Irritable bowel disease, or IBD, is a condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the intestines. The most common form of IBD is Crohn’s disease, but there are several other forms of IBD as well. Common IBD symptoms include diarrhea and constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. However, these are not the only symptoms associated with IBD. Here are subtle signs of IBD that don’t affect the gut: 1. Canker sores Canker sores are small ulcers on the inside of the mouth that are caused by a bacterial infection of the lining of the mouth. They are often associated with a rash called oral erythema. This rash is caused by an immune reaction that causes redness and swelling in the skin. The reaction can be due to an allergy or an infection, but it can also be caused by IBD or other illnesses. 2. Skin issues Cellulitis is a painful bacterial infection that affects the skin and underlying tissue. It can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. Cellulitis is most commonly caused by an infection from a wound or insect bite. However, it can also be caused by IBD or other diseases. If you have cellulitis, it is important to see a doctor; they will give you antibiotics to treat the skin issue.

Dementia is a broad term that describes symptoms related to a chronic, progressive, and irreversible decline in mental abilities. It is among the leading causes of memory loss and cognitive impairment among older adults. Dementia is usually the result of Alzheimer’s disease, which damages brain cells. The common types of dementia are vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia (LBD). Some of the common warning signs of dementia are outlined below: 1. Memory loss Most forms of dementia cause the patient’s memory to become impaired, although how the impairment presents itself varies from person to person. However, dementia most commonly affects short-term or working memory. Working memory is particularly crucial because it allows you to do things like drive a car or make a phone call. Difficulty remembering recent events is also a significant sign that a person has dementia. 2. Speaking difficulty When someone has dementia, they may have trouble finding the right words when they’re speaking. This can lead to significant issues with speech and communication that can be frustrating and upsetting for the patient. 3. Behavior changes Another early sign of dementia is personality and behavior changes; these changes will vary from person to person. They can include an abrupt shift in personality, a change in common routines, or a sudden inability to cope with stress.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes roughness, itchiness, redness, inflammation, dryness, and rashes on the skin. While there are different eczema types, the most common is atopic dermatitis. Eczema treatments and remedies are targeted at reducing symptoms and  frequency of flare-ups. Personal care items, such as laundry detergents, are common eczema triggers due to the dyes, preservatives, fragrances, brighteners, and other chemicals within. However, the following gentle detergents are safe to use on eczema-prone skin: 1. Seventh Generation Free & Clear This detergent is USDA Certified as a bio-based product. It uses 99% plant-based enzymes and has no synthetic fragrances, brighteners, dyes, or other harsh chemicals that can cause irritation and eczema flare-ups. The organic base makes it not only good for the skin, but also environmentally friendly. Seventh Generation boasts a “Leaping Bunny” cruelty-free seal, and the bottle is made from less plastic, making it compact and easier to handle. The formula is ultra-concentrated, meaning that a little goes a long way. It is easy to use in high-efficiency washing machines, and while it has no fragrance; it effectively removes tough stains like tomato sauce and grass stains. 2. Tide Free & Gentle This fragrance-free detergent is recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation and National Eczema Association as a safe laundry detergent to use for patients with sensitive skin, especially when used in conjunction with other eczema remedies.

Gardening is linked to increased cardiovascular health, reduced anxiety symptoms, and improved mental acuity. But what about the straightforward physical benefits? Studies from several sources claim that gardening can help you sleep better, boost self-esteem, and reduce stress and depression. If you’ve always desired a flower or vegetable garden, but the weeds in your yard seem unmanageable, employing a lawn company to perform home maintenance can help get you started. For instance, professional home contractors can help you establish beds, and install gutter guards and rain barrels to get you started on your green thumb journey. In the meantime, here are some surprising health benefits of gardening: 1. Boosts immunity The immune system is the defense system of your body. It can protect you against germs, bacteria, and viruses. Gardening requires you to get out of your house, enjoy nature, and breathe fresh air. According to a 2015 study published in Immunotargets and Therapy, when you work in the garden, the beneficial bacteria found in soil helps to improve your immune system and enables you to fight off infections easier. 2. Exposure to vitamin D Human bodies can make vitamin D from sunlight absorption. Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin” is essential for healthy bones and muscles.

By the time seniors reach 65, most will have a good idea of what their health insurance covers. However, Medicare is a different ballgame. There are many surprising things that it doesn’t cover. It’s important to understand what your Medicare coverage will pay for and what it will not. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. It covers people with certain chronic conditions and disabilities. However, it doesn’t cover everything, including: 1. Routine dental exams Although Medicare provides some coverage for dental benefits during hospital stays, it doesn’t cover basic dental care, including cleanings, X-rays, and fillings. If you want to get coverage, you’ll have to buy a separate policy. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be able to get some dental coverage through it. However, it’s important to note that these benefits may be limited. 2. Deductibles and coinsurance If you have original Medicare, both Part A and B insurance policies require you to pay out-of-pocket for certain medical expenses. This can be costly if you have medical needs, as there’s no cap on the amount that you can spend on original Medicare. Medicare Advantage, which is a type of private insurance program that’s offered by the federal government, also requires you to pay a certain amount of coinsurance and deductibles.

Comorbidity refers to “a disorder that occurs simultaneously with another condition.” In the context of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) specifically, comorbidities are diseases or disorders that commonly occur alongside RA in patients. Studies show that the most common comorbidities in RA are cardiovascular disease, serious infections, depression, respiratory conditions like COPD, and lymphoma. Let’s take a closer look at why these common comorbidities occur in patients with RA: 1. Heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis The main mechanisms by which rheumatic diseases affect the cardiovascular system are damage to the heart muscle (cardiac hypertrophy) and blood vessels (vasculitis and vascular inflammation). These mechanisms are often exacerbated in patients with chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The elevated risk includes increased incident angina and myocardial infarction, as well as premature death through stroke or heart failure. Further, patients with RA are less likely to respond to treatments for these diseases, such as nitroglycerin. While the relationship between RA and cardiovascular disease is well established, its association with coronary heart disease (CHD) is less certain. Fractures of the collarbones or hips and other trauma to the skeleton are common in patients with RA. These fractures transmit significant force to the heart, possibly damaging it and increasing CHD risk.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that chronically affects the skin, resulting in red, scaly patches. While the condition primarily impacts the skin, bodily swelling and insulin resistance is a critical component of psoriasis. This means that those with psoriasis may be more vulnerable to other chronic health issues—such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, psoriatic arthritis and more. Here are six health conditions associated to psoriasis that patients should be aware of: 1. Psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune form of joint pain and inflammation that commonly accompanies psoriasis. The condition is due to the body’s immunity mistakenly targeting healthy cells and tissue. Psoriatic arthritis is a severe condition that affects any joint, resulting in swelling and stiffness. Studies show that up to 30% of people with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis. To treat this condition, doctors may prescribe medications such as Skyrizi, Stelara, Cosentyx, or Tremfya, which aid in decreasing inflammation and alleviating pain. 2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) COPD is a group of chronic breathing conditions that affect the lungs and airways, and can severely impact one’s breathing ability. Patients with psoriasis are susceptible to COPD, which studies show increases with the severity of psoriasis because the inflammation associated with psoriasis might affect the lungs.

Living with severe asthma and other breathing issues (i.e., COPD, long COVID, and chronic allergies) can be challenging, especially when it comes to triggers such as pollution, allergic triggers, or stress. Symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness can significantly impact one’s quality of life. It is a well-established fact that vaccines play a crucial role in treating numerous respiratory and breathing disorders. Among the respiratory conditions that benefit from vaccines are Influenza, Pneumonia, Whooping Cough, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Tuberculosis, among others. Interestingly, the common cold, which is highly prevalent, remains without a vaccine. Notable vaccine manufacturers, including Novovax, Fluarix Quadrivalent, Vaxelis, Infanrix, Kinrix, Pediarix, Pentacel, and others, produce these immunizations. Also, to help alleviate some of the symptoms of breathing issues, incorporating natural remedies and detoxifying drinks into your daily routine can make a significant difference. Here are five detoxifying drinks that can help cleanse your lungs and improve your breathing: 1. Ginger and turmeric infused water or tea Ginger and turmeric are two potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spices that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Ginger can help to reduce inflammation in the airways, and turmeric can aid in reducing oxidative stress in the lungs.

Dental implants are a type of dental restoration involving the surgical placement of an artificial tooth root into the jawbone. Once the implant has fused with the bone, a crown or bridge is attached to create a natural-looking tooth replacement. Tooth implants can be costly, with the average cost ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 USD per tooth. However, there are ways to save on tooth implants. This article will provide five tips to help you get cheaper dental implants: 1. Do your research Before getting dental implants, it is essential to undertake proper research. You should know what type of dental implant is right for you and the average procedure cost in your area. You can also research the dentist or dental surgeon performing the procedure to ensure they are experienced and reputable. Researching can help you make an informed decision about the procedure, and it can also help you find cheaper dental implants. 2. Shop around Once you have researched properly, it is time to shop around. Different dentists and dental clinics will charge different prices for tooth implants, so it is essential to compare prices. You can call around and ask for quotes or use websites that compare prices for tooth implants in your area.

Lung cancer is a devastating disease that can be difficult to detect in its early stages. While common symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain are well-known indicators of lung cancer, there are other less expected symptoms that can also be warning signs. In this listicle, we will explore six lung cancer symptoms that are often overlooked: 1. Arm and shoulder pain Arm and shoulder pain can be a sign of lung cancer that has spread to the bones. When cancer cells invade the bones, they can cause pain, swelling, and fractures. If you are experiencing persistent pain in your arm or shoulder, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, it is essential to seek medical attention. 2. Eye problems Unusual eye problems such as double vision, drooping eyelids, or swelling around the eyes can be a sign of lung cancer that has spread to the brain. In some cases, the tumor can cause pressure on the optic nerve, leading to vision problems. If you notice any changes in your vision or have any unusual eye symptoms, it is crucial to speak with your doctor. 3. Hoarseness or change in voice A persistent hoarse voice or a change in your voice can be a sign of lung cancer.