Macular degeneration is a type of eye disease that is often associated with aging. So, it primarily affects those over the age of 50, interfering with their central vision in one or both eyes. The condition can be managed and slowed down if one gets diagnosed in time. Here, addressing unusual changes in vision and getting regular eye checkups can help. Further, the following signs of macular degeneration should prompt one to seek medical intervention: 1. Blurred vision After the age of 50, one may begin experiencing blurred vision, which could be a sign of age-related macular degeneration. Even though macular degeneration does not always come with warning signs, persistently blurred vision should prompt one to get a complete eye examination. The symptom could be observed in one or both eyes. Here, the damage to the macula—a region in the center of the retina—can make things right in front of the eyes seem blurry as well as far away objects can be difficult to see. 2. Distorted vision Macular degeneration can make objects look disfigured. For instance, straight lines may appear to be curved or wavy. Although this sign is one of the later symptoms of the condition, if one does begin to notice such distortion, they should consult an eye doctor.

While it is common to occasionally feel moody, sad, or apathetic, some people experience these emotions for prolonged periods. Depression can cause these emotions to become quite severe, to the point of affecting their quality of life. Depression is a serious mental health condition that can cause severe physical symptoms, too. It is crucial to be aware of some common signs of the condition and seek help quickly. 1. Feeling hopeless Depression may cause a person to have frequent feelings of hopelessness. This is often accompanied by a persistent feeling of not contributing anything worthwhile to one’s personal, social, or professional life. Although no significant adverse life event may have occurred, the feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness make the person feel like a failure. This is because depression is a complex disorder brought about by faulty mood regulation by the brain, stressful life events, and genetic factors. It is believed that several of these forces are responsible for the onset of depression. Usually, feelings of hopelessness may last for a while and occur repeatedly over time. Sometimes, these can be persistent for more extended periods, too. 2. Experiencing difficulty managing moods Another common sign of depression to look out for is frequent mood swings.

Antidepressants are prescribed treatment options that are used to treat symptoms of depression. However, like any medical treatment, there are some side effects that follow after every use. While some side effects are normal, there could be some serious complications that the doctor may notice, in which case they may need to change the prescription accordingly. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these possible after-effects of antidepressants to ensure there are no adverse health obstacles. Common side effects Commonly observed side effects of antidepressants may include nausea, dry mouth, blurry vision, dizziness, headache, diarrhea or constipation, experiencing anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling tired, experiencing tremors, increased sweating, and also encountering sexual problems. However, not everyone may experience all of these side effects at once, and some may not experience any at all. It has also been noticed that some of these side effects may disappear within a couple of weeks after beginning the treatment plan. To be on a safer side, it is important to have a detailed conversation with the doctor to understand what to expect when starting antidepressants as part of the daily routine. Less common side effects These are some of the other side effects which are not very common but are triggered due to the intake of certain antidepressants as part of the treatment plan.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a skin condition in which the tissues in the palm of one’s hand become abnormally thick. In several cases, both palms get affected, making it harder for people to use their hands for tasks. While this condition has no cure, specific management options can improve a person’s quality of life. Detecting this disease in its early stages is vital to achieving that objective. Here are some signs of Dupuytren’s contracture: 1. Mobility issues As implied earlier, this disease deprives people of proper use of their hands. People usually use their hands to move things around, which requires mobility, and Dupuytren contracture makes simple mobility incredibly challenging for individuals with this condition. Certain activities, like making a fist or holding objects with one’s hands, are still somewhat possible for individuals even after developing this condition. However, a person’s fingers, palm, and hand have a decreased range of motion. For instance, baseball or badminton players will notice that holding a baseball bat or a badminton racket is challenging. 2. Nodules on hands The first sign of Dupuytren contracture in the body is the appearance of small bumps under the skin on a person’s palm. These nodules appear at the base of one’s fingers.

Taking care of teeth is critical not only for maintaining dental health but also for enhancing one’s appearance. Moreover, having well-shaped, pearly white teeth can make one’s smile more alluring. To ensure the teeth stay healthy and in good condition, one has to develop good dental habits such as brushing and flossing daily. Additionally, one has to steer clear of certain unhealthy certain unhealthy habits that can damage teeth quickly. Here are some examples of such habits: Biting nails Nails are made from a strong and abrasive material called keratin. Chewing on them for too long and too frequently can cause cracking of teeth and enamel erosion in the long run. Additionally, biting nails frequently can cause one’s jaw to undergo positional issues. If ignored, the habit can cause long-term issues such as jaw dysfunction and temporomandibular joint disorder. Apart from damaging one’s jaw, the nail-biting habit can also introduce harmful bacteria into the mouth, which can cause bad breath and decaying of teeth. Chewing on inedible objects In many instances, people, out of habit, involuntarily chew on objects like pencils, paper, spoon ends, pens, and other objects that are not supposed to be chewed or consumed. Sharp and conical objects can cause damage to one’s teeth and gums.

Disability benefits provided under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can serve as a lifeline for people with physical or cognitive impairment. Such benefit systems basically dispense monthly income to people with disabilities and those who contribute the same through taxes. Moreover, they may also receive Medicare benefits. However, such programs come with certain limitations, which may or may not address all the diverse needs and challenges of people with disabilities. Strict definition of disability Social Security only benefits people with a severe impairment that renders them unable to work and support themselves or their families. Disability benefits are only for those who can’t do any substantial, profitable work. Such strict definitions may often ignore other aspects of disability, like partial or short-term disability. There are two main criteria for qualifying for SSDI. First, one should have worked long enough and paid significant Social Security taxes to qualify for SSDI benefits. Second, one should prove an inability to work at a gainful employment for at least 12 months due to any physical or mental disability. So, one can only get the benefits if one can’t do the current job at all. Apart from this, there are also other non-medical requirements.

Everyone suffers from a blocked nose once in a while. During this time, the individual may have a cough, cold, sneezing, chills, headaches, and even an irritation in the nasal tissue, which can be inconvenient. Nasal congestion may have many causes. Regardless of the cause, one can manage the problem with plenty of rest and warm liquids. In addition, individuals may eat these 11 foods to manage nasal congestion better: Pineapple Besides being a treat to the taste buds, pineapples are packed with vitamin C and bromelain. These nutrients can help break up accumulated mucus and reduce congestion. They can also manage other issues accompanying nasal congestion, such as sore throat. So, drinking fresh pineapple juice or eating pineapple slices is an excellent way to start one’s day and relieve nasal congestion. Ginger Ginger is a vital part of many traditional remedies for digestive problems, the common cold, and throat infections. With several antibacterial and antiviral properties, it can help dry out phlegm and mucus in the nasal passage, chest, and sinuses. The best way to have ginger is to use it in a warm beverage. Mix crushed ginger, lemon, and a drizzle of honey in hot water, brew it with some tea leaves, and strain the drink before enjoying it.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic condition that can affect different parts of the body and cause swelling under the skin, including the lining of the gut and the lungs. This condition is hereditary, and there is no definitive cure for it. However, there are treatment methods that help keep the symptoms at bay. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for and treatment options. Signs and symptoms Before the onset of the condition, some signs and symptoms can be noticed and are clearly visible. It usually begins with a tingling sensation in the affected body part and is often accompanied by non-itchy rashes. The affected area then swells, and if left untreated, the swelling may increase on the first day and gradually subside over the next two to three days. It is also possible that the swelling starts in one location and then migrates to another location. Skin-related symptoms When swelling on the skin occurs, it is called subcutaneous swelling, which usually affects the hands, feet, face, and genitals. This type of swelling is also usually accompanied by redness. Unlike other types of swelling, this type does not cause itching. Often, this type of symptom is misdiagnosed as an allergic reaction, and the wrong treatment options are administered, which do not work.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a severe and complex disorder wherein the blood stem cells do not fully mature into healthy blood cells. When the body is deprived of healthy blood cells, one may develop other health conditions like anemia, bleeding without reason, and frequent infections. MDS is a rare condition that affects around 4 out of 100,000 people in the country. Here are some of the common symptoms, causes, and treatments to manage MDS. What is Myelodysplastic syndrome? The bone marrow usually produces three types of healthy blood cells to keep the body functioning properly. These include red blood cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen, white blood cells (WBCs) to fight infections, and platelets to help the blood clot during an injury. Now, with MDS, this entire process is disrupted. The bone marrow either starts to make abnormal levels of blood cells or does not make enough of them, which leads to low blood cell counts. Types of Myelodysplastic syndrome There are six types of MDS, all divided according to the shape and characteristics of the blood cells- MDS with multilineage dysplasia (MDS-MLD)- Here, more than one type of blood cell is oddly shaped. MDS with single lineage dysplasia (MDS-SLD) – One of the three types of blood cells looks abnormal and is low in number.

Seniors who are Medicare beneficiaries have their health insurance covered, more or less. Now, family members may wonder whether to purchase senior dental insurance for them, as it only covers a portion of dental procedures like root canals, fillings, and extractions. Going through dental plans and their pros and cons can help families make informed decisions. Here is what one needs to know about investing in a senior dental insurance plan and its disadvantages: Dental insurance – What it is Many consider dental insurance to be the same as health insurance or part of it. And while it is insurance for the teeth, there are some similarities and differences between these two types of insurance. Just like in health insurance coverage, there are factors like emergencies and other treatment-related expenditures that can be covered; in dental insurance, the coverage includes emergencies like injury to the tooth or getting an oral infection. However, one significant difference between dental and health insurance is the coverage provided under the policy and how this coverage works for individuals. Regular dental plans for seniors While dental plans vary from person to person, generally, the following are the only things covered under the dental plan for seniors: