When a patient is diagnosed with chronic illness such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD), asthma, nontuberculous mycobacterial NTM lung disease, MAC lung infection, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection, or nasal polyps, doctors will often suggest certain lifestyle changes to help manage the condition better. One of the major changes is often dietary in nature. By paying attention to the body and switching to healthier foods, patients are often able to control cravings, boost nutrition, and improve overall health. In addition to maintaining a proper diet, medications like Robitussin, Theraflu, Stiolto, Flonase, and Afrin can help relieve chronic symptoms. The following are specific foods included in the NTM treatment guidelines to avoid if you suffer from breathing issues such as asthma attacks, these include: 1. Eggs People with egg allergies are often advised to avoid any baked goods or dishes containing eggs  if they show even minor egg allergy signs such as swelling, hives, and swelling of the face and throat. Severe cases of egg allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening symptom that can stop breathing and render you unconscious. To be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid eggs. 2. Peanuts and tree nuts The most common allergic foods are peanuts and tree nuts.

Weighted blankets are not your ordinary run-of-the-mill blanket. They are made with special materials (i.e., glass beads, plastic pellets, or sand) to make them heavier than regular blankets. These blankets have been used by mental health professionals to aid in many therapeutic and clinical benefits—including to reduce symptoms of depression, ADHD, autism, and insomnia. There are several benefits of using weighted blankets, including: 1. Reduces stress and PTSD Everyone experiences stress. However, too much stress can put a significant strain on a person’s mind and prevent them from sleeping. In addition to regular daily stress, some people suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Weighted blankets can help to ease some of the symptoms of stress that prevent people from feeling relaxed enough to sleep. 2. Manages autism People with autism spectrum disorder can benefit from using weighted blankets. The deep pressure from the blankets gives a sense of comfort and helps them relax. Children, in particular, can benefit from sleeping with a weighted blanket. The weight of the blanket can help block outside stimuli and help them rest. 3. Lessens anxiety People who suffer from anxiety often have difficulty sleeping. Weighted blankets can help naturally ease the symptoms of anxiety, helping people to relax and fall asleep.

If you have fibromyalgia, you know that it can be a complex condition to live with. There is no one cause of fibromyalgia, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Muscle pain, fatigue, and sleep problems are just a few symptoms that can make everyday activities a challenge. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, treatments available can help lessen the symptoms. This blog post will discuss some of the risk factors for developing fibromyalgia: 1. Repetitive injuries One of the risk factors for developing fibromyalgia is repetitive injuries. If you have a job that requires you to do a lot of manual labor, or if you participate in a sport that puts strain on your muscles and joints, you may be at risk for developing this condition. In some cases, the first symptom of fibromyalgia may be a pain in the area of a previous injury. 2. Stressful or traumatic events  Another risk factor for fibromyalgia is stress or trauma (PTSD). If you have experienced a traumatic event, such as a car accident, you may be at risk of developing this condition. Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or divorce, can also trigger the development of fibromyalgia.

Cancer is a group of related diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in tissue. There are many different types of cancer, each with its unique characteristics, including symptoms and treatment methods. The most common cancers include lung, liver, breast, colon and rectum, prostate, and skin cancer, or melanoma. Cancer is very expensive to treat, which is why institutions like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital runs cancer donation programs to aid families with children with cancer. Below are the top warning signs of cancer: 1. An Abnormal Lump or Mass Any lump or change in size or shape should be investigated. The oncologist will ask about any lumps, bumps, and swellings you have felt. An abnormal lump or mass could signify that cancer has spread to other parts of your body. On the other hand, it may not necessarily mean you have cancer at all. But, if you notice some lump that doesn’t go away and associated symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately. 2. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge Unusual bleeding or discharge, especially in the genital areas, may be a sign of cancer. Other risks include vaginal or cervical discharge that is greenish, yellow, or dark green and has a bad smell.

Medicare is a public health insurance program that covers important healthcare costs for people who meet specific eligibility requirements. If you’re eligible for Medicare, chances are you have many questions about what it covers, what it doesn’t, and how it works. After all, the program is quite different from traditional healthcare insurance and has some rather unique eligibility requirements. However, there are some things that Medicare does not cover at all. In this article, we will explore what isn’t included in Medicare coverage: 1. Routine eye exams Medicare does not cover routine eye exams. This is because a person who is enrolled in Medicare Part A (inpatient hospital coverage) or Part B (outpatient care) has the option of receiving these services from a private provider. To receive these services, however, the enrollee must be able to afford them. These eye exams are primarily used to detect and monitor vision problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma. In some cases, the eye exam can detect early signs of diabetes, leading to blindness if left untreated. Therefore, Medicare beneficiaries need to understand that they will not be able to receive routine eye exams with Medicare insurance coverage. 2. Hearing aids Hearing aids are not covered under Medicare.

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.