Ozempic®, commonly known as semaglutide, when introduced in the body clones the function of the glucagon hormone. The glucagon hormone helps in controlling the blood sugar and insulin levels and aids proper digestion. It is a single-patient-use injection pen that is pre-filled and disposable after use. The primary function of Ozempic® is to improve the blood sugar levels among patients that are suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus and have troubles producing glucagon. This medication, however, cannot be used for treating type 1 diabetes. In most cases, this medication is offered to the patients only after other medicines have failed to control the blood sugar levels. Medicines are made with multiple chemical compounds. This raises the risks associated with their interaction with the human body. There are certain medicines that must be avoided when the human body is going through multiple bodily changes. One such change is pregnancy. Read along to know more about using Ozempic® in pregnancy and lactation. Pregnancy There is not enough data in relation to the use of Ozempic® among women as there haven’t been enough studies for the same. This raises the inability to relate an informed drug-associated risk about adverse developmental patterns for the offspring. However, there are a few studies that resulted in clinical considerations about the medication and poorly controlled pregnancy with diabetes (mentioned below in the “clinical considerations” section). Studies on animals have shown that there might be a few risks associated with the administration of this drug during pregnancy. The potential risks were associated with the fetus as well as the mother. In any case, Ozempic® must be introduced into the body only if the potential risks outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Studies were conducted on animals to understand the required dosage on humans and the impact of the medicine’s usage on a pregnant woman as well as the fetus.

Diabetes is a long-term condition triggered by high blood sugar levels. This ailment is also referred to as diabetes mellitus in medical terms, and it denotes a group of metabolic diseases which cause a spike in the blood glucose or blood sugar levels. While blood sugar is essential for maintaining one’s energy levels, excess production can lead to a plethora of issues. For some people, it may lead to inadequate production of insulin in the body, whereas for others, their body’s cells may not respond well to the insulin. An imbalance in the levels of a hormone called glucagon can also cause difficulties in maintaining normal levels of blood sugar. A majority of diabetes patients are likely to have a combination of these issues. Consistently high glucose levels in the bloodstream can severely disrupt essential bodily functions. Diabetes affects a large part of the population around the world, and type 2 diabetes is the most common form of this condition. As per scientific reports, about 90% of diabetes cases in the world are of type 2 diabetes. This disease comes with a slew of symptoms that include intense thirst, weight gain or weight loss, frequent need to urinate, numbness in the hands, sexual dysfunction in males, and more. Patients with diabetes can undertake effective lifestyle changes such as altering their diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring their blood sugar levels. However, one may also need to take oral medication and insulin to control the blood glucose levels efficiently. Ozempic® is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that is available in the form of an injection. It helps to regulate the blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and lowering glucagon secretion. Thus, it controls the levels of blood sugar, alters insulin and glucagon levels, and aids in better digestion among people with diabetes.

Common diseases and disorders cause an imbalance in the natural blood sugar levels in the body. This imbalance increases the risk of diabetes if the body does not produce enough insulin to counter the overproduction of glucose. It is one of the leading health complications faced by people across the country. It mainly results from a lack of glucagon, a hormone that is necessary to maintain and control blood sugar levels. The pancreases are responsible for insulin production in the body which is then naturally released into the bloodstream through the circulatory system. Glucagon production is also essential for three primary functions including the conversion of glycogen to glucose, the promotion of glucose production from amino acid molecules, and reduction in the consumption of glucose for energy breakdown by the liver. Any imbalance will result in diabetes or glucagon deficiency. A large part of the population at risk of developing type 2 diabetes as more and more people now depend on artificial insulin to manage their hormone levels. Artificial insulin injections are effective in countering the overproduction of glucagon, but at the same time, an insulin overdose can result in hypoglycemia. It is a condition that causes blood sugar levels to spike due to excess insulin. One of the main reasons why non-insulin based injections are gaining popularity is to reduce the increased dependency on artificial insulin. Ozempic® is a popular name among brands that manufacture non-insulin based, glucagon-rich medications, that are quite effective in tackling type 2 diabetes. Alternatively known as Semaglutide, Ozempic® is used to lower blood sugar levels and counter the overproduction of the glucagon hormone. Ozempic® is available in the form of an injection. It slows down the speed at which food leaves the stomach, reduces the amount of sugar released from the liver, and increases the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas simultaneously.

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. It lowers the blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin production and lowering the secretion of the peptide hormone, glucagon. After the first four weeks, the doctor might advise you to increase the dosage to 0.5 mg, once every week. If the doctor observes that your body does not show any significant signs of glycemic control even after taking a 0.5 mg dosage once in a week, then he or she might tell you to increase the dosage to 1 mg per week. Generally, doctors don’t recommend a higher dosage of Ozempic® than 1mg. When should one take a dose of Ozempic®?

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. As opioid releases endorphins in the brain, it keeps the person ecstatic for a while. When the drug’s effects start fading, one might crave to experience these feelings of pleasure again, which eventually can lead to addiction. Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, insomnia, abdominal pain, tremors, diarrhea, and vomiting can make it increasingly tough for the person to maintain abstinence from opioids. Consistent opioid consumption in high doses can prove fatal too. Signs of opioid overdose Dangerously slowed breathing patterns and heart rate Pale face Sweaty hands Blue or purple fingernails and lips Vomiting Inability to speak or making gurgling sounds Unconsciousness Limp body If one notices these signs they should immediately contact 911.

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. This sudden feeling of elevation is what drives people to get addicted to opioids. Opioid addiction is quite rampant, and even famous Hollywood celebrities fell prey to the exalting effects opioids had on them. However, instead of succumbing to opioid addiction, these celebrities fought back and recovered and are celebrating their sobriety by leading an opioid-free, healthy life. Take a look at the famous Hollywood stars who waged a battle against opioid addiction and came out victorious. Robert Downey Jr. The “Iron Man” star wasn’t always the suave, self-assured gentleman we have all come to know.

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. Additionally, BCBS also offers helpful resources to pick the right Medicare coverage. Along with this, individuals also have access to global coverage. Whether they permanently reside outside the country or are on short-term or long-term travel, individuals can purchase a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Insurance plan. Moreover, individuals or groups can enroll as BCBS members and get access to special member services and exclusive discounts on health and wellness services and products. Members receive a member ID card that can be used across all the 50 states to get the best insurance coverage benefits. 2. HealthCare.com An aggregator website, HealthCare.com helps consumers shop for and compare health insurance coverage.

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. If it is simply because of insufficient intake of potassium, supplements can be prescribed; however, in severe cases, this electrolyte is intravenously admitted in the body. If you continue to experience the symptoms, it is advised that you take immediate medical assistance and get a proper diagnosis to start the right course of treatment. Diet and nutrition Potassium enters the body through the food you eat, so it is vital that you get the daily recommended nutrition. There are some efforts that can be taken at an individual level to ensure you do not suffer from low potassium syndrome.

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. Such therapy can be administered intravenously or via oral medications. Another targeted therapy involves monoclonal medicines that bind on to the cancerous cells, leading to their death. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids are given to regulate the immune system so that the inflammation in the body can be brought under control. Additionally, they also actively work against myeloma cells. These medications can be taken in the form of pills or intravenously. Chemotherapy This method is used to target the rapidly-growing cancer cells. This treatment is given in the pill form or administered through the vein.

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. For example, 28 work credits are required by the time the applicant turns 50. This is equivalent to having worked for a minimum of seven years, five of which must be within the last 10 years of one’s professional tenure. When to apply for SSDI benefits? The SSA recommends applicants to seek benefits and apply online immediately after suffering from a disability. It provides all relevant information in SSDI starter kits available for applicants who must prepare for the interview post online verification.