As the name suggests, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung disease that causes obstructed airflow to the lungs. While smoking is a major risk factor, non-smokers can also develop COPD, often due to exposure to pollutants or genetics. If you are a non-smoker, it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of COPD. Here are five early symptoms to look out for: 1. Excessive mucus If you find yourself coughing up mucus on a regular basis, it could be a sign of COPD. This is because COPD causes inflammation in the lungs, which leads to an increase in mucus production. This excess mucus can make it harder to breathe and may even cause wheezing. 2. Wheezing and shortness of breath Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when you breathe. It can be a sign of COPD, especially if it’s accompanied by shortness of breath. You may find that you get out of breath more easily than usual, or that you have to stop and catch your breath after climbing a flight of stairs. 3. Chronic cough A persistent cough is another early warning sign of COPD. This is because COPD irritates the airways, which can lead to a chronic cough.

Interactions between certain foods and medications or treatments can cause unwanted side effects and even harm to your health. It’s essential to be aware of potential interactions to avoid any risks. If you are currently taking any medications, and experience any adverse reactions—such as dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or digestive upset—please consult with an online doctor or online pharmacist to ensure you’re taking the proper dosage.  Here are six foods that can adversely interact with some medications or treatments: 1. Cranberries While cranberries are healthy, they can interfere with blood thinners like Warfarin, leading to a higher risk of bleeding. Consult your healthcare provider before adding cranberries to your diet if you’re taking blood thinners. 2. Dairy products Milk can interfere with some antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness. If you’re taking antibiotics, consult an online doctor or pharmacist about the best time to consume dairy products. Aged cheeses, in particular, may contain high levels of tyramine, which can interact negatively with some medications, including MAOIs. Consult an online doctor or pharmacist before consuming aged cheeses if you’re taking these medications. 3. Leafy green veggies Leafy greens like spinach and kale contain vitamin K, which can interfere with blood thinners like Coumadin.

Medicare is a government-run health insurance program that provides coverage for Americans who are 65 and older or have a disability. While Medicare covers a lot of medical expenses, there are certain things that it doesn’t cover—like cosmetic procedures, outpatient prescription drugs, and many new treatments and alternative treatments for chronic conditions, like cancer. Here are seven things that Medicare doesn’t cover: 1. Routine eye exams Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams unless you have diabetes or are at high risk for glaucoma. However, if you need surgery to correct your vision, Medicare will cover it. If you want routine eye exams, you can purchase additional coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan or a private insurer like Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Humana, or Cigna. 2. Hearing aids Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, exams for fitting hearing aids, or exams for hearing problems. However, Medicare will cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor thinks you need them. You can purchase additional coverage for hearing aids through a Medicare Advantage plan or a private insurer. 3. Routine dental exams Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, or extractions. However, Medicare will cover dental services if they are necessary for a covered medical procedure, such as jaw reconstruction after an accident.

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus starts to grow outside the uterus. This can cause infertility as well as other symptoms such as fatigue or pain during ovulation. There are many treatments and medications that can help such as hormonal birth control which can help with getting hormones under control as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) which can be used to combat infertility. Here are some of the warning signs of endometriosis to look out for: 1. Pain and swelling in the abdomen and pelvic area Pain and swelling in the abdomen and pelvic area are the most common symptoms of endometriosis. The pain typically occurs during ovulation, periods, or intercourse but can also occur outside of these triggers. The growths caused by endometriosis can swell and bleed in the same way the lining inside of your uterus does during periods. However, since the tissue grows and bleeds in an area it cannot easily get out of your body from, it can cause pain and swelling. 2. Abnormal bleeding Another red flag to look out for with endometriosis is abnormal bleeding. Sometimes the tissue outside of the uterus can bleed excessively causing a very heavy menstrual flow or bleed when you are not on your period causing bleeding to occur randomly.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are debilitating conditions affecting millions of individuals worldwide. As people age, it becomes increasingly important to recognize the early warning signs of these diseases, such as memory loss, and consider various care options including supplements, caregivers guidelines, independent living, assisted living, and great medical alert systems, such as medic alert bracelets, to help manage the effects of progressive cognitive decline. In this article, we’ll explore the early warning signs of dementia and discuss some different care options available to individuals and their families: 1. Confusion about time and place Dementia can cause confusion, particularly when it comes to time and place. Patients may get lost in familiar surroundings, have difficulty following a routine, or forget the day of the week. 2. Changes in behavior Dementia can also cause changes in mood and behavior. Patients may become agitated, irritable, or withdrawn. They may also experience changes in personality or exhibit impulsive behavior. 3. Memory loss Memory loss is often one of the first signs of dementia. Patients may forget important events or appointments, have difficulty remembering names or faces, or struggle with new information. Supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E may be helpful in supporting brain health.

Having healthy blood pressure means a healthy heart and decreased chances of a heart attack or stroke. While it can be helpful to take supplements, it mainly comes down to the foods you consume as they have a direct impact on blood pressure levels. If you have a blood pressure monitor, it can help you get a blood pressure measurement to see what your levels are at as well as keep it in check as you work to stabilize and acquire a healthy blood pressure. Here are some foods you should definitely be avoiding with high blood pressure: 1. Frozen meals Although frozen meals from the grocery store are perfect to toss in the oven after you get home from a long day of work, most of them are packed with sodium—meaning they are really bad for your blood pressure. If you’re in a rush and really need a quick, frozen meal, be sure to look for ones that contain 600mg of sodium or less. 2. Salty snacks You’ll notice a trend in this list, foods high in sodium are the ones you should be avoiding. Of course, salty snacks like chips, crackers, and salted-nuts have very high sodium levels.

Water, whether you consume it as sparkling water, bottled water, fresh purified water, or seltzer water, is essential for hydrating your body. Every living thing needs it, from tiny bacteria, to plants, to giant blue whales—water is a key component of life. Tap water can sometimes get contaminated, so to consume the healthiest water possible you should look for the best water filters to ensure you get clean hydration. You might wonder if there’s ever a certain time that you should be drinking water, and there is! Here’s the 6 best times to drink water for maximum health benefits: 1. When you wake up Start your day off right by enjoying a refreshing glass of water when you wake up in the morning. This sets healthy habits and makes maintaining good hydration habits throughout the day much easier. 2. Before meals If you’re trying to lose weight, drinking water before a meal can enhance fullness and prevent you from overeating. Not only this, but creating a schedule where you drink water before meals can up your hydration and water intake, making good, healthy habits. 3. Before and after exercise When you exercise, you lose water and electrolytes through sweat. To maintain your hydration, it is recommended that you drink water before and after a workout.

Parkison’s disease—a brain disorder that impacts the nervous system and results in a variety of challenging symptoms. This disease can affect the patients quality of life through negatively impacting their ability to move. Many patients choose to take medications and treatments that ease their symptoms, such as Gocovri ER, Rytary, Ingrezza, Austedo XR; however, it’s important to look at side effects, as some medications can cause symptoms like tardive dyskinesia. The sooner this disease is diagnosed, the sooner patients can receive treatments and experience some relief of symptoms. Here’s 6 early signs of Parkison’s disease: 1. Tremors Tremors are one of the most common and most characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s. Tremors can show up as shaking, or other involuntary movement of the body. Typically this symptom begins in the fingers or hand, and is often called the ‘pill-rolling’ tremor—where you rub your thumb and forefinger together. Any unexplained, involuntary tremors are a raise for concern and could lead to a potential diagnosis for Parkinson’s. 2. Stiff-looking walking If anyone has commented that you look stiff while walking lately, this could be a sign of Parkinson’s. With the disease, normal, unconscious movements like swinging your arms while walking may stop—you’ll have to think about doing it in order for it to happen, whereas for individuals without Parkinson’s naturally do it without trying.

Lung cancer is cancer of the lungs, and it can take on a few forms, ranging from small cell carcinoma to advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and many variations in between. Like any type of cancer, it’s essential to catch it early on and start medications and treatments right away for the most optimal outcome, but unfortunately many individuals ignore their symptoms. Lung Cancer Treatment Options While there is currently no cure for lung cancer, there are many options for medications to help treat it and assist with symptom management. Medications your doctor may prescribe include Zepzelca, Alecensa, Rybevrant, and ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) or ROS1 inhibitor. In addition to medications to help manage symptoms, you likely will also require targeted treatments to directly fight against the cancerous tumors. One may endure therapies such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. These can be mentally and physically exhausting, so it’s helpful to have a support system there to encourage and help you through it, like close friends and family. There are also cancer support groups you can join to talk to people that understand exactly what you’re going through. Although it is an extremely challenging and scary process, you can feel assured that your doctor will work with you to get the best treatment plan that will meet your needs.

Osteoporosis is what occurs when more bone gets broken down than replaced, resulting in brittle bones, or easily breaking bones, weaker grip strength, back or neck pain, receding gums, weak or brittle finger nails, stooped posture, and more. There are some medications and treatments that can help reduce these symptoms such as Evenity, Forteo, Fosamax, Prolia, and Boniva, but one of the best ways to improve bone strength is through your diet. Just as there are some foods you should eat more of, there are some foods you should try to avoid entirely. Here are 5 foods to avoid to keep osteoporosis at bay: 1. High sodium foods High sodium foods can result in a loss in calcium in your body, the mineral associated with healthy bones and teeth. With a lack of calcium, you will suffer from bone loss, causing your bones to become weak and you to develop osteoporosis. Processed foods and canned foods are typically very high in sodium, so make sure to read your labels and try seasoning your food with spices as opposed to added salt. 2. Wheat bran Wheat bran contains what’s known as phytates, something considered an anti-nutrient that makes it harder for your body to absorb calcium and other essential nutrients.