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.

When it comes to a person’s good health, there are three constant factors that are considered – food habits, active lifestyle, and quality sleep. This article is concerned with that last aspect. Achieving quality sleep begins from knowing how to choose the perfect mattress for your body type. If you are struggling with getting some good sleep, you might want to change your mattress. The various mattresses mentioned below should help you make an informed choice. Coir foam mattress This kind of mattress is perfect for people with back pain. It offers sufficient support to the body, and does not hamper the individual’s posture. That said, it’s very important for people with back pain to have a mattress that comfortably takes the weight of their body. Latex mattress This type of mattress is a lot softer and comfortable than spring mattresses. Latex mattresses have breathable layers. If you experience night sweats, this mattress should be your ideal choice. This type is definitely cooler than memory foam. Hypoallergenic mattress A hypoallergenic mattress is important for people with a sensitive nose. These mattresses prevent allergens, bugs, and microbes from settling onto the surface. Hypoallergenic mattresses also prevent the body oils from being absorbed, keeping the foam hygienic and fresh for recurring use. Air beds This type of mattress is ideal for people with different preferences. Air beds allow you to adjust the firmness on each side of the bed. A chamber of air exists in each side of an air bed. This air chamber helps increase or decrease the firmness of the bed. Air beds are beneficial since they cater to each sleeper’s needs. People who sleep on their back may need a slightly firm mattress, whereas people who sleep on their stomach look for a softer layer to sleep on. Orthopedic mattress This type of mattress is essential for people with multiple body ache issues.

Vitiligo is a health condition in which one gradually loses skin color because of depigmented patches appearing on the skin. Essentially, the immune system begins attacking melanocytes, or the cells in the body that produce melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. Although vitiligo has no definite cure, doctors usually suggest certain repigmentation treatments to alleviate its effects. Opzelura (ruxolitinib) is one such topical repigmentation option often prescribed to treat this skin condition. About vitiligo With approximately 1.9 million patients diagnosed with vitiligo in the country, it is a fairly common skin condition involving depigmented skin patches. These patches usually begin to appear on the face, hands, genitals, and around the openings in the body, but eventually, they may spread throughout the skin. The discolored areas may progressively increase in size, and the disease can also affect one’s hair and the insides of the mouth. Further, those with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid, lupus, etc. are more vulnerable to vitiligo. Opzelura for vitiligo It is a first-line treatment option for vitiligo that has been approved by the FDA as a prescription cream to control melanocyte destruction and restore one’s natural skin pigmentation. Ruxolitinib is the main ingredient in Opzelura and it works to protect the skin’s melanocytes. Who can apply Opzelura? Since Opzelura is a prescription treatment, one should apply it only with a doctor’s prescription and under their guidance. In general, doctors prescribe Opzelura for patients with non-segmental vitiligo (patches appearing on both sides of the body), who are aged 12 years and above. This product can also be applied on sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, and genitals. The treatment course may last over 24 weeks before one experiences visible results. Before using Opzelura for vitiligo, one should speak with their doctor about the area(s) on which it should be applied more extensively.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition wherein the skin gradually loses color or pigment. White patches, in particular, are a common warning sign of vitiligo. These patches result from skin depigmentation and can occur anywhere on the body, such as the face, hands, neck, arms, elbows, feet, wrists, ankles, and groin. Doctors may recommend several treatment options to manage the symptoms and ensure they do not worsen or lead to health conditions. 1. Topical creams Doctors prescribe topical creams or ointments with special ingredients to vitiligo patients for skin repigmentation. One can ask the doctor which cream would work best for their case and apply it as they recommend. 2. Light therapy With the help of light therapy, vitiligo patients can achieve repigmentation successfully. Here, patients are made to stand in a light box that directs UV rays toward the affected skin. These rays restore pigmentation and help prevent new patches from forming. Phototherapy exposure times can vary for each patient. The treatment is most effective for restoring pigmentation on the face and neck. 3. Oral treatment Some vitiligo treatments are to be taken orally to slow down the development of patches and spots on the skin and stimulate repigmentation. Doctors decide on a possible treatment after discussing viable options with the patient. 4. Surgery Vitiligo patients who do not improve with other treatments may be prescribed surgery. Here, a surgeon might perform a skin graft procedure by covering the patches with healthy skin from another region. Alternatively, a cell transplant surgery can be performed, where cells are extracted from healthy or pigmented skin and administered into the skin patches to stimulate repigmentation. Treatment results can take some time. Additionally, it is best for those with vitiligo to talk to their doctors before using any products. Some products may exacerbate their condition, so a patch test is always recommended.

Rotavirus is a specific type of virus that causes a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. This may often lead to symptoms like watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. This virus is transmitted via contact with infected surfaces, and it is most commonly passed through fecal-oral contact. The best way to avoid getting infected is by getting the rotavirus vaccine. If your child is infected by rotavirus, the doctor may recommend immediate hospitalization to prevent any further complications. The following are a few treatment methods that can be opted for when treating a rotavirus infection: Oral rehydration therapy One of the biggest problems that a child suffering from a rotavirus infection may face is the loss of fluids, which can lead to severe dehydration. If an infant is suffering from such an infection, they must be given small amounts of fluids at regular intervals or must be nursed frequently. It is also recommended to use an oral rehydration solution to avoid severe dehydration. If the child is severely dehydrated, they may need to be provided with extra fluids through intravenous or intraosseous lines. Probiotics A child who is infected with this virus can experience a weakened immune system that needs to be remedied to avoid any further infections and diseases. Regular intake of probiotics is known to be effective in improving immunity in children and preventing foreign antigens from entering the body. Moreover, these probiotics may also help improve gut health in children. Other medications There are several other medications that might be prescribed to treat protozoal or helminthic infections in the intestines. These infections are a common occurrence in children suffering from rotaviral gastroenteritis, and are usually treated by prescribing medications containing nitrothiazole-benzamide compounds. Although such children may suffer from watery diarrhea, antidiarrheal medications are usually not given to them.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of debilitating health conditions that progressively cause muscle mass loss and weakness. It is caused by abnormal gene mutations which disrupt the production of natural proteins in the body. This makes building healthy muscle mass difficult. Most hidden signs of muscular dystrophy start in childhood. But for some types of muscular dystrophy, the symptoms do not show up until adulthood. Here are some common signs based on the type of muscular dystrophy. Duchenne type muscular dystrophy This is one of the most common types of muscular dystrophy. The symptoms start showing during childhood. Some of the known signs include the following: Falling frequently Finding it difficult to get up from a sitting or lying down position Difficulty in jumping or running Waddling gait Walking on the toes Enlarged calf muscles Muscular stiffness and pain Delayed growth Becker muscular dystrophy The symptoms of this type are mostly the same as that of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, the severity of the symptoms is mild. Moreover, the symptoms progress slowly over time compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Also, these symptoms are usually experienced during the teen years. But in some cases, there are no symptoms until the mid-20s or later. Myotonic muscular dystrophy This type of muscular dystrophy has symptoms such as the inability to relax the muscles after contractions. In this, the muscles of the face and neck are affected in the initial stage. It is characterized by a long and thin face structure with drooping eyelids and swanlike necks. Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) muscular dystrophy In this type, muscle weakness begins in the shoulders, hip, and face. The shoulder blades tend to bulge whenever the arms are raised upwards. These symptoms usually start during the teen years. But in some cases, the symptoms may become evident during childhood or even after 50 years of age.

Are you facing an acne problem even when you are in your 30s or 40s? Acne has never been just a teen problem. However, it is infamous for affecting young people. These days, various causes like an increase in pollution and rising stress levels have caused a surge in the number of acne cases in men and women. Getting the right treatment can help adults control an acne breakout. What causes acne? Acne is a skin condition that results in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and a lot more. These unsightly blemishes on the skin are most prevalent in teens because of hormonal changes. However, adult acne is also a common problem. Acne is caused by a buildup of excess body oil (sebum) in the skin pores. This sebum is sticky, and so hair, dust, and other particles stick to it, causing raised bumps. The blocked pores can no longer push out the excess sebum or clear the skin of toxins by sweating. So, the dirt accumulates, creating a conducive environment for bacterial infections. Causes of adult acne While acne breakouts mostly reduce once you enter your twenties, you can still get it if your skin pores are blocked. People with oily skin are especially vulnerable because their skin normally secretes excessive sebum. Adult acne can be triggered by: Environmental pollution Hormone fluctuations Using harsh cosmetic products Using creamy, oil-based skin-care products on oily skin Eating a high-sugar diet Not taking good care of your skin Treatments for adult acne One can use medications, light therapy, and home remedies to treat adult acne. Some of these treatment options are: Adult acne medication For adult acne, you may be asked to use the following — topical applications and oral medications. Topical applications Salicylic acid-based creams: These creams give a gentle exfoliation effect, thus removing dead cells.

Diarrhea is a condition that causes frequent bowel movements with a loose, watery stool. It can have many causes. Unless it is a severe condition caused by an infection or an underlying disease, a patient can treat it by making a few dietary changes and taking OTC medications. Causes of diarrhea Several factors can lead to diarrhea Infections: Stomach flu, bacterial gastroenteritis, and parasitical infections like intestinal worms can lead to this condition. Food poisoning: Adverse reactions to food can cause diarrhea. Medical conditions: Conditions like ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome or IBS can cause chronic diarrhea. Medicines: Some medications like NSAIDs and antibiotics can be the cause. There are other causes of diarrhea as well. Your doctor will get all the details of your condition, consider the medicines you are consuming, and check for any underlying ailment that could cause diarrhea. They may also ask you to go for blood and stool tests if you have severe diarrhea. Treatment of diarrhea Most of the times, diarrhea goes away on its own after three or four days. Some over-the-counter medicines like bismuth subsalicylate and loperamide can help. If you have severe diarrhea due to a bacterial infection, you may have to take antibiotics for treating the condition. If some other ailment like celiac disease or IBS is the cause, you may have to consult a gastroenterologist who will provide you with a treatment plan for chronic diarrhea. What should diarrhea patients eat and drink? When you have diarrhea, you have frequent bowel movements, and this causes dehydration. So, you should drink a lot of water. Your doctor may also suggest some special drinks like a sports drink to replace the electrolytes lost from your body. Stick to a balanced diet and avoid spicy foods. Usually, the diet plan followed for treating diarrhea is called BRAT.

Halitosis is the medical term used for the condition we commonly know as bad breath. It is also termed as Fetor Oris, where fetor refers to an unpleasant odor emanating from an individual. The condition may cause embarrassment in social situations, lead to increased anxiety and become a thought-irritant, playing constantly on your mind. Depending on the symptoms and the underlying cause, halitosis could occur as a singular incident – an acute condition or could persist over a longer period in a chronic form. It is the third most common reason for you to visit your dentist, the first being tooth decay and second, gum disease. Symptoms Of Bad Breath Bad breath goes unnoticed until someone comes nearby and points out the condition. When people around you – friends, relative, colleagues, start maintaining a physical distance it may be because of bad breath. Other signs may include: · An unpleasant/sour taste · Dry mouth · Changes in taste · Tongue coating Causes Of Bad Breath The condition of halitosis is one which all of us have to suffer through at some time. For some, it may cause significant distress and psychological anguish. Causes of Fetor Oris or bad breath include: · Food – A primary reason for bad odor from the mouth is food. Food stuck in the teeth, or its breakdown chemicals are often the cause of bad breath. · Dry Mouth –When the body fails to produce enough saliva; as a result, the mouth goes dry, and odors build up. · Tobacco – Smoking or chewing tobacco can leave breakdown chemicals in the mouth that carry their distinct odor. Smoking can also lead to other bad-breath causes like gum diseases or oral cancers. · Poor Dental Hygiene – To ensure that no food particle is left behind in the mouth, brushing and flossing the teeth is recommended for a good oral health.

A rotavirus infection triggers diarrhea and vomiting in children. In fact, before the vaccine for this virus was developed, most children would be affected at least once by the age of 5. Doctors usually recommend giving children rehydration fluids to replenish all the water lost due to diarrhea. Other than that, there are no major treatments unless the infection triggers health complications linked to rotavirus. Herein, we discuss how getting a vaccine helps prevent rotavirus. Prevention of rotavirus Rotavirus is ranked among the top infectious diseases that majorly affects children under the age of 5. It remained the leading cause of diarrhea among infants up until 2006, when the first vaccine was introduced. Rotavirus is highly contagious infection that mostly spreads through hand and mouth contact. Along with a vaccination, good handwashing habits and overall hygiene will ensure that this disease doesn’t not rapidly spread. Adults must also ensure commonly touched surfaces are disinfected on a regular basis so that the child is not infected by contaminants on surfaces. Vaccination for rotavirus There are two approved vaccines that are given at a gap of two months. The first dose of the oral-drop vaccine is given to the child at the age of 15 weeks and both doses are completed before the child is 8 months old. The two approved vaccines for use are RotaTeq® The RotaTeq® vaccine is given three times: starting first at the age of 2 months, then at 4 months, and then 6 months Rotarix® Starting first at the age of 2 months and once at 4 months, the Rotarix® vaccine is given only twice. Note that the number of doses varies with these two approved brands. Statistics and studies indicate that vaccination protects almost 9 out of 10 children from severe form of the rotavirus disease.

Nutritious, well-balanced meals are crucial for everyone. The nutrients acquired from a well-balanced meal help the body function efficiently and deliver the right amount of energy and response to every stimulus. Maintaining nutritional requirements becomes especially important when the body is fighting health conditions. Here is a list of foods that help those suffering from renal cancer. It is, however, essential to speak with doctors before making changes to one’s meal plans. Fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are an integral part of one’s daily meals, and one should continue to meet the body’s requirements with generous amounts of these healthy foods. Fruits and vegetables are healthy sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber in some amount. Besides that, they are also a rich source of minerals and vitamins. Fruits and vegetables also help fight off inflammation. Fish Fish has been a great addition to nutritious and well-balanced meals. Fatty fish, in particular, is appreciated for the amount of omega-3 fatty acid it carries. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are rich sources of antioxidants that help keep inflammation levels in control. Having fatty fish can help to prevent renal cancer and fight potential cancer cells. The protein content helps the body recover better while helping improve the immune system. Whole grains Whole grains help maintain the body’s complex carbohydrates and fiber requirements. They also take care of micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and multiple vitamins. Grains are a major source of energy and lend a helping hand to maintain various systems. It is, therefore, recommended to include whole grains in the list of food to eat for renal cancer. Water Water is an essential part of renal cancer foods. It helps the kidneys maintain the body’s pH and eliminate any toxins that could cause harm to the body. Water also keeps the body’s hydration levels in check, ensuring that all the systems run smoothly.

Migraines are severe headaches that may lead to unbearable pulsing sensations or throbbing on one side of the head. These attacks may last for a few hours or a couple of days. Such chronic pain may also affect one’s daily lifestyle. Though the exact cause of migraines is unknown, multiple factors trigger them, including the foods we eat. In this article, we have listed five foods that may trigger migraines. Chocolate Chocolate is the second-most common trigger when it comes to migraines. It contains properties like caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine that may trigger headaches in people with the condition. According to the American Migraine Foundation, 22% of people who experience migraines claim chocolate to be the trigger. Citrus fruits Eating fresh fruits can help steer clear of many diseases and lead a healthy life. But citrus fruits may have the opposite effect on people who experience migraines. Some citrus fruits to avoid include oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and pineapples. According to studies, citrus fruits carry may trigger excessive release of histamine. Cheese For those with migraines, it’s best to avoid adding cheese to their meal plans. Cheeses are generally aged and contain tyramine, an amino acid. Tyramine is a naturally occurring acid in the human body that regulates blood pressure. However, excessive tyramine is bad for the body and may trigger migraines. Cheddar, blue cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and English stilton are a few examples of tyramine-rich cheese. Coffee Coffee may help people stay awake during strenuous working hours, but the food is harmful to one’s health. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a known trigger of migraines. Inconsistent levels of caffeine in the body may negatively influence the dilation of blood vessels and lead to headaches. Processed and cured meat Processed and cured meats contain added nitrates to help preserve their color and flavor.