Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itching and scaly red patches to appear on the skin or scalp. Psoriatic arthritis is an advanced form of psoriasis that affects the small joints in one’s body. There are five known types of psoriatic arthritis that exhibit different symptoms with varying levels of severity. These include symmetric arthritis, asymmetric arthritis, distal interphalangeal predominant (DIP), spondylitis, and arthritis mutilans. Inflammation is one of the major triggers that can result in the condition worsening with time. Complications develop over time, and some of its symptoms can be managed with a simple combination of everyday ingredients to make herbal remedies for psoriatic arthritis. Here are five powerful herbal remedies for psoriatic arthritis. Apple cider vinegar It is one of the most versatile ingredients when it comes to treating skin disorders and diseases. Apple cider vinegar is effective against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis as it is a natural anti-itch agent. Apple cider vinegar can be applied gently on the scalp and other affected areas on the body to counter the itching sensation. However, one must avoid direct application of raw apple cider vinegar in areas where the skin has blistered, or where there are visible cracks and signs of bleeding.

Approximately 58 million people have been able to access affordable health care due to Medicare, which began in 1965. As a higher proportion of the baby boom generation crossed the 65 years age mark over the last decade or so, the number of people who became eligible for Medicare plans increased steadily. Nearly $709 billion were spent on Medicare as total benefits payments. From the cost coverage of lab tests to the payment of durable medical equipment such as nebulizers, kidney machines, and walkers, Medicare plans have been offering a range of benefits over the years. These benefits are offered under the original Medicare plan (comprising of Plan A and Plan B). However, these Medicare plans cover only the basic medical services. Additionally, there are limitations on the coverage of these plans, and the out-of-pocket cost a beneficiary has to shell out is also high. To fill in the gap in health care coverage offered by original Medicare plans and the actual bill, many people opt for Medicare plans supplements. The same government-regulated benefits are offered by all Medigap or Medicare supplement plans across all states (except Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Minnesota). The level of benefits offered by different plans (Plan A to N) may vary, as well as the cost of each plan, based on the insurance company and the state.

The Federal Government features a health insurance program under Medicare for people who are 65 years or older and are suffering from any disability or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicare is one of the most popular options for comprehensive health insurance. The Original Medicare mainly includes two parts, Part A and Part B, which provide insurance coverage for hospital costs and medical costs. There is an additional insurance cover available from third-party private insurance companies that provide for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C). One must also note that the Original Medicare and Medicare Part C do not cover medication expenses, which is why Part D Prescription Drug Plan under the Medicare system pays for medical costs. The Original Medicare does not cover premiums for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, which is why one must also purchase the Medicare Supplement Plans that provide for these expenses. Medicare Supplement Plans mainly feature 10 policies under the federal health insurance scheme. Plan A to Plan F feature different benefits under the scheme, wherein Plan F is one of the most popular ones. There are many insurance plans that can be mistaken for Medicare Supplement Plans or Medigap policies. The health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, the Prefered Provider Organization (PPO) plan, the private fee-for-service plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicaid, Federal Employees Union Health Plans, TRICARE, Veterans Benefits, and other long-term insurance policies do not form part of comprehensive Medicare coverage.

When you are diagnosed with diabetes, the blood sugar monitor test is an important part of your diabetes care. Learn more about the different things that must be considered before you choose a blood sugar monitor test. Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how the glucose is processed in your body, increasing your blood sugar level. There are two types of diabetes, namely, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Usually diagnosed in children and adolescents, type 1 diabetes is when your body does not produce insulin to break down the glucose. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is when the body is unable to use the insulin properly, termed as ‘insulin resistance’. Whether it is type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is a lifelong condition and you will need to follow up with your doctor often. Certain cases of type 2 diabetes can be controlled by weight loss, healthy eating habits, and increased physical activity, at least initially. Eventually, you may have to take diabetes medications orally or in the form of insulin injections. For type 1 diabetes, the treatment plan typically includes daily insulin injections as oral medications aren’t effective for this form of diabetes.

With the increasing number of people diagnosed with this disease, it is of great importance to have accurate knowledge about asthma. Here are a few simple ways to prevent asthma attacks and lead a healthy lifestyle. An asthma attack occurs when the muscles around the airways of your lungs tighten and shut down, this is also known as a bronchospasm. In this condition, the inner lining of the airway gets inflamed or swollen which results in the production of thick mucus. These factors together lead to asthma attack symptoms such as short rapid breaths, anxiety, difficulty in performing regular tasks, severe wheezing, intermittent coughing, perspiration, and pale skin. When the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes within the lungs constrict, they narrow the air passages thereby making it very difficult to breathe. The duration of an asthma attack varies depending on how inflamed the airways have become. In mild attacks, the symptoms could last for just a few minutes, while a severe attack could take up to several hours before easing. In the case of severe attacks, medical help and treatment needs to be provided immediately. It is important to take extensive care along with adequate steps to prevent asthma attacks.

Blood sugar is the amount of glucose (sugar) that is present in the blood. For metabolic homeostasis, the body naturally regulates blood glucose levels. The primary source of energy in blood cells and blood lipids is glucose. Blood sugar level is usually low in the morning and rises after one consumed food. It is when the blood sugar levels are not in the normal range, medical attention is required. A blood sugar level chart shows the fluctuation of blood sugar and insulin (sugar lowering hormone) in people through the day. The chart shows at what time of the day were the glucose, insulin, starch, and sucrose levels are high and low. From blood sugar levels chart you can find the blood glucose levels before and after meals. Blood sugar levels chart is great monitoring your glucose intake and manage it. Here are some of the reasons why this testing through chart is important: Testing blood sugar level through blood sugar levels chart is important for diabetes care. If you have been trying to curb your diabetes, then this chart helps you to gauge how well you are doing in trying to achieve your overall goal. The measure you are taking such as diet and exercising, how that has been affecting your diabetes can be known and monitored well with the help of these blood sugar levels chart.

Probiotics are an important source of microbial flora. This is a known fact which increases the importance of probiotics in our life. Probiotics are the major source of “good” bacteria and yeast; these are very important for our digestive system and urinary tracts. This importance of having probiotics in our body can be compared to the process of growing a lush green carpet of grass to avoid the growth of other hazardous weeds in your lawn. Probiotics can be consumed through food items and can also be taken in the form of probiotic supplements. Here is a list of the top probiotics supplements available in the market classified according to the functions they must play for your gut and the type of bacteria provided to effectively treat your condition. Best probiotic for general digestive health Island’s Miracle Ultra-30 Probiotics: This probiotic has a total of 18 different strains that help in improving general digestive health. Each capsule has about 30 billion colony forming units (CFU). The instructions on the box recommend you to take 2 tabs per day to achieve the best results. These tabs are gluten as well as dairy-free in nature, making them even more desirable. This also makes them work best for a sensitive stomach.

Kidney stones can usually be found in the urethra, a membrane tube that originates from the bladder and discharges the urine and semen from your body. These stones build up over a period when they do not get dissolved within your system. If they remain unattended, they will keep growing without making any external effects. Small stones pass through with urine, but the bigger ones remain in your system. The larger stones are pushed into the narrow ducts called ureters, and they get stuck in this are to cause smooth urine passage. When your body makes an effort to discharge these stones, you experience severe pain in your genitals, abdomen, groin or back. Other symptoms of a kidney stone include nausea, vomiting, abnormal urine color and blood in the urine as well. How to dissolve kidney stones using home remedies You can make use of different methods to dissolve kidney stones. If you are wondering how to dissolve kidney stones naturally, here are the most effective natural methods to dissolve kidney stones. Drink a lot of fluids As a first step, you can drink plenty of water. Doctors advise patients to drink about 2 liters of water a day. Some stones can be thrown out when you drink a lot of water.

The dog is man’s best friend, and lucky are those, who have a canine at their home. However, just domesticating a canine is not enough. You need to take proper care of the dog and ensure to provide it with proper healthcare facilities. Like humans, dogs too fall prey to different diseases and need different medications as well as vaccination from time to time. That’s not all. A pet owner needs to keep an eye for the allergies of dogs. Allergies in some cases can turn fatal for the canine. That is why it is important to start the treatment as soon as you find the first symptom of an allergy. Here are some common d og allergies symptoms you must not ignore.  Itchy or moist skin – Even if you do not check out the skin of your pet every day, it is necessary for you to look into his skin minutely at a regular interval. In most of the cases, dogs suffer from different types of skin infections like redness or itchiness of the skin. Apart from that, some dogs also complain of scabbed or wet fur and skin. However, in case of flea allergies, the entire coat is not affected.

What is the meaning of the term “probiotics”? It means the bacteria that we consume particularly for health benefits. Our gut or large intestine contains a lot of bacteria, and they are collectively known as the microbiome. The microbiome consists of more than 1000 various species of bacteria, and they can be divided into individual strains. Probiotics can change the balance of the bacteria available in the gut, and they are made of one or more strains. If you can consume the right species based on the already existing bacteria in the gut, they can deliver some good results. Probiotics help you treat irritable bowel syndrome effectively. Various studies suggest that approximately 15% of the population is suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. IBS infected people show irregular bowel habits, and other symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Probiotics are being extensively used in the treatment of IBS. What are the best probiotics for IBS? The most popular and well-researched species are Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Shortage of these two species can always be associated with IBS patients. Best probiotics for IBS with constipation People, who suffer from constipated issues, can take a natural supplement containing probiotic strain known as Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12.

Meningitis, a rare infection, affects the delicate membranes—known as meninges—that cover the brain and spinal cord. People of all ages are susceptible to catch it. There are several types of meningitis, details of which have been briefly explained below. The early causes of meningitis may imitate the cold virus (flu); therefore, it may be difficult to self-diagnose it at first. Indications may last more than a few hours or over a couple of days. Conceivable causes of meningitis in anybody more than the age of 2 includes: • Sudden high fever • Stiff neck • Severe cerebral pain that appears to be not quite the same as should be expected • A headache with sickness or retching • Confusion or trouble concentrating • Seizures • Sleepiness or trouble waking • Sensitivity to light • No hunger or thirst • Skin rash The causes of meningitis in infants: Babies and newborn children may show these causes of meningitis: • High fever • Constant crying • Excessive tiredness or touchiness • Inactivity or drowsiness • Poor bolstering • A swelling in the fontanel of an infant • Stiffness in a child’s body and neck When to see a specialist or doctor after experiencing the causes of meningitis?