Acute respiratory infections refer to a broad category of illnesses, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, that affect the lower and upper respiratory tract. A significant number of these infections are caused by respiratory viruses, posing a health risk to individuals of all ages. Common respiratory viruses include influenza, rhinoviruses, common cold viruses, and adenovirus. These viruses can invade the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and a cascade of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Early signs of respiratory infections Here are some of the early signs of severe respiratory infections caused by viruses: Fever If you experience a sudden onset of high fever, especially if it exceeds 103°F, could be a sign of viral infection. Fever is the body’s natural response to fight infections, indicating that the immune system is working to eliminate the virus. You may also experience chills along with fever. Congestion and sore throat Nasal congestion and a sore throat are among the initial symptoms of viral infection in the respiratory tract and can cause further discomfort. Cough A cough is often the body’s way of clearing the airways of mucus and foreign particles. Coughing may start as mild irritation and develop into a more severe, persistent cough over time as the infection worsens.

Medigap is additional insurance one can buy to cover costs that are not covered under Medicare. Also known as the Medicare Supplement Plan, Medigap helps one reduce out-of-pocket expenses, i.e., co-payments and deductibles. One can access these insurance services through private companies. However, one must already have a Medicare Part A and Part B plan to buy Medigap. To understand Medigap plans better, here are a few things to know: What is a Medigap plan? Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover all medical expenses. So, private companies can offer Medigap plans to help cover these costs. Nevertheless, Medigap plans generally do not offer long-term, vision, or dental coverage. They also do not cover the cost of hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private nursing. Medigap Plans are aimed at covering costs such as co-payments, deductibles, and coinsurance. Some specific costs that may be included in these plans are: About 20% of out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by Medicare Part B Coinsurance for Part A Hospital coverage up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up Part A hospice or respite care copayment Some plans may also cover emergency medical care while traveling abroad. How much do Medigap plans cost?

Water retention is a health problem where the body can’t flush out excess fluids, which begin to build up in the tissues. The ailment leads to swelling in the hands, legs, ankles, feet, and other body parts. Water retention can result from several factors, including underlying health conditions. However, nutrition also plays a significant role in its development. The following foods are known to cause water retention and should be avoided. Carbonated soda Carbonated beverages contain a lot of carbon dioxide and artificial sweeteners, which cause the body to retain excess water. When thirsty, individuals should avoid these and opt for natural fruit juices and healthy fluids. Sausages Deli meats like sausages, bacon, pepperoni, and salami have high sodium. Sodium helps preserve the meat and gives it a unique flavor. However, an excess can cause the body to retain more water. Hence, one should limit deli meat intake to maintain a healthy sodium-to-water ratio. Mozzarella sticks Appetizers like mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, potato boats, and chicken nuggets taste great and satiate cravings. However, these foods are likely to cause water retention owing to a higher amount of unhealthy fats and sodium. Salted nuts Seasoned flavored nuts like chili almonds and salted mixed nuts are often staples during snack time.

Our eyes help us see what’s around us so that we can react accordingly. Since they perform such a crucial function, we must maintain them by following healthy practices. Sadly, many ignore eye care and increase their risk of ocular conditions. These conditions are usually treatable with timely intervention, but prevention is always better than cure. Below are a few simple yet practical ways to maintain eye health in the long run. 1. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the functioning of the meibomian gland. This oil gland protects against age-related macular degeneration and dry eye disease. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and should be a part of one’s meals to protect the eyes. Nuts like walnuts and seeds like flax and chia seeds are also rich in this essential nutrient. 2. Maintain an active lifestyle Moderate-intensity exercises considerably reduce eye pressure, lowering one’s risk of glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye disorders. Hence, individuals should avoid a sedentary lifestyle and incorporate walking, jogging, skipping, cycling, swimming, or other exercises into daily workouts. 3. Wear shades while stepping out during the day In the long run, persistent and direct exposure to sunlight can trigger several eye diseases, including macular degeneration, corneal damage, and cataracts.

High blood pressure is one of the most prevalent health problems globally. While it is a lifelong disorder with no cure, high blood pressure can be managed through treatments and lifestyle modifications. One of the crucial aspects of managing it is eating the right foods and avoiding others. Fresh fruits, green vegetables, and whole foods are often recommended to maintain safe blood pressure levels. Equally importantly, one must avoid fried and fatty foods, among others. 5 foods to avoid that increase blood pressure Cold cuts and cured meats Salami, sausages, pepperoni, bacon, prosciutto, and hot dogs contain a high amount of sodium. The high level of sodium is necessary to preserve the meat. It also gives the cold cuts and cured meats their flavor. However, for those with high blood pressure, eating these meats on a regular basis will worsen the symptoms. Packaged sandwiches Sandwiches can be healthy meal options. However, the nutritional value and whether they are safe for high blood pressure or hypertension greatly depends on the ingredients used. Most packaged sandwiches use white flour-based bread, deli meats, cheese, pickles, and other condiments. All of these make these sandwiches high in sodium, which is bad for managing high blood pressure.

Our lungs are susceptible to various health complications, including mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease. MAC is a group of bacteria that usually triggers infections in people with weaker immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS and other underlying lung conditions. However, it is also seen in healthier individuals. Various symptoms of MAC lung disease could help diagnose it early and seek appropriate treatment. Here are eight warning signs of the condition. Pain in the chest Someone who develops pain in their chest should see an expert and determine the underlying cause. The pain could result from MAC lung disease and may require immediate treatment. The symptom’s intensity may range from mild to severe and worsen by deep breathing or coughing. Clubbing of the fingers Another warning sign of MAC lung disease is the clubbing of one’s fingers. The individual may find their fingers becoming enlarged and rounded at the tips. This symptom might be associated with the advanced stages of MAC lung disease and could indicate lower oxygen levels in the blood. Shortness of breath Among the first noticeable signs of MAC lung disease is shortness of breath, which worsens during physical activity. It is usually triggered by lung tissue damage.

Acid reflux is a condition that can cause a burning sensation in the chest, accompanied by other symptoms such as regurgitation of food or sour liquid, chest or stomach pain, and difficulty swallowing. Sometimes, it may also lead to the development of a lump in the throat. These symptoms occur when the esophageal sphincter fails to function correctly, causing digestive juices and stomach contents to rise through the food pipe. However, certain foods can help in providing relief. Bananas This fruit has low acid content and is highly alkaline, which can help neutralize the stomach acid that causes irritation of the esophageal lining during acid reflux. Moreover, bananas are a rich source of pectin, a type of soluble fiber. This slows down the movement of food through the digestive tract smoothly. Additionally, the fiber helps to keep the stomach feeling fuller for a longer period of time, which can prevent overeating, a major cause of acid reflux. Honey The viscosity or thickness of honey is relatively high. It neutralizes the stomach acids and forms a physical barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. Moreover, it can coat the mucus membrane of the esophagus to protect it against the irritating effects of the refluxed stomach acids.

Short bowel syndrome refers to a condition that occurs when a major portion of a person’s small intestine has been removed. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from the food one eats. Therefore, the removal of a major portion of it can significantly impact this absorption process. Consequently, people with short bowel syndrome need to change their food regimen. This includes avoiding certain foods, such as the following: Foods with high sugar content Sugar-rich foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This can cause one’s body to draw excess water into the bowels, leading to loose stools and frequent bowel movements. This further causes dehydration and loss of nutrients. Hence, patients with short bowel syndrome must avoid sugary foods such as candies, sweets, pastries, cakes, cookies, etc. They must also avoid sodas and sugary beverages, which often contain high fructose corn syrup. Foods with high fiber content Due to the reduction in the size of the small intestine, it gets harder for the body to absorb fibers, especially insoluble fiber. Hence, patients with short bowel syndrome must avoid foods with high amounts of fiber (particularly insoluble fiber). These include whole-grain products (like whole-wheat bread and bran products), legumes (like beans, lentils, and chickpeas), and certain vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts.

Chest or lung congestion often occurs due to a common cold. Sometimes, an underlying medical condition like bronchitis, COPD, and so on can also cause persistent lung congestion. Additionally, excess fluids, such as mucus, can accumulate in the lungs, adding to the congestion. This also causes swelling of the lungs along with constriction of the airflow, which makes breathing difficult. Therefore, it is imperative to look at the signs and manage them through treatment options. Signs of congestion in lungs An affected person may experience: A hacking cough with clear, green, or dark yellow mucus A feeling of tightness in the chest A sore throat Constant body aches and frequent chills A persistent headache High fever that may last for a few days Shortness of breath or wheezing Most of the symptoms of chest congestion usually subside within a few days. However, the cough may persist for a couple of weeks as the bronchial tubes complete their healing process. If the cough lasts for more than 14 days, it is advisable to consult a doctor at the earliest. This sign might be an indicator of other serious health conditions, such as pneumonia. Tips for managing the signs of lung congestion In most cases, lung congestion can be effectively treated by rest and waiting for the virus to clear.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for those aged 65 and above. Others who qualify for this plan include people with disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). Given the complexities associated with these plans, some people may find it challenging to navigate the insurance landscape. To simplify this process, this article lists three mistakes people must avoid making when taking Medicare plan coverage. Missing the deadlines Missing the Medicare sign-up deadline is one of the biggest mistakes when taking Medicare plan coverage. Those receiving social benefits over 65 are automatically enrolled in the program. However, others need to enroll for Medicare in the initial enrollment period, which: Starts three months before one’s 65th birthday Includes the month one turns 65, and Ends three months after one turns 65. Failing to enroll in Medicare in this period could result in a coverage gap. It could also lead to a lifetime late enrollment penalty, increasing with age. Assuming spouse coverage Unlike employee insurance programs, Medicare does not automatically cover the entire family. It is meant to provide insurance at an individual level. Those with spouses under 65 may need to opt for alternative insurance plans for their partners, such as an employer-based plan, a COBRA plan, or an individual health insurance policy.

Dark circles under the eyes are quite common. It can be due to stress, allergies, dehydration, prolonged screen time, and hyperpigmentation. While there are no overnight fixes to get rid of dark circles, making certain lifestyle changes can help to manage the problem in the long term. One of these changes is adding certain foods to one’s meal plans. These foods are rich in essential vitamins and nutrients that promote healthy skin under the eyes and prevent dark circles. Tomatoes Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and are a great source of lycopene, which gives them their red color. Lycopene is known for its ability to protect blood vessels from damage, which helps with blood circulation. Additionally, tomatoes contain quercetin, an anti-inflammatory compound that makes them effective in managing dark circles. Cucumbers Cucumbers are often used as a home remedy to reduce eye puffiness. Sliced cucumbers are placed on the eyes to help the skin relax. However, cucumbers can also be eaten for their eye health benefits. They contain a high percentage of water, which helps to deal with the dark pigmentation under the eyes. Additionally, cucumbers have a high concentration of silica that effectively improves collagen production for healthier skin.