8 lesser-known facts about Medicare

8 lesser-known facts about Medicare
Medicare, the popular government health insurance program, is a safety net that provides essential healthcare coverage for millions of people in the country. Medicare beneficiaries are undoubtedly familiar with its foundational benefits. The breadth of Medicare’s offerings, rules, options, and other hidden characteristics are extensive. Understanding these will ensure that one is well informed about it before opting for one. Here are some of the lesser-known facts about Medicare coverage. Preventive screenings and services Medicare not only emphasizes treatment but also prioritizes prevention. One can find options to get a regular checkup for one’s overall health with a primary care healthcare professional. These visits will help one to understand one’s existing health concerns and professional recommendations for any new treatment plans based on one’s needs. Telehealth services With the advancements in technology and the increasing demand for remote healthcare, Medicare now covers telehealth services. This means patients can now consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes through virtual appointments using either phone or video technology. It’s a convenient and accessible way to receive treatment without physically visiting a healthcare facility. Lung cancer screening Medicare covers annual screenings for beneficiaries at high risk of developing lung cancer. These screenings aid in the early detection of lung cancer, potentially leading to more effective treatment outcomes.

5 common Medicare mistakes to avoid

5 common Medicare mistakes to avoid
Navigating Medicare can be a complex and overwhelming process, but understanding the common mistakes to avoid can help you make informed decisions and maximize your healthcare coverage. It is important to explore the pitfalls many Medicare beneficiaries encounter to make the right choice. Aside from that, learning practical tips to help you steer clear of these mistakes can prove beneficial for you and your family. On that note, here are some mistakes to avoid: Not comparing plans The coverage that comes with your original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan comes from a private insurer. This means the coverage benefits can change each year. Your prescription may cost more as compared to the year before. It might not be covered under your plan. On the contrary, you can find a plan that will cover it at a cheaper price. Not understanding enrollment periods One of the most critical mistakes is not being aware of the specific enrollment periods for Medicare. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties and gaps in coverage. Understanding the Initial Enrollment Period, Special Enrollment Period, and Annual Enrollment Period is essential. Have an in-depth conversation with your agent and ask them to explain each enrollment period in detail, providing insights on when and how to enroll to avoid potential penalties and ensure continuous coverage.

5 common signs of psoriatic arthritis

5 common signs of psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a health condition in which an individual’s skin and nails are chronically affected. Often, people living with psoriasis also develop this arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis mainly causes inflammation in the skin, joints, nails, and some other areas. While many symptoms of the condition are similar to those found in rheumatoid arthritis, there are certain differences between the conditions. To help people identify psoriatic arthritis, here are some of its main signs and symptoms: Lower back pain A major sign of psoriatic arthritis is acute pain in the lower areas of one’s back. This is caused due to a condition known as spondylitis, another health condition that stems from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Spondylitis involves the inflammation of the joints between one’s spine and sacroiliitis (pelvic area). Additionally, this condition also involves acute inflammation of one’s spine in general. Lower back pain is one of the most common symptoms of many other health conditions too. Therefore, one needs to consult their healthcare expert before jumping to conclusions. Once the professional diagnoses psoriatic arthritis, they can advise patients about the kinds of foods and prescription-based solutions to reduce the severity of this health condition. Foot pain Psoriatic arthritis causes pain, tenderness, and swelling in the feet.

8 rheumatoid arthritis signs that must not be ignored

8 rheumatoid arthritis signs that must not be ignored
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. It results in the body’s immune system attacking healthy cells. As a result, one may develop inflammation (painful swelling) in various body regions, hampering their ability to carry out daily tasks. Rheumatoid arthritis is manageable with treatments and lifestyle alterations, but identifying it early could improve its effectiveness. Being mindful of these eight early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis could help one seek early prevention. Fatigue Feeling fatigued after a night’s rest and without physical activity might require an expert’s opinion. The body utilizes energy to fight inflammation. Therefore, it may increase fatigue and tiredness while doing the same activities. Fatigue may negatively impact how an individual indulges in regular activities, relationships, and productivity at work. So if one notices this sign, they should speak with an expert immediately. Stiff joints in the morning Rheumatoid arthritis may also result in stiff joints, which may worsen when an individual wakes up in the morning. Since these joints may feel more flexible after some activity, one might overlook the sign. If it lasts 30 minutes or longer, one could identify this sign as a potential indicator of an RA flare. Apart from this, one may also experience stiffness that affects the wrists, hands, and feet joints.

5 early signs of increasing cholesterol levels

5 early signs of increasing cholesterol levels
The impact of high cholesterol on cardiovascular health cannot be underestimated. As an invisible threat, it often goes unnoticed until complications arise. However, with early detection and intervention, individuals can manage their cholesterol levels, mitigate potential risks, and adopt lifestyle changes that promote heart health and overall well-being. Here are the early signs that may indicate rising cholesterol levels, enabling individuals to take proactive steps to maintain a healthy lipid profile. Good vs. bad cholesterol The distinction between good and bad cholesterol lies in their respective functions and effects on the cardiovascular system. HDL or good cholesterol helps the body to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. This extra cholesterol is transported to the liver for disposal and plays a major role in lowering the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, LDL is considered bad cholesterol, which carries cholesterol to the body’s cells. If LDL levels are excessive, they can get accumulated in one’s arterial walls, leading to the formation of plaque and increased risk of heart disease. Signs of increasing cholesterol There are some early signs of high cholesterol levels that shouldn’t be ignored. Recognizing these symptoms and addressing them promptly can help manage cholesterol levels and improve overall energy levels.

6 kitchen ingredients to manage ticks and fleas on dogs

6 kitchen ingredients to manage ticks and fleas on dogs
Parenting pets, such as dogs, is a wonderful experience. However, tick and flea infestations could become every owner’s and canine’s nightmare. Luckily, there are ways to eliminate and prevent such critters. You could visit a vet to seek prescriptions, flea collars, or for other treatments to rid your dog of these infestations. You could also consult with the vet about using these six kitchen ingredients to reduce ticks and fleas. Apple cider vinegar The combination of apple cider vinegar and salt is the most common kitchen ingredient to ward off ticks and fleas. Using a diluted solution of this combo could help balance your pet’s pH levels to make it optimal for their health while making it unsuitable for fleas. To create the solution, mix six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water. Next, add a dash of sea salt, then spray directly onto your dog’s coat. But ensure that you avoid contact with your pet’s eyes. Baking soda This ingredient does not need to be applied to your pet’s fur; instead, sprinkle it onto the carpet. Once you do this, sweep it from side to side so the powder settles deep within the fibers, which could keep fleas away.

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8 factors to consider before buying oxygen concentrators

8 factors to consider before buying oxygen concentrators

Oxygen concentrators are healthcare devices that assist those with respiratory insufficiency (hypoxemia). They are designed to concentrate oxygen in the air by removing nitrogen, helping those who require oxygen therapy to improve and stabilize blood oxygen saturation levels. While these devices are designed to help maintain oxygen levels, not all models work in the same way. So, it is important to consider all options and assess specific needs to choose the right device. Oxygen concentration While oxygen is compressed and filtered in the concentrator, the amount then delivered contains a specific percentage of pure oxygen. This value is known as the oxygen concentration. Before buying the device, one must check if the oxygen flow rate is about 2 L/min. This rate is usually sufficient for home oxygen concentrators. Some may require a higher flow rate, in which case they can choose devices with up to 10 L/min. Noise levels An oxygen concentrator generally produces some noise, which can be bothersome for many. So, when looking for a device, choose a model with noise levels between 31 dB and 60 dB. This range is equivalent to the sound of a quiet conversation or a voice in a calm environment. Additionally, some manufacturers offer models with quieter operation. Portability Having a portable oxygen concentrator can be beneficial for those who travel extensively. When choosing one, it’s important to take into account its size and weight. Some units are heavier and larger, offering higher flow rates. Those who do not require high oxygen flow rates must look for options between 5 and 10 pounds that come with lower flow rates. These lighter units are easy to carry and use on the move. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approval In addition to the portability of an oxygen concentrator, one should also look for an FAA-approved device.
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5 Cyber Monday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season

5 Cyber Monday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season

5 Cyber Monday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season Cyber Monday is when many sales are happening all over the country, and most purchases occur in the electronic market. Every store that sells anything with an electronic gadget or even its accessory is up a sale. Such a time also becomes a time when many buyers end up at a loss for various other reasons. It is a great time of the year for consumers to make the best of the deals offered. Here are tips to help you make the best of the Cyber Monday sales this year: Getting Scammed Cyber Monday is undoubtedly a great time to shop; unfortunately, it is also when many cyber criminals put out their bait. So in these times, paying attention to the websites you visit before placing an order is essential. Make sure that when you click any URL links, any links you click on are from reputable sites, and don’t ask for personal information via email or phone call. If something seems way too good to be true, it probably is! It can be easy to get fooled by images that look like they came from Google or Amazon. Sending funds through the internet can be risky if you don’t know what kind of company or individual you are sending to. Checking out the company’s or individual’s profile on social media and other related websites can prove to be a money saver. Sometimes, this can mean accepting an offer without doing your research, which could lead to fraud. Shopping for the sake of Cyber Monday Cyber Monday is a also a perfect time to get deals on products you know you will love. But before you make any purchases, consider whether or not the item is something that will benefit your life and make it easier for you to accomplish what matters most.
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