The Covid-19 pandemic is forcing many of us to miss our regular health checkups. However, as dreaded as the new virus is, there is an older disease, cancer, equally deadly if not caught in the early stages. These days, we cannot visit a clinic for routine health checkups, but we can definitely monitor ourselves closely at home to flag these eight common warning signs of cancer: 1. Bloating Bloating is common in healthy people too, but only if it is occasional. If a person feels bloated for more than two weeks at a stretch, it is a red flag. Bloating is one of the common warning signs of ovarian and gastrointestinal cancers. 2. Pelvic or abdominal pain Women tend to have uncomfortable cramps and occasional irregular periods. But if there is a constant change in their monthly cycle or if the cramps are persistent, it is a cause of concern as it could signal uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer. 3. A significant change in bathroom habits This is another common warning sign of cancer. People who experience sudden and consistent bowel changes, such as an increase in the frequency of urination, regular constipation, blood in the urine or stool, or black stool, should make a trip to their doctor for further investigation to rule out prostate, colon, or bladder cancer.

Respiratory illnesses can be a real nuisance, especially during the flu season. And with the ongoing pandemic, as well as increasing instances of respiratory syncytial (RSVl) virus, covid 19, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), adenovirus and parainfluenza, it’s more important than ever to take precautions to avoid catching or developing a respiratory illness. To help you stay safe and healthy, we’ve compiled a list of the top five traditional hot spots for respiratory illnesses (in your office and at home), along with some tips on how to prevent them: 1. Doorknobs, and appliance and drawer handles Doorknobs and drawer handles are some of the most touched surfaces in any home or office. Unfortunately, they can also be hot spots for respiratory illnesses, as they can easily spread germs from one person to another. To avoid getting sick, make sure to wash your hands regularly, and consider wiping down these surfaces with a disinfectant wipe every few hours 2. Keyboards and electronics keypads Keyboards and electronics keypads can also harbor germs and bacteria. They are frequently touched and seldom cleaned, making them a perfect breeding ground for respiratory viruses. To keep these hot spots clean, consider using a disinfectant wipe or spray to clean your keyboard and electronics keypads daily 3.

Shortness of breath, medically termed as dyspnea, is an unsettling condition where one struggles to breathe fully or comfortably. This common symptom is associated with a myriad of health issues, ranging from mild anxiety to severe cardiac and respiratory diseases. Understanding the exact cause of shortness of breath can be a pivotal step towards finding an effective solution or remedy. Some common causes include cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure and coronary artery disease, as these conditions limit the heart’s capacity to pump blood and lead to reduced oxygen supply to the body’s tissues. Additionally, and least surprisingly, respiratory disorders like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis can lead to breathlessness as a result of impaired lung function and reduced air flow. As mentioned, anxiety, panic attacks, and other forms of emotional distress often lead to rapid breathing, creating a sense of breathlessness. Anemia, or low iron, caused by a deficiency in red blood cells can lead to inadequate oxygen transport, manifesting as shortness of breath. Lastly, obesity can exert pressure on the lungs and heart, making breathing more laborious and causing a shortness in breath. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional to understand the cause and identify the best course of action for you, but consider these 5 simple treatment techniques that may help improve shortness of breath or offer temporary relief:

Tinnitus is the perception of sound with no external source—meaning other people cannot hear it. It commonly is described as a ringing sound, but some others experience a roaring or buzzing. With the condition being so common, approximately 10-25% of adults have it, there are some treatment options and hearing solutions, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and tinnitus therapy that each can help reduce symptoms and improve hearing. Here are 5 common causes of tinnitus: 1. Noise exposure Most individuals are diagnosed with tinnitus after exposure to loud noise, whether that’s in the workplace, a concert, a sporting event, and so on. This condition is the most common service-related disability among veterans, due to the loud noise experienced from gunfire, machinery, bomb blasts, or other relative noises. 2. Hearing loss Hearing loss is often attributed to aging or exposure to loud noise, and it is strongly associated with tinnitus. However, it is possible that individuals with hearing loss will never experience tinnitus. 3. Medications It’s important to always read the side effects of medications, as tinnitus can even be caused by certain medications—especially if they’re taken at high doses. Common medications that are associated with tinnitus include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g.

When you think of Medicare, you probably think of medical coverage for seniors. And while that is a critical aspect of Medicare, there are several different parts to the program. Each part covers different services, and some parts have gaps in coverage that you may not be aware of. Below, we look at what isn’t covered by Medicare and dispel some common myths about the program: 1. Routine dental exams and treatment Medicare coverage doesn’t include routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, or extractions. There are a few exceptions, however. If you need dental care to have surgery that Medicare covers, then Medicare will also cover the necessary dental care. For example, Medicare will cover the extraction if you need a tooth extraction before heart surgery. Medicare will also cover dental care related to an injury, such as a jaw fracture. But for routine dental care, you’ll have to pay out of pocket or purchase an individual dental insurance plan. 2. Long term care Medicare coverage does not include long-term care, such as nursing home care. Also, Medicare will not pay for custodial care, which is the kind of care you need when you can no longer take care of yourself.