Having a sweet tooth is more common in the country than one would imagine. According to a recent survey, 59% of respondents (who snack often) in the country chose cookies as their favorite snacks, with ice cream and sweets also featuring among the top 10 picks. While desserts are instant mood enhancers, excessive sugar intake triggers several health issues, which include compromised dental health. Here are a few ways in which sugar affects oral health: Dental cavities The teeth contain two types of hard tissues—enamel and dentin. When sugar enters the mouth, it may be metabolized by oral bacteria to give rise to acid, which can demineralize the enamel and the dentin, causing cavities. Food particles may enter these cavities, leading to tooth decay and further complications. Although teeth cavities may be covered with dental fillings, this process is rather expensive, accounting for 5–10% of the healthcare budget. Plaque Plaque or tartar refers to a sticky coating of bacteria on the teeth, causing bad breath, dark stains, and hard teeth deposits. Often, tartar is formed when the molecules present in sugary foods mix with one’s saliva and oral bacteria. If left untreated, tartar may dissolve the enamel and lead to the development of dental cavities.

The human body gives out certain hidden signs to alert one of excessive sugar intake in the body, and poor eye health is one of them. Excessive consumption of refined sugar can affect one’s eyes adversely, leading to diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic eyes result from damaged blood vessels due to poorly controlled sugar levels. Here are the early signs that should prompt one to consult a doctor immediately to prevent further complications. Signs of poor eye health due to excessive sugar Excessive sugar intake can lead to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome. Diabetic retinopathy is marked by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to sugar, while cataract gives a cloudy vision. Dry eye syndrome can cause problems with one’s tear production. Identifying the signs of poor eye health resulting from excess sugar consumption is crucial for early intervention. Therefore, look out for the following symptoms: Blurred or fluctuating vision The primary sign of vision issues due to unstable sugar levels is blurry vision. Excess sugar intake leads to fluids getting leaked into one’s eye lens. Eye fatigue or discomfort The eyes may feel tired, achy, or heavy, especially after prolonged screen time or visual tasks. Increased sensitivity to light Individuals experiencing poor eye health due to excess sugar consumption may notice heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.

Most people focus on skincare routines and quality products to achieve healthy and glowing skin. However, certain habits can undermine all that effort and worsen skin health. From everyday practices to lifestyle choices, these habits can exacerbate skin problems and hinder getting a healthier complexion. Thus, here are a few poor habits to note and subsequently avoid since they may prevent you from improving your skin and maintaining optimal health. 8 poor habits that worsen skin health Eating junk food Eating junk, oily, salty, or fried food affects skin health adversely. Highly salty foods dehydrate one’s body and compel the skin to produce more oil, leading to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Unhealthy fats have also been shown to trigger one’s skin. Additionally, poor nutrition can lead to rapidly aging skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. One can instead eat healthier snack alternatives, including fruits, nuts, smoothies, and more, for overall health benefits. Not taking off makeup before sleeping Due to exposure to dirt, pollution, and the chemicals in cosmetics, the skin undergoes significant stress during the day. Retaining makeup for extended periods can result in chemical build-up, irritation, clogged pores, and breakouts. Additionally, makeup products tend to attract dirt, exacerbating the situation.

Most people focus on skincare routines and quality products to achieve healthy and glowing skin. However, certain habits can undermine all that effort and worsen skin health. From everyday practices to lifestyle choices, these habits can exacerbate skin problems and hinder getting a healthier complexion. Thus, here are a few poor habits to note and subsequently avoid since they may prevent you from improving your skin and maintaining optimal health. 8 poor habits that worsen skin health Eating junk food Eating junk, oily, salty, or fried food affects skin health adversely. Highly salty foods dehydrate one’s body and compel the skin to produce more oil, leading to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Unhealthy fats have also been shown to trigger one’s skin. Additionally, poor nutrition can lead to rapidly aging skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. One can instead eat healthier snack alternatives, including fruits, nuts, smoothies, and more, for overall health benefits. Not taking off makeup before sleeping Due to exposure to dirt, pollution, and the chemicals in cosmetics, the skin undergoes significant stress during the day. Retaining makeup for extended periods can result in chemical build-up, irritation, clogged pores, and breakouts. Additionally, makeup products tend to attract dirt, exacerbating the situation.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shakes, stiffness, or difficulty with coordination and balance. Since the condition begins slowly, it can be tough to tell if one has Parkinson’s. However, knowing the signs and symptoms can help one be more aware and visit a healthcare professional for diagnosis and management. Here are some common early signs of Parkinson’s disease: Tremors: Tremors or rhythmic shaking may affect a part of the body. It generally begins in a limb, especially the hands or fingers. One may experience trembling hands at rest, but the tremors may subside when performing a task. Slowed movement: Parkinson’s can also slow down movement, making it difficult to complete basic everyday tasks. Steps may become shorter, and one may notice the shuffling of the feet instead of walking. This slowing down is known as bradykinesia. Rigid muscles: One may also experience muscle stiffness, inflexibility, and cramps in any body part. It can often be painful and limit the range of motion. It may also make tasks such as writing, doing up the buttons, or tying one’s shoelaces more difficult. Posture and balance troubles: One may develop a stooped posture or have balance and coordination problems as the condition progresses.

Navigating Medicare can be a complex and overwhelming process, but understanding the common mistakes to avoid can help you make informed decisions and maximize your healthcare coverage. It is important to explore the pitfalls many Medicare beneficiaries encounter to make the right choice. Aside from that, learning practical tips to help you steer clear of these mistakes can prove beneficial for you and your family. On that note, here are some mistakes to avoid: Not comparing plans The coverage that comes with your original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan comes from a private insurer. This means the coverage benefits can change each year. Your prescription may cost more as compared to the year before. It might not be covered under your plan. On the contrary, you can find a plan that will cover it at a cheaper price. Not understanding enrollment periods One of the most critical mistakes is not being aware of the specific enrollment periods for Medicare. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties and gaps in coverage. Understanding the Initial Enrollment Period, Special Enrollment Period, and Annual Enrollment Period is essential. Have an in-depth conversation with your agent and ask them to explain each enrollment period in detail, providing insights on when and how to enroll to avoid potential penalties and ensure continuous coverage.

Medicare, the popular government health insurance program, is a safety net that provides essential healthcare coverage for millions of people in the country. Medicare beneficiaries are undoubtedly familiar with its foundational benefits. The breadth of Medicare’s offerings, rules, options, and other hidden characteristics are extensive. Understanding these will ensure that one is well informed about it before opting for one. Here are some of the lesser-known facts about Medicare coverage. Preventive screenings and services Medicare not only emphasizes treatment but also prioritizes prevention. One can find options to get a regular checkup for one’s overall health with a primary care healthcare professional. These visits will help one to understand one’s existing health concerns and professional recommendations for any new treatment plans based on one’s needs. Telehealth services With the advancements in technology and the increasing demand for remote healthcare, Medicare now covers telehealth services. This means patients can now consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes through virtual appointments using either phone or video technology. It’s a convenient and accessible way to receive treatment without physically visiting a healthcare facility. Lung cancer screening Medicare covers annual screenings for beneficiaries at high risk of developing lung cancer. These screenings aid in the early detection of lung cancer, potentially leading to more effective treatment outcomes.

Psoriatic arthritis is a health condition in which an individual’s skin and nails are chronically affected. Often, people living with psoriasis also develop this arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis mainly causes inflammation in the skin, joints, nails, and some other areas. While many symptoms of the condition are similar to those found in rheumatoid arthritis, there are certain differences between the conditions. To help people identify psoriatic arthritis, here are some of its main signs and symptoms: Lower back pain A major sign of psoriatic arthritis is acute pain in the lower areas of one’s back. This is caused due to a condition known as spondylitis, another health condition that stems from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Spondylitis involves the inflammation of the joints between one’s spine and sacroiliitis (pelvic area). Additionally, this condition also involves acute inflammation of one’s spine in general. Lower back pain is one of the most common symptoms of many other health conditions too. Therefore, one needs to consult their healthcare expert before jumping to conclusions. Once the professional diagnoses psoriatic arthritis, they can advise patients about the kinds of foods and prescription-based solutions to reduce the severity of this health condition. Foot pain Psoriatic arthritis causes pain, tenderness, and swelling in the feet.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. It results in the body’s immune system attacking healthy cells. As a result, one may develop inflammation (painful swelling) in various body regions, hampering their ability to carry out daily tasks. Rheumatoid arthritis is manageable with treatments and lifestyle alterations, but identifying it early could improve its effectiveness. Being mindful of these eight early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis could help one seek early prevention. Fatigue Feeling fatigued after a night’s rest and without physical activity might require an expert’s opinion. The body utilizes energy to fight inflammation. Therefore, it may increase fatigue and tiredness while doing the same activities. Fatigue may negatively impact how an individual indulges in regular activities, relationships, and productivity at work. So if one notices this sign, they should speak with an expert immediately. Stiff joints in the morning Rheumatoid arthritis may also result in stiff joints, which may worsen when an individual wakes up in the morning. Since these joints may feel more flexible after some activity, one might overlook the sign. If it lasts 30 minutes or longer, one could identify this sign as a potential indicator of an RA flare. Apart from this, one may also experience stiffness that affects the wrists, hands, and feet joints.

The impact of high cholesterol on cardiovascular health cannot be underestimated. As an invisible threat, it often goes unnoticed until complications arise. However, with early detection and intervention, individuals can manage their cholesterol levels, mitigate potential risks, and adopt lifestyle changes that promote heart health and overall well-being. Here are the early signs that may indicate rising cholesterol levels, enabling individuals to take proactive steps to maintain a healthy lipid profile. Good vs. bad cholesterol The distinction between good and bad cholesterol lies in their respective functions and effects on the cardiovascular system. HDL or good cholesterol helps the body to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. This extra cholesterol is transported to the liver for disposal and plays a major role in lowering the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, LDL is considered bad cholesterol, which carries cholesterol to the body’s cells. If LDL levels are excessive, they can get accumulated in one’s arterial walls, leading to the formation of plaque and increased risk of heart disease. Signs of increasing cholesterol There are some early signs of high cholesterol levels that shouldn’t be ignored. Recognizing these symptoms and addressing them promptly can help manage cholesterol levels and improve overall energy levels.