The Federal Government features a health insurance program under Medicare for people who are 65 years or older and are suffering from any disability or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicare is one of the most popular options for comprehensive health insurance. The Original Medicare mainly includes two parts, Part A and Part B, which provide insurance coverage for hospital costs and medical costs. There is an additional insurance cover available from third-party private insurance companies that provide for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C). One must also note that the Original Medicare and Medicare Part C do not cover medication expenses, which is why Part D Prescription Drug Plan under the Medicare system pays for medical costs. The Original Medicare does not cover premiums for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, which is why one must also purchase the Medicare Supplement Plans that provide for these expenses. Medicare Supplement Plans mainly feature 10 policies under the federal health insurance scheme. Plan A to Plan F feature different benefits under the scheme, wherein Plan F is one of the most popular ones. There are many insurance plans that can be mistaken for Medicare Supplement Plans or Medigap policies. The health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, the Prefered Provider Organization (PPO) plan, the private fee-for-service plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicaid, Federal Employees Union Health Plans, TRICARE, Veterans Benefits, and other long-term insurance policies do not form part of comprehensive Medicare coverage. Points to consider when buying Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) The applicant must already have the Original Medicare before he/she can compare and purchase different Medicare Supplement Plans. Plan F is one of the most popular supplement plans for Medicare as it offers comprehensive coverage for health insurance. In comparison to other Medigap policies, Plan F provides better coverage for copayment, coinsurance, and deductibles, which ensure that the out-of-pocket hospital and medical expenses are paid for by the insurance.

It can be difficult to eat healthy whilst working, especially, with the pressure of deadlines and other work-related stress. Atop that many office pantries offer a variety of tasty snacks filled with sugar and trans fats. Your willpower is constantly at a test and choosing the healthier option seems more and more difficult as the day passes. However, there are some tasty and easy snack options that are extremely healthy and yet filling. Below are some healthy and easy snacks that you can consume at work: Crackers When it comes to satisfying cravings or hunger in between your meals, crackers are your best go-to option. They are one of those easy snacks that are great replacements for anything fried, as they are way healthier than anything fried. Also, while selecting crackers, remember to always opt for the less-processed ones. Search for crackers that are made of whole grains and ensure that they don’t contain any saturated fats. Instant oatmeal packets When you are feeling extremely hungry in between your meals, instant oatmeal packs will help to keep you full. Oatmeal is not only a healthy breakfast option, but it is also a great snack to consume, especially, when hungry. It provides energy and the healthy carbs help your stomach to stay full for a long time. Look for oatmeal packs that are made of 100% whole grains to reap the maximum benefits. However, most instant oatmeal packs are processed, and the best option is to look for the one that is least processed. These oatmeal packs are a great source of vitamin A, iron, and dietary fibers. Fruits and dried fruits Fruits and dried fruits are the best perishables and easy snacks out there. They are compact and easy-to-carry from one place to another, as most of them come in their own carrying packs.

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. Continue reading to know more. Type of Medicare Supplement Plan selected As Medigap policies are administered by private providers, they set their own premium rates. Apart from states of Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, all the other 47 states propose ten standardized Medicare Supplement Plans. Following are some common features offered by these plans: Co-insurance and co-payments related to hospice services Blood transfusions (first 3 pints) Co-insurance and co-payments for Original Medicare plans (Part A and Part B) Besides the basic benefits stated above, few Medigap policies may also enable the insured to access additional reimbursements.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) occurs when the body abnormally grows cells in the gastrointestinal linings. These abnormally growing cells have the potential to develop into cancer and must therefore be treated as early as possible. This type of growth can be observed anywhere along the digestive tract, but it is most commonly observed in the stomach and small intestine. Causes of GIST The abnormal growth of cells associated with GIST is typically observed in special cells in the body known as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). These cells are responsible for regulating the involuntary movements that occur in the gastrointestinal tract. According to certain studies, it is assumed that this abnormality in cells is induced as a result of abnormalities or certain mutations found in the DNA. Such mutations result in the improper behavior of the enzyme tyrosine kinase (KIT). Signs and symptoms of GIST In most cases, this condition goes undiagnosed for a long period of time, as the symptoms aren’t obvious. In certain cases, when the condition progresses, the following symptoms may be observed: Abdominal pain and discomfort Small bumps felt through the skin of the abdomen Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Loss of appetite and feeling full quickly Bowel obstruction Treatment options for GIST Once the condition is diagnosed, the doctors will recommend several treatment options based on its severity. Here are some common treatment options for GIST: Surgery Surgery is one of the most common and conventional approaches to tackling tumors and has been practiced for a long time in the cancer industry. However, if the cancerous cells are widespread and highly powerful, a single surgery would be ineffective in many cases and cannot be relied on as a stand-alone treatment option. Chemotherapy and radiation For larger and more aggressive tumors, doctors may suggest chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells and prevent these cells from growing back.

Pests can invade a dog’s furry coat and create quite havoc. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to these crawly bugs and can develop skin reactions. That said, several products are available in the market to tackle this problem, and flea tablets are one of them. These fast-acting pills control ticks, worms, and other pests, so pet owners won’t have to worry about infestations. Here are a few trusted flea pills for dogs that will actively protect your pet’s fur coat. Capstar Flea Tablets Capstar is a well-known brand for effective flea-prevention and treatment products. Their flea pills for dogs and puppies can prevent allergy dermatitis, which often occurs due to a flea infestation. Their tablets can start killing these pests within half an hour of ingestion, and they are safe enough for daily single-dose consumption. While no prescription is needed to purchase these, remember to get approval from your vet as they will know if the medicine will agree with your canine. Trifexis Chewable Tablets These strong monthly chewable flea pills for dogs are a good fix for fleas, and they also help keep heartworm disease at bay. They have a blend of pest-fighting agents like milbemycin oxime and spinosad that fight parasites and curb infestation. These tablets come in a beef flavor, so your dog may look forward to feeling better with these chewable pills. The complex formulation of the tablet may cause side effects, so it is only recommended for dogs that are 8 weeks or older and weigh 5 pounds or more. Sentinel Flavor Tabs These flavored tablets are ideal for preventing adult roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections in pups more than 4 weeks old and over 2 pounds of weight. Plus, it won’t be difficult to get your pet to eat them as they taste just like treats.

Everyone loves longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes. But achieving and maintaining them warrants selecting an eyelash growth serum that suits you. Moreover, choosing from the vast choices in the market can be a task. So, how do you find a product that gives you the desired results? You can usually rely on reviews by beauty experts. However, to help you, here are the four best eyelash growth serums that are highly recommended by dermatologists. Rapidlash Eyelash Enhancing Serum In addition to polypeptides, it also packs a list of other beneficial ingredients like panthenol, biotin, pumpkin seed extracts, and soybean oil. HA, pumpkin seed extracts, and panthenol work as conditioners that soften, hydrate, as well as fortify the lashes. The mascara wand makes it one of the easiest products to use on lashes and brows. Vichy’s LiftActiv Eyelash Growth Serum If the skin around your lash line or your eyelids is dry, this serum is one of the best eyelash growth serums for you. It is replete with anti-aging and hydrating properties that prove beneficial for not just the lashes but also the skin around the area. It packs peptides like hyaluronic acid that work as humectants and make it difficult for the skin to dehydrate. All this in addition to stunning lashes! Shiseido Full Lash Growth Serum The Shiseido Full Lash and Brow serum is one of the few products that have been approved by both dermatologists and ophthalmologists. Visible results make time to show; however, they last longer and are promising. The application is quite easy thanks to its doe-foot applicator. It ensures that you do not miss out on any spots, as hard as they are to reach. Grande Cosmetics’ Grande LASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum A favorite among experts, this one has ingredients like amino acids, Vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid.

Buying a mattress can be confusing due to the sheer number of options available. It is a product that you use daily but cannot purchase frequently. So, you have to make the right choice on the first go. Options only increase the odds of an impulse buy and could land you in potential sales traps. To help you, here are some common mattress buying mistakes you should avoid to get the best deal. Skimping on research There are four types of mattresses, namely memory foam, latex, coil springs with padding, and hybrid. Each bedding style offers a unique comfort level for different sleeping positions. Some are also designed to provide supportive orthopedic comfort. You must compare available options to check what type of bedding is suitable for your sleeping needs. Buying the cheapest one While price is a major deciding factor, consider spending a little more to get a decent product. For example, single foam mattresses with minimal design elements are the most affordable ones to buy. But these mattresses lack the quality and necessary lumbar support for a good night’s sleep. Not trying out the product Go for brands that offer a free trial period. This way, you get to take the mattress home and try it out for a couple of nights before buying. Don’t buy furnishings that you have not personally checked and tested for long-term use. Buying the wrong size Mattresses come in standard, double, queen, and king-size options that are available with most brands. And the measurements for these variants are available online, so it pays to double-check if the mattress will fit your existing bed frame. This won’t matter if you plan to overhaul your bedroom. But, always check to see what size works best for the family bedroom. Not discussing it with your partner Discuss firmness levels, sleeping positions, and most importantly, the type of materials with your partner.

The key to finding the right kind of foods for people suffering from ulcerative colitis is to look for foods that contain all the essential nutrients but would not aggravate the digestive tract. Given below a list of food items that are good to eat when you have ulcerative colitis or colitis flare-up: Soothe symptoms with salmon Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids in high amount. It is excellent for your colon and heart health. According to a study, essential fatty acids ease inflammation. It means that salmon helps to counterbalance the inflammation caused by a colitis flare. Other food items containing a rich source of omega-3 include flaxseed oil, albacore tuna, ground flaxseed, and walnuts, which should be added to diets for colitis. Add yogurt to your meals Yogurt or any other fermented foods like miso, kefir, sauerkraut, etc. contain probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria present in our guts and fermented foods. These bacteria are important to maintain a healthy immune system and digestion. If you eat foods that are filled with active and live cultures, they would keep optimal levels of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Always buy yogurt that lists active and live culture on their contents’ list. However, you need to watch their sugar content. Go for only unsweetened and plain yogurt. You can add fruits or honey by yourself for some sweetness. Add squash to your diet for colitis Any variety of squash, be it spaghetti, zucchini, butternut or acorn, is a healthy choice. Squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. They are high in fiber as well. While antioxidants aid in repairing damage caused by inflammation, fiber keeps the gut flora healthy. However, if you feel that fiber worsens your symptoms during a flare-up then you may want to avoid eating raw squash.

Buying a mattress in 2017 is as easy as it is difficult. It’s easy because there is so much info available to make the right decision, and it’s difficult because you’re now spoilt for choice! With five kinds of mattresses currently dominating the market, from innumerable brands, these are the best mattresses in 2017. Memory Foam Mattress Memory foam was first developed during the 1970s as a part of a NASA contract to enhance seat cushioning as well as crash protection for passengers and pilots in airplanes. The project was declared successful, the designers and engineers soon started using this material to make several different types of commercial products like mattresses. Memory foam mattresses gained popularity within a short while. Also known as viscoelastic foam, memory foam can conform to the body while dispersing your body weight throughout the bed evenly. This makes the product ideal for achy joints, restless sleepers and eases morning pains. Memory foam is resistant to bacteria, mold, dust mites, bed bugs and other types of allergens. It also responds to temperature. Thus, it softens and conforms to the person who sleeps on it as per their body weight and temperature. Thus, memory foam mattresses tend to be warmer than innerspring mattresses. Mattress manufacturers have brought in other kinds of the memory foam mattresses in the market. These are open cell memory foams, reticulated foam support layers, gel-infused memory foams, etc. All these are meant to improve air circulation while you sleep. Innerspring Mattress This could be the oldest type but is still popular in modern times as far as mattress designs are concerned. Manufacturers make use of different kinds of steel coil support systems like springs connected into one single component or separately wrapped pocketed coils to design these heavy-duty mattresses. The innersprings are then covered with different types of upholstery material or padding resulting in a comfortable sleep experience.

Lupus Skin Rash is a disease which causes inflammation, flare-ups and has several other symptoms. The improper functioning of the immune system damages the skin tissue and results in flare-ups. The symptoms of lupus skin rash start in the early adulthood from the age of thirty and worsen as the age progresses. Studies reveal the occurrence of lupus is high among women as compared to men. Lupus skin rash affects people in different ways. Some of them suffer from mild symptoms while other could have a severe problem. The disease can’t be cured permanently, however, treatment can reduce the intensity of pain. Common symptoms of lupus skin rash The main symptoms which characterize the lupus skin rash are fever, rash, hair fall, fatigue, kidney infections, and inflammation in joints, dried mouth, thyroid troubles and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Nail problems: You may have discolored and brittle nails due to lupus. The nails may crack and fall anytime. At times red spots are formed in the nail bed due to the inflammation of the blood vessels. Joint pain: Pain in the wrists, fingers, limbs, and knees are the initial signs of lupus. You can even suffer from muscular pain, which causes inflammation. Fever: People with lupus suffer from mild to high degree fever along with fatigue. They could feel exhausted throughout the day and find it difficult to walk. Butterfly rash: As the name indicates butterfly-shaped rash appears across the cheeks and Nose Bridge. Red spots, mouth sores, and purple rashes are some of the prime signs of butterfly rash. Hair fall: People may experience the falling of hair. The hair becomes thin on the scalp along with the development of flakes on the scalp. Sensitivity to light: Patients with lupus are highly sensitive to the sun. Spending a day in the sunlight can trigger the rashes.