Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disorder which was earlier referred to as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes. It affects the metabolism of glucose or sugar in the body. Glucose is the major source of energy for our body. Currently, in America 29.1 million people have diabetes. However, as large as 8.1 million of them are yet to be diagnosed and are unaware of their disorder. Every year the strength of this group of patients increases by about 1.4 million, becoming one of the most common health issues faced by the entire nation. Insulin is a hormone produced by our body that maintains blood glucose levels by regulating its movement into cells. When having adult type 2 diabetes, our bodies become inefficient in managing the glucose levels in the body. It either produces an inadequate amount of insulin leading to an excess level of glucose, or the body resists the function of insulin. Symptoms and signals Type 2 diabetes, unfortunately, does not manifest early. The symptoms show up slowly; sometimes it takes a few years to realize a diabetic condition. The following are common signs that you should not ignore since they could indicate failing insulin function. High urination frequency Increased appetite or frequently getting hungry Loss of weight Tiredness and fatigue Vision blurring Incurring frequent infections Sores taking long time to heal Skin darkening Treating Adult Type 2 Diabetes Blood sugar levels can be kept in check with regular monitoring and controlled diet. Although, in case of severely high blood sugar levels, medication and therapy involving insulin injections are required. Consult your doctor for understanding what is the best-suited medication for your condition is. Most common treatment options for adult type 2 diabetes have been listed below. Sulfonylureas Sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas leading to better insulin secretion. Most common side effects of this drug are weight gain and low blood glucose.

Fungal infection of the nail occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the nail bed. The main cause of fingernail fungus is a broken or cracked nail plate or cuticles. It can also result from bacteria inside the body. Often characterized by cracked nail beds, fungal infection makes the nail thick and yellow. There are different fingernail fungus treatment options, but the cure takes time to show results. Before discussing fingernail fungus treatment options, let’s look at the causes and visible symptoms of fungal infection. Causes of fingernail fungus Fingernail fungus infection usually occurs due to overgrowth of fungi under, or in the nail. Since fungi need a warm, and moist environment to multiply, so this type of environment helps them thrive easily. Nail infections can be caused by the same fungi that are responsible for causing ringworm, athlete’s foot, or jock itch. Nail infection can also be caused by fungi present on or in the body. It is also communicable i.e., it can spread if in case you come in contact with someone who already has a fungal infection. As stated by American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), toenails are more prone to fungal infections as compared to fingernails. This is because toes remain covered in the shoes which serves a perfect breeding ground for fungi. Risk factors for fungal infections Different causes can be associated with fungal nail infections, with each having its own course of treatment. Remember, although fingernail fungus is preventable, there are certain risk factors that increase the chances of developing it. If you are suffering from any of the below mentioned, likelihood of developing fungal nail infection increases: Diabetes Poor circulation People aging 65 years and above Artificial nails and nail injury Swim in public swimming pool Skin injury near the nail Fingers and toes when not dried properly Weak immune system It has been seen that men are more prone to getting affected by fingernail infection than women.

Shingle is a viral infection which leads to the development of a powerful rash. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States has found out that one in every three people will suffer from shingles at any point in their life. Varicella-zoster virus causes shingles. Incidentally, this is the same virus which is responsible for the development of chickenpox. For people who had suffered from chickenpox in their childhood, shingles virus can attack at any point in their life since it lies in a dormant stage in such people. Though shingles can occur at any point in the body, the rashes in shingles make their appearance in a small region. Pain in the shingles affected region is the first symptom of this medical condition. Usually, within a few days of the appearance of pain fluid-filled blisters make their appearance. People who suffer from shingles also develop fever and face fatigue for the most of the day. It is commonly known that there is no treatment for shingles; doctors also recommend antiviral medications for shingles. However, these are not very effective remedies for shingles; therefore, several natural remedies for shingles have also been recommended for getting relief from this ailment. Healing Baths If daily cleaning of blisters is done, it will reduce the risk of spreading of shingles and is one of the effective remedies for shingles. The person suffering from shingles should take a cool bath or shower if possible since it will soothe the skin. The cool effect of water also eases the pain and offers relief from itching which is a common symptom of shingles. Wet, Cool, Compress If you are taking a healing bath to get some relief from shingles, application of cool and moist compress should be the next step in the series. This should be done several times in a day to get some relief from shingles related problems.

Pimples can pop out of nowhere. This can be a cause for concern, especially if you have planned something big on that day. However, all is not that bad and with many best acne treatments available, getting rid of this problem is now fairly easy. Below we list some of the best acne treatments which will help you move out with confidence. Use an oil-free face wash Oil and bacteria normally cause acne and you will have to keep these away to let pimples to pop out. This can be done by using an oil-free face wash on a regular basis. Such oil-free face wash consists of salicylic acid and thus help in getting rid of excess oil. Salicylic acid is considered to be antibacterial and is known to exfoliate the dead skin cells which otherwise clogs away the pores. It aids and is one of the best acne treatments. Using a facial brush Degreasing the skin also helps in reducing the oil content of the same. This can effectively be done with the help of handheld facial brushes. This technique helps in leaving less oil and bacteria on the skin and thus prevents the development of acne. These facial brushes consist of rotating brush heads and help in loosening the clogged pores. It is essential and one of the best acne treatments. Using oil-free SPF An oil-free SPF should be used on a regular basis as oil always leads to clogging of skin pores as the use of scented products can always irritate the skin. When you use oil-free SPF on a regular basis, this will help in keeping the clogged pores under check. Effective transmission of air will keep the skin pores open and thus will keep your skin cells healthy. Apply the right kind of foundation Foundation can also be used to keep the oil cells from getting overactive and thus forming up acne on your face.

Meningitis refers to a medical condition in which the meninges or the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain get inflamed mostly due to viral infection. Fungal and bacterial infections may also lead to this health issue. Often characterized by the stiffness of the neck, high fever, and headache, meningitis can turn fatal, if not treated on time. In some rare cases, meningitis gets cured in a couple of weeks without any medication. However, it is never recommended to leave meningitis untreated and report to a doctor if you can find any of the below-mentioned symptoms of meningitis. General meningitis symptoms are- Symptoms of meningitis and flu are often quite similar, making it difficult to recognize at the very onset. However, some patients get many prominent meningitis symptoms in a few hours while others may take several days for developing the meningitis symptoms. Both adults and children have the risk of getting this infection. Anyone above two years of age is expected to show the following signs when infected by this disease germ. Getting high fever all of a sudden Neck stiffness, sometimes complete immobility of neck Developing concentration difficulty or confusion Difficulty in waking up, sleepiness in the daytime or excess fatigue Seizures or epilepsy signs Difficult to see in light or increased sensitivity to sunlight Low appetite and thirst Rad rashes on skin A severe headache accompanied by fever. In most cases, the pain is quite unusual than a normal headache. Many patients also get vomiting or nausea along with a headache Meningitis symptoms in babies below two years- Meningitis in infants below two years can be extremely difficult to diagnose and may turn fatal. Therefore, consult a doctor if you see any of the signs in your child. Constant crying accompanied by high fever. In most of the cases, the babies do not stop crying and might cry harder when trying to be consoled.

Contrary to the previous belief that it is rare to develop both rheumatoid arthritis and gout, in recent years, it is observed that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at high risk of developing gout in the near future. Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is an autoimmune disease where the joints in your body suffer from chronic joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Gout is another type of arthritis where the uric acid level in a person’s body is alarmingly high, leading to the formation of uric acid crystals that cause joint pain and stiffness. Both the diseases are inflammatory diseases, and many times it is difficult for the doctors to deduce which type of arthritis you are suffering from. Also, men are more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and gout together than women. Is it Gout or RA? Diagnosing the illness at the initial stage is very important. Though both the conditions have similar signs and symptoms, if you look carefully you can make out the difference. Here are some signs that differentiate the two: In most of the cases, gout occurs in the base of the big toe. Common areas that get affected by RA are the joints of your wrist and hands. You will always experience redness, swelling, and inflammation of joints when you are suffering from gouty arthritis symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is painful, but it is not always followed by swelling and reddening of the affected area. In this article, you will learn about some common rheumatoid arthritis and gouty foot pain treatments. Treatment for Gout About 4 % of the population suffer from gout at some point in their life. This makes gout one of the most common types of arthritis that people suffer from today. There are two types of medication for gout foot pain, short-term medication, and long-term medication.

Seeking help for addiction is one of the best choices an individual can make. While it is an important decision that can change one’s life for good, getting the right kind of assistance can get tricky. Some of the deciding factors that one should consider while seeking rehab assistance include distance, support, flexibility, and cost. It is a fact that severe substance addiction is best treated in an inpatient residential program that can help effectively manage addiction, detoxification, and withdrawal. However, those struggling with mild substance abuse can get adequate treatment in a reputed outpatient rehabilitation center. Individuals who have a strong will, are committed, and have a disciplined approach often succeed in giving up their habit with the help of outpatient rehabilitation centers. An outdoor rehabilitation program is, therefore, an ideal alternative for those determined and motivated enough to put an end to their addiction. Such rehab programs give individuals the liberty to participate in the program in a way that can work around their schedules. Most outdoor rehabilitation centers schedule their programs at different times throughout the week to offer alcohol and drug treatment sessions to those motivated to quit. Several individuals in the early stages of addiction, therefore, prefer outdoor centers to residential ones as it allows them the flexibility to carry on their routine duties while seeking timely counseling and medication. What’s more, outpatient drug rehabs are relatively less restrictive and successfully help disseminate drug abuse awareness, addiction education, individual counseling sessions, and group sitting with the interested candidates. Most outpatient drug treatments last either for three to six months or longer. It has been observed that an average outpatient detox period usually lasts for about 6.5 months. This is a safer, more effective, and less time-consuming rehabilitation program. Once an individual enrolls for outdoor rehabilitation, she/he is required to visit the rehab facility for mental and physical examination.

An extremely common type of heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when the flat band known as plantar fascia is strained. Stress on this tissue causes inflammation, weakness, and difficulty while you stand or walk. Usually, this condition is observed in individuals who are middle-aged. However, it is also common in younger people who are constantly on their feet, such as athletes or military personnel. Causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis As mentioned earlier, an intense and prolonged tension can lead to tiny tears in the tissues, causing severe pain. This situation can be a result of Overexertion caused due to sprinting, standing, or walking for an extended period. Obesity which can cause pressure on the feet due to the upper body weight. Pregnancy, although the effects might only be witnessed in the later stages. Using inappropriate shoe sizes. Extreme pronation, i.e., the feet rolling inwards while walking. Having flat or high arched heels. Tight Achilles tendons. The primary symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain and stiffness on the bottom of the feet. In most cases, it only affects one foot; however, it can develop in both the feet at the same time. For some patients, the pain can be dull, whereas, for other patients, it can cause burning or stabbing sensations. Such type of pain is experienced after waking up in the morning or after resting for a long time. The discomfort doesn’t flare up when you are involved in some physical activity. However, the swelling can intensify if you overdo workouts or are constantly on the move. Different treatments for plantar fasciitis To alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, you can use a blend of home and medical treatments. Usually, home treatments comprise the use of cold compression, exercise, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Moreover, if home treatments fail, your doctor might recommend corticosteroids, prescription drugs, and physical therapy to ease the discomfort.

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder in humans. It is a disorder that makes a person lose his or her control over sleep and wakefulness. Many people suffer from excessive sleepiness during the daytime. This is a common symptom of narcolepsy. The sleepiness can be at any time during the day, devoid of any environmental factors such as place, time, or activity. This sudden attack of sleepiness compels the person to drift off to sleep at odd intervals. The actual cause of narcolepsy is not known to health professionals, though studies in the field are still in progress. Difference between normal sleep and narcolepsy sleepiness Sleep is normally associated with night-time, with maybe 1 or 2 short naps during the daytime. The human sleep cycle involves various phases and levels. One does not slumber into a deep sleep the minute he or she closes their eyes. Studies show that a normal person takes approximately 90 minutes after falling asleep to enter a phase of deep sleep. Clinically, this phase of the sleep cycle is termed as Rapid Eye Movement or REM. This is the phase of sleep in which we have dreams. One does not wake up during this time. A patient with narcolepsy enters the REM phase almost immediately after falling asleep. This sleep need not take place during the night but can happen anytime during the day and any number of times. This abnormal and untimely sleep pattern often disrupts the person’s regular sleep cycle resulting in disrupted or sleeplessness during the night. Narcolepsy decreases the overall quality of a person’s sleeping pattern. Causes of narcolepsy The actual cause of narcolepsy is yet to be pinpointed upon by health experts. Researchers and health practitioners are still conducting studies to find out the exact causes of narcolepsy and understand why some people tend to suffer from untimely daytime sleep.

It is a fact that kidneys have a vital function to perform. They remove waste and toxins from the body and need to keep functioning normally for our body to remain healthy. Anything that disrupts kidney’s function and their health could lead to other problems. While kidneys need to work continuously, some residue minerals build up inside it. Most of the times, the body flushes out these deposits. However, there are occasions when these deposits crystallize. The crystals are made up of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. The crystallized waste can be small or large stones. Smaller stones are passed out easily out of the body when the urine is passed. However, larger stones can cause complications. The large stones can get stuck in the ureter. These are the ducts that lead out of the kidneys to the bladder. When this happens, it can cause immense pain and nausea. Symptoms of kidney stones Large kidney stones that get stuck in the ureters can lead to many complications. Some of the common problems have been listed below. Painful urination Nausea and vomiting Back pain Spasms Blood in urine When you come across these situations, it is time to see your doctor and a urologist. However, before you opt for a surgery, if the problem is still in the early stages, you can try some useful home remedies to dissolve and pass the stones. Here are a few effective natural remedies that you can try to dissolve kidney stones. Increase your water intake Drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated is an essential step in dealing with many problems in a simple and highly effective way. Drinking lots of fluids can help clear out toxins from the body. Water can also help in flushing out the wastes accumulated in your kidneys.

One of the most important organs of our body is our eyes. Rising exposure to radiation, pollution, working for long hours results in excessive stress on eyes. One of the common eye problems faced by youngsters today is blurring eyesight caused due to excessive stress on eyes. Along with blurring eyesight, people often suffer from burning eyes sensation, watery eyes, itchy eyes and other eye ailments. Our sedentary lifestyle and lack of accurate sleep cycle are one of the prime reasons for people suffering from eye ailments. In addition to this, food intake to plays a crucial role when it comes to maintaining eye health. People today are glued to their laptops, television, phone, tablet and other radiation exposing lights. The lights exposed through these gadgets directly affect the sharpness of the eyes thereby resulting in blurred eye vision. However, with proper care and a healthy diet, one can maintain a healthy eyesight. Following are food with best eye vitamins which will help in maintaining a healthy eyesight. Seafood Foods that are rich in omega-3 are highly recommended for maintaining a healthy eyesight. Seafood namely salmon, tuna, sardine, and mackerel have a high omega-3 value, which are best vitamins for eyes. These omega-3 fatty acids work against dry eyes, macular degeneration and also work towards avoiding cataract formation in the eyes. If you avoid or are allergic to seafood then you can opt for fish supplements which are available in the market. If not even fish supplements, then you can go for black currant seed oil or flaxseed oil. Leafy vegetables We have been frequently suggested by doctors that a regular intake of leafy vegetables will ensure a good eyesight even in your aging years. To maintain good eyesight a sufficient intake of vitamins namely lutein and zeaxanthin are mandatory.

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.