The government has several federal programs to offer aid and assistance to people with various medical conditions. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is chiefly responsible for implementing and maintaining these policies. For disability, in particular, the benefits are paid under two separate programs, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. What is the definition of disability? The SSA classifies disability into three primary categories for applicants to be eligible for the benefit, severe, long term, and total disability. Severe disability interferes with one’s daily work-related activities Long-term disability implies that the condition has lasted at least a year or more Total disability implies that the applicant is completely unable to perform any activity that the administration deems a substantial gainful activity Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income The aid is available for people who have regularly paid their Social Security taxes over the tenure of their service record. Social Security Disability Insurance is a benefit made available for people who have suffered from a disability before the age of 22 but continued to work and paid taxes promptly. On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income is for adults and children who have limited income resources. Concept of work credits The SSA requires applicants to have work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. For example, 28 work credits are required by the time the applicant turns 50. This is equivalent to having worked for a minimum of seven years, five of which must be within the last 10 years of one’s professional tenure. When to apply for SSDI benefits? The SSA recommends applicants to seek benefits and apply online immediately after suffering from a disability. It provides all relevant information in SSDI starter kits available for applicants who must prepare for the interview post online verification.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a health condition involving the accumulation of the white blood cell eosinophil in the esophagus. It is characterized by swallowing difficulties, chest pain, regurgitation, etc. Although this condition’s exact causes are unknown, an allergic reaction to specific foods or environmental agents can add to the risk. Doctors typically recommend eliminating and reintroducing specific foods to gauge which food group is the trigger. These food groups are likely to trigger EoE: Dairy and its products Milk protein often causes the body to produce excessive quantities of eosinophils, leading to EoE. Those with this condition may have allergic reactions to dairy in general or specific dairy products or forms. Eliminating dairy from your food routine and reintroducing it in stages can help you identify whether you are allergic to dairy. Wheat Gluten intolerance can be a contributing factor to the development of EoE. Studies have demonstrated that eliminating gluten for some days can help identify whether gluten intolerance is responsible for the development of EoE in one’s body. One must also consider that wheat is not only present in other baked items but also a latent part of oats, barley, and some ice creams. Look for gluten-free options while purchasing groceries and other eatables. Seafood Certain proteins in fish and shellfish can sometimes trigger EoE; one can be allergic to either or both. You can eliminate both varieties for a specific period and reintroduce them one by one to identify any repercussions. For example, one must be weary of including fish and shellfish in certain ready-to-eat foods like Caesar dressing and Worcestershire sauce. Soy This protein source can be an allergen and cause EoE in some individuals. To determine if it is a trigger, one must eliminate soy in all forms, including soymilk, soy sauce, soy butter, and tofu.

Diabetes is often an inherited condition, but it may also be the result of faulty diet plans, emotional stress, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation, inadequate rest, and toxins in the body. Patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes usually opt for natural or herbal cures besides the conventional medications for treating this condition. However, it is important to have the right knowledge of home remedies to treat this disease. Some remedies for treating diabetes are given below: Bitter gourd is known to treat hyperglycemia as it contains at least three active substances with properties that help reduce blood sugar levels. Fenugreek has many health benefits, one of them being controlling diabetes and improving glucose tolerance. Consuming fresh mango leaves is also believed to be an effective home remedy for diabetes. Moringa Oleifera leaves, or drumstick is effective for maintaining optimum blood sugar levels. They boost energy levels, are rich in antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Foods which have a low GI or glycemic index are recommended for treating diabetes. When you include low GI foods in your diet, they can help lower blood sugar levels in the long run. Such foods include barley, oats, eggs, meat, seafood, lentils, beans, legumes, corn, yams, sweet potatoes, and non-starchy veggies. Apple cider vinegar can be added to salad dressings since it lowers blood glucose levels. It also influences your body’s response to glucose and boosts insulin sensitivity. Cinnamon has been recommended for improving insulin sensitivity and lowering insulin resistance in cells. According to reports, it can reduce blood sugar levels by almost 29%. It also slows carb breakdown during digestion, and this helps to control the rise in blood glucose levels post-meals. Eating more fiber in meals can lower blood sugar. The recommended fiber intake for adults with diabetes is about 30 grams a day.

There are a variety of treatments for skin conditions like eczema, but unlike with steroids or other medications, treating the condition with natural remedies has no side effects. Eczema leads to the skin becoming excessively dry, itchy, flaky, and oozing clear liquid in severe cases. Luckily, it can easily be treated at home using ingredients commonly found in kitchens. Combining these home remedies for eczema with lifestyle and dietary changes can help the skin heal faster and you may not need to opt for any other medication at all. If the condition does not improve after a week of using home remedies, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Natural remedies to treat eczema Aloe vera You can prepare a gel from the leaves of aloe vera at home or buy a gel from the market. Aloe vera has proven to have positive effects on the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and can improve the body’s immune system, which helps it fight allergies more effectively. Calendula Calendula lotion is made from the calendula flower. It is a natural remedy that is gentle on the skin and helps to reduce symptoms of itchiness. You can mix calendula lotion with aloe vera and apply to the affected area. If you are buying commercially, look for natural calendula lotion without other artificial ingredients. Oatmeal bath To prepare an oatmeal bath to treat eczema, you first need to powder oats. Then, mix this powder into a bath containing lukewarm water and let the oats soak for at least ten minutes. Bathing in the water is very helpful to moisturize the skin and reducing itching. An oatmeal bath also helps to reduce inflammation. Natural oils Several natural oils can be used to moisturize the skin instead of store-bought lotions. These oils, when applied to the eczema-affected area, provide relief from itching.

Experiencing recurrent migraine episodes can be frustrating as they end up affecting your daily activities. While medication is an integral part of the migraine treatment process, some home remedies can help relieve your headaches and other symptoms. These could also help prevent any future attacks. Let’s take a look at them: Take rest The most underrated yet effective migraine treatment is rest. Just being away from the bright lights and loud noises and lying down in a dark, quiet room can calm your senses. Lying down in a room or taking a nap can help during a migraine attack, but you should also seriously consider working on developing a decent sleep pattern. Making a deliberate attempt to sleep and wake up on time can be instrumental in dodging severe episodes in the future. A study concluded that people with poor sleep schedules are likely to have more headaches than people with healthy sleeping routines. So you should aim to get at least 7 to 8 hours of undisturbed sleep. Use lavender oil Commonly used for relief from stress and relaxation, some evidence suggests that lavender oil can a great form of migraine treatment. Inhaling it could be an effective and safe way of alleviating the pain. The use of lavender oil in one study showed that participants noted a difference in the frequency and intensity of the attacks in a 3-month period. If you wish, you can also apply diluted lavender oil directly to your temples. Practice yoga Simple yoga exercises involving breathing and meditation techniques can enhance blood flow and ease any tension in the muscles. Research has found that people with migraine who participated in a yoga program along with traditional treatment gained better respite from their headaches. In the long run, regular yoga exercises may help alleviate the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks.

Treatment plans and medications for depression According to the World Health Organization, the estimated number of people around the world affected by depression are around 350 million. It is the most common illness worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. WHO states that it is a common mental disorder that is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that a person usually enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for at least two full weeks. What causes depression? While the cause of depression is not fully understood, it is likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and biological and psychosocial factors. Also, while depression can affect people of all ages from all walks of life, poverty, unemployment, life events like the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, physical illness, and problems caused by alcohol and drug use are likely to increase the risk. The symptoms involve losing interest in doing things that one would usually enjoy, change in appetite and sleep patterns, and feeling sad for at least 2 weeks. Approaches to treat depression If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, patients are advised to get professional help from a therapist who can evaluate the symptoms and recommend the right approach for treatment. It is a condition that can be treated by therapy, medication, or both, and the treatment approaches vary depending on the type of depression. Here are some psychotherapy approaches to know about: Interpersonal therapy (IPT) This approach focuses on the past and present social roles and interpersonal interactions of the patient and attempts to help them find better ways to deal with their current problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) It focuses on helping patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behavior.

6 FDA-approved medications for high cholesterol High cholesterol leads to fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Over time, these deposits grow, causing difficulties for the blood to flow through the arteries. In some cases, the deposits may break off and form clots. These can cause a stroke or heart attack. There can be multiple causes of high cholesterol; the causes can be genetic or a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits. This makes high cholesterol a preventable and treatable health disorder. High cholesterol can be easily managed by following a balanced and healthy diet along with regular exercise. In case the cholesterol levels are extremely high, medications may be required to control and manage the condition. There are a few medications for high cholesterol that are approved by the FDA. All these medications must be taken only when prescribed by a doctor. Kynamro A cholesterol-lowering medication, Kynamro works by lowering bad cholesterol in the blood, such as non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), apolipoprotein-B (apo-B), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It is effective when used along with a low-fat diet and other prescribed treatments. Kynamro is usually recommended to those with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited type of high cholesterol. It is, however, not suitable for those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Although Kynamro lowers high cholesterol levels, it is uncertain if the medication can lower the risk of heart diseases. Altoprev Altoprev, when used with a diet, helps lower blood levels of bad cholesterol such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Altoprev works by increasing the levels of good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The medication also lowers the levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. A high level of triglycerides increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders. The use of Altoprev has been known to lower the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart complications resulting from diabetes.

Everyone wants beautiful hair, as good hair adds charm to one’s personality. Hair care is an important regime to be followed by both men and women. Having shiny and strong hair makes one look confident and presentable. Taking proper care of health makes them last longer and reflects a person’s personality. Some essential hair care tips for healthy hair growth are as follows: Avoid washing hair daily Pat dry your Use a good conditioner Minimize the use of styling products Make sure you use heat protectants before styling A regular hair care regimen helps in keeping healthy hair but healthy food habits help in promoting healthy growth of hair. It also helps in keeping the hair strong and shiny. Apart from caring for the hair, a proper diet also plays an important role in keeping the hair healthy. Read on to know more about what are the best foods for healthy hair growth. Proteins A protein-rich diet not only helps in promoting healthy growth of hair, but it also strengthens the hair, making it look silky and shiny look. Whole eggs, almonds, lean beef, tuna, peanuts, milk are rich in protein nutrients which can be easily added to one’s diet. Protein supplements are also available. Iron One of the main causes of hair loss is iron deficiency. Due to a lack of sufficient iron nutrients to the hair roots, the problem of hair thinning and hair fall begins. So it is very important to eat foods that are rich in iron like dark leafy vegetables, fish, chickpeas, soybeans. Omega-3 and fatty acids As the body cannot produce these healthy fatty acids one needs to get its nutrients from foods containing omega-3. The nutrients in these fatty acids provide volume and nourishment to the hair. Some foods rich in Omega 3 are walnuts, salmon, canola oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds.

Menopause is characterized by the permanent stopping of the menstruation cycle, which generally occurs in women between 40 to 50 years of age. Since the normal menstrual cycle ceases, the women in the menopause stage experience certain hormonal fluctuations and the onset of several other diseases. With the estrogen levels falling and the disrupted cyclical changes of progesterone and estrogen, most women suffer from increased levels of cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Hence, women are highly advised to maintain a strict diet during menopause. The following food items help to keep the hormonal fluctuations at a normal rate and also helps in combating the diseases as well. Whole grains Loaded with fibers, nutrients, and vitamin B components, whole grains are primarily necessary for the normal functioning of the body. The fiber in whole grains helps in maintaining normal bowel functioning and maintains a healthy gut. The range of vitamin B complexes cater to the diverse needs of the body and helps in restoring normal body metabolism, thereby keeping various diseases at bay. Thus, whole grain foods need to be included in the diet during menopause . Oatmeal Oatmeal work wonders in lowering blood cholesterol levels and is thus considered as one of the best foods to consume during menopause. It also helps in weight loss and improves heart health in women. Fruits & green veggies Fruits, as well as green vegetables, are undoubtedly one of the best foods to eat during menopause. These are loaded with fiber, nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants which are necessary for the normal functioning of a healthy gut and heart. The antioxidant prevents the formation of free radicals and maintains normal body metabolism. Where fruits like berries help in lowering blood pressure, broccoli helps in preventing cancer in women. Dairy products Menopause results in a huge decrease in body minerals which makes osteoporosis a common condition.

Living with epilepsy can be challenging and it is essential to know how to manage it better. People suffering from this condition are constantly looking for ways to stay seizure-free. It is believed that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function normally. So, a diet can help one control seizures and live with epilepsy efficiently. How diet affects epilepsy While no food can trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by maintaining good health. A balanced diet will give one the energy and important nutrients and better sleep and stamina for engaging in activities. These factors can help one live better; one becomes more positive and develops stronger focus and control to manage the condition. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones. So, following a Ketogenic diet forces the body to utilize more fats for energy production instead of glucose or sugar through a diet that increases fat intake and lowers carbohydrate intake. This diet plan can work in reducing seizures amongst kids and grownups suffering from epilepsy. But for this diet to work its magic, one will have to follow it without any breaks. So, the types of food and the respective amounts must be precisely measured. Preparing meals is bound to be a time-consuming affair. However, the diet may not work for kids. The MCT diet or medium-chain triglyceride diet is one where people use an oil supplement for their dietary fat intake instead of getting oil from foods. This is why this diet may be easier since one will be free to eat more carbs and proteins and one can get fewer fats from food. The Atkins diet is a low-carb, high-protein diet plan similar to the Keto diet, with some flexibility in fluid, proteins, and calorie amounts.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not a life-threatening problem but it can alter your lifestyle drastically. Women are more likely affected by this condition and it can be experienced during their late teens to the early 40s. IBS tends to affect bowel habits drastically. One can experience discomfort or pain while passing stools. Your bowel habits are likely to change completely from less or more than normal which can be diarrhea or constipation. The texture of the stool may be thin, hard, soft or liquid. Some common symptoms of this condition are as follows: Bloating or a lot of gas Constipation Diarrhea Cramps/ belly pain Pellets or flat ribbon stools (i.e. hard or loose) Common things that activate IBS are: Refined grains that are used to make bread and cereals Processed foods Coffee, alcohol Carbonated drinks Dairy products like cheese High protein diets Stress-related activities like work, commuting, family problems, financial issues Medicines that evoke this condition are antibiotics, some antidepressants and sorbitol included medicine like cough syrups Eating in a hurry while working or driving Chewing gum regularly Not exercising enough It is a well-known fact that a proper diet and consumption of the right food helps control IBS to a great degree. Here are some of the diets prescribed for IBS patients. High fiber diet Fiber adds bulk to your stools that helps aid the movement. It is estimated that an adult consumes only 5 to 14 grams of fiber per day. Eating 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day is an essential way to manage IBS. Foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are high in fiber that helps prevent constipation. Low fiber diet People with regular gas and diarrhoea might find it difficult with the high intake of fiber as it can worsen the symptoms.

Many of you feed your cats small morsels of food from your own bowls. But have you ever stopped to think whether the food you are eating is suitable for your cat? Cat’s digestive systems are built differently, and while they may show no severe symptoms at the time of consumption, complications may develop later. We have put together a list of safe human foods for cats to avoid emergency vet trips. Meat Cats cannot digest fibrous foods as easily as dogs. They are meat-eaters that derive protein from meat to maintain a healthy reproductive system, good vision, and strong heart. Cooked chicken, beef, turkey are some good options. Avoid meats with high sodium content as too much salt is toxic for cats. Whole grains Whole grains like oatmeal are a great source of vitamin B and energy for your feline companions. Cats tend to like smaller and coarser grains like cornmeal, millet, and couscous, but make sure all of these are properly cooked for easy digestion. You can also give them brown rice, barley, and wheatberries but mash them before serving. Bananas Bananas are rich in potassium and soluble fiber, making them a perfect snack for your cats. However, limit the intake as this fruit has high sugar content. Experts recommend that treats like bananas make not more than 10 percent of daily calorie intake. You can also feed them pumpkin, apples, pears, berries, watermelon, and pineapple in limited quantities. Fish Fish is present in a majority of commercial cat food for good reason. It contains necessary vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that keep up your cat’s health. Make sure the fish is boiled and cut into bite-sized pieces. Avoid any seasoning and food enhancers. Pick fresh-caught fish instead of the canned ones and remove all bones to prevent choking hazards.