finances in a detrimental way. One way to resolve this problem is by enrolling in a Medigap plan. Also, known as Medicare Supplement Plans, Medigap is a form of health insurance that manages additional costs that are not covered under Original Medicare. These expenses include co-insurance, deductibles, and emergency medical expenses while flying overseas. Conversely, it doesn’t handle costs involving long-term care, private-duty nursing, vision care, eyeglasses, dental, and hearing aids. A few Medigap plans might reimburse for prescription medications. Unlike, the Original Medicare plans, which are rendered by federal agencies, Medigap plans are offered by private insurance companies. These plans are only for those individuals who are enrolled in Part A and Part B plans of Medicare. On the other hand, people having a Medicare Advantage plan are not eligible for Medigap policies. What factors can influence the price of Medigap? The premiums of a Medigap policy differ across providers and regions. Therefore, before one plans to opt for a Medicare Supplement Plan, it is essential that they identify the several factors that influence premiums and total out-of-pocket costs to settle for the best quote. Continue reading to know more. Type of Medicare Supplement Plan selected As Medigap policies are administered by private providers, they set their own premium rates. Apart from states of Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, all the other 47 states propose ten standardized Medicare Supplement Plans. Following are some common features offered by these plans: Co-insurance and co-payments related to hospice services Blood transfusions (first 3 pints) Co-insurance and co-payments for Original Medicare plans (Part A and Part B) Besides the basic benefits stated above, few Medigap policies may also enable the insured to access additional reimbursements.

Medical expenses are soaring high every passing day and it has become increasingly difficult for a commoner to identify the most practical and affordable medical insurance plan. Millions of people out there are struggling to find out affordable healthcare options. If you do not have an affordable health coverage, there are high chances that you might miss on the medical and financial benefits you may gain from doing so. Follow these five steps to make the best decision for all your medical requirements. Identify your marketplace Majority of the people get health coverage or insurance through an employer. If you have insurance through your employer, there is no need to utilize the marketplaces or government insurance exchanges. Your work can be described as your marketplace. However, if you still want to find an alternative plan in the exchanges, there are a lot of options available. You need to remember that the expenses of marketplace plans are always on the higher side. The least expensive option available is the insurance plans through employers. If your employer does not offer a health insurance benefit, you can search for the most affordable option available. Keep searching online for various options that will fit your bill. Compare different options before going forward to choose an insurance plan for yourself. Draw comparisons During the research phase, you will come across a lot of options that include POS, EPOs, PPOs and HMOs. When you compare various options, you must check the summary of benefits. Most online marketplaces offer a link to the summary and they display the price somewhere near the title of the plan. You must also go through the provider directory that gives details about the doctors and clinics associated with the plan’s network. The medical needs of your family must be assessed in a detailed manner while comparing different plans.

Diet has always been considered as one of the factors that trigger any type of cancer. There is no single diet plan which can prevent you from developing breast cancer . There are some foods which can keep you healthy and boost your immune system so that the risks of getting any cancer are low. Eating organic foods can protect you from unhealthy cell changes. Studies show that nutrition from foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains will help you maintain optimum body weight, and give your body the energy it needs to stay healthy. It is perhaps why cases of breast cancer are significantly less in countries where people tend to follow a plant-based diet. Studies on teens in our country have revealed that girls who ate a high-fat diet during puberty are prone to developing breast cancer, even if they have not been overweight. While research is still ongoing on the possible connection between breast cancer and diet, the truth is that calories do matter. Fats are a prime source of calories, so high-fat diets are not recommended if you want to stay healthy. Extra fats can produce more estrogen which can trigger abnormal cell growth. Foods to eat Fruits and vegetables It is important to have at least five servings of these each day to stay healthy. Fruits and vegetables have anti-estrogen and antioxidant properties. For instance, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and broccoli are rich in phytochemicals, and these cruciferous veggies are the perfect addition to a diet that can protect you from cancer. Fruits and vegetables have low-fat content and high fiber as compared to an animal food-based diet. It is better to eat whole fruits instead of juicing them. Whole fruits are lower in calories, but give you the necessary fiber to help keep you feeling full and satisfied for long hours.

Breast cancer is a condition that develops in the breast cells. Changes that are known as mutations cause a division of the cancer cells that begin to multiply in an uncontrolled manner. Typically, the cells begin to grow in the ducts and lobules of the breast while spreading to the fatty tissues and connective tissues. Treatment of breast cancer solely depends upon the stage of cancer or the growth of the tumor. The most common forms of treatment employed include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Apart from medical treatment methods, one can explore some natural methods and therapies that have great supporting effects. Holistic therapies Holistic therapies are widely revered for their great effects in promoting a sense of peace and bringing about a desirable balance in an individual’s state of mind. Not only does it reduce the level of stress but it also aids the patient in feeling more relaxed. While this therapy does not have a direct effect on the control or treatment of breast cancer, holistic therapies are widely reported to bring a positive change in the mental health and the reduction of anxiety among patients. Some of the most popular forms of therapy include aromatherapy, journaling, art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and meditation among several others. These holistic therapies can be used in combination or singularly depending on likes and comfort. Special diet A healthy diet can have several desirable effects on the body. While a specially formulated diet does not aid in the cure of cancer or other diseases, it can have several positive effects in the promotion of better overall health. Eating the right food will help in supporting the medical treatments employed for breast cancer and reduce the ill effect of certain treatments. One should consider adding more vitamins and foods rich in minerals as part of the diet plan.

Nutrition plays a vital role in the battle against multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that starts from the bone marrow. Fatigue, loss of appetite, chronic constipation, bone pain, and weight loss are some of the commonly experienced signs of multiple myeloma. These symptoms can take a serious toll on one’s quality of life, and not keeping them under control may lead to serious health complications. Studies and trials have found that certain types of foods may help ease the symptoms associated with this type of cancer. Listed here are the top 3 foods one can incorporate in their diet plan to get effective relief: Fiber-rich foods The consumption of food items rich in fiber may help in easing the symptoms of multiple myeloma. Fiber-rich food items can be instrumental in sustaining energy levels and combating fatigue in individuals suffering from this type of cancer. Also, increasing the intake of fiber may give relief from digestive problems like constipation, which may be side effects of treatment like chemotherapy. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that helps break down food and facilitates digestion. One should make food items replete with fiber a part of their diet to help curb the symptoms of this life-threatening condition. Some of the healthiest high-fiber foods are whole grains like brown rice, whole-grain pasta, green vegetables like broccoli and celery, fruits like apples and figs, and oatmeal. Iron-rich foods Research has shown that there is a strong link between multiple myeloma and anemia. Anemia is a condition that results from poor nutrition, specifically iron deficiency, making iron-rich food items an important part of the diet for patients of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma may adversely affect the levels of key nutrients like iron in the body, and it is important to make food items like beans, lean meats, and dark leafy green vegetables a part of the diet to naturally boost iron levels.

Digestion is a complex process of breakdown of food into simpler substances or nutrients for easy absorption by the body. This process is facilitated by heat and certain chemicals produced by our body called digestive enzymes. Since the process of digestion occurs in multiple stages, at each stage, these digestive enzymes contribute to the breakdown of certain macro and micronutrients. What are natural digestive enzymes? Our body produces a number of enzymes. Most enzymes are proteins and some of these are involved in the process of digestion. They speed up the digestion process by helping the breakdown of complex macromolecules into smaller molecules. Every enzyme has a different target nutrient to break down and make it available for the body. Digestive enzymes are secreted at every step of the digestion process. The salivary glands produce amylase enzyme in the mouth that kick-starts the digestion process. Mainly, the digestive enzymes are produced in the pancreas and small intestine. Other enzymes are produced in the mouth and stomach. Why do we need digestive enzyme supplements? When the body is unable to produce sufficient amounts of digestive enzymes or when the enzymes fail to function properly, this leads to several digestive issues such as bloating, chronic constipation, and inflammatory bowel syndrome. The undigested food passes on to the intestines, which becomes the breeding ground for the bad bacteria. This can cause colon related problems. In such cases, it is advisable to take digestive enzyme supplements for smooth digestion. What causes digestive enzyme deficiency? Our body requires digestive enzymes to digest food. But in some cases, the production of these enzymes is restricted due to some disease such as pancreatic cancer, celiac disease or Crohn’s disease. It can also be caused due to old age or low acid production in the stomach. Some other habits that affect the enzyme production are chronic stress, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

Be it cats or dogs, pet owners love to treat their pets with treats. If you are a cat owner, you would love to treat your cats for various reasons to showcase your love and appreciation to them. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of health problems of your feline friend, which include a shortened lifespan, obesity, and other conditions. Overeating can also cause harmful effects on the cat’s health. Here are some tips on using food for showing love towards your feline pet without spoiling or harming them: Mix foods If your cat is refusing to eat something new (read: healthy), but still enjoys its old food, then try to mix the two foods for a few days. This will trick it into eating the new healthy food by masking it with the old food that it already likes. This is a good way to transition cats on to a new diet every time you make changes to their diet. Use chicken broth Chicken broth for cats is like tomato ketchup for humans – it makes everything taste better. If your cat is being particularly persnickety about its food, you could add some low-sodium chicken broth in its food for lending it some zing. Hopefully, that will prod your pet cat to eat the new food you put out in their bowl. Cut the scraps In some cases, your cat’s reluctance to eat its food, old or new, could be your fault, especially if it is used to being fed table scraps from your dinner table. In such cases, its palate is likely to prefer food with a little more flavor than what you’re putting out for it. So, you need to stop feeding your cat leftovers from the table. Cut back on the treats Your cat might not be eating its new food because it thinks that it’ll just get its fill of treats across the day.

A lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the immune system, specifically in the lymphocytes, which are the are the infection-fighting cells of the body. The lymphocytes of a patient with lymphoma, change and grow out of control. This results in rapid cell growth which leads to cancer. Lymphoma is of two types—Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It can be treated with chemotherapy and other cancer treatment methods. However, diet plays an important role since the immune system is already weak and vulnerable to attack. Here are 5 food items that help fight lymphoma and improve the quality of life during treatment. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and radish have proven to help strengthen the body’s immune system and can thus help significantly in fighting lymphoma. Patients are advised to have anywhere between 5 and 10 servings of vegetables daily. Other sources of cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, kale, turnips, and arugula. Chicken Meat is a large source of protein and lean meat like chicken and turkey can help give patients the required amount of protein during or after the treatment. However, it is important to avoid excess consumption of red meat since doctors have found a correlation between increased risk of cancer and the consumption of excess read meat. Lean meat, on the other hand, had much fewer side effects and is the healthier option in general. Quinoa The body requires a healthy diet, especially during cancer treatment. This involves the consumption of the right carbohydrates to give the body the energy it needs. A healthier alternative to traditional sources of carbs like rice, potatoes, and bread is quinoa. Cooked quinoa has 23% carbohydrates while keeping it as a simultaneous source of both protein and fiber. Moreover, quinoa is gluten-free which is an added advantage to who those who are intolerant to gluten.