A healthy heart is essential for the optimal functioning of all organs. It pumps and delivers blood and oxygen throughout the body, ensuring overall vitality. But factors like aging, poor lifestyle, and underlying health conditions like high cholesterol may weaken one’s heart and lead to long-term problems. Individuals can take proactive steps toward improving their cardiovascular health by recognizing the early signs of an unhealthy heart. Therefore, here are some early signs one shouldn’t ignore. Early signs of an unhealthy heart Chest discomfort One of the earliest signs of heart problems is chest discomfort, which one may experience in tightness, pressure, or heaviness. The discomfort may be mild or severe and may hit suddenly for a few seconds, lasting up to several minutes. It may come and go or persist for an extended period. However, physical exertion, emotional stress, or exposure to cold temperatures can trigger or worsen chest discomfort. Fatigue and weakness Feeling excessively tired or experiencing unexplained weakness can be warning signs of a compromised heart. Reduced blood flow to the body’s tissues and organs affects energy levels, resulting in persistent exhaustion. If this does not improve with rest, one should immediately seek medical attention and assess potential heart-related causes.

Sugar has become ubiquitous in our eating habits, but its excessive intake can harm our health, including our eyesight. Delving into the lesser-known connection between excess sugar intake and poor eye health is essential. Beyond its impact on overall well-being, high sugar consumption can contribute to various eye-related issues. We can proactively protect our vision by understanding the early signs and symptoms. A few common signs are mentioned below. Blurry vision Blurry vision is a common issue resulting from high blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels might cause the eye lens to swell up, resulting in vision changes. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial to ensuring this does not happen. If someone experiences blurry vision because of high blood glucose, it can take a few months or more of management to get it back to normal. Instead, speak to the doctor about adding supplements and sugarless multivitamins as treatment options that might help speed up recovery. Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is one of the common consequences of unmanaged high blood sugar in diabetes patients. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can irreversibly damage the fragile blood vessels in the retina. This can cause blindness or visual impairment in patients.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that interrupts the signals the brain sends and receives to control action or automatic reflexes. Organs and body functions rely on the brain’s instructions to carry out the most basic physical and cognitive tasks. While there is no proper cure for the disease, Parkinson’s can still be managed with early diagnosis and ongoing treatments to improve quality of life. Here are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease. Tremors One of the first signs of developing Parkinson’s is hand tremors. These noticeable uncontrolled movements usually first develop from the thumb and spread across that palm, affecting the entire hand. These tremors are also referred to as resting tremors because the movements are not so evident when the hand is being actively used but develop abruptly when it is in a resting or relaxed position. Balance and posture problems Parkinson’s interferes with the brain and body’s communication signals controlling balance and posture. Patients often develop either rapid uncontrolled movements called hypokinesia or slow uncontrolled movements called bradykinesia. Either way, this affects a person’s balance while doing basic activities like standing, walking, and maintaining a straight posture. Muscle weakness and rigidity will also force the affected person to develop a stooped or hunched-over posture.

Tardive dyskinesia is a well-known side effect that is caused by the usage of some antipsychotic treatments. These treatments are used to manage mental health disorders like schizophrenia and other similar illnesses. Every person getting these treatments is not guaranteed to develop this side effect. However, when the side effect occurs, it is usually a permanent symptom. Speaking to a healthcare professional to understand how best to manage this is recommended. Signs and symptoms This illness causes the body to experience uncontrollable stiff and jerky movements. Different categories of symptoms are involved; some have to do with the face, called Orofacial dyskinesia or oro-bucco-lingual dyskinesia. Symptoms under this include uncontrollable chewing, smacking or puckering of lips, blinking the eyes very fast, grunting, frowning, sticking out the tongue without trying, and puffing out cheeks. Other sets of symptoms involve the limbs, called dyskinesia of the limbs, which affects the arms, toes, fingers, and legs. Wiggling of fingers, flapping of arms uncontrollably, tapping of feet, swaying side to side, thrusting the pelvis. All these movements are involuntary and uncontrollable, fast or slow, and vary from person to person. Causes and risks Antipsychotic treatments or neuroleptic treatment methods are used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other similar brain illnesses.

The body has its own way of communicating issues, and pain serves as a powerful signal that something is wrong. So, some types of pain should not be ignored, and they warrant immediate medical attention. Further, recognizing distinctive characteristics of discomfort can help one seek timely treatment. Here is a look at various types of pain that warrant immediate treatment and the importance of early intervention in preventing further complications. Leg pain with swelling Leg pain accompanied by swelling should never be ignored, as it could be a sign of a condition called deep vein thrombosis. The condition develops due to the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. If untreated, the clot may dislodge and travel to the lungs. The symptoms of this condition include swelling, pain, and warmth, especially when walking. This usually develops when one does not move the legs enough. Sitting for too long, say while traveling or being bedridden for days, and giving birth are all risk factors for DVT. If leg pain does not subside, one should consult a doctor. Severe headache If one experiences a sudden yet severe headache that seems to be different than usual aches, then it should not be overlooked.

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis linked with psoriasis. It is like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and exhibits similar symptoms and inflammation of the joints. However, the condition affects fewer joints than its more severe counterpart and does not make typical RA antibodies. On that note, initiating treatments could ensure better management of the condition. So here are seven early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis that may require immediate attention. Swollen joints, fingers, and toes People affected by psoriatic arthritis may notice swelling in the ankles, feet, hands, and knees. Usually, only a few joints are inflamed at once, which may lead to a burning sensation, turning red. Besides, toes and fingers affected by psoriatic arthritis may take on a sausage-like shape, affecting pairs of joints on both sides of the body. Pain in the ribs and chest If an individual develops pain in the chest and ribs without any underlying health conditions, they must consult an expert immediately. The symptom might be due to psoriatic arthritis and may occur when the chest wall and cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone get inflamed. Joint stiffness An individual who experiences joint stiffness might be susceptible to psoriatic arthritis as the pain may result from inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refers to an autoimmune condition that causes severe inflammation in the linings of joints. With time, RA can lead to excruciating pain and swelling, as well as bone damage. Although the condition may develop at any age, the risk increases as one gets older. But timely diagnosis and intervention can help in managing the symptoms and slowing the disease’s progression. Here are some early rheumatoid arthritis signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Joint stiffness Many individuals with RA may experience severe joint stiffness, which can impact basic body movements like bending of one’s fingers and toes. This stiffness typically aggravates in the mornings or when one has been inactive for an extended period. Joint pain Another common symptom of RA is persistent, throbbing pain, which also tends to worsen in the mornings or following periods of inactivity. Joint swelling Inflammation of one’s joints can cause swelling. Sometimes, rheumatoid nodules, or swelling under the skin surrounding one’s joints, can also occur in patients with RA. Tenderness in joints Tissue damage resulting from RA can cause the joints to become tender, which can trigger or aggravate chronic joint pain and deformity. Chest pain In some cases, one may also experience inflammation in other body organs, such as the lungs.

High cholesterol is a silent enemy that often goes unnoticed until it reaches dangerous levels. Unlike many health conditions, high cholesterol often goes undiagnosed until it causes significant health problems. However, being aware of the potential symptoms and risk factors associated with high blood cholesterol is crucial. Understanding the symptoms can help individuals recognize the warning signs, seek medical attention, and take proactive steps to manage their cholesterol levels effectively. Symptoms It is important to note that cholesterol does not show signs or symptoms. The increasing deposition narrows down blood vessels, making it difficult for the blood to flow through. The only way to determine and keep track of blood cholesterol levels is by getting blood tests done. People with a family or personal history of high blood pressure and unhealthy lifestyle habits are generally at a higher risk of developing high cholesterol and clogged arteries. Conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia are also responsible for higher levels of cholesterol in people with a genetic history. Studies suggest that people with this condition can have cholesterol levels of 300 mg/dL or more. Xanthoma, a yellow patch above the skin, usually seen on the eyelids, is a sign of people with high blood cholesterol.

Medicare is not a single insurance cover. Instead, it is a federal benefit split up into parts representing Original Medicare, Supplemental Insurance, and Prescription coverage for seniors 65 and above. Part A and Part B cover the inpatient and outpatient costs. Part C is supplemental insurance that pays for specific costs and out-of-pocket expenses over original coverage. And Part D covers the cost of prescriptions. Here are other interesting facts about Medicare. Medicare is not just for seniors While the significant qualifying criteria for availing of Medicare benefits is an age limit of 65, some younger adults can also apply for the benefit. Young adults with specific disabilities or those diagnosed with end-stage renal disease can also qualify for Medicare insurance. Choosing either Medicare or Medicare Advantage Original Medicare benefits come with a copayment of 20% that goes out of your pocket, and the 80% is covered under the deductibles charged from the beginning of the year. Alternatively, you can directly opt for Medicare Advantage, which private insurance companies preapprove. The bundle plan includes Part A, Part B, and Part D prescription benefits with coverage for treatments not included in original policies. A higher income increases the cost of Medicare Medicare is a benefit that kicks in post-enrollment despite the operational status of the applicant, i.e., retired or employed.

Medicare is a federal health insurance initiative for individuals who are 65 or older. The program is divided into various parts, and each part helps cover certain expenses, such as inpatient care, outpatient care, or prescriptions, at a monthly premium. Despite its benefits, some people make certain mistakes while signing up for the program, which could cost them more in the long run. A few such common mistakes one should avoid are listed below. Missing deadlines One of the most common errors is missing the deadline to sign up. One must ensure they enroll in Medicare during the initial enrollment period (IEP) – a seven-month enrollment phase that includes three months before the person turns 65 and three months after. While they will get another opportunity to sign up during Medicare’s annual general enrollment period, it may come with a penalty. Not preparing for unforeseen expenses Medicare usually covers most healthcare expenses. However, sometimes there are expenses that an individual needs to pay out of their hand. In such scenarios, not having an emergency fund could result in one being unable to cover their healthcare expenses. Therefore, one must be mindful of what is covered under Medicare, inducing factors like deductibles, copayments, premiums, and coinsurance.