For most people, health is one of the major areas of expense. This is why buying health insurance plans is one of the most prudent decision anyone can make to have a stable financial life. After all, nothing is more precious than our health. However, buying health insurance coverage is not an easy task. With a plethora of insurance providers and coverage options available out there, it can be quite a confusing and often daunting process. How can one sift through the multitude of pricing plans, policy offerings, and coverage benefits offered by each health insurance provider? Moreover, every person has different requirements and budget. Thus, there can be no cookie-cutter solution to finding the right health insurance plan. To make the process easy, here is a list of some of the popular and top health insurance companies you should know about. 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield Known to be one of the largest health insurance provider networks in the nation, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) was founded in 1929. It comprises of 36 independent and locally operated companies. Based on location, consumers can look for individual and family coverage as well as employer health insurance programs provided by a local BCBS provider. Additionally, BCBS also offers helpful resources to pick the right Medicare coverage. Along with this, individuals also have access to global coverage. Whether they permanently reside outside the country or are on short-term or long-term travel, individuals can purchase a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Insurance plan. Moreover, individuals or groups can enroll as BCBS members and get access to special member services and exclusive discounts on health and wellness services and products. Members receive a member ID card that can be used across all the 50 states to get the best insurance coverage benefits. 2. HealthCare.com An aggregator website, HealthCare.com helps consumers shop for and compare health insurance coverage.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), also sometimes called chronic myelogenous leukemia, is a type of leukemia that develops in the white blood cells (WBCs). The WBCs provide immunity to the body, helping fight illnesses and diseases. CML disrupts the formation and functioning of these cells, leading to the formation of immature WBCs, which grow uncontrollably and affect the number of other blood cells. According to estimates by the American Cancer Society, 9,110 people will be diagnosed with CML in 2021, with about 1,220 people losing their lives to it. So it is a serious condition that requires attention as soon as symptoms, such as bone pain, weakness, and night sweats, set in. Diagnosis of CML Early diagnosis of CML is crucial for reducing the risk of death. Here’s how the doctor diagnoses the condition. Physical evaluation The doctor will first examine what kind of symptoms one has and whether they are consistent with those of CML. He/she may check their vitals and also test whether the spleen and abdomen have enlarged. Blood tests Since CML causes a spike in the number of WBCs, a simple blood test can reveal whether or not one has CML. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy Different parts of the bone marrow are evaluated in these tests. They’re fairly simple and can be done in the doctor’s office as well. Treatment of CML Once CML has been positively diagnosed, the doctor may choose any of the following treatment methods. Chemotherapy This is the most common way to treat cancerous cells. Specific medications used in this method travel through the bloodstream and kill the cells that cause CML. Bone marrow transplant In this procedure, cancerous cells causing CML are first killed using chemotherapy. Then, healthy cells from a donor are infused into the body, which grows with time and replaces the old cells.

Acid reflux during pregnancy: Symptoms and lifestyle changes to avoid them Acid reflux is a condition wherein one experiences pain in the lower chest area, which is commonly referred to as heartburn. When the acids of the stomach travel back to the esophagus, this condition arises. During pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause the LES or lower esophageal sphincter to not function properly; this is the valve to carry food to the stomach. Also, towards the second and third trimester, the fetus grows and puts more pressure on the stomach, thereby causing food to re-enter the esophagus from the stomach. Signs and symptoms Some of the common signs and symptoms of acid reflux that one may experience during pregnancy are: A burning sensation in the chest near the area behind the breastbone just after eating Chest pain experienced because of bending over, lying down, and eating Burning sensation in the throat or the aftertaste of a sour or salt-tasting fluid towards the back of the throat Belching Prolonged coughing Hoarseness in the throat Symptoms similar to asthma It must be noted that the occasional heartburn is usual and the pain may cease in some time. However, if the pain is persistent, this might be a cause of worry. A possible reason may be gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, which is the next stage of acid reflux, or it may even be gastritis. Almost half of the women complain about heartburn during pregnancy. However, if it becomes more frequent, that is when a doctor should definitely be consulted for treatment. Suggested lifestyle changes There are several lifestyle changes that may be adopted in order to avoid heartburn or acid reflux, and make the pregnancy very safe for the mother as well as the baby. Here are some of the steps one can consider taking:

5 common asthma triggers you should know about As per statistics, one out of every thirteen people suffers from asthma. If you are also one of them or are acquainted with somebody who is affected with asthma, here are some common asthma triggers you should know of. Knowing about the possible triggers can help you prevent serious incidents from taking place. Tobacco smoke As we all know, smoking tobacco is one of the most unhealthy habits to have. It is extremely harmful to everybody, especially those who have asthma. This not only harms the people smoking it but also those around them, especially if they have asthma. In fact, passive smoking is one of the most common asthma triggers that you should know about. For people who have asthma, staying away from places that have high exposure to secondhand smoke is highly advisable. Dust mites Dust mites are extremely tiny bugs which are found in nearly every home. For people with asthma, dust mites can be one of the biggest triggers. In order to prevent attacks due to dust mites, use clean mattress covers as well as pillow covers. Your sheets should be cleaned at least once a week and washed in hot water. In case, you have too many stuffed toys, decluttering your bedding often and dusting these would also be helpful. Cockroaches Although this is a lesser-known fact, cockroaches can be one of the biggest triggers for asthma attacks. Their droppings can cause major respiratory problems. To avoid this, call a professional to get rid of cockroaches in the house. You can also start by removing any exposed food and water sources as far as possible. Cockroaches are mainly found loitering in places where crumbs are left behind. Additionally, you should thoroughly vacuum the whole area and use gels or traps to get rid of cockroaches.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by persistent difficulty in maintaining an adequate erection to engage in sexual intercourse. There are several reasons why men get ED: some include natural aging process while others may be the outcome of an underlying medical condition wherein blood vessels and associated nerves that supply blood to the penis are affected. Herein, we discuss some tips you can try to protect your potency and prevent erectile dysfunction. Follow a healthy diet Anything that is bad for the heart is also bad for the penis. Doctors opine that unhealthy food that may be causing blockages to the coronary arteries in your heart may also be responsible for inadequate sexual performance. People who consume fewer vegetables and fruits and more fatty, fried, and processed foods are at a greater risk of erectile dysfunction. According to experts, the best diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and nuts, as these are fats that are healthy for the heart. Keep weight in check Type 2 diabetes can cause nerve damage that affects the entire body. The nerves that supply blood to the penis may also be affected and this could give rise to erectile dysfunction. Maintaining a healthy weight will also allow you to last longer in bed and have a more satisfying sexual life. You are advised to control your weight through a regimen of healthy food and daily exercise. If you are overweight, do consult a nutritionist and join a gym for good guidance on how to stay in shape. Monitor levels of cholesterol and blood pressure It is important to constantly check your blood pressure and cholesterol. Research shows that high blood pressure and cholesterol can severely affect blood vessels that carry blood to the penis. This will give rise to erectile dysfunction.

Multiple myeloma is a cancerous condition that affects a form of white blood cell known as plasma. The plasma cells are instrumental in warding off infections. They do this by creating antibodies that identify and destroy any germs in the system. This cancer causes cancer cells to amass in the bone marrow where they outnumber the healthy blood cells. Instead of the disease-fighting antibodies, these cells then produce anomalous proteins that can further trigger complications. The treatment for multiple myeloma isn’t always needed for individuals who are asymptomatic. Although, the doctor will regularly keep an eye on the patient’s condition with the help of blood and urine tests. For patients experiencing signs and symptoms, here are the following treatment options for multiple myeloma. Treatment for multiple myeloma Biological therapy The medications used in biological therapy take the help of the patient’s immune system to deal with myeloma cells. They enhance the immune system cells that recognize and kill cancer cells. Typically, these are taken in the form of pills. Targeted therapy In this type of multiple myeloma treatment, the medicines concentrate on specific abnormalities within the rogue cells that enable their survival. These medications then inhibit the action of the element in those myeloma cells that breaks down the proteins, causing them to die. Such therapy can be administered intravenously or via oral medications. Another targeted therapy involves monoclonal medicines that bind on to the cancerous cells, leading to their death. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids are given to regulate the immune system so that the inflammation in the body can be brought under control. Additionally, they also actively work against myeloma cells. These medications can be taken in the form of pills or intravenously. Chemotherapy This method is used to target the rapidly-growing cancer cells. This treatment is given in the pill form or administered through the vein.

While sweating is completely natural and, in fact, healthy, excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis can be caused by underlying health conditions like diabetes, menopause, and tuberculosis. Following a nutrient-dense food regimen plays a crucial role in keeping one healthy, and in this case, it can help one manage hyperhidrosis. On that note, here is a list of must-have foods one should eat daily to keep their body cool and decrease sweating. Foods to eat Water-dense fruits and vegetables Staying hydrated is a great way to manage excessive sweating. One can add water-dense fruits and vegetables to their meals in addition to drinking water and beverages that are low in sugar. Regularly eating watermelon, apples, oranges, peaches, pineapples, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, strawberries, grapes, celery, eggplant, and red cabbage can reduce excessive sweating episodes. Calcium-rich foods like low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt Calcium is an essential mineral that regulates the body’s temperature. Getting enough calcium through meals is vital for those dealing with excessive sweating. A few calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, and dark leafy greens. Those who have been told to decrease their fat intake due to health reasons can look for low-fat substitutes of yogurt, cheese, and milk. It is important to note that having low-fat foods can be beneficial for those with hyperhidrosis, as the body needs more energy to digest high-fat foods, leading to excessive sweating. Green tea Decaffeinated green tea is a great way to keep the body cool. This beverage is known to help calm the nerves, thereby reducing sweating. One can think of replacing their daily cup of Joe with tea. Magnesium-rich foods like almond, cashew, spinach, and soy Excessive sweating can cause a deficiency in magnesium, so it is important to include foods like spinach, almonds, soy, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and dark chocolate in one’s meals.

Vertigo is an ailment where a person feels dizzy or has a sensation of being off balance. The person might feel that the world around him or her is spinning. Medical diagnosis has clearly stated the fact that vertigo is a problem that can occur due to inner ear problems. Some of these inner ear problems could be: · Benign Paroxysmal Positioning Vertigo, also known as BPPV, occurs when very small particles of calcium get deposited and clogged up in the ear canals. · Meniere’s disease is yet again another disorder of the inner ear in which there is an increase of fluid that changes the pressure in the ear. This can lead to vertigo coupled with the loss of hearing power. · The problem of Vestibular neuritis is another infection that could lead to inflammation in the inner ear that can give rise to vertigo and loss of balance. · The other minor reasons for vertigo could be aging, injury to the head and neck, medications of certain types, migraines and also strokes and tumor in the brain. Symptoms of Vertigo Some of the most common symptoms of vertigo are as follows: · Spinning of the head · Nausea · Titling of the body · Feeling of being pulled in one direction · Headache · Sweating · Loss of hearing at times Treatment of Vertigo Treatment for vertigo is done in many different manners. Doctors often advise patients to take rest, ample of fluids and wait for some time. Often the brain can get accustomed to the condition of the inner ear and stabilize the body functions. In this context, we see that often all problems and other uneasiness can go away without having to go to any particular type of treatment for vertigo. However, depending on the nature and the seriousness of the problem, there can be a few types of treatment for vertigo that you could try.

Dust allergy is one of the most common types of allergy that many people experience, especially if they travel on polluted roads or are exposed to other dusty environments in factories or industrial areas for long periods of time. It can be very disturbing and can result in symptoms such as irritation, itching, sneezing, and coughing. This occurs because dirt accumulates in the nose and, sometimes, even in the respiratory tract, and sneezing will help get it out of the system. However, one must be sure to buy a nasal spray for relief from dust allergy as it is one of the best ways to cure the irritation, especially the sneezing, without causing any harm to the body. The sprays are easy to use and portable as well. Types of nasal sprays One should always buy nasal spray for dust allergy according to the type of allergy they have. There are several types available, some of them are as follows: Prescription Nasal Sprays Evidently, these nasal sprays are only to be taken when prescribed by the doctor and are often used when the condition gets extremely critical. These prescription medicines all have the chemical called corticosteroids as their active ingredient, which is why they are grouped together. These nasal sprays, which are often very effective, help the patient to get relief from sneezing or from a stuffy nose, or one that is itchy or runny. Of course, this has to be caused by allergies from dirt and dust. Decongestant Nasal Sprays It is essential to buy a nasal spray of this kind to prevent dust allergy because it can be quite effective for relief from headaches and sneezing. These sprays contain antihistamine chemical, which allows them to prevent congestion and blocking of the nose and sinus, as well as the dropping of mucus water from the nose after the cold, which is done with the help of a post nasal drip.

Dental implants are the artificial tooth roots that provide support to the replacement teeth. This is considered as one of the best and natural ways for replacing any missed teeth. This is a long lasting process as well, and hence many people opt for dental implants. But unfortunately, even a single dental implant cost can be too high, costing you somewhere around a few thousand dollars. This is one of the major reasons why people think twice before getting a dental implant done. However, there are ways to get dental implants at an affordable price. Check out the following tips in which you can get affordable dental implants: Compare first If you are looking for affordable dental implants, then one of the best ways to save is to get quotes from different dental clinics or doctors. You should compare them in details and then proceed with your plan of action. Gathering relevant information and comparing them against each other is one of the most crucial steps of any decision making. In this case, it will help you to save a lot of money without compromising on the quality of the implant and related medication. Dental camps Another good option to save on your dental implant is to check out the dental camps organized by the dental schools. Usually, the students of the school arrange these kinds of camps under the guidance of the experts and professionals in order to gain hands-on experience. As these camps benefit them as well, they do not charge you a lot for a dental implant. Also, such options must be explored as the experts here provide relevant and useful information about the precautionary measures to be taken care of both before and after getting an implant. Dental discount plans You can simply call them membership based plans or dental discount plans where the patients will have to pay on a monthly basis or yearly basis for the membership in order to enjoy the discounts.

Probiotics are the bacteria that naturally occur in the gastrointestinal tract. These are indeed an important part of the digestive system and are responsible for a lot of important tasks. These micro-biomes are extremely important for our life. Probiotics help in eradicating the bacteria that cause illness and infection. They also help in producing the enzymes that are required to break the food down and are known to produce nutrients as well. This might make you wonder how probiotics and constipation are related. Well, there is an important connection between the two. Having the right bacteria in the gut helps with the digestion process. The bacteria in colon and intestines break down the stool so that it can easily pass through. This also helps a lot with dehydration which makes the stools harder to pass. When the bad bacteria in your gut are more than the good bacteria, it can lead to a lot of bowel problems including gas. Therefore, probiotics are extremely important for proper digestion. Importance of probiotics Now that you know that probiotics are important and help with constipation, you might be wondering as to why you need extra probiotics when the body produces it naturally. The reason behind it is the sedentary lifestyle and the dietary habits of the modern world. We fail to maintain the crucial balance in the gut that is ideal. Moreover, most of us usually are too dehydrated and eat a lot of sugary foods that actually feed the bad bacteria. This is why we need extra probiotics to help us to keep the balance. These days, due to a lot of medication, the balance tends to be missing. A lot of antibiotics will kill both the good and bad bacteria in the gut. This is why there is nothing left to actually break down the food.

Do you have digestive problems? Or do you know someone who is suffering from digestive problems? This is one of the most common problems faced by people in the country. If you or someone close to you is having digestive problems or unexplained abdominal pain, then a low FODMAP diet is the best solution. This is going to help in reducing the discomfort that you have in your stomach every day. Find below information on low FODMAP diet plans. What is a low FODMAP diet? A FODMAP eliminated diet or low FODMAP diet is a diet where the food compounds that belong to FODMAP will be extremely low or not consumed. FODMAP stands for the following. Fermentable – A food compound that can be easily broken in the large intestine with bacteria. Oligosaccharides – This means less sugar. Disaccharides – A kind of sugar that is formed with the help of two different sugars. Monosaccharides – Simple or single sugar molecules. And Polyols – Means sugar alcohols. So, in simple words, diet plans, low on FODMAP mean the kind of diet which places restriction over certain carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are the ones that do not get absorbed into the small intestine and hence can cause gas and other issues in the stomach. What happens when a high FODMAP diet is taken? When you are eating a high FODMAP diet, carbs present in the food do not get absorbed by the small intestine. These travel to the colon for fermentation by bacteria. This will, in turn, give rise to a number of problems like nausea, bloating, bowel changes, gas, headache, abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, fatigue, diarrhea, acid reflux, and muscle pain as well. How do the low-FODMAP diet plans work? Basically, there are two phases in these diet plans. Phase 1 In the first phase, which lasts for a duration of three to six weeks, you need to eliminate all the food that has high FODMAP.