Medicare is a health insurance program provided by the federal government for people aged 65 and above. The insurance coverage also caters for people with certain qualified chronic conditions and people living with disabilities. If you are on a limited income, you may still need to budget for healthcare even when on Medicare. It’s essential to know the services covered by Medicare so as not to be surprised by medical bills. The following are things not covered by Medicare: 1. Prescription drugs Medicare Part A and B do not provide prescription drug coverage. If you need coverage for prescription medication, it would be best to contact a private insurance firm and buy Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage. Medicare drug coverage is non-compulsory. However, if you don’t have it and don’t have alternative creditable drug coverage, you will be penalized for enrolling late if you enroll in the future. The penalty stays when you are under Medicare drug coverage, so it’s good to ensure that you obtain and maintain qualified coverage when you are eligible. 2. Overseas health care If you go for treatment outside the U.S., Medicare will not cover the cost of treatment or supplies except in exceptional circumstances.

Those with high blood sugar are at risk of heart disease, vision loss, type 1 diabetes, type two diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, and kidney disease. By lowering your blood sugar to your target range you can avoid the risks of high blood sugar and boost your energy plus your mood. Here are the easiest ways for you to lower your blood sugar: 1. Daily exercises Physical activity can lower your blood sugar up to 24 hours or more after your workout. This is because, when you exercise your body uses stored fats and sugars from your liver and muscles, the body replenishes these stores by using the sugar from your blood. The more regularly you exercise and the more strenuous the exercise is the longer your blood sugar will be affected. 2. Eat low carb foods Foods high in carbs raise the blood sugar levels of those who eat them meaning the body needs to produce more insulin to digest the extra carbs. It is recommended that you eat only 20–50g of carbs per day in order to lower your blood sugar levels. Some examples of low-carb foods include eggs, nuts and seeds, avocadoes, and more. 3. Get adequate sleep If you get too little sleep it can increase insulin resistance, make you hungrier the next day, and reduce how full you feel after eating.

As a society, we are constantly on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve our health. But sometimes, the solution is as simple as drinking more water! And with brands like Culligan, Brita, and Nestle making it easier than ever to access clean and refreshing bottled water and filtered water, there’s no reason not to prioritize this basic need. Here are five surprising health benefits of drinking water that you may not have known about: 1. Boosts immune health Your immune system relies on water to function properly, as it helps to transport important nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. When you’re dehydrated, your body can’t fight off infections as effectively, leaving you more susceptible to illness. But when you stay hydrated, you give your immune system the support it needs to keep you healthy and strong. 2. Prevents cramps If you’ve ever experienced painful muscle cramps, you know how debilitating they can be. But did you know that staying hydrated can help prevent them? When you’re dehydrated, your muscles are more prone to cramping and spasms. But drinking enough water helps to keep your muscles hydrated and functioning properly, reducing the risk of painful cramps. 3. Eliminates bad breath No one likes bad breath, but did you know that drinking water can help combat it?

As the name suggests, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung disease that causes obstructed airflow to the lungs. While smoking is a major risk factor, non-smokers can also develop COPD, often due to exposure to pollutants or genetics. If you are a non-smoker, it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of COPD. Here are five early symptoms to look out for: 1. Excessive mucus If you find yourself coughing up mucus on a regular basis, it could be a sign of COPD. This is because COPD causes inflammation in the lungs, which leads to an increase in mucus production. This excess mucus can make it harder to breathe and may even cause wheezing 2. Wheezing and shortness of breath Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when you breathe. It can be a sign of COPD, especially if it’s accompanied by shortness of breath. You may find that you get out of breath more easily than usual, or that you have to stop and catch your breath after climbing a flight of stairs 3. Chronic cough A persistent cough is another early warning sign of COPD. This is because COPD irritates the airways, which can lead to a chronic cough.

Interactions between certain foods and medications or treatments can cause unwanted side effects and even harm to your health. It’s essential to be aware of potential interactions to avoid any risks. If you are currently taking any medications, and experience any adverse reactions—such as dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or digestive upset—please consult with an online doctor or online pharmacist to ensure you’re taking the proper dosage. Here are six foods that can adversely interact with some medications or treatments: 1. Cranberries While cranberries are healthy, they can interfere with blood thinners like Warfarin, leading to a higher risk of bleeding. Consult your healthcare provider before adding cranberries to your diet if you’re taking blood thinners. 2. Dairy products Milk can interfere with some antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness. If you’re taking antibiotics, consult an online doctor or pharmacist about the best time to consume dairy products. Aged cheeses, in particular, may contain high levels of tyramine, which can interact negatively with some medications, including MAOIs. Consult an online doctor or pharmacist before consuming aged cheeses if you’re taking these medications. 3. Leafy green veggies Leafy greens like spinach and kale contain vitamin K, which can interfere with blood thinners like Coumadin.

Medicare is a government-run health insurance program that provides coverage for Americans who are 65 and older or have a disability. While Medicare covers a lot of medical expenses, there are certain things that it doesn’t cover—like cosmetic procedures, outpatient prescription drugs, and many new treatments and alternative treatments for chronic conditions, like cancer. Here are seven things that Medicare doesn’t cover: 1. Routine eye exams Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams unless you have diabetes or are at high risk for glaucoma. However, if you need surgery to correct your vision, Medicare will cover it. If you want routine eye exams, you can purchase additional coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan or a private insurer like Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Humana, or Cigna 2. Hearing aids Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, exams for fitting hearing aids, or exams for hearing problems. However, Medicare will cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor thinks you need them. You can purchase additional coverage for hearing aids through a Medicare Advantage plan or a private insurer 3. Routine dental exams Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, or extractions. However, Medicare will cover dental services if they are necessary for a covered medical procedure, such as jaw reconstruction after an accident.

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus starts to grow outside the uterus. This can cause infertility as well as other symptoms such as fatigue or pain during ovulation. There are many treatments and medications that can help such as hormonal birth control which can help with getting hormones under control as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) which can be used to combat infertility. Here are some of the warning signs of endometriosis to look out for: 1. Pain and swelling in the abdomen and pelvic area Pain and swelling in the abdomen and pelvic area are the most common symptoms of endometriosis. The pain typically occurs during ovulation, periods, or intercourse but can also occur outside of these triggers. The growths caused by endometriosis can swell and bleed in the same way the lining inside of your uterus does during periods. However, since the tissue grows and bleeds in an area it cannot easily get out of your body from, it can cause pain and swelling. 2. Abnormal bleeding Another red flag to look out for with endometriosis is abnormal bleeding. Sometimes the tissue outside of the uterus can bleed excessively causing a very heavy menstrual flow or bleed when you are not on your period causing bleeding to occur randomly.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are debilitating conditions affecting millions of individuals worldwide. As people age, it becomes increasingly important to recognize the early warning signs of these diseases, such as memory loss, and consider various care options including supplements, caregivers guidelines, independent living, assisted living, and great medical alert systems, such as medic alert bracelets, to help manage the effects of progressive cognitive decline. In this article, we’ll explore the early warning signs of dementia and discuss some different care options available to individuals and their families: 1. Confusion about time and place Dementia can cause confusion, particularly when it comes to time and place. Patients may get lost in familiar surroundings, have difficulty following a routine, or forget the day of the week. 2. Changes in behavior Dementia can also cause changes in mood and behavior. Patients may become agitated, irritable, or withdrawn. They may also experience changes in personality or exhibit impulsive behavior. 3. Memory loss Memory loss is often one of the first signs of dementia. Patients may forget important events or appointments, have difficulty remembering names or faces, or struggle with new information. Supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E may be helpful in supporting brain health.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation or color. This occurs because the skin cells that are used to make pigmentation are attacked and destroyed, resulting in a white color. With vitiligo you are at an increased risk of sunburn, so it’s important to visit your doctor and get a good SPF sunscreen to protect your skin. Your dermatologist may also recommend various lotions, creams, medications like Ruxolitinib (Opzelura), and other treatments to consider to help with the disorder. The following points will describe early signs of vitiligo that you can watch out for: 1. Pale patches of skin Signs of vitiligo will start with a small, pale patch of skin that will gradually turn completely white and get bigger over time. The edges of the patch can be smooth or irregular and may become red and irritated. 2. Discolored patches in mouth and nose Not only does vitiligo affect the skin on the surface of your body, it can also impact mucus membranes such as your mouth and nose with patches of discoloration. 3. Easily sunburnt The patches where vitiligo is present are more sensitive and easily sunburnt than unaffected areas of skin.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited disease that results in neurons gradually breaking down and dying. A diagnosis of Huntington’s usually follows severe symptoms of difficulty concentrating, depression, clumsiness, HD chorea and more. There is ongoing research for a cure, but until then, Huntington’s patients can receive treatments and medications such as Teva and Austedo XR. It can be helpful to notice it early, so here are some early warning signs of Huntington’s disease: 1. A parent with Huntington’s disease Since Huntington’s is an inherited disease, once one of your parents or grandparents receives a diagnosis, you can get a test to see if you will also get it. However, some individuals that are more at risk for the disease choose not to get tested until symptoms appear—it’s all up to you and your preferences. 2. Difficulty concentrating and memory lapses Early on, cognitive decline from HD may result in difficulty concentrating and lapses in memory, due to the fact that the neurons in the brain are breaking down. As the disease progresses, these symptoms will become worse and concentration and focus will become more and more challenging. 3. Depression or severe mood swings Behavior and mood changes are some of the biggest indicators of Huntington’s early on.