Medicare is a government health insurance program that covers people over 65, some younger people with disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease. It has four parts – Part A, which covers hospital insurance, nursing facilities, hospice, and in-home care; Part B, which covers doctor’s visits, outpatient care, medical equipment, home healthcare, and preventive screenings; Part C, which offers Medicare-approved plans by private companies, and Part D, which covers the cost of prescriptions. Due to the complex nature of federal policies, there are several things that we tend to skip. Learning about them can help you make better and more efficient policy use. So, here are the 12 things that fall under a Medicare coverage: Welcome to Medicare preventive visit Enrolling for Medicare makes you eligible for a ‘Welcome to Medicare’ preventive visit. Although essential, this service is often overlooked by many people. It is meant to allow you to meet with your primary care physician for an overall check-up, establish a baseline for your health, and create a health and wellness plan for the upcoming year. Here, you can discuss your medical history, examine your need for treatment, and formulate a plan for a healthier future. Yearly wellness visits In addition to a welcome visit, you also get annual wellness visits which are the opportunity to have a scheduled check-up and to talk to your healthcare provider about your yearly care plan.

It’s important to stay hydrated for good health, but drinking too much water can also cause problems. Overhydration occurs when there’s excess water in the body, leading to complications with various organs. It is crucial to know the importance of drinking enough water and the issues that can arise when one drinks too much water. Read on to learn about health issues one may experience as a result of overhydration. Hyponatremia This is a condition in which the sodium levels in the body are below the normal amount. The normal levels are 135 to 145 milliequivalents/liter, but the levels drop below 135 in hyponatremia. One of the reasons why this condition is caused is due to too much water or fluids in the body. This excess hydration can “water down” the sodium in the body leading to complications. Some of the symptoms of this illness can include vomiting, nausea, low blood pressure, loss of energy, seizures or coma, muscle weakness or twitching, cramps, restlessness, bad temper, headache, fatigue, and confusion. Water poisoning This may sound unusual, but it is something that happens when one drinks water in excess. One can experience water poisoning, intoxication, or even damage to brain function due to excess water in the body.

Unknown to you, several carcinogenic substances could be hiding within your home. A carcinogen can be anything that causes cancer. It can be present in the air, in a regular product, in beverages and foods, or it can be released from several appliances, furniture, and other items in your home. Being exposed to these substances doesn’t necessarily mean you will have cancer. However, prolonged exposure can increase the risk of the condition. Household items that can increase cancer risk Carpets In most cases, carpets are made from synthetic fibers. These fibers are usually chemically treated and recess gases over time. These gases can contain toxic substances that increase the risk of hormonal imbalance, respiratory problems, and cancer. Also, you may have observed a distinct smell when you bring home a brand-new carpet. Although most people attribute this smell to the newness of the carpet, these smells are actually from chemical compounds linked to several health disorders. Sofas If your sofa was manufactured before 2013, it’s time to get rid of it. This is because, before 2013, several cushioned household items, such as sofas, love seats, and so on, were treated with TDCIPP. It is a chemical that works as a flame-retardant.

Treating several respiratory illnesses such as asthma, the common cold, and those due to allergy reactions involve preventing triggers of the symptoms. Most people assume they must take precautions only when they head outside. Although it is essential to mask up and avoid pollutants, smoke, and particulate matter outdoors, it is equally crucial to be wary of potential symptom triggers indoors as well. Here we’ve discussed some hotspots for respiratory problems and how to tackle them. Doorknobs and drawer and appliance handles The handles of drawers, appliances, and doorknobs in any home or office are some of the most touched surfaces, as everyone comes in contact with these. As a result, they are one of the biggest hotspots for respiratory illnesses. They can quickly spread contagious germs such as viruses, bacteria, etc. What you can do Although it is impossible to completely cut off contact with these surfaces, cleaning them with disinfectants is recommended. Electronic keypads and keyboards Electronic keypads and keyboards can have 400 times more germs than an average toilet seat. This is because these are in constant contact with our hands, which are the biggest carriers of germs unless we sanitize them regularly. Moreover, many people drink and eat at their desks as they work.

Cholesterol is a fatty wax-like substance produced by the liver. It is categorized into Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), and Triglycerides. The body needs to maintain low LDL and high HDL levels to support overall health. Any imbalance in these levels can trigger high cholesterol, leading to chronic health complications like heart disease. While there are no direct symptoms, the complications mentioned below point toward high cholesterol in the body. Early signs of increasing cholesterol levels Cholesterol levels build up in the body undetected for a long time and are only noticeable when the buildup triggers health complications. Mild to moderate discomforts observed when the following problems develop are among the early signs of increasing cholesterol levels. Heart disease Cholesterol circulates in the bloodstream, carrying essential vitamins and minerals for cell maintenance. These nutrients also supplement essential functions for various organs. Blood circulation is continuous, so these cholesterol molecules repeatedly pass along the arteries and veins. An increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) causes plaque buildup and triggers blockage. Plaque buildup also results in the narrowing of arteries and veins, thus hindering natural blood flow. Chest pain, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain radiating in the neck and jaw are early signs of increasing cholesterol levels.

Human bodies rely on a complex network of blood vessels to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells. This intricate blood circulatory system is crucial to maintaining our health and well-being. However, poor blood flow can impact various aspects of one’s health, and early detection and timely intervention can prevent the issue from getting complicated. Here are some early warning signs and ways to improve blood flow with simple techniques. Dry skin Dry patches on the skin and cracks may emerge when blood circulation is compromised, which also affects the healthy skin’s capacity to regenerate new cells. Cells depleted of oxygen and vital nutrients because of poor circulation are likelier to age earlier than necessary. Additionally, impaired blood flow can cause the skin to look pale or darkened, indicating poor oxygenation. Hair loss Hair follicles depend on the blood to consistently deliver nutrients and oxygen to sustain healthy hair growth. Poor blood circulation to the scalp can deprive the hair follicles of these vital nutrients, weakening the hair and eventually causing hair loss. If one notices excessive hair shedding or a significant decrease in hair thickness, it may be worth investigating the possibility of poor blood circulation. Erectile dysfunction In men, poor blood circulation can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED).

It is common knowledge that teeth are one of the most vital parts of the human body. They help chew food, enhance smiles, give the face a balanced appearance, and more. This is why it is essential to maintain good dental habits and eliminate the bad ones. While brushing one’s teeth daily, flossing, and avoiding sugar-heavy foods, are some good habits, here are some unhealthy habits that damage the teeth: Brushing vigorously As specified earlier, brushing is good for the teeth. However, many people go overboard with their effort to brush their teeth. Vigorous brushing leads to tooth enamel wearing out and gums receding, resulting in progressively sensitive teeth. To avoid these outcomes, one must be gentle on their teeth and gums while maneuvering their brush from one end to another. Biting nails When stressed out, people are more than likely to bite on their nails even without realizing it. Nail-biting is bad for one’s dental health for a host of reasons. For one, this habit transfers all the germs and bacteria from one’s hands into their mouth. Apart from that, biting one’s nails is a surefire way to damage and break the teeth over a period of time. What’s more, when a person bites their nails regularly, they are putting a lot of pressure on their teeth, causing them to subtly move around.

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is a health condition characterized by irregular and rapid heart rhythm. Affecting millions worldwide, one’s lifestyle and nutritional choices can significantly impact the condition. Certain foods and beverages can worsen AFib symptoms, leading to heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and discomfort. Some common foods to avoid while dealing with atrial fibrillation symptoms and to support one’s heart health, in the long run are listed below. Wheat People with gluten intolerance or sensitivity and conditions like celiac disease must avoid gluten-containing foods like wheat and barley as they can trigger inflammation in the body. It can cause the heart’s natural pacemaker nerves to malfunction or impact how they work. To better understand the connection between gluten intake and atrial fibrillation episodes, it is better to maintain a journal. It will help track symptoms and help a healthcare professional analyze if the gluten triggers the condition. People who do not have any diagnosed issues associated with gluten can include gluten-containing foods in their meals without any complications. Salt Salt adds taste to food, but it also adds pressure to the blood flow. For patients with high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiac conditions, it is crucial to avoid excessive amounts of salt in foods.

Most people think of arthritis as a single disease. However, it’s a term that refers to tenderness and swelling in one or more joints. Today, there are more than 100 types of arthritis that can affect people across all age groups. While the condition is not wholly limited to age factor, one can experience the worsening of symptoms as the years pass. Keep reading to learn more about the early signs of arthritis. Top 10 early signs of arthritis One can develop arthritis if the shock-absorbing cartilage near the bone doesn’t function properly. If left untreated, it can cause inflammation and difficulty continuing daily tasks. Hence, here are some early signs of arthritis to look out for. Pain One of the most common early signs of the condition is pain, also known as arthralgia. In most cases, it can be experienced either in dull pain or a burning sensation near the affected joints, which can be further aggravated by prolonged use of the area. For instance, when one climbs up a flight of stairs. Furthermore, some people even experience soreness in the joints in the mornings. Redness Sometimes, as the inflammation of the joints remains untreated, it can cause the area to have a red appearance.

Women have to go through a transformative phase known as menopause. This is when the body undergoes significant changes due to fluctuations in reproductive hormones, marking the end of fertility. While menopause is a natural and inevitable change, the early signs can vary from one person to another. Recognizing the subtle signs can help one prepare themselves to navigate this phase with ease and get the support and care they need. Irregular periods One of the earliest signs of menopause is the sudden onset of irregular periods. In the early stages of menopause, one can observe that their periods are either becoming increasingly irregular or light. The length of the cycles may also be affected and can get shorter or longer. In some women, the gap between two consecutive periods might be as long as a couple of months. The changes in the production of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are responsible for irregular periods. Hot flashes and night sweats Another common symptom of menopause is the onset of hot flashes and night sweats. The symptoms are characterized as a sudden sensation of intense heat, often accompanied by signs like flushing of the face, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. Night sweats can be considered a type of hot flash that usually occurs when sleeping.