In the past few decades, it has become increasingly difficult for retired seniors to manage their healthcare expenses. Realistically, in the near future, medical services are estimated to become more and more expensive. Even out-of-pockets costs like Medicare co-insurance and deductibles can hit day-to-day finances in a detrimental way. One way to resolve this problem is by enrolling in a Medigap plan. Also, known as Medicare Supplement Plans, Medigap is a form of health insurance that manages additional costs that are not covered under Original Medicare. These expenses include co-insurance, deductibles, and emergency medical expenses while flying overseas. Conversely, it doesn’t handle costs involving long-term care, private-duty nursing, vision care, eyeglasses, dental, and hearing aids. A few Medigap plans might reimburse for prescription medications. Unlike, the Original Medicare plans, which are rendered by federal agencies, Medigap plans are offered by private insurance companies. These plans are only for those individuals who are enrolled in Part A and Part B plans of Medicare. On the other hand, people having a Medicare Advantage plan are not eligible for Medigap policies. What factors can influence the price of Medigap? The premiums of a Medigap policy differ across providers and regions. Therefore, before one plans to opt for a Medicare Supplement Plan, it is essential that they identify the several factors that influence premiums and total out-of-pocket costs to settle for the best quote.

Ozempic® injections are recommended to type 2 diabetes patients as a last resort to bring their blood sugar level under control after all other medications have failed to show any positive result. For those who are not acquainted with Ozempic®, you must know that it is a non-insulin subcutaneous injection that acts as a natural hormone in our body and lowers glucagon secretion. It helps to improve glycemic control in adults who are suffering from diabetes mellitus. Though using the Ozempic® injection pens is easy, there are some official instructions that you need to follow to ensure that you are taking the injection the right way. Here are a few things that you need to know about Ozempic® dosage: Instructions to use Ozempic® Ozempic® does the work of a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists and helps to manage the blood sugar levels of patients who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. At the start of the treatment, the doctor will recommend a dosage of 0.25 mg of the subcutaneous injection, once a week. The patient must continue this for four weeks. In the first four weeks, though the medicine will not bring down your blood sugar level dramatically, it will kickstart the treatment process.

Opioids are a class of drugs that alleviate acute pain, such as the pain one experiences after undergoing a surgery. These drugs interact with the opioid receptors in the brain cells and mollify the feeling of pain and enhance the feelings of pleasure. They are produced using poppy plants or synthesized in a lab. When used according to the medical practitioner’s directions, opioid can spare the patients from pain while recovering from a health condition. However, at the moment, opioids are considered an epidemic, not only by medical communities but also by political and social bodies because of the rampant addiction cases. Since 2000, deaths because of narcotic prescription painkillers have tripled. On the other hand, over 600 thousand individuals are battling with heroin addiction. Like prescription painkillers, the deaths caused because of heroin overdoses have multiplied by 4 times since the early 2000s. A considerable chunk of people has switched from prescription painkillers to heroin as it is easier to access and cheaper. This clearly infers that the country’s opioid crisis has dramatically risen in a span of just 15 years. Lower doses of opioids can make the patient feel sleepy, whereas higher doses can slow down the breathing and pulse rate.

We often exercise caution when we are maneuvering our way in the dark to the kitchen, because stubbing our little toe against the table or TV stand will be incredibly painful. Though the throbbing dull ache will subside, there are injuries worse than a swollen little toe where the pain keeps getting worse. The pain one experiences when injured in an accident or after undergoing a surgery isn’t something that will eventually fade away on its own. For this very purpose, doctors prescribe opioids to the patient. Opioids are medications that are used to treat moderate to severe acute pain like the ones people experience due to injuries or surgery. These synthetic medications are engineered to mimic the effects of natural opiates like opium and morphine, from which they are partially derived. The commonly prescribed opiates include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, meperidine, and even include the banned drug, heroin. Though opiates are effective in relieving pain, these are considered to be extremely dangerous, as they have a high potential of dependency, misuse, and overdose. The various components in the opioids can have a great impact on the neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, which is responsible for producing a feeling of euphoria and reward.

For most people, health is one of the major areas of expense. This is why buying health insurance plans is one of the most prudent decision anyone can make to have a stable financial life. After all, nothing is more precious than our health. However, buying health insurance coverage is not an easy task. With a plethora of insurance providers and coverage options available out there, it can be quite a confusing and often daunting process. How can one sift through the multitude of pricing plans, policy offerings, and coverage benefits offered by each health insurance provider? Moreover, every person has different requirements and budget. Thus, there can be no cookie-cutter solution to finding the right health insurance plan. To make the process easy, here is a list of some of the popular and top health insurance companies you should know about. 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield Known to be one of the largest health insurance provider networks in the nation, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) was founded in 1929. It comprises of 36 independent and locally operated companies. Based on location, consumers can look for individual and family coverage as well as employer health insurance programs provided by a local BCBS provider.

A potassium deficiency leads to a condition called hypokalemia. The normal serum potassium level ranges between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/liter. While the normal daily intake of potassium is 70-100 mEq, the kidneys should remove the same amount consumed every day or it could lead to low potassium in the body. Function of potassium Potassium is essential for nerve and muscle cell functioning and is concentrated within cells of the body. Being an important electrolyte, it is responsible for maintaining the electrical activity of the cells. As a result, low potassium levels can affect body functions. Signs of low potassium Muscle weakness Muscle aches Muscle cramps Heart palpitations High blood pressure Kidney problems Constipation Since potassium levels affect the energy by neuromuscular cells, these symptoms are a result of insufficient potassium. It occurs when the cells do not get enough energy to repolarize and fire at normal repeated intervals. Treatment approaches More often than not, low potassium is a symptom or side effect of other medical conditions or certain medications. You may also lose potassium through excessive sweat, urine, or bowel movements. Moreover, a low intake of potassium leads to low magnesium levels in the body. Treatment is decided after careful diagnosis by a professional who assesses other causes of this loss.

Multiple myeloma is a cancerous condition that affects a form of white blood cell known as plasma. The plasma cells are instrumental in warding off infections. They do this by creating antibodies that identify and destroy any germs in the system. This cancer causes cancer cells to amass in the bone marrow where they outnumber the healthy blood cells. Instead of the disease-fighting antibodies, these cells then produce anomalous proteins that can further trigger complications. The treatment for multiple myeloma isn’t always needed for individuals who are asymptomatic. Although, the doctor will regularly keep an eye on the patient’s condition with the help of blood and urine tests. For patients experiencing signs and symptoms, here are the following treatment options for multiple myeloma. Treatment for multiple myeloma Biological therapy The medications used in biological therapy take the help of the patient’s immune system to deal with myeloma cells. They enhance the immune system cells that recognize and kill cancer cells. Typically, these are taken in the form of pills. Targeted therapy In this type of multiple myeloma treatment, the medicines concentrate on specific abnormalities within the rogue cells that enable their survival. These medications then inhibit the action of the element in those myeloma cells that breaks down the proteins, causing them to die.

Important information you need to know about teeth whitening toothpastes Teeth staining and sensitivity are two of the most common issues present today. However, they are equally easily overlooked by a majority of people. While there are in-office treatments, over the counter medications, and other methods available to deal with these issues, the most convenient way is brushing. Although brushing might not give you instant results, it helps in putting up a consistent fight. Considering how neither sensitivity nor teeth staining can be cured once and for all, affordable teeth-whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth is your best bet. Research has suggested that regular brushing with such specifically designed toothpastes helps remove surface stains caused by the foods we eat. This, however, does not help with the natural color of your teeth or the discoloration present beneath the surface. What you should know about teeth whitening toothpastes Whitening toothpastes can be abrasive, and they work by polishing the stains off. Some other types contain chemicals like peroxides that break down the stains. If you are worried that these might harm your teeth, you can opt for products that have items like charcoal or activated carbon and zinc citrate in them. Some other whitening toothpastes contain blue covarine.

The government has several federal programs to offer aid and assistance to people with various medical conditions. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is chiefly responsible for implementing and maintaining these policies. For disability, in particular, the benefits are paid under two separate programs, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. What is the definition of disability? The SSA classifies disability into three primary categories for applicants to be eligible for the benefit, severe, long term, and total disability. Severe disability interferes with one’s daily work-related activities Long-term disability implies that the condition has lasted at least a year or more Total disability implies that the applicant is completely unable to perform any activity that the administration deems a substantial gainful activity Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income The aid is available for people who have regularly paid their Social Security taxes over the tenure of their service record. Social Security Disability Insurance is a benefit made available for people who have suffered from a disability before the age of 22 but continued to work and paid taxes promptly. On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income is for adults and children who have limited income resources. Concept of work credits The SSA requires applicants to have work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Short term health insurance helps bridge the gaps in health care coverage. It is an economical alternative suitable for individuals who need temporary health care. Short term coverage can help protect you from unexpected and unforeseen medical expenses. With this policy, you get medical insurance that is both affordable and flexible, minus the commitment required for long term policies. SEE MORE Who can get short term coverage? Those who are between jobs Those who are awaiting for other coverage to begin Those who missed Open Enrollment Those whose access to other insurance plans is currently limited by financial hardship This insurance is provided by private companies, which means that the eligibility restrictions are far more relaxed and flexible. Do you meet any of the qualifications above? If so, check out Pivot Health’s budget friendly plans. You can apply and enroll in under 5 minutes! Check Eligibility Key highlights of Pivot Health’s short term plan Flexible plans that cater to your health care needs Online application can be done in a matter of minutes with instant approval Choose where you receive health care; there are no hospital network or doctor restrictions Cover for short term insurance can start in under 24 hours In addition to the basic coverage, Pivot Health also offers its members several non-insurance benefits that help cover everyday costs.