Traditional Medicare covers a lot of medical expenses after you turn 65. Hospital insurance (or Part A) helps people pay for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, surgery, and home care. Medical insurance (or Part B) covers doctor’s visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment and supplies. Despite these provisions, there are some significant gaps in Medicare coverage. Here’s a brief look at what is not covered by traditional Medicare: Dental care Routine dental services such as fillings, cleanings, and X-rays are not covered by Medicare. It only covers some dental services that people may get as a part of their hospital stay. The Medicare Advantage plan covers some extra services, but those looking for holistic dental insurance may need a separate coverage policy. Eye exams Eye exams for glasses or contact lenses are not covered under Medicare. The glasses and lenses themselves are not covered either. Medicare Part B partially covers one pair of glasses or contacts for people undergoing cataract surgery. Hearing aids The cost of hearing aids and the exam required for getting hearing aids are also not covered by Medicare. However, diagnostic hearing exams may be covered if prescribed by a doctor. Opting for the Medicare Advantage plan may be better for people seeking additional hearing benefits.

The immune system is responsible for saving the body from harmful pathogens. A well-developed immune system protects us from most health conditions. However, there are times when the immune system may act strangely and begin to attack the body’s healthy cells, which leads to autoimmune disorders. Multiple sclerosis is a severe and dangerous autoimmune condition that impacts the brain and the spinal cord. It can lead to many early symptoms, such as those listed below. Vision Due to the condition’s connection to the optic nerve, MS patients often experience vision loss or double vision. Mobility The deterioration of myelin sheath causes miscommunication within the nervous system, which is often seen in the form of loss of balance, vertigo, and dizziness. Numbness One of the most common symptoms of MS is numbness caused by the damage to the nerves that carry signals to the brain. Fatigue Persistent fatigue and weakness are among the most common early signs of MS. Most often, what we eat can impact our overall well-being. It is therefore vital to choose our meals and beverages wisely. Here are some of the foods that are better to be avoided, as they can contribute to the progression of MS:

Having strong and shiny hair is a big part of everyone’s dream. Not only does taking care of hair require scalp protection and using the right products, but it also needs nutrition. Each hair strand contains a tough protein called keratin that needs to be nourished and fortified with vitamins and minerals, making hair a great giveaway for one’s inside health. Some foods that can help one achieve fuller, healthier-looking hair include: Salmon:  Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the body from disease and impart shine to the hair. Greek yogurt:  Greek yogurt is enriched with Vitamin B5 (or pantothenic acid), which can help prevent hair thinning and loss. Spinach:  Spinach is packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate, and Vitamin C. These nutrients work together to improve scalp and hair health. Guava:  Guavas are filled with Vitamin C, which helps protect hair from breakage. Sweet potatoes:  Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of an antioxidant called beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A in the body and protects against dull, dry hair. Beta-carotene can also be found naturally in other foods like carrots, pumpkins, cantaloupes, and mangoes. Cinnamon:  Cinnamon can help improve blood flow in the body, which brings nutrients to the hair follicles, helping one maintain healthy hair.

Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects a person’s digestive tract, primarily the intestines. If mismanaged, it can lead to complications, including specific cancers. Since the disorder affects each person differently, there is no standard list of healthy foods for all patients. However, studies show that some food items tend to soothe Crohn’s flare-ups and provide relief, which doctors may recommend after considering the patient’s symptoms and other factors. Yogurt Unsweetened, natural yogurt is rich in probiotics. It contains digestion-friendly bacteria that help reduce stomach inflammation. However, yogurt is not recommended for those who are lactose intolerant. Overnight oatmeal Diarrhea is a common sign of Crohn’s disease. Overnight oatmeal can help tackle this problem by absorbing water from the gut. Since oats contain high levels of soluble fiber, soaking them overnight makes them easier to digest. Berries Strawberries and blueberries digest quickly and have antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage. Other low-fiber, fast-digestible fruits like ripened bananas and watermelon can also help soothe the gut and provide instant energy. Salmon Salmon is a versatile food that can be grilled, broiled, or baked. Its high content of omega-3 fatty acid reduces inflammation, while its high potassium content maintains the body’s fluid balance during flare-ups.

For most holiday travelers, going on a cruise is a great way to unwind from life’s daily hustle and bustle. Once aboard, they can simply take a nap whenever they feel like it, enjoy sunrise and sunset without worrying about deadlines, or spend hours playing cards with their friends. But, amidst all the fun, travelers must be careful about what they eat on a cruise. Here are five foods to avoid when on a cruise: Scrambled eggs Scrambled eggs (especially when it is made and served on a cruise) often contain harmful bacteria such as listeria and salmonella that can give anybody a bad tummy for days, or might lead to other diseases. This makes scrambled eggs one of the top five foods to avoid when on a cruise. To avoid stomach sickness, travelers can instead opt for fresh or hard-boiled eggs instead of scrambled eggs. Old pizza Unfortunately, most pizzas served on cruises may come with a congealed-cheese look, indicating that they have been kept in the open for a while. Such pizzas are old and, most possibly, stale, making them unfit for a meal. In fact, any dishes containing old cheese, if served aboard, automatically classify into the top five foods to avoid when on a cruise.

In the country, around 1% of all new cancer diagnoses yearly are that of the thyroid. This butterfly-shaped gland near the base of one’s neck regulates hormones, blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and body temperature. Any abnormal cell growth in this gland leads to cancer. While such a condition can strike at any age, those more vulnerable are between 25 and 65. Herein, we discuss the subtle warning signs of thyroid cancer and its causes. Silent warning signs of thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer does not exhibit any symptoms or indicators in its early stages. More often than not, it is found during a routine neck exam or during a scan used to identify other conditions. But if left untreated, it may form a lump that develops as a tumor. Below are some of the silent warning signs of thyroid cancer that should prompt one to seek medical help: Neck pain that begins at the front and seems to extend to the ears An unusual lump or nodule that one can feel through the skin of one’s neck A sudden change in one’s voice, including hoarseness Trouble breathing normally; one may feel like one’s breathing through a straw Inability to swallow with ease due to a nodule growing on the thyroid gland A feeling that tight-fitting shirt collars are becoming increasingly restrictive A persistent cough not caused due to cold Inexplicable throat pain Swollen lymph nodes Causes of thyroid cancer According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of thyroid cancer in women is three times higher than in men.

Cancer is a term used to describe diseases where there is a rapid multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. Thyroid cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the thyroid gland. The exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown. But, there are various treatments that can help prevent the spread of this disease to other organs and manage the condition’s symptoms. Here are three foods that are safe to eat when undergoing thyroid cancer treatment. Fruits Fruits are an essential part of our meals. They are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and a whole lot more. They provide us with fibers and natural sugars and make for a perfect snack. Many do not know that these foods are also recommended for those undergoing thyroid cancer treatment. This is because essential nutrients such as vitamin C and lycopene support the treatments. They enhance the biochemical pathways through which chemotherapy works. Not to mention, many of them are also filled with pectins that help detoxify the body from harmful chemicals such as mercury that are linked to thyroid troubles. Those who have thyroid problems can try adding food such as apples, pears, oranges, and more to their daily meals. Nuts and legumes Beans, nuts, seeds, and even legumes are also recommended for those who are undergoing thyroid cancer treatment.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune system condition. Here, the body’s immune system starts producing a large number of eosinophils—a type of white blood cell. These cells begin to grow in the lining of the esophagus, which connects the mouth to the stomach. Over time, the buildup can lead to inflammation, allergies, and acid reflux, among other symptoms. Here is a look at certain foods that can trigger this condition : Wheat products Studies have found a strong correlation between eosinophilic esophagitis and food allergies. This is why doctors recommend that one should avoid foods that are likely to cause allergic reactions. Wheat is a common food allergen, which induces a reaction as the body produces antibodies to certain proteins found in wheat. Some people may be allergic to a specific protein called gluten. Milk Milk and milk products are other common food allergens that should be avoided by those with eosinophilic esophagitis. Here, the immune system identifies some of the milk proteins as harmful, leading to inflammation and flare-ups. With eosinophilic esophagitis, the body starts to produce more eosinophils over time which leads to a buildup in the lining of the esophagus. This is why it is best to avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese, buttermilk, ice cream, ghee, margarine, sour cream, mayonnaise, and condensed milk.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune disease characterized by the rapid growth of eosinophils in a person’s esophagus. There are multiple factors that trigger this condition. One such factor is the body’s allergic reaction to certain foods, such as milk, eggs, wheat, shellfish, and others. These foods are major sources of nutrients. Therefore, their substitutes must be good sources of proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients. Some top foods for those with eosinophilic esophagitis are: Coconut milk The protein found in cow’s milk is one of the prime triggers of EoE. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest that people with EoE can have coconut milk, which is nearly identical to cow’s milk in terms of nutritive value and does not contain the proteins and elements that cause inflammation in the esophagus of individuals. In fact, since all dairy products trigger EoE in patients, it is advisable for them to instead have coconut-based dishes such as coconut smoothies, coconut ice cream, coconut yogurt, and similar other foods. The absence of dairy in a person’s daily meals helps them to avoid allergic reactions that aggravate the chronic condition.  As a result, coconut milk is one of the top foods for eosinophilic esophagitis patients. Gluten-free oats Gluten, found in standard oats, is one of the other major triggers of EoE.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a type of cancer that develops in the body’s plasma cells. While healthy plasma is meant to help our bodies fight infections and diseases, cancerous plasma produces abnormal proteins that cause complications. Though there is no known cure for multiple myeloma, prolonged remission is possible. Read further to learn about the common symptoms experienced by multiple myeloma patients and the causes and treatment options for this condition. Symptoms There are various signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma. The earliest sign people often notice is bone pain. Some other health conditions often linked to multiple myeloma include bacterial infections such as pneumonia, thrombocytopenia, bone fractures, kidney complications, amyloidosis, hyperviscosity syndrome, and cryoglobulinemia. Weakness or numbness People with multiple myeloma often face weakness or a feeling of numbness in their hands and legs. Myeloma can also affect the bones in the spine, causing them to collapse and press on the spinal cord. Hypercalcemia Signs of hypercalcemia include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and feeling thirstier than usual. People with myeloma may experience one or more of these symptoms. Unexplained loss of body mass and fatigue Due to a lack of appetite and loss of immunity, MM patients may experience unexplained loss in body mass.

Breast cancers are generally associated with lumps. However, the symptoms may differ from one person to another according to their specific type of cancer. Although, there are many cases where the patients haven’t reported any lumps. So, this article will explore the various symptoms associated with breast cancer. And it’s always recommended that one visits a doctor immediately if they notice any of the following signs. This will ensure the early detection of cancer. Early symptoms/signs of breast cancer Usually, a monthly breast exam may reveal specific symptoms such as lumps. But there are other signs to look out for as well, which include: Swelling near underarms or the collarbone A swelling near the collarbone or underarms signifies the spreading of cancer to the lymph nodes in that area. Usually, the swelling may appear even before the lump. Hence, a person should not ignore any discomfort and seek medical advice. Pain and tenderness In most cases, lumps in the breast do not hurt. But they might be uncomfortable and might cause a prickly feeling. This hard mass may have irregular edges and is a sure sign of cancer. But sometimes, it can also be soft, tender, round, and even painful.