In today’s world, people end up having a reaction to a range of substances which was not a common phenomenon in earlier times. Whether they are food allergies, dust allergies, pollen or smoke, people with a weak immunity system fall prey to allergies. There is a host of reasons for dust allergies, and these may include dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, pet hair or fur. Primarily, the reason behind almost all dust allergens is dust mites, which are tiny bugs that survive in almost all climates. The onset of a dust allergy can be realized by certain symptoms. These include: Frequent sneezing Watery or teary eyes Runny nose Itching The most effective dust allergy treatment is to prevent exposure to allergens. Allergens are the foreign bodies such as dust mites and pollen, which tend to trigger allergies. Limiting exposure to such allergens is an effective way, to prevent the onset of your allergy. The following are some dust allergy treatments, that are bound to help: Medications for dust allergy treatment The use of medications such as several over-the-counter and prescription ones. The reduction of inflammation with fewer side effects than the oral medication is what makes nasal corticosteroids an effective dust allergy treatment. To help relieve a runny nose, sneezing, and itching, antihistamines have proven extremely useful. Shrinking the nasal passage to make it easier to breathe, which is done by decongestants, is another dust allergy treatment Antihistamines and decongestants are present in certain medications like Actifed, which is also an effective dust allergy treatment. Immunotherapy is long-term dust allergy treatment that involves getting allergy shots, or a prescription medicine that acts as an allergy shot. Home remedies for dust allergy treatment In addition to the medications mentioned above, there are a number of home remedies that one may use as an effective means of dust allergy treatment.

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.

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT occurs when there is a blood clot in one of the deep veins in your body. Here is everything you need to know about the different methods used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. When you have a blood clot in one of the deep veins, you are suffering from deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Typically, DVT affects the deep vein in your leg, and may cause swelling and pain in the leg without any other symptoms. You are at a higher risk of developing DVT, if you smoke, are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and are over the age of 60. It is extremely important that you keep an eye out for the possible signs of DVT, if you have a high risk of developing it. Deep vein thrombosis is considered to be a serious medical condition because if the blood clots break loose from your vein, they can travel to your lungs and block the blood flow there, leading to a life-threatening complication called pulmonary embolism. Therefore, it is crucial to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of DVT. DVT can show no symptoms in some of the cases, at least initially. However, when you do experience symptoms they will mostly be a pain in the leg that starts in your calf, and swelling in the leg that is affected. Some of the risk factors that are associated with deep vein thrombosis include prolonged bed rest, surgery, inheriting a blood-clotting disorder, pregnancy, smoking, heart failure, age, and cancer. In order to confirm the diagnosis of DVT, you may have to have tests such as duplex ultrasound, MRI and venography. Duplex ultrasound is a painless diagnostic test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of your blood vessels to check for clots.

The membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord are called the meninges. The meninges are three ultrathin membrane layers that are surrounded by a fluid. Meningitis is a condition when the fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. Bacterial or viral infections affect the meninges. They may also be infected due to cancer, medication allergies, chemical reactions or fungal infections. The types of meningitis are based on the cause of meninges infection. The brain and spinal tissue swell up due to meningitis. Due to the swelling, the oxygen and blood supply to the brain is inhibited. The most common symptoms of meningitis are fever, severe headache, and a stiff neck. Untreated, unchecked meningitis could be fatal. Types of meningitis Viral and bacterial meningitis are the two main types of meningitis. Viral meningitis : This is mainly caused by a virus called enterovirus. Other types of viruses like herpes, HIV and West Nile virus may also cause viral meningitis. Among the types of meningitis, viral meningitis is the least severe. The enterovirus is found in the gastrointestinal tract. During the time that our immunity system is lowered, the enterovirus activates and causes flu-like symptoms. The enterovirus spreads through a sneeze, cough, and unclean hands. Bacterial meningitis : Bacterial meningitis is rare, but severe among the types of meningitis. The most common cause of bacterial meningitis is the spreading of a respiratory infection to the brain. Pneumococcal and meningococcal are the two bacterial types of meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis is more prevalent in children and teens than adults. Pneumococcal meningitis is more prevalent in adults. Fungal meningitis : This type is rarer than bacterial meningitis. Unlike the other two types of meningitis, fungal meningitis is not contagious. Fungal meningitis occurs when fungi travel to the spinal cord through the bloodstream. Children and elderly are at a higher risk of developing fungal meningitis due to their weak immune system.

Diarrhea is an infectious disease that causes unrestrained liquid bowel movements, which may count up to 3 or even more times in a day. Diarrhea is a common disease, and it usually lasts only for a few days either on its own or through consuming over-the-counter medicines. Acute diarrhea occurs due to food intolerance, food allergy or bacterial infection. You may even develop a critical diarrheal condition known as Travelers’ Diarrhea. This occurs when you are frequently traveling and consume unhealthy food or water from various sources. If you are suffering from diarrhea, which does not get better and is persistent even after 4 weeks, it is a serious condition which is known as acute diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea is majorly anything that hinders your daily curriculum of activities. Chronic diarrhea may often lead to abdominal cramps, malnutrition, weight loss or even fever. While diarrhea may be caused due to several reasons, the main causes of chronic diarrhea have been listed below. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Irritable bowel syndrome is known to be the most common cause of chronic diarrhea and stays for at least 6 months. One interesting fact to notice is that the actual causes of IBS are not somewhat clear. IBS is known to be long lasting that may lead to changes in one’s lifestyle in a way which does not let them commit to their daily activities normally. IBS is often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, uncontrollable bowel movements often leading to anxiety, depression or exhaustion. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Inflammatory Bowel disease is the cause of chronic diarrhea that leads to inflammation in the intestines of the patient. IBD occurs as a result of immune system working against the wellness of the body. In case of IBD, the immune system attacks the good or the friendly bacteria thus leading to inflammation.

A pulmonary embolism can have many symptoms that are associated with other medical conditions like heart disease. However, if you do identify any of these symptoms in yourself or others, contact your nearest medical emergency services as it can be a life-threatening situation. What is a Pulmonary Embolism? A pulmonary embolism is a block in blood vessels associated with your lungs. These blockages can restrict blood supply to the lungs and deplete oxygen levels in the body because the lungs are affected. It can also lead to other complications. Mostly, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots, and a major cause of these blood clots is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT is a condition in which a blood clot develops in a vein that is deep in your body and not near the surface. These blood clots commonly begin at the calf muscles or thighs. However, these deep-vein blood clots can also begin somewhere else in the body. Wherever they begin, they can travel through the bloodstream and reach vital organs in your body, like your lungs. When the block occurs in a blood vessel that is connected to the lungs, it is a pulmonary embolism. Some of the most common causes of DVT are as follows: A leg fracture that damages a blood vessel which leads to blood clotting Obesity which can exert pressure on your legs A catheter inserted into a vein Hereditary – Other members of your family, previous generations, have had DVT Smoking Hormone medications Hormone fluctuations like pregnancy Being seated for a long time Some medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and irritable bowel syndrome Surgery can also result in blood clots Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms and Diagnostic Tests A pulmonary embolism is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to your lungs.

In order to compare Medigap plans, it is important to understand what Medigap plans are. A Medigap plan, also known as Medicare Supplement plan, are insurance plans or policies sold by private companies. Medicare Supplemental Insurance, another term frequently used for Medigap, helps in paying some of the healthcare costs that are not covered by the original Medicare. These costs include coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles as well. Some of the Medigap plans cover services like medical care while traveling outside the US and other costs which are not covered in the original Medicare plan. Thus, it can be said that Medigap plans supplement the original Medicare benefits. Before we compare Medigap plans, it is useful to note that if you buy any Medigap plan, the original Medicare facility will be liable to cover or pay its share or percentage of the Medicare-approved amount for the covered healthcare. The first thing to remember when comparing Medigap plans is that a monthly premium is required to be paid for a Medigap policy. These plans or policies are only available to those who already hold a Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. While Medicare Part A comprises payment for hospital services, Medicare Part B, however, covers the cost for medic services. Typical Medigap plans are branded A through N and include different health coverage levels. Plans E, H, I, and J, however, are no more available to the new subscribers. Usually, the premium required to be paid by the plan holder of Medigap varies, the benefits usually remain the same. For example, the Medigap Plan C policy provides predefined benefits that remain true irrespective of the insurance company that is offering them. However, when one would compare Medigap plans, they should know that the standard Medigap policies would differ in states such as Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin among what is offered by Medigap plans across the country.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in strands. Mold could be present in homes all year round. The most common molds found in homes are as follows. Cladosporium Penicillium Alternaria Aspergillus Stachybotrys chartarum Stachybotrys chartarum is the greenish-black mold that is sometimes found indoors. It grows on surfaces rich in cellulose content, such as wood, fiberboard, paper, and dust. Molds reproduce by forming spores. These spores could travel through air and are invisible to the naked eye. Once mold spores form, they are hard to get rid of and could survive even in dry or harsh conditions. Molds travel with the wind and may grow when they come across a moist environment. Outdoor molds aid in the decomposition process of leaves and compost piles. These are most often found in damp and dark environments. The environments most suitable for growth of molds are as follows. Damp Warm Humid The mold found indoors could affect the surface where it grows and could lead to health issues as well. In homes, molds are most likely to be found in the following places. Bathrooms and basements Drywall Ceiling tiles Carpets Furniture Ductwork Roofing Wallpapers Mold spores enter homes through the following locations. Open doors Windows Vents Attached to shoes Through pets Molds may grow on foodstuff But not all molds are bad. Molds help in making some cheeses such as Brie Gorgonzola Stilton Molds involved with food manufacturing processes are safe and free from health risks. Health Risks Associated with Molds Molds produce allergens. Molds also produce mycotoxins. Presence of mold doesn’t imply that toxins are being produced. It may not imply a high health risk as well. Allergies are most common reactions caused by molds. But molds could lead to some other health problems, though these are rarer. Allergic Reactions to Molds Allergic reactions are the single most common problem associated with molds.

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.

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.

Your body consists of good bacteria and bad bacteria. When there is a balance between both, your body is capable of functioning at its optimum. But often due to the onset of an illness or other external factors, this balance gets disturbed. There are times when there may be a shortage of good bacteria in your body, also known as probiotics. These probiotics are important for one to stay healthy. For instance, when you take antibiotics, you may end up losing some good bacteria. Taking the best probiotics on a regular basis can help you to recover from the loss of good bacteria as it helps to replace them. What are the top rated probiotics? There are many different types of probiotics. Following are the top probiotics of 2017. Bifidobacterium There are four strains that come under this family. It is considered to be one of the best probiotics. B. Longum This strain can help in improving your memory power and are capable of increasing your retention power. These bacteria strains also help to relieve you from constipation. This strain can help you to decrease your stress levels as well. They can help with preventing the growth of any bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract that could harm you in any way. It helps to boost the normal functioning of your brain as well. B. Lactis This strain can help improve your immunity by aiding in the proper functioning of your immune systems. B. Breve This is particularly beneficial for children who face constipation issues. It can also be useful for people who are often exposed to the harmful rays of the sun. The reason is that it protects your skin from any type of damage. This is another bacteria strain that is helpful in relieving you from abdominal pain. B.

Usually, people follow a routine skin care process that involves cleansing, sun protection, and moisturizing but forget to include exfoliation. An occasional skin facial includes an exfoliating process so that skin pores can easily be opened for cleaning. It will be incorrect of you to assume that a cleanser and moisturizer will do its work and you have provided enough nourishment to your skin by just that. Using a good exfoliating scrub is one of the best ways to start off a skin cleansing routine. There are so many best-seeming exfoliating face scrubs in the market that you may get confused at a glance. What does a face scrub do? In practical terms, a face scrub is helpful in removing the clogged pores and releasing dirt particles that settle down deep inside the open pores. It is not easy to remove the dirt from clogged pores by merely using a face wash. Exfoliation is a method by which the skin starts breathing again and allows oxygen to travel deep within. Dead skin occasionally sheds when facial scrubbing is performed. It prevents the formation of acne, reduces wrinkles and helps to maintain an even skin tone. In the online market on various websites, you can find many exfoliating face scrubs that are the best and can be used daily due to their affordable rates. Some face wash products include microbeads that help in exfoliation. How should you use a face scrub? You should use face scrub when skin exposure to harmful elements is the least. It means that when you are at home, and any outdoor activity not scheduled for 2 to 3 hours later, then skin treatment must accomplish. Here are some steps you should follow- First of all, wipe your face with a cleanser pad or a mild lotion to remove dirt from all over face.