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9 superfoods ideal for nursing mothers

9 superfoods ideal for nursing mothers
Breastfeeding is a universal way to nourish a newborn. Many mothers exclusively breastfeed their baby for six months, which is the minimum duration doctors recommend around the world. During this phase, nursing mothers need to have healthy, nutritious foods as this is how infants get the nutrients they need. Additionally, certain foods can help increase the milk supply. So here are a few superfoods that are ideal for nursing mothers: Avocados This superfood is loaded with nutrients like heart-healthy fats that can help new mothers feel full for long periods. Breastfeeding mothers usually feel frequent hunger pangs due to having to nurse often. Further, women need more calories during their nursing period. This is why avocados are a great and versatile option for filling recipes. The fruit contains essential vitamins and is a versatile option to add to meals. Nuts Nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts are great snacking options for new mothers. These nuts are usually high in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins K and B. They are known to be lactogenic and also excellent sources of healthy fats and protein, essential for babies and mothers alike. One can have these nuts by the bedside to make them easily accessible.

8 things to consider when choosing a Medicare plan

8 things to consider when choosing a Medicare plan
Medicare benefits many people by helping them meet their healthcare expenses. But providers offer multiple plans with unique features, making choosing difficult. A good way to select a Medicare plan is to research the options well and become familiar with their coverage limits, add-ons, terms and conditions, and other aspects. One must take time and never decide in a hurry. An individual will find that making a choice is much easier after adequate research. Costs When choosing a Medicare plan, one should understand its associated costs, such as premiums, deductibles, and, most importantly, out-of-pocket expenses. Most plans cover a portion of the expenses for doctor visits or hospital stays and require the policyholder to pay the rest. So, one should consider whether there are any yearly limits on out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare services. Usually, there is no yearly limit on paying out of pocket unless an individual has supplemental coverage, such as Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). Medicare Advantage typically has a yearly limit on what one pays out of pocket for services covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. Once the plan’s limit is reached, one will not need to pay anything for Part A and Part B services for the rest of the year.

Top 6 Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Top 6 Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Traveling is an excellent way to unwind and discover new places and cultures. However, it comes with a few challenges, like budgeting, packing, and finding a suitable hotel. Even though you might face unpredicted difficulties, you can make the most of your holiday if you plan things properly. Here are some common travel mistakes to avoid, whether you’re a nomadic explorer or a first-time traveler heading to an adventurous location. Packing too many things Don’t use a heavy suitcase when packing your stuff for the vacation. A heavy suitcase will put you under unnecessary stress and drain your energy. Even worse, you might develop a sore back by the end of the trip because of carrying that heavy load all along. Instead, use a bag with a lightweight material, and ensure it isn’t larger than necessary. Start with a carry-on bag and select the items you need. When making a list of your stuff, narrow your selections to the bare necessities. Also, keep your travel outfits neutral so that anything can be mixed and matched. This way, your clothes can be used for multiple activities, and you’ll have to pack only a few items. If you carry too many outfits, your hotel room will become messy, not to mention there will be way too much laundry waiting for you after the trip.

Pros and Cons of Investing in Gold and Silver

Pros and Cons of Investing in Gold and Silver
Although stocks and bonds are convenient investment avenues, they’re risky. Hence, many diversify their portfolio by also investing in precious metals like gold and silver. You don’t need to own these metals physically to invest in them because there are other secure and more liquid ways to do so. Here, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of investing in gold and silver. But first, let’s understand the differences between these metals and how to invest. Differentiating features of gold and silver A study by the World Silver Survey showed that almost half of the world’s silver supply is utilized in heavy industries and advanced technology like cell phones and solar panel cells. Because of a higher demand across major industries, silver is more likely to be impacted by the ups and downs of global economic fluctuations. This also makes it more volatile in price changes than gold. Gold has lesser uses than silver in industries and, hence, isn’t as impacted by economic fluctuations as other metals. This means its price remains relatively stable. Silver typically has a lower price per ounce than gold, making it more affordable for retail investors interested in owning precious metals as physical assets. How to invest in gold and silver?

Top 11 mistakes to avoid while getting a home loan

Top 11 mistakes to avoid while getting a home loan
Perhaps nothing is more comforting than having one’s home to return to at the end of a tiring day and to relax with loved ones. However, buying a home in the face of inflation and economic instability is no less than a mirage for most. On the bright side, taking home loans from reliable sources can help fulfill this dream. Here are some common mistakes home buyers should avoid while availing themselves of home loans: Not checking or improving credit score One’s credit score determines any moneylender’s ability to sanction a loan. An individual’s credit score is calculated considering various criteria, including one’s payment history, credit mix, and the total amount one owes. Therefore, it is important to check one’s credit score; if the scores are low, one should take the necessary steps to enhance this score, such as paying credit card debts on time, before applying for a home loan. Not understanding one’s capability to repay the loan Often, individuals cannot return the borrowed amount because they have overestimated their capability to repay their home loan. Such challenges typically stem from miscalculating the amount payable, including the interest rates applied to the principal amount. While applying for a home loan, one should check out one’s repayment capability vis-a-vis the aggregate amount repayable and the time it would take to repay it.

7 common mistakes to avoid when opening a CD

7 common mistakes to avoid when opening a CD
Opening a Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a smart financial move for individuals who prioritize safety, predictability, and preserving their capital. They serve as an essential component of a well-diversified financial portfolio and can help one achieve short-term financial goals while providing peace of mind through their low-risk nature. However, one should consider the potential impact of inflation on personal savings and avoid these seven mistakes when opting for such an investment. Not looking for the best rates available One of the most common mistakes people make when opening a CD is not shopping around for the best interest rates. Many individuals simply walk into their local bank and open a CD without considering other options. This can be a costly mistake because interest rates on CDs can vary significantly from one financial institution to another. It is essential to research different financial institutions to find the best CD rates available. Online comparison tools and financial websites can help easily compare rates from various institutions. Conducting extensive research will ensure you get the best return on investment. Ignoring the fine print Another common mistake when opening a CD is ignoring the fine print of the agreement. Many individuals are so eager to lock in their funds and earn interest that they don’t take the time to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of the CD.

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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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