You can get the best deals on Medicare health insurance policies during specific periods in the year. Similarly, there are some norms associated with the purchase of this insurance. As per the rules and regulations levied by Medicare, you’re not allowed to buy health insurance plans at the same rates around the year. This brings up the question, when is the best time to buy Medicare supplement plans? Read along to find out more about this. Buy on first eligibility The best time to get yourself a Medicare supplement plan is when you become eligible to make the purchase for the first time. The initial 6-month window is listed as the most favorable time to buy Medigap supplement plans from the official Medicare website. This window will open when you turn 65 years old and are already enrolled in the Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). During this period, you can buy Medicare supplement plans that are sold in your state. You can make the purchase even if you have a pre-existing health condition. On the expiry of this 6-month period, you might not be allowed to purchase a Medicare supplement plan. Even if you are eligible for coverage, it might cost you a lot more than the original price of the policy.

In an era of rising pollution levels and novel respiratory disorders, keeping the lungs healthy can be a challenge for many. While exercising and frequent physical screenings can help, what a person eats is equally critical for their respiratory health. Certain foods, such as apples, tomatoes, and blueberries, are great for the lungs. On the flip side, some foods can seriously degrade lung health in the long term. So let’s look at such foods. Ice cream Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can worsen asthma and its symptoms in patients. Milk is a rich source of calcium and vitamins. However, milk products also have casomorphin, a chemical that has been known to increase the mucus quantity in the intestines. Ice cream is arguably the worst of them all, as overeating can inflame the respiratory tract tissues and produce excessive mucus in the lungs. Ice creams contain refined sugar, which makes them one of the worst foods for the lungs. Chocolate Speaking of sugar, chocolate also contains high amounts of artificial sweeteners, sugar, and a surprisingly low number of nutrient elements. Additionally, it has caffeine, which rapidly increases the heart rate of a person. Like milk and other dairy products, sugar is also an inflammatory agent.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis can make it challenging for people to get the proper nutrition their body needs. However, the body may not digest or absorb the nutrients well, leading to malnutrition and other deficiencies. To avoid these troubles, it is essential to know the foods that can trigger inflammation and lead to flare-ups in people with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and their treatment options. Foods to avoid for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Some foods can trigger IBD symptoms and worsen inflammation. However, there’s no single chart that applies to every person with IBD. The condition can change over time. To understand current triggers, try to maintain a food diary to help patients track their state over time. Common culprits that may trigger flares of Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis include: Caffeine Caffeinated drinks like coffee can worsen Crohn’s and UC symptoms, like diarrhea and stomach pain, by speeding up gut motility. Carbonated drinks Carbonation is gassy and can cause bloating, which can be an unpleasant symptom of IBD. Crunchy nut butter Nuts are sharp and complex to digest, irritating the lining of the intestines; therefore, opt for smooth nut butter instead.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term used to refer to chronic inflammation of tissues in the digestive tract. IBD is generally categorized into two types – ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. These disorders are characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The effects of the disease differ from individual to individual. While symptoms of IBD may be mild for some, they may lead to life-threatening complications for others. However, there’s no single chart that applies to every person with IBD, as the condition can change over time. To understand current triggers, try to maintain a food diary, which may help patients track the condition over time. Common culprits that may trigger IBD flares include: Peas Peas, beans, and lentils contain indigestible sugars that may cause gas, so avoiding these during a flare may help. Carbonated drinks Carbonation is gassy and can cause bloating, which can be an unpleasant symptom of IBD. Dried fruits Dried fruits, berries, and fruits with pulp and seeds are often high in fiber and can worsen symptoms during a flare. Crunchy nut butter Nuts are sharp and difficult to digest, irritating the lining of the intestines, opt for smooth nut butter instead.

The thyroid gland regulates hormones controlling key aspects of cardiovascular and blood circulation, and any imbalance in this hormone production can lead to serious health complications. Thyroid cancer is the development of abnormal cells in the gland. The condition can be triggered by an abnormal mutation in the gland’s healthy cells. Most symptoms linked to this cancer develop gradually, causing varying levels of discomfort. Here are a few key warning signs of developing thyroid cancer: Visible lumps The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck. The gland’s main function is to produce the necessary hormones that regulate vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and even body temperature. One of the visible signs of thyroid cancer is a small lump that starts forming around the gland, and it can be easily felt or observed through the skin. Even if the lumps have not formed yet, visible enlargement of the thyroid gland can indicate a developing problem. Persistent neck discomfort Commonly, people experience discomfort around the lower base of the neck when the first symptoms of swelling and enlargement develop as cancer progresses. This is similar to the feeling of wearing a collared shirt that is tight around the base of the neck.

In the country, around 1% of all new cancer diagnoses yearly are that of the thyroid. This butterfly-shaped gland near the base of one’s neck regulates hormones, blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and body temperature. Any abnormal cell growth in this gland leads to cancer. While such a condition can strike at any age, those more vulnerable are between 25 and 65. Herein, we discuss the subtle warning signs of thyroid cancer and its causes. Silent warning signs of thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer does not exhibit any symptoms or indicators in its early stages. More often than not, it is found during a routine neck exam or during a scan used to identify other conditions. But if left untreated, it may form a lump that develops as a tumor. Below are some of the silent warning signs of thyroid cancer that should prompt one to seek medical help: Neck pain that begins at the front and seems to extend to the ears An unusual lump or nodule that one can feel through the skin of one’s neck A sudden change in one’s voice, including hoarseness Trouble breathing normally; one may feel like one’s breathing through a straw Inability to swallow with ease due to a nodule growing on the thyroid gland A feeling that tight-fitting shirt collars are becoming increasingly restrictive A persistent cough not caused due to cold Inexplicable throat pain Swollen lymph nodes Causes of thyroid cancer According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of thyroid cancer in women is three times higher than in men.

Cancer is a term used to describe diseases where there is a rapid multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. Thyroid cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the thyroid gland. The exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown. But, there are various treatments that can help prevent the spread of this disease to other organs and manage the condition’s symptoms. Here are three foods that are safe to eat when undergoing thyroid cancer treatment. Fruits Fruits are an essential part of our meals. They are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and a whole lot more. They provide us with fibers and natural sugars and make for a perfect snack. Many do not know that these foods are also recommended for those undergoing thyroid cancer treatment. This is because essential nutrients such as vitamin C and lycopene support the treatments. They enhance the biochemical pathways through which chemotherapy works. Not to mention, many of them are also filled with pectins that help detoxify the body from harmful chemicals such as mercury that are linked to thyroid troubles. Those who have thyroid problems can try adding food such as apples, pears, oranges, and more to their daily meals. Nuts and legumes Beans, nuts, seeds, and even legumes are also recommended for those who are undergoing thyroid cancer treatment.

Eosinophilic esophagitis, widely known as EoE, is a chronic condition that affects the esophagus—the pipe that connects the mouth and stomach. It occurs when a large number of white blood cells named eosinophils accumulate in the lining of the esophagus, causing it to swell. Those with eosinophilic esophagitis may experience symptoms like heartburn, trouble swallowing, and chest pain, to name a few. The condition can sometimes lead to a health emergency. Top foods to have for eosinophilic esophagitis After visiting a doctor, the patient might be advised about the foods to eliminate, including all possible food allergens, and the foods that help manage the disorder better. Below are some examples of foods that one can add to their meals when dealing with the condition: Oats Instead of opting for a potential food allergen like wheat, patients can add oats to their daily food plan. Pure oats are gluten-free and provide the body with protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. However, when buying oats, one should carefully read through the labels and look for terms like “gluten-free” to avoid health risks. Amaranth Various studies have shown that the amaranth grain has immense nutritional benefits. It slows the body’s immunoglobulin E production, thus reducing inflammation and pain.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a health condition involving the accumulation of the white blood cell eosinophil in the esophagus. It is characterized by swallowing difficulties, chest pain, regurgitation, etc. Although this condition’s exact causes are unknown, an allergic reaction to specific foods or environmental agents can add to the risk. Doctors typically recommend eliminating and reintroducing specific foods to gauge which food group is the trigger. These food groups are likely to trigger EoE: Dairy and its products Milk protein often causes the body to produce excessive quantities of eosinophils, leading to EoE. Those with this condition may have allergic reactions to dairy in general or specific dairy products or forms. Eliminating dairy from your food routine and reintroducing it in stages can help you identify whether you are allergic to dairy. Wheat Gluten intolerance can be a contributing factor to the development of EoE. Studies have demonstrated that eliminating gluten for some days can help identify whether gluten intolerance is responsible for the development of EoE in one’s body. One must also consider that wheat is not only present in other baked items but also a latent part of oats, barley, and some ice creams. Look for gluten-free options while purchasing groceries and other eatables.

Cancer formation in the breast cells is known as breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the country after skin cancer. Although breast cancer shows no signs or symptoms in its nascent stage, early detection can save a person’s life. Knowing how a person’s breasts normally look and feel is important to breast health and cancer detection. Visit a doctor if any of the following symptoms arise. Early warning signs of breast cancer Stage 0 cancer is also known as non-invasive breast cancer. At this early stage, the tumor is very small and only detectable by a mammogram. However, people may not experience any symptoms at this stage. However, as the disease develops, the following symptoms may arise: Skin changes, such as redness, swelling, or other visible differences in one or both breasts. An increase in size or change in the shape of the breasts. Change in the appearance of one or both nipples. Nipple discharge (other than breast milk). General pain in any area of the breast. Lumps or nodes are felt on the insides of the breast. However, these symptoms may be caused by other benign causes such as eczema, an infection, or an unrelated illness.