Hearing loss is indeed scary, however, sometimes it can come on gradually and become an issue before we realize there’s an existing hearing issue. Loss of hearing can be caused by various factors such as age, an underlying health issue, or exposure to loud noises for a long period. In most cases, this is a condition that doesn’t become noticeable until much later, especially if you live by yourself. For some, their first reaction may be to ignore hearing issues or brush them off as nothing as the ability to hear further diminishes. However, hearing loss can be easily prevented in these ways: 1. Avoid high volumes First of all, if you want to avoid hearing loss, it is best not to listen to music at high volumes. If you have to crank up your music, use noise-cancelling headphones with volume control technology. This way, you do not need to remove the headphones to enjoy your music. Noise-cancelling headphones can also reduce exposure to loud noises at work. Remember to take frequent breaks when listening to loud music or when around loud noises. This will protect your eardrum from constant vibrations. 2. Use ear plugs and hearing protection Another thing that many people overlook is wearing earplugs and other safety equipment when working around loud, constant noise.

Itching skin can be a pain to deal with, literally. Chronic itching can sometimes cause your skin to scar if you tend to scratch. Chronic itching is a lot worse if you suffer from inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), or chronic allergies that lead to hives. Thankfully, if you suffer from allergies or chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, modern science has provided us with a number of over the counter remedies for these issues. The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about potential prescription treatment options. However, there are several natural remedies that can work alongside prescription treatments for itchy skin, offering long-term relief: 1. Tea tree oil Similarly to coconut oil, tea tree oil has benefits for the skin. This essential oil has many helpful anti-inflammatory properties which can give relief from eczema symptoms. It can also penetrate the skin and reach the nerve cells beneath. This can go a long way in soothing the skin and stimulating the growth of new cells. 2. Apple cider vinegar This type of vinegar is useful for minor skin irritations such as bug bites or dry patches. Unlike the other remedies, this vinegar focuses on the pH balance of your skin.

Airway obstruction is the leading cause of many respiratory diseases. The most common breathing issues and conditions affecting Americans today include nasal polyps, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD), NTM lung disease, MAC lung infection, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, asthma, chronic bronchitis, nontuberculous mycobacterial (or NTM), pneumonia, and allergies. In addition to environmental triggers, medications like Robitussin, Theraflu, Stiolto, Flonase, and Afrin can help improve breathing. Also, certain foods could also trigger an asthma attack, allergic reaction, or breathing issues. Patients with existing breathing issues should avoid the following foods: 1. Gluten Wheat and other gluten-containing cereals, breads, and baked goods are common triggers of respiratory problems. Gluten is an elastic protein found in wheat and cereal grains like barley, rye, and oats. It is linked to inflammation of the throat and can produce antibodies that cause inflammation and swelling of the airways, leading to asthma attacks and difficulty breathing. You can substitute gluten with gluten-free starches such as rice, millet, and quinoa. A gluten-free diet should be followed if you suffer from celiac disease with guidance from your healthcare professional. 2. Shellfish Shellfish is a common allergen and could cause respiratory problems in people with existing breathing issues.

A seizure occurs as the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Jerking movements of the body, loss of bladder or bowel control, body stiffening and loss of consciousness are some symptoms of a seizure. A seizure can cause death, but that is rare. Most people die from a secondary cause, such as falling and hitting their heads. One of the things that can be done to prevent a seizure is to recognize the potential underlying causes or triggers: 1. Epilepsy Epilepsy is the number one cause of seizures, and actually known in medical communities as a “seizure disorder”, which is a disorder of the brain that causes a short change in normal brain activity. Repeated seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. Medication can be used to manage this condition. However, if patients skip their medication or do not take it as prescribed by doctors, they are at a greater risk for having a seizure. 2. Brain tumors A brain tumor can lead to a seizure. In fact, one study showed that half of patients who had their first seizure also had a brain tumor. A tumor can be classified as benign or malignant. Both malignant and benign tumors can cause a seizure.

Medicare is a social insurance program sponsored by the federal government that provides medical care to individuals 65 years old and above, those with a certain disability, end-stage renal disease, and permanent kidney problems. In many cases, it covers all of your medical expenses and some of your prescription expenses. If you or your spouse are eligible for Medicare, you’ll want to take note of these services that the government health insurance plan doesn’t cover: 1. Prescription medications Most Medicare beneficiaries must pay the entire cost of their prescription drugs. This is true even if they have registered for an enrollment in Medicare and have private health insurance through a job or their spouse’s employer. However, anyone eligible for Part D has the option to receive coverage for prescription drugs from their private plan at no cost to them. But this does not apply to all medicines; there are specific medications and classes of drugs that Part D cannot cover on a generic basis unless your doctor prescribes them in a brand-name product. 2. Dental exams While Medicare does not cover routine dental exams, it may cover other care you need because of dental problems discovered during an exam. If you do not have dental insurance, you may want to set up a separate savings account to pay for future dental work.

Those with high blood sugar are at risk of heart disease, vision loss, type 1 diabetes, type two diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, and kidney disease. By lowering your blood sugar to your target range you can avoid the risks of high blood sugar and boost your energy plus your mood. Here are the easiest ways for you to lower your blood sugar: 1. Daily exercises Physical activity can lower your blood sugar up to 24 hours or more after your workout. This is because, when you exercise your body uses stored fats and sugars from your liver and muscles, the body replenishes these stores by using the sugar from your blood. The more regularly you exercise and the more strenuous the exercise is the longer your blood sugar will be affected. 2. Eat low carb foods Foods high in carbs raise the blood sugar levels of those who eat them meaning the body needs to produce more insulin to digest the extra carbs. It is recommended that you eat only 20–50g of carbs per day in order to lower your blood sugar levels. Some examples of low-carb foods include eggs, nuts and seeds, avocadoes, and more. 3. Get adequate sleep If you get too little sleep it can increase insulin resistance, make you hungrier the next day, and reduce how full you feel after eating.

Food is essential for our survival but it can also be expensive, especially in recent times. With so many options out there it can be easy to fall into the trap of spending lots of money on ordering food from food delivery services. If you want to save big on food costs you should try these easy ways to save: 1. Have your groceries delivered If you use a grocery delivery service you can actually end up saving money. While you do have to pay for any delivery fees and tip the delivery driver, in certain circumstances this can be cheaper than going to the grocery store yourself. For example, if you don’t have a car it can save you the money of ordering a cab to get your groceries home or the struggle of having to carry them all on a bus. If you believe time is money too, this is a big time saver, freeing you up to do whatever you want while someone else picks up your groceries for you 2. Eat less snacks If you eat a lot of snacks throughout the day, then it could be eating away at your wallet. By eating less snacks and instead filling up during meals you can save money.

As a society, we are constantly on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve our health. But sometimes, the solution is as simple as drinking more water! And with brands like Culligan, Brita, and Nestle making it easier than ever to access clean and refreshing bottled water and filtered water, there’s no reason not to prioritize this basic need. Here are five surprising health benefits of drinking water that you may not have known about: 1. Boosts immune health Your immune system relies on water to function properly, as it helps to transport important nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. When you’re dehydrated, your body can’t fight off infections as effectively, leaving you more susceptible to illness. But when you stay hydrated, you give your immune system the support it needs to keep you healthy and strong. 2. Prevents cramps If you’ve ever experienced painful muscle cramps, you know how debilitating they can be. But did you know that staying hydrated can help prevent them? When you’re dehydrated, your muscles are more prone to cramping and spasms. But drinking enough water helps to keep your muscles hydrated and functioning properly, reducing the risk of painful cramps. 3. Eliminates bad breath No one likes bad breath, but did you know that drinking water can help combat it?

As the name suggests, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung disease that causes obstructed airflow to the lungs. While smoking is a major risk factor, non-smokers can also develop COPD, often due to exposure to pollutants or genetics. If you are a non-smoker, it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of COPD. Here are five early symptoms to look out for: 1. Excessive mucus If you find yourself coughing up mucus on a regular basis, it could be a sign of COPD. This is because COPD causes inflammation in the lungs, which leads to an increase in mucus production. This excess mucus can make it harder to breathe and may even cause wheezing. 2. Wheezing and shortness of breath Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when you breathe. It can be a sign of COPD, especially if it’s accompanied by shortness of breath. You may find that you get out of breath more easily than usual, or that you have to stop and catch your breath after climbing a flight of stairs. 3. Chronic cough A persistent cough is another early warning sign of COPD. This is because COPD irritates the airways, which can lead to a chronic cough.

Interactions between certain foods and medications or treatments can cause unwanted side effects and even harm to your health. It’s essential to be aware of potential interactions to avoid any risks. If you are currently taking any medications, and experience any adverse reactions—such as dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or digestive upset—please consult with an online doctor or online pharmacist to ensure you’re taking the proper dosage.  Here are six foods that can adversely interact with some medications or treatments: 1. Cranberries While cranberries are healthy, they can interfere with blood thinners like Warfarin, leading to a higher risk of bleeding. Consult your healthcare provider before adding cranberries to your diet if you’re taking blood thinners. 2. Dairy products Milk can interfere with some antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness. If you’re taking antibiotics, consult an online doctor or pharmacist about the best time to consume dairy products. Aged cheeses, in particular, may contain high levels of tyramine, which can interact negatively with some medications, including MAOIs. Consult an online doctor or pharmacist before consuming aged cheeses if you’re taking these medications. 3. Leafy green veggies Leafy greens like spinach and kale contain vitamin K, which can interfere with blood thinners like Coumadin.