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Tree pollen allergy – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Tree pollen allergy – Symptoms, types, and prevention
Tree pollen is a common trigger for allergies when plants start flowering around springtime. In some regions, trees may release pollen at the beginning of January and continue until June. Often, trees yield dry, light pollen carried for miles by the wind. Some think tree pollen will not affect them because they reside in a city, which is untrue. Tree pollen allergy can affect anyone because the fine particles travel quickly through the air. Symptoms of tree pollen allergy Pollen allergies from trees or plants can cause symptoms that resemble hay fever or allergic rhinitis. When the body comes in contact with pollen, it overreacts and soon releases a chemical histamine to shield against the allergen. This excess histamine release may trigger the following symptoms: – Itchy throat – Sneezing – Coughing – Runny nose – Itchy eyes – Watery eyes – Itchy nose – Itchiness on or at the mouth’s roof – Nasal congestion – Postnasal drip – Feeling irritated – Tiredness – Swelling around the eyes – Disturbed sleep Asthma can aggravate tree pollen symptoms. Sometimes, one may be confused between the two because their signs are almost the same. If a symptom appears in the first few months of the year, it is probably induced by a tree pollen.

11 Key Aspects of Medicare to Know Before Enrolling

11 Key Aspects of Medicare to Know Before Enrolling
Medicare is a federal health insurance initiative that covers treatment expenses for eligible U.S. citizens. The program provides healthcare benefits to senior citizens aged 65 and above. However, younger people with disability and those approved for Social Security disability insurance can also benefit from the program. As part of this initiative, most people in the country earn the right to enroll as taxpayers contributing to the system. Keep reading to learn more about Medicare. 11 facts about Medicare Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Usually, Medicare benefits can vary depending on the enrollment plan chosen by the beneficiary. It includes four enrollment plan options – Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. But there are many important facts one must know about the initiative before enrolling. Some key facts regarding the program are listed below. Employees and employers contribute money toward Medicare benefits In most cases, the bulk of the money to provide Medicare benefits comes from employees and employers. It includes 1.45% of a worker’s wages, which adds up to 2.9% of the total amount. In the case of self-employment, the workers contribute 2.9% of their income towards the Medicare program.

12 Common Signs of Dental Problems

12 Common Signs of Dental Problems
A bright, healthy smile is often a goal for many. While several in-office procedures can help one achieve the perfect smile, it is also important to practice oral hygiene regularly. Without a good dental regimen, one could experience a variety of problems, such as cavities, tooth decay, halitosis, gum disease, and more, leading to severe infections and tooth loss. So, one should keep an eye out for the following common signs of dental problems: Toothache Toothache is one of the most common signs of poor oral health. It could develop during the formation of a cavity or be linked to more serious conditions when accompanied by swelling or pus around the tooth or a fever. Until one gets a chance to visit the dentist, rinsing the mouth with warm water and flossing to remove any food particles stuck between the teeth can help alleviate the pain. Stained teeth The color of the teeth is determined by a variety of factors, such as food, medical treatments, lifestyle choices, and even physical trauma. To get rid of stains on the teeth and give them a brighter appearance, one can invest in at-home teeth whitening kits, whitening toothpaste, and rinses that help remove surface stains.

13 common mistakes to avoid while investing in gold

13 common mistakes to avoid while investing in gold
Investing in gold is always a popular choice for those seeking to diversify their portfolios and protect their wealth. Gold’s intrinsic value and lasting significance have made it a coveted asset throughout human history. However, investing in gold can require a little research, especially for those who are new to the world of precious metals. So, here are some common mistakes people make when investing in gold and how to avoid them: 1. Lack of research One of the most fundamental mistakes investors make is diving into the gold market without sufficient research. Understanding the various forms of gold (bullion, coins, or jewelry), the factors affecting gold prices (supply and demand, economic conditions, and geopolitical events), and the different investment options (physical gold, gold ETFs, and mining stocks) is crucial. Without this knowledge, investors may make uninformed decisions and risk losing money. 2. Failing to set clear goals Before investing in gold, it is essential to define financial objectives. This can include the preservation of wealth, hedging against inflation, or profit from short-term price fluctuations. Without clear goals, one may make impulsive decisions and find it challenging to determine when to buy or sell gold. 3. Ignoring transaction costs Investors often overlook transaction costs, such as premiums on physical gold or fees associated with buying and selling gold-related assets.

13 kitchen ingredients to manage ticks and fleas on dogs

13 kitchen ingredients to manage ticks and fleas on dogs
Pet owners know the constant battle against ticks and fleas. These tiny pests pose a persistent threat to the well-being of dogs, causing discomfort and various health issues. While numerous commercial products can solve this problem, not all may be suitable for one’s pet. Instead, one can use kitchen ingredients to manage ticks and fleas and bring comfort to one’s furry friend. These home remedies are not only safe and natural but also highly effective. How do ticks and fleas affect dogs? Tick and flea bites cause itching and trigger a cycle of incessant scratching in dogs. This, in turn, gives rise to a range of problems. The allergic reactions triggered by flea saliva can manifest as skin redness, swelling, lesions, and welts. Moreover, if the dog ingests these fleas, it can lead to tapeworm infections. Ticks and fleas lay eggs in hard-to-reach areas, such as cracks in floorboards. This makes their eradication more challenging. Beyond the direct impact on the dog’s health, the relentless scratching also causes hair fall, leaving dogs with patchy coats, and dead skin accumulates. Effective and timely remedies can break the cycle of discomfort, allergic reactions, and potential health risks associated with these troublesome pests.

Uncontrolled Asthma – Causes, and Worst Cities to Live In

Uncontrolled Asthma – Causes, and Worst Cities to Live In
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes swelling and inflammation of the airways. It is estimated that more than 339 million people worldwide suffer from this disease. It affects people of all age groups, and genders. However, it is more common in adult women than in men. Asthma has no specific underlying cause, but various allergens like pollen, dust, mold and even perfume can trigger asthma. Read on to learn more about the condition. What is uncontrolled asthma? Uncontrolled asthma is when affected individuals have persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life, even when they are on regular medication. It is estimated that over 60% of adults who are asthmatic suffer from uncontrolled asthma. Causes of uncontrolled asthma Stress People may experience asthma attacks due to excessive stress and strong unpleasant emotions like unhappiness or crying. One must try to reduce one’s anxiety and stress. Underlying health condition Some respiratory health conditions like sleep apnea that block the upper airway while sleeping can lead to an asthma flare-up. Environmental allergies could also worsen asthma attacks. Weather change Moving from drier to humid air or warmer to colder air might cause asthma attacks. This condition can be brought on by minor weather changes or leaving a controlled environment.

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3 ways to deal with an overactive bladder

People with an overactive bladder (or OAB) experience a sudden and frequent urge to urinate. About 40% of women and 30% of men in the country deal with this condition, which can be caused by weak pelvic muscles, nerve damage, and excessive caffeine consumption. Those affected may have to urinate more often than usual and can even experience leakage. Here are a few treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and ways to manage OAB: Treatment options Persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor so that they can determine the right course of treatment for OAB. Here are popular options that can be considered based on the doctor’s recommendation: Gemtesa: It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment for adults affected by OAB. It helps relieve urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency, and even incontinence. Gemtesa is an oral treatment, usually taken with water. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, or nausea. Myrbetriq: It can help treat bladder issues like neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder. This treatment option relaxes the detrusor, a bladder muscle, making it easier for the bladder to accommodate more urine and reduce OAB symptoms. Doctors recommend oral consumption of Myrbetriq once a day. Adults can have it with or without food, while children must take it with food. Toviaz: It prevents frequent bladder contractions and calms the bladder muscles. Additionally, Toviaz reduces symptoms like frequent urination, persistent urge to pee, and incontinence. Doctors may not recommend this option for those who suffer from stomach-related issues and cannot empty the bladder. Allergic reactions are common side effects of this treatment option. Enablex: It helps treat OAB by relaxing the bladder muscles, improving the ability to control urination, and reducing the likelihood of leakage, frequent bathroom trips, and sudden urge to urinate. Enablex can be taken with or without food once a day.

Top tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects one’s joints. In some cases, it can also damage several other body systems like blood vessels, the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin. It is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system starts mistakenly attacking your body’s tissues. The condition affects the joint’s lining, resulting in painful swelling, which can later cause joint deformity and bone erosion. Here are some treatment measures for rheumatoid arthritis: Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis Actemra® It is a prescription, FDA-approved biological therapy for relief from rheumatoid arthritis. Actemra ® helps lower the inflammation in the body by directly blocking the action of a protein in your body called interleukin-6 (IL-6). Your doctor may administer it as a subcutaneous or intravenous injection. The former is administered at home or at a medical facility, but the latter is given solely at a medical facility. Plaquenil It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that helps treat acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. It helps manage symptoms such as stiffness, inflammation, joint pain, and swelling. It is to be taken exactly as per the recommendation of one’s primary healthcare professional. Rinvoq® Rinvoq ® helps treat moderate to severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis in adults when tumor necrosis factor blockers were used but could not be tolerated or did not work well. This treatment option can affect your immune system adversely, making you susceptible to fatal or severe infections. So, get in touch with your doctor if you experience weight loss, diarrhea, skin sores, cough, tiredness, fever, aches, chills, or a burning sensation while urinating. Trexall It is a treatment measure for severe rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It is an antimetabolite treatment. Trexall not only helps manage swelling in the joints, but it can also help decrease damage to them and any long-term disability due to the condition.

4 practical ways to deal with psoriatic arthritis

Arthritis commonly affects people with psoriasis, a disease that results in red patches on the skin with silvery scales. Typically, people experience psoriasis years before they get diagnosed with this arthritis. It affects thirty percent of people with psoriasis. However, in some people, joint problems start before psoriasis or during the same time. Swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the key signs of psoriatic arthritis. Here are the prevalent treatment options for psoriatic arthritis: Treatment options These prescriptions are known to work well against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis: Otezla Otezla is an oral treatment plan that can be taken with or without food, or as the healthcare professional recommends. You should not chew, split, or crush the tablet before consumption. The recommended dosage depends on your response to treatment and condition. To keep side effects at bay, the doctor may start with a low Otezla dosage and gradually increase it. Rinvoq Rinvoq should be consumed by mouth with or without food, typically once daily or as the doctor recommends. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablet. It can release the entire dosage in one go and heighten the susceptibility to side effects. To get maximum benefit, you must use Rinvoq regularly. The dosage depends on age and response to the treatment. Adalimumab A biological therapy, Adalimumab helps treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, wherein the body produces excessive TNF. Adalimumab blocks TNF, and lowers inflammation. It is not a painkiller but helps with the condition and starts showing results in two to twelve weeks. Doctors do not prescribe it if you have an infection, your arthritis is not active, or you have not tried other treatment options first. Leflunomide Leflunomide helps treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. It takes about four to six weeks for leflunomide to ease the symptoms.

How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bone brittle and weak. When severe, even slight pressure caused by coughing, bending over, or falling can cause a fracture. Such fractures are predominant in the spine, wrist, or hip. Osteoporosis occurs if the new bone fails to keep up with the loss of the old bone. It affects men and women, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible. Let’s discuss the correct osteoporosis treatment and management plan: Treatment plan Prolia It is a prescription treatment plan for relieving osteoporosis in women post-menopause who cannot use other options or have not responded well to prior treatment and are susceptible to fractures. Doctors will prescribe it for at least six months. Prolia helps treat both men and women. However, professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant anytime soon, or people with low blood calcium. Further, those allergic to denosumab or any other Prolia ingredient must avoid it. Evenity Evenity helps with osteoporosis in two ways: it slows down bone loss and helps build new bone simultaneously. It is an FDA-approved treatment for osteoporosis that comes as a prefilled, single-use syringe with solution. But Evenity may have severe side effects. It aggravates the risk of developing a stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. So, before receiving Evenity, discuss your history, like a stroke or heart attack, especially if it occurred in the last year. Boniva It helps treat and prevent bone loss and maintain stronger bones. Boniva also lowers the risk of fractures or broken bones. Use this treatment option as directed by the doctor. Usually, orthopedics recommend using it once orally on the same day of every month. Ingest it at least an hour before your first meal of the day. Avoid taking it while you are still in bed or at bedtime.

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3 tips for diabetes management

3 tips for diabetes management

High blood sugar or hyperglycemia is associated with prediabetes and diabetes. The body generates insulin to manage blood sugar levels. But when the liver produces excessive glucose, and the body makes little insulin or fails to use insulin, it leads to high blood sugar levels. The condition can leave one tired and thirsty, cause blurry vision, and result in the frequent urge to pee. Read on to know some treatment plans for diabetes management: Treatment options for diabetes management Invokana® It is an excellent treatment plan that works in tandem with the proper meal plans and exercise to lower high blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. Invokana ® also reduces the risk of death from stroke or heart attack. Plus, it helps decrease the risk of end-stage kidney disease and worsening of kidney function. GlucoTrust GlucoTrust promises to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, reduce one’s craving for sugar and unhealthy foods, and support deep sleep. It also claims to have a formula of all-natural ingredients. However, it is strongly advisable to consult your doctor before opting for supplements like GlucoTrust since it may not bring the desired results in all cases. Kerendia® It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that aids in lowering the risk of complications in people with Type 2 diabetes.
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4 tips for dealing with asthma

4 tips for dealing with asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways in the lungs swell up, become narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People affected can experience breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. The disease could be a minor issue for some, while others may have to deal with serious long-term symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for asthma, here are treatment options, foods to have and avoid, and alternative therapies to manage the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of asthma symptoms. Here are a few popular options: Tezepelumab: It is a popular treatment option, approved by the FDA as a supplementary maintenance remedy for pediatric patients over 12 and adults with asthma. Tezepelumab is an injectable option and the first and only biologic to significantly and consistently reduce severe asthma symptoms in clinical trials. Fasenra: This is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system activity in the body. Fasenra helps control the elevated eosinophil count responsible for severe asthma symptoms. This injection is suitable for children over 12 and adults and can be used with other treatment plans to keep flare-ups in check. Nucala: This is a monoclonal antibody that also reduces the eosinophils in the body.
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