Most medical or health insurance plans do not cover dental services. As a result, many people opt for special dental insurance plans to ensure that their gums and teeth are well cared for. It is important to note that these dental insurance plans are not all-inclusive. Depending on the policy, one may find themselves paying out-of-pocket for several different services. Most commonly, the following things are not covered by dental insurance: 1. Select procedures While this may differ from provider to provider, many insurance companies, such as Orthodontia, do not cover the cost of select procedures. Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that focuses on malpositioned teeth and jaws and misaligned bite patterns (such as braces, aligners, or retainers). The cost of these procedures must then be borne out-of-pocket. In some cases, the cost of orthodontics may be covered for children under 19. 2. Cosmetic dentistry Most dental insurance plans do not cover the cost of esthetic or cosmetic dentistry, as these are not considered “medically necessary.” This includes services such as teeth whitening and veneers. 3. Pre-existing conditions Some dental insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, such as missing teeth. The cost of treatment for such conditions is generally paid out of pocket.

Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure that aims to promote metabolic changes and improve overall health for a better life. A lot of individuals choose to undergo this surgery for their well-being. However, the journey does not end with the surgery. After the surgery, it is essential to intake essential vitamins and minerals, as the surgery may reduce their regular food intake and their body’s ability to absorb these vitamins. Vitamins to take after the bariatric surgery To ensure that one does not experience vitamin deficiencies after the surgery, one must include the following vitamins in their routine. Vitamin B1 Also known as thiamine, vitamin B1 plays a pivotal role in the human body by aiding the conversion of carbohydrates into energy. Besides this, vitamin B1 also contributes significantly to the growth and proper functioning of cells in the body. An adequate supply of vitamin B1 is essential, as its deficiency can have severe consequences on neurological health, potentially resulting in permanent issues. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is essential to maintain both blood and nerve cells and keep them healthy. Since the absorption of vitamin B12 may be compromised after surgery, it is crucial for one to effectively manage its intake.

The liver is a vital organ that filters impurities from the blood and breaks down toxins. It also produces bile, which aids in fat digestion and eliminates waste from the body. If any of the liver’s functions are compromised, it may exhibit certain signs and symptoms that should not be overlooked. These symptoms could even indicate liver cancer, so it’s essential to be extra vigilant. Here are some liver damage signs one should look out for: Swelling in the abdominal region When the liver cannot function healthily, it exhibits some stressful symptoms. One of these stressful symptoms includes the leaking of fluids from its surface. This leaked fluid starts to collect in the abdominal cavity. Apart from the fluid leak from the liver, the intestines also start to leak fluid, and this symptom is known as ascites, which develops due to liver disease. Doctors believe that this is possibly caused by liver cirrhosis, a blocked hepatic vein, or it could also be a sign of liver cancer. Pale stools This is another warning sign of a damaged liver or liver disease. The liver’s regular function is to release bile salts into the stools, which give them their brown color. When the liver is under stress or not functioning properly, it can’t produce enough bile, and the bile salts can also become blocked, preventing them from draining out of the liver.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an esophagus inflammation caused by specific white blood cells – the eosinophil. Those with this condition often experience acid reflux and its associated symptoms, such as chest pain, heartburn, and trouble swallowing. Experts usually recommend treatment options to manage acid reflux and EoE, but one might need to take additional steps to avoid frequent flares. One such step is to eat healthy foods that will help improve the individual’s lifestyle and condition. Watermelon The melon is one of the highest in water content, making it naturally beneficial to people with acid reflux. The composition of watermelon helps dilute the acid in the stomach and reduce the risk of reflux. Watermelons are also known for other healthy properties like antioxidants and vitamins, which may reduce the inflammatory levels in the esophagus and the stomach. Other fruits rich in water and other essential elements include cantaloupe and honeydew. Bananas The fruit is known for its fiber-rich content and is also low in acid content. Bananas also have high potassium levels. Therefore, its composition is one of the healthiest choices to alleviate symptoms in people affected by acid reflux. The food works as a natural antacid that neutralizes the acidity levels in the stomach.

To understand eosinophilic esophagitis, one must first comprehend the meaning of two important terms: esophagus and eosinophils. The esophagus is the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Eosinophils are the white blood cells in the digestive system that defend the body against allergies and parasites. Eosinophilic esophagitis (also called EoE) results from an atypical immune response within the digestive tract, which increases the number of eosinophils in the esophagus’ inner lining. Warning signs in adults Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is a hallmark symptom of the condition. Patients, both children and adults, may feel like food is stuck in their esophagus, making swallowing uncomfortable and challenging. This symptom often leads to delayed or impaired passage of food through the esophagus. Food impaction Eosinophilic esophagitis can sometimes lead to food impaction. This symptom is characterized by difficulty and discomfort as food gets lodged in the esophagus after swallowing. Food impaction can result in fullness, chest discomfort, and the need for expert intervention to remove the impacted food. Centrally located chest pain Centrally located chest pain that does not respond to home remedies is another distinctive symptom in adults. This pain is usually intense and can be attributed to inflammation and structural changes in the esophagus.

Narcolepsy refers to a chronic neurological disorder in which the brain is unable to control the body’s sleep-wake cycles. Consequently, individuals with this condition typically feel energized immediately after waking up but feel lethargic throughout the day. Although narcolepsy does not lead to serious health conditions in the long run, it can impact one’s daily functioning significantly. So, here are some signs of narcolepsy one shouldn’t ignore: Warning signs of narcolepsy 1. Excessive sleepiness throughout the day A brain chemical known as hypocretin or orexin typically controls one’s sense of wakefulness. However, patients with narcolepsy are deficient in hypocretin. This deficiency is believed to be caused by the immune system’s attack on the cells that produce this brain chemical or the receptors that enable its functioning in the body. Consequently, the onset of narcolepsy leads to excessive sleepiness throughout the day despite a good night’s sleep. 2. Sleep paralysis Sleep paralysis is when one experiences loss of speech and movement while falling asleep or upon waking up. Although it lasts for a few seconds or minutes, sleep paralysis can be debilitating. This symptom is not experienced by all individuals with narcolepsy but may be a sign of the disorder and should not be ignored.

Healthy teeth are a sign of overall physical well-being and personal hygiene. However, over 25% of individuals nationwide grapple with untreated tooth decay. Hence, oral health and hygiene should be as important as other aspects of physical health. Besides going for regular dental checkups and consulting a dentist regarding any dental issues promptly, one should avoid certain unhealthy habits, which can damage one’s teeth and impede the management of existing oral conditions: 1. Biting one’s nails Biting one’s nails is often an indication of stress or anxiety. Besides damaging one’s nails and the surrounding skin, biting one’s nails can also harm dental health in the long run. Fingernails are typically petri dishes of germs and dirt, which are transferred to the teeth when one engages in nail biting. The accumulation of such agents on the teeth’s surfaces over time can lead to gum disease. Moreover, the friction caused between one’s teeth and nails during nail biting can eventually cause enamel to wear away, triggering tooth brittleness. Therefore, it is important to avoid cultivating this habit early on to prevent dental problems. Managing stress levels is an effective way to prevent one from biting one’s nails. 2. Having excess processed sugar Sugar has been commonly linked to tooth pain and decay.

Blood pressure (BP) measurement is crucial to gauge one’s health and well-being. This tool comes in handy during emergencies. Some individuals may feel a fast heartbeat with elevated blood pressure, while others with low blood pressure may experience fatigue and dizziness. Having recorded data on blood pressure levels can help the doctor customize a treatment plan. However, there are some mistakes cardiologists want their patients to avoid when recording BP at home. Incorrect sitting position A consistent mistake among most blood pressure patients is the sitting position. People tend to forget that blood flow is highly impacted by gravity. By standard directions, blood pressure needs to be measured at the heart’s level. This is applicable to both direct and indirect modes of measurement. Measuring blood pressure with the cuff placed lower than the heart level produces high blood pressure levels. Similarly, placing the cuff higher than the heart level means the readings might indicate low blood pressure. The rule applies to either of the extremities, arms, or legs. These false results could be highly erroneous. For the most accurate reading, the patient needs to be seated upright, with the patient’s arm beside them. If the patient is lying on their side, this too could pose a problem for the reading.