A study conducted by Public Health Foundation suggested that the high cost of medical care forced nearly 55 million Indians into poverty every year. However, expensive health care is not the only issue; the growing number of people suffering from lifestyle diseases is worrying too. More penetration of health insurance plans at an affordable rate can help mitigate the situation.

In India, health insurance companies determine the premium amount based on several factors, including age, medical history, lifestyle habits, and location. But there are specific steps that you can take to get full health coverage at an affordable premium.

Consider buying a family health insurance plan

A family floater, health insurance policy, allows you to cover all your family members under a single plan. It is an affordable way to provide cover to all, rather than buying an individual policy for each family member. This type of scheme is beneficial for families that have young members, as the chances of hospitalisation are low. Under a floater plan, you can provide coverage for your spouse, dependent children and parents.

Opt for a higher deductible

One of the best ways to lower your health insurance premium and yet be assured of getting full protection from your health insurance is to opt for a higher voluntary deductible. A deductible is an amount that you must pay from your pocket when you file for a claim. The higher the deductible, the lower will be your inusnrace premium.

Use No Claim Bonus (NCB)/commulative bonus

The insurance companies reward the policyholders with NCB/commulative bonus who do not file any claim during a policy year. It is an incentive given to the policyholders for discouraging excessive claim filings. When you do not file a claim, you can get an commulative bonus in terms of increased sum assured without an increase in the insurance premium. While buying a health insurance policy, you must ask the insurer if they offer NCB and the quantum of benefit.

Buy a long-term cover

Generally, the premium for health insurance plans is paid annually. However, some of the insurers give the policyholders the option to opt for a multi-year payment term. You can decrease the premium payment if you pay the premium for two or more years at once. Another significant benefit of opting for a long-term cover is that you need not monitor the payment schedule every year and be sure of getting protection against all your medical needs.

Buy Online

With the growing penetration of internet in India, most organisations across different sectors are taking the digital route to reach out to their potential audience. The insurance industry has been one of the early adopters of the digitalisation, and today most insurance companies allow the policyholder to buy their plans online.

The online insurance plans have lower administrative cost, and since you can buy the policies directly from the company, you do not need to pay insurance broker commission. This translates to a lower premium.

A lot of people prefer buying family health insurance plan with the lowest premium; however, the premium should not be the only factor to dictate your purchase decision. You must focus on getting adequate coverage to meet the medical needs of your family and choose a plan with an affordable premium. Also, before you sign the policy papers, make sure to read the terms carefully to know about the inclusions and exclusions to avoid any hassles while filing a claim.

 

The modern world is full of different types of food. The fast-food industry has come a full circle in all their food variety. The food manufacturing businesses assure you that you will never go hungry. Unfortunately, some of them produce too much unhealthy food that causes obesity and other health problems for kids and adults alike. Healthy food options are a guaranteed way to feel lighter but satisfied.

 

If you are trying to lose some weight without feeling hungry all the time, you may need to have a complete change of daily diet. Here are some recommended food choices for you and your family’s good health.

 

1. Lean meats and poultry

Contrary to popular belief, meat products are not the enemy. High protein food is good for weight loss without compromising good health. Lean beef has low calorie and low-fat content. It is also an excellent source of protein, vitamin B complex, and selenium. Other examples of lean meats are skinless chicken breasts, turkey, fat-removed pork chops, lean beef tenderloin, and sirloin.

 

2. Eggs

Since eating cooked poultry is good for the body, it is only natural that the egg offspring is a healthy food addition to a diet as well. Eggs are a source of protein. They are also rich in selenium, vitamin B complex, vitamin D, zinc, and iron. It is a perfect part of weight management because of its high protein content.

 

3. Vegetables

Parents always tell their children to eat their veggies, and for a good reason. Vegetables – green leafy ones or otherwise – usually have high vitamin, mineral, and fibre with low-calorie content, which is perfect for weight loss. Some of them even have additional benefits. For instance, spinach may be more synonymous as Popeye’s go-to energy source. But it is also one of the healthiest providers of antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin K. Carrots, broccoli, garlic, kale, asparagus, and celery are not far behind.

 

4. Legumes and beans

Seeds inside a pod are the best way to describe what this food type is. Peas, lentils, and beans are the most common examples. Black-eyed peas (not the band), kidney, lima, and mung beans are also part of this family. They are rich in vitamin B complex, folate, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, starch, fibre, and plant protein. Legumes and beans are the best alternatives to meat and dairy products. They are high in fibre and protein, which helps reduce food intake because you will feel full after consuming them.

 

5. Whole grains

It is easier to sustain a healthy weight when you are full after a meal. Whole grains such as barley, quinoa, oatmeal, and brown rice can help you do that. They have high fibre and vitamin content. They also contain a healthy amount of protein, folate, iron, zinc, magnesium, and other plant compounds.

 

6. Fruits

Eating fruits is a great way to satisfy your craving for a sugary snack. They are also high in fibre but low in calories, which makes it a healthier option when trying to lose weight. Apples, raspberries, strawberries, pears, blackberries, grapefruit, and apricot are just some of the fruits that help curb the appetite for proper weight management.

 

Eating just one of these food groups will not ensure a safe weight loss. A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle change can adequately lead you to your weight goal in the most reliable way possible.

 

Once you have had your hand surgery, your surgeon will give you specific instructions on the care of your hand following surgery. This will include medications, hand exercises, and instructions about any follow-up appointments.

Choosing a Hand Surgeon

Make sure that you will get excellent care by choosing the best hand surgeon who is backed with education and experience, as well as known for their compassion, excellent bedside manner, and reliability. Dr. Gregory Kolovich is an example of a revered hand surgeon. Dr. Kolovich completed Doctor of Medicine, cum laude, from the Ohio State University. For his fellowship at Harvard University, Dr. Kolovich focused on Hand and Microsurgery. He is also the developer of the innovative Micro C handheld fluoroscopy device. He serves as President of the Georgia Society for Surgery of the Hand. Dr. Kolovich is a reputable hand surgeon who is based in Savannah, GA.

So what are the things to keep in mind when recovering from a hand surgery? Here are a few tips:

1. Keep Your Hand Elevated

Raising your hand above your heart minimizes swelling and pain after your surgery. Remember that fact for the first two to five days after the surgery. Remind yourself to do this as it’s a top priority. Arrange your house beforehand so it’s easy for you to sit or stand. You should have places to elevate your hand when needed. You should have extra pillows on your bed to keep your arm up. Any chairs with armrests in rooms is a good idea and always keep a pillow there whenever you need to keep your arm elevated to help speed your healing.

2. Use Plastic Bags or Waterproof Surgical Bandage

Your top priority after surgery is to keep your dressings and bandages dry. Your bandages are there to protect your incisions. They prevent infection. It is important to never get them wet. When you take a shower, put a plastic bag over your hand to protect your dressing. You can even get a shower sleeve. Those can help you out a lot. It really depends on how much you want to invest in keeping your wound from getting wet. There are also waterproof surgical bandages to keep incisions dry.

3. Do Your Exercises

Therapy is a vital part of your recovery. It should not be overlooked and should be one of your top priorities after surgery. You can regain your hand strength through physical therapy. Getting back to normal function without therapy can cause injury to the hand. It is important to continue your physical therapy regimen. Set reminders and alarms on your phone for an easy way to keep track of your physical therapy schedule.

4. Your Body Knows Best

You can expect to be uncomfortable. Your doctor will prescribe you pain medication to make you as comfortable as possible. It is important to remember that everyone experiences pain in their own way. If you are experiencing severe pain that is not helped by the medication or elevation and/or therapy, let your doctor know right away.

5. Make sure to prep ahead of time for your hand surgery

Hand surgery recovery can be frustrating and takes time. Each day, you will get better by making sure you have a plan to help with your recovery. Following your surgeon’s care regimen and keeping on track with your physical therapy to restore your hand’s function back to normal are just a few ways to prepare yourself for the surgery itself and recovery.

These tips will surely help with your speedy recovery!

Looking for a hand surgeon in Georgia? Visit OptimHealth

There are lots of honest and caring dentists who want what’s best for you and your teeth. However, there are also plenty of questionable dentists who see dollar signs every time you open your mouth to say, “Ahh!” How do you know if you’re working with a dentist who falls into this latter category?

5 Warning Signs of a Bad Dentist

The dental industry is like any other field – there are good, honest professionals and greedy, misleading individuals who will try to take advantage of you. Here are some signs that you’re in the office that isn’t putting your best interests first:

1. Frequent Specials and Deals

“Legitimate dentists often caution against practices that advertise specials and deals, such as a free cleaning or a laser dentistry and whitening package,” health blogger Chloe Della Costa writes. “These specials are often a ploy to get you in the door so the dentist can upsell you on expensive treatments, even if they are unnecessary.”

Be wary of any dental practice that has lots of billboards and TV advertisements. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re dishonest, but it indicates that they’re hyper-focused on sales and revenue. Good dentists rely on quality work and word of mouth marketing to keep their practices thriving.

You can also do online research to find out if a dentist lives up to their advertising hype. If, for example, you’re searching for a dentist in Wilmington, NC, a website like Healthgrades lets you see ratings and reviews from actual patients. Scroll through these and see what people are saying.

1. Lots of Expensive Treatments

Some dental procedures can be expensive. However, if you have no history of dental problems and your new dentist is suddenly suggesting a bunch of costly treatments, it’s probably worth getting a second opinion.

When it comes to dental fraud, medically unnecessary procedures are a common claim. Whether it’s a crown, sealant, root canal, veneer, or fluoride treatment, make sure you ask questions and seek out second opinions (when there doesn’t appear to be much evidence).

1. Fillings Without Justification

Would you believe that the diagnosis of nonexistent cavities is one of the most commonly reported scams in the industry? If you don’t have any pain or can’t see any evidence that a cavity exists, don’t let the dentist do the work.

On a related note, a good dentist will walk you through some of the pros and cons of different filling methods and the risks that exist with certain types. If he just dives in with a drill and starts grinding away, he’s probably not the most trustworthy doctor.

1. Excessive X-Rays

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a health patient should get a full set of X-rays every two years – at the most. If your dentist is trying to get more frequent x-rays from you, you should question their motives.

Repeating x-rays too frequently adds unnecessary radiation exposure without any real medical benefit. It’s best to wait at least two years, unless there’s a viable reason for doing it sooner.

1. Lots of Procedures Not Covered by Insurance

If you’re having a procedure done, your dentist office has already called your insurance company to find out what’s covered under your plan. In other words, they know exactly what they can bill for during the visit. This leaves you more vulnerable to receiving a treatment that may not be necessary, but is most likely to be reimbursed by the insurance provider.

“Gray line between whether the tooth needs a filling or a root canal? A root canal and subsequent crown is more lucrative and easy to pass by an insurance company if the dentist claims the patient was in pain…Even if a filling would have done the job,” Dr. Mark Burhenne explains.

In other words, a dishonest dentist will develop a treatment plan based on what’s most profitable – not what’s best.

If your dentist is recommending/pressuring you into choosing lots of expensive and intensive procedures, you have every right to ask questions and get second and third opinions.

Find the Right Dentist for Your Needs

With so many dentists to choose from, you have to be careful and decisive. If you find yourself in the office of a dentist who feels shady, gimmicky, or misleading, you have every right to go elsewhere. The beginning of a new year is a great time to start the search for a more trustworthy dentist who makes you feel comfortable.

 

 

Compare your body to a vehicle engine which needs fuel for running. Thus, for the body to function well a schedule based on scientific knowledge must be maintained. The precise foods intake, solid and fluid in the precise amounts and at the specified time is the secret of success. Added to this the nutrition and exercise regime required to stay healthy. The two affect one another. Correct nutrition provides the fuel for exercise and aid the body to recover and adjust. The aim of gym exercise is to burn extra calories and still experience energetic.

Based on research it can safely be said that the body burns identical quantity of fat whether the gym goer eat or do not eat before exercise. It is advised not to do soon empty stomach everyday as that will lead to muscle loss. Body is in survival mode when hunger strikes, and it draws protein from muscles. There is muscle loss in the body. The metabolism of the body slows down and weight shedding is adversely affected. Added to all this is you do not get power for intense training regime.

When you are exercising the body looks for glycogen in muscles to get energy. The muscle tissues get broken down. So, you should be careful what you eat after the gym session. An hour after the gym treat yourself to protein-carbohydrates rich diet. It will replenish energy stores, muscles are repaired and built, and metabolic activity is strong. Research confirms that muscle refill stores decline if the food gap is for two hours.

The pre-work out food should include complex and simple carbohydrate as well as protein. It will be easier for body to release energy slow and steady during exercise regime. You can choose from given foods. The list consists of brown rice, black beans, sweet potato, broccoli, banana, almond butter, apple, multi-grain biscuits, bread, walnuts, yoghurt etc. Intake of water should be enough. Juices like orange, etc can be consumed to keep hydrated. Saturated fats and plenty of healthy protein should be avoided. These foods are slowly digested and take away oxygen and energy-giving blood from the muscles.

The after-work out foods are based on protein and little carbohydrate. This will make you recover, get the best exercise advantage, and lean muscles are maintained. Some suggested high protein diet rests on protein powder, almond milk, hemp seeds etc. Other options are roasted chickpeas with salad, steamed vegetables, quinoa combined with blackberries and pecan. Whole-wheat bread along peanut butter, grilled chicken with steamed vegetables, egg with steamed vegetables, chocolate milk etc.

Most of the gyms go in for rubber flooring. It is also popular among other rooms like kitchen, playroom, bathroom etc. It is so, because of its versatile properties like anti-skid, durability, easy to maintain and within budget. The flooring adds padding and spring underfoot. These floorings have long term values. It can withstand heavy traffic through it.

Rubber flooring are manufactured through natural tree rubber or synthetic material. Vehicle tyres are recycled to produce fresh floorings. Rubber floorings come as rolls, interlocking tiles, square tile sheets, suiting the floor space with minimum of wastage.

Also Read: Gym Motivational Quotes

 

Breast augmentation nj is one of the most popular methods of breast enhancements. However, there are many misconceptions with regard to it. Sometimes, these misconceptions tend to taint our impression of the procedure and make us decide against it. So here we are busting some of the popular myths about the procedure.

Myth: Breast implants cause autoimmune diseases

With the overload of information available, it can be quite tricky to understand the available data and carry out sound research, as there is a lot of information available about the extensive testing which has been done to find a possible link between breast implants and silicone sickness or autoimmune diseases. These large scale studies have not yet been able to find any connection between modern, FDA approved breast implants and autoimmune diseases.

However, BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) is a very rare lymphoma which has been connected to textured breast implants. It has been presented as a late-onset fluid seroma surrounding the implants. The treatment in these rare situations is to remove the implants and the capsule. When you meet your surgeon, they will discuss the various implant types and the associated concerns so that you make an informed decision.

Myth: You can’t breastfeed after undergoing breast augmentation

As a lot of people who undergo this procedure are young, they go on to get pregnant and eventually breastfeed. In such situations, the surgeons choose to have an incision located in such a manner that they avoid interfering directly with the areola. The implants don’t interfere with the breast milk as they are located under the breast tissues. So when the breasts enlarge and fill with milk, there is no barrier between the glandular tissues and milk ducts. As the breasts expand unpredictably during pregnancy, so it is likely to see some unwanted changes. However, after pregnancy sometimes the breasts return to their original shape and in some cases, you might have to undergo a breast lift.

Myth: The implants need to be replaced once every ten years

It is no brainer that no medical device lasts forever. The previous generation of breast implants came with an expiration period of ten years. The breast implants which are currently in the market and are used for breast augmentation usually last decades. However, it is highly recommended that you undergo a regular breast examination and imaging, as advised by your doctor.

Myth: The implants can be as big as you want them to be, there is no limit

There is a diverse range of available implant sizes. However, there is a limit. During your consultation, you will be discussing the size and look that you want, along with the measurements. Your anatomy, existing tissues and skin characteristics play a crucial role in determining what size will safely fit you and give you the look that you want. Hence, most people have a proportionate and balanced look, even if they are large chested.

American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a fine educational organization and it is where I have spent the last year of my life studying a Masters course in Integrative and Healthcare Leadership. I have always had an interest in oriental medicine and acupuncture and given that this is the best college to study that in the US, I chose the Houston campus to complete my course. The college offers a wide range of courses from Masters, Doctorates and short courses and I have met some incredible people during my time there. If you have an interest in studying either oriental medicine or acupuncture then here are the benefit which you can count on when you do.

Great For Your Health

Regardless of whether you are looking to study this for a career or to open up your own clinic, the fact of the matter is that your own health will improve when you study this subject. As you learn the fascinating principles and theories around how this form of medicine takes its approach to the body and medical complaints, you will start to look at yourself more in the mirror and realize where you can improve your own health.

Hands On

When you are working with patients for acupuncture it is real hands on work and there won’t be much time sitting behind a desk or in front of a computer screen. Many acupuncturists who I have met said that their favorite part of the job was that they are quite literally making a difference with their own hands, something which not many jobs can offer.

Lifelong Learning

Whist you can take short courses in either oriental medicine and acupuncture, they are designed to be taster courses which inspire you to start the life long discovery of these ancient traditions. There is just so much to digest when you begin to learn about this and there are oceans of volumes of ancient texts which chart the history and the theories of this medicinal approach. You have to remember that these traditional techniques and principles have been around for thousands of years, and once you start learning it really never stops.

Growing Opportunities

For many years it looked as though modern medicine would take over completely from traditional techniques and that the likes of oriental medicine would be cast aside. In recent years however there is a growing demand from patients who have rediscovered what traditional medicine is all about and would prefer to be treated in that way rather than through the techniques of modern medicine. This in turn has presented a great number of opportunities to those who have the knowledge and the skill to practice traditional medicine, which means that this learning is not a hobby but a very real career opportunity.

If you are curious then I would say to take short taster course and see how you feel about things afterwards.

 

A hernia occurs when an organ dislocates from its place through a cavity between the muscles or tissues that hold the organ. This situation often occurs in the abdominal region between the chests and hips where the intestines emerge through weak abdominal walls. Also, the groin area and upper thighs are the other parts where hernias appear. Having a hernia isn’t a life-threatening situation; however, it is important to remember that surgery is required to correct this disorder. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of Hernia

Most often, the hernia does not show any symptoms. However, certain types of hernia can show symptoms of a swelling or a bulge in the affected area. This lump can cause discomfort or pain while under pressure from coughing, standing or bending down. Sometimes hernias are not diagnosed until it shows up during a regular medical exam or check-up.

How is Hernia Diagnosed

A hernia often does not need any medical tests to diagnose the problems. It can be recognised by the appearance of a lump or a bulge in the affected area. However, if you do not notice any swelling and suffer from severe pain, your doctor would go for a physical examination. During the physical examination, your doctor will apply pressure on the affected areas with his hands to feel the presence of any lumps. The other ways of diagnosing hernia are –

● CT Scan – CT scan produces X-ray images of the affected area with the help of computer technology.

● Abdominal Ultrasound – Helps in finding abnormal structures inside the body with the help of high-frequency soundwaves.

● MRI Scan – Creates images of internal organs with a combination of strong magnets and radio waves.

Diagnosis of hiatal hernia is done by assessing the internal parts of the stomach area. This is done by –

Gastrografin or barium X-ray – In this procedure, multiple X-ray images of the digestive tract is captured after consuming a liquid containing diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium (Gastrografin) or a liquid barium solution. This helps in capturing clear pictures of the digestive tract.

Endoscopic – This procedure helps in capturing images of the hernia present in the stomach area by passing a small camera attached to a tube through the oesophagus to reach the stomach.

Treatment Options available: Types of Hernia Surgery

There are many types of hernia and are classified based on the area of occurrence. Some of the common types of hernia are –

Hiatal Hernia – This type of hernia appears in the stomach region where a small part of the stomach bulges out through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Sometimes it can occur in children if they have a congenital disability.

Inguinal Hernia – This is the most common type of hernia. An inguinal hernia occurs in the abdominal region where the intestine breaks through the weak areas of the abdominal wall. Men are mostly affected by this kind of hernia.

Ventral Hernia – This one occurs when a weak tissue in the abdominal area bulges out through the openings in the muscles. Ventral hernia happens during childbirth. Some of the other factors are obesity, pregnancy and stressful activity.

Umbilical Hernia – Newborns have a condition of umbilical hernia, which is very common. A bulge near the child’s belly button can be noticed as the intestine bulges through the abdominal wall. This condition is corrected on its own once the abdominal wall muscle gets rigid. An umbilical hernia can also occur in adults due to pregnancy and obesity.

Treatments for Hernia

Surgery is the only effective way of treating or curing a hernia. Surgery can be finalized depending upon the size of the hernia present, and the discomfort caused. In other ways, a hernia can be managed effectively by –

● Wearing a truss to ease discomfort caused by hernia. A truss helps in keeping the hernia in place. You need to consult a doctor to pick the right fit before using it.

● Over the counter medications can help in reducing stomach acids that can ease you from discomforts of hiatal hernia.

Surgery Risks and Recovery

Hernia surgery can be performed in two different ways.

Open Surgery – In this procedure, an incision is made in the affected area to cut open the skin and push the hernia back to its place or remove it. For larger hernias, a flexible mesh is added to give support that keeps the hernia in place.

Laparoscopic Surgery – In this procedure the abdomen in bloated using a harmless gas to get a clear image of the abdominal organs. Later small incisions are made near the hernia to insert thin tubes with tiny cameras in the end. A small mesh is guided through the laparoscope to fix the hernia.

Recovery from laparoscopic surgery is quicker when compared to open surgery. Generally, there are no complications in recovering from both types of surgeries, and that depends on the lifestyle and health factors of the patient as well.

Wintertime has landed on many areas of the country with both feet. If you are one of those poor souls living in the top ⅔ of the country, you know how miserably cold it has been lately. There were places in the Midwest that got snow on Halloween and below freezing temperatures. With the start of the winter season, our thoughts turn to how to keep your skin smooth and moisturized, no matter how cold it is outside. Give us a moment to tell you about some great serums for healing dry skin and for keeping your face supple and smooth in the brutal cold.

Hyaluronic Acid

One of the best serums for the harsh winter cold and wind is hyaluronic acid serum for face. Hyaluronic acid does several things really well. First, the serum helps your skin retain more moisture, which is great for the winter season. It also works to plump up your skin cells from within. That means that those lines and wrinkles are less noticeable on your face–which is a great relief when those cold winds blow. Also, when layered with lotion, the hyaluronic serum also allows the moisturizer to penetrate more deeply. What a great way to make sure your lotion does everything its supposed to do.

Vitamin C Serum

The best vitamin C serums for winter can do a lot of repair work. First, vitamin C serum is great for brightening your skin, which is perfect for the frigid winter chill. Winter skin is some of the dullest, driest skin of the season. Vitamin C serum brightens up even the dullest of skin. Vitamin C is also known for repairing damage to your skin. We are so hard on our skin during the winter season. Think about it. You’re out in the harshness of the weather. We are putting on and taking off layers of scratchy clothing and scarves. We are out in the elements playing with kids, skiing, and having snowball fights. We ice skate, and shovel snow off paths. We’re outside, patiently waiting for the dog to do its business in sub-zero temperatures. Vitamin C serum can repair all of the damage we do to our skin. It can also help to calm those lines and wrinkles. It may not be magic serum, but it’s close.

Hydrating Serums

If you are looking for another serum to add to your skincare box, you might want to think about an extra hydrating serum, especially if you know that your skin really dries out during the winter. Because serums are so light, you could pair a hydrating serum with a moisturizer to lock in as much moisture as possible. You have a wide variety of serums to choose from on the market, but be sure and pick one that discusses adding moisture to your face. If you do your serum application right, you can have a dewy complexion in the middle of winter’s menace, and all of your friends will be begging to know your winter secret. What’s not to like about that?