Sickle cell anemia is a class of genetic conditions known as sickle cell disease. Such conditions change the structure of red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body. Normally, these cells are rounded and flexible, easily passing through blood vessels. However, sickle- or crescent-shaped red blood cells can harden and tether in sickle cell anemia, limiting blood flow and threatening one’s health. Here, we discuss the causes and warning signs of this condition. Causes of sickle cell anemia Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition from one’s biological parents. The gene responsible for producing healthy red blood cells undergoes alteration. This risk factor affects people who receive the defective hemoglobin protein gene from both biological parents. The sickle cell trait is present in people who receive the altered gene from one biological parent. A healthy individual who carries the disease in the form of just one gene is referred to as a “carrier.” If an expecting mother and the father are carriers, there is a higher probability that the infant will have sickle cell anemia. Warning signs of sickle cell anemia Usually, sickle cell anemia symptoms appear around the age of six months. They can differ from person to person and evolve through time.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects one’s large intestine. It can inflame or cause ulcers in one’s rectum and colon, which is the inner lining of the large intestine. The disease has no known cure, but there are certain treatments as well as lifestyle and food habits that can reduce its flare-ups. Below are some signs of ulcerative colitis that should prompt one to consult a doctor immediately. Warning signs of ulcerative colitis development Abdominal discomforts like cramps, nausea, and bloating If abdominal discomfort like excessive gas, nausea, cramping, or bloating occurs frequently and persists for days without any significant lifestyle changes, it may be an early sign of ulcerative colitis. Diarrhea which may contain blood, mucus, pus Diarrhea that contains blood, mucus, or pus is another common sign of ulcerative colitis. Fever and loss of appetite An inexplicable high temperature that lasts more than a day or two can be a sign of a more serious health issue. Additionally, patients with ulcerative colitis might also find it difficult to build up an appetite on a daily basis. Rectal bleeding If one finds spotting or blood in one’s stool while defecating, it’s an alarming sign of ulcerative colitis.

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder affecting nearly 8 million adults in the country. Psoriasis affects adults between the ages of 20 and 30 or older seniors between the ages of 50 and 60. There is no cure for the condition, but it is possible to manage the symptoms with healthy nutrition, lifestyle habits, and topical remedies. But first, one must pay attention to these visible signs and narrow down their type before exploring treatment. Skin patches and rashes Commonly observed among people who develop plaque psoriasis, these raised patches and rashes develop with a thickness that is clearly visible on the skin. Plaques can develop anywhere on the skin but generally tend to be prevalent on the scalp, lower back, knees, and elbows. Plaques also vary in size and continue to spread around the affected area. A clear silver coating over these raised skin patches is also a clear indicator of plaque psoriasis. Small bleeding blisters A persistent itch is hard to resist as the symptoms continue to develop. However, scratching the patches or skin in the affected area will also cause it to blister. These puss-filled bumps that are often salmon pink in color around the area contain a clear fluid filing at the center and are commonly observed in many types of psoriasis.

Medicare is a federal health insurance plan available for people over 65, those with disabilities, and individuals with ESRD. It ensures that people needing high-quality, inexpensive healthcare coverage receive it. However, the various regulations involved in Medicare can make it confusing. If you are eligible to receive its benefits, you should know its coverage and, more importantly, its limitations. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Medicare that might help clear confusion. I spent more than six months in a nursing home after a crucial surgery. Will Medicare cover my medical costs? The Original Medicare, a fee-for-service health plan provided by the federal government and Medicare Advantage, does not cover long-term care expenses. Unfortunately, this also includes long-term stays at nursing homes. Usually, long-term care involves some of the highest healthcare costs, especially for retirees. Basically, Medicare does cover limited stays in rehab facilities. For example, Medicare will cover your costs if you undergo hip surgery and need inpatient therapy for multiple weeks. However, the prices of long-term stays at a nursing home are beyond Med icare. To address this, you can consider buying private long-term care insurance. Or, if you have limited savings and income, you can check if other federal health programs can assist you.

Traditional Medicare covers a lot of medical expenses after you turn 65. Hospital insurance (or Part A) helps people pay for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, surgery, and home care. Medical insurance (or Part B) covers doctor’s visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment and supplies. Despite these provisions, there are some significant gaps in Medicare coverage. Here’s a brief look at what is not covered by traditional Medicare: Dental care Routine dental services such as fillings, cleanings, and X-rays are not covered by Medicare. It only covers some dental services that people may get as a part of their hospital stay. The Medicare Advantage plan covers some extra services, but those looking for holistic dental insurance may need a separate coverage policy. Eye exams Eye exams for glasses or contact lenses are not covered under Medicare. The glasses and lenses themselves are not covered either. Medicare Part B partially covers one pair of glasses or contacts for people undergoing cataract surgery. Hearing aids The cost of hearing aids and the exam required for getting hearing aids are also not covered by Medicare. However, diagnostic hearing exams may be covered if prescribed by a doctor. Opting for the Medicare Advantage plan may be better for people seeking additional hearing benefits.

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that is triggered by external forces. It causes the immune system to attack the nerves of the body, making it difficult for the messages to be carried from the brain to different body parts. This leads to the inability to continue with day-to-day activities. There is no cure for this disease yet, but avoiding certain foods and changing lifestyle habits may help manage the illness and its symptoms. Foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis Food is an essential source of energy and nutrition. It provides the body with vitamins and minerals that help fight against diseases and bacteria. Even though there are no proper guidelines that multiple sclerosis patients can follow, avoiding certain foods can help them manage their symptoms better. Let’s look at some of them: Foods with saturated fats Some of the significant sources of saturated fats are animal products and other by-products such as dairy and red meat, which have also been linked to various heart diseases and inflammation. A recent study also pointed out that foods containing high amounts of saturated fats are connected to the relapsing Multiple sclerosis symptoms. Hence it is advised to steer clear of them. Processed foods Processed foods usually contain additives to increase their shelf life.

Bronchitis is when the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs get infected or swollen. It can lead to coughing, throat ache, increased mucus production, and general cold-like symptoms like body aches or chills. Bronchitis is mostly caused by viruses that do not respond to treatment, so patients often have to wait to feel better. However, symptoms can be managed by eating right. So, here are six foods to avoid when affected by bronchitis: Foods rich in sodium Sodium causes water retention, leading to shortness of breath in people with lung diseases such as bronchitis. This includes the food’s natural sodium content, as well as any added salt (by itself or in condiments and dressings). To limit sodium intake, one should cut back on salty foods and seasonings. One should also check the labels before buying a food item to confirm that the product doesn’t contain more than 300 milligrams of salt per serving. One can choose herbs and spices instead of sauces to reduce salt and keep food flavorful. Dairy products When dairy products are broken down for digestion, an exorphin called casomorphin is released, which has been linked to the production of thicker mucus. This can cause irritation in people with bronchitis.

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder where individuals start to perceive reality in different ways. Studies indicate that mental illness affects about 1.1 percent of the adult population in the country. Treatment methods, therapies, and coping mechanisms can help an individual cope with the condition. However, diagnosing the disorder may take time as the symptoms do not surface until later in life. So here are seven subtle symptoms that may indicate the development of schizophrenia. Social withdrawal One of the signs that are easy to miss is social withdrawal. Here the individual may exclude themselves from opportunities for social interactions. The person may not avoid talking to others because they believe no one understands them. The sign may eventually lead to social isolation, where the individual may also avoid talking to friends and family members. Social withdrawal, when left unchecked, may also lead to depression – a symptom of schizophrenia. Outbursts of negative emotions Signs like hostility, extreme reactions to criticisms or jokes, suspiciousness, and impulsivity are signs seen in the general population. But there’s a chance that people with anger issues or those who always doubt others might be experiencing early signs of schizophrenia. Unlike others, an individual in the early stages of schizophrenia may exhibit sudden negative emotions for no apparent reason.

Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by excessive potassium levels in the blood, typically caused by kidney disease or over-consumption of potassium-rich foods. Although potassium is an essential nutrient, excessive potassium can lead to several negative consequences, including chest pain, weakened muscles, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Alongside proper therapy, a healthy lifestyle and carefully curated meals can help alleviate hyperkalemia effects. Look at some foods that are a no-no for individuals with hyperkalemia. Potassium-rich fruits Several fruits contain high potassium levels, with bananas containing the highest potassium content. An average banana has about 450 mg of potassium; thus, consuming one banana every day can contribute to hyperkalemia symptoms in individuals suffering from the condition. Other high-potassium fruits include avocados, papayas, apricots, oranges, cantaloupes, and mangoes. It helps to replace high-potassium fruits with those low in potassium, such as apples, raspberries, blueberries, red grapes, and pineapples. Potatoes Potatoes are rich sources of potassium, mainly when consumed with the skin. A medium baked potato contains 941 mg of potassium, which can be generally nutritious but unhealthy for individuals diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Sweet potatoes also contain almost equal potassium concentrations, with one sweet potato consisting of 700 mg of the nutrient.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can lead to inflammation of the digestive tract along with other complications. Foods to add and avoid differ for each person, based on what triggers their symptoms. As symptoms can lead to repercussions like malnutrition, it is necessary to prevent extreme nutrient deprivation by making better choices. So here are some common foods that can trigger Crohn’s disease symptoms: Dairy and dairy products Those who are lactose intolerant must avoid dairy and dairy products. Lactose intolerance involves the improper or incomplete absorption of lactose—a kind of sugar found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. It can lead to bloating, diarrhea, and gas, worsening the symptoms of IBDs. These products, however, contain important nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, and protein, so it is important to substitute them adequately. These nutrients can be found in green leafy vegetables, fortified juices, or supplements. Spicy foods Spicy foods can aggravate symptoms like pain, especially during Crohn’s flare-ups. So, one should limit spices like allspice, black pepper, cayenne powder, chili powder, jalapenos, garlic, paprika, and wasabi, as they can act as irritants in the digestive tract. Instead, one can add flavor to their food using turmeric, ginger, cumin, lemon peels, fresh herbs, mustard, and chives (or green onions).