April 2022

When you buy a health insurance policy, the insurer covers the costs of medical treatment of all the people insured under the policy. Also known as mediclaim insurance, these policies either offer reimbursement of the medical bills or a cashless treatment facility at a network hospital. 

You can buy a policy for yourself or look for health insurance plans for your family to ensure that your loved ones receive the best medical treatment without having to worry about expenses. There are different types of medical insurance in India offered by numerous providers. So, how does one choose? Here are five factors that you must consider before you buy a medical insurance plan.

What is Health Insurance?

Health insurance is a financial product that offers reimbursement of the expenses incurred by the insured person(s) for medical treatments subject to certain terms and conditions. You can buy a health policy for yourself as an individual or for your family (including your spouse, children, and parents). In addition, the premium paid on health insurance policies offers a tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. 

There are numerous insurance providers offering different types of medical insurance plans. This makes finding the right one difficult. The first thing you need to do is think about the coverage you want. Also, think if you want to buy a health insurance policy for yourself or your entire family. Once you have these aspects clear, start looking at the insurance plans available to you and compare features. 

5 Factors to Consider Before Buying Medical Insurance 

Here are five crucial aspects that you must keep in mind that can help you find the right medical policy:

1. Network of hospitals

When you are faced with a medical emergency and rush the patient to the hospital, you are usually required to make a deposit with the hospital to begin treatment. Depending on the emergency, this can be a sizable amount. 

If you visit a hospital that is not tied up with your insurer, then you will have to pay the money first and claim reimbursement later. This can get difficult for expensive treatments. Hence, it is prudent to look for an insurer that has a wide network of cashless hospitals in and around the area you reside. 

2. Claim Settlement Ratio

The purpose of buying an insurance policy is to receive reimbursement when you file a claim. Hence, a good insurer will have a high ratio of claims settled to the ones received. Every insurer displays its claim settlement ratio on the website. Compare the ratios and look for an insurer with a higher ratio.

3. Capping and limits

Most people are unaware of the fact that mediclaim insurance policies usually limit the compensation amount under different heads of expenses. Allow us to explain:

A hospital bill includes a range of expenses like ambulance charges, room charges, consultation charges, tests, etc. Many health insurance providers limit the compensation under each of these sub-heads. 

For example, an insurer might cap the room rent compensation to one per cent of the sum assured. If the room rent goes beyond this capped limit, then you might have to bear the expenses from your pocket.

Hence, before buying a mediclaim insurance policy, make sure that you understand these caps and limits and look for a provider with low or no such limits.

4. Waiting Period

Almost all health insurance plans have a waiting period for pre-existing ailments and also some specific illnesses. During the waiting period, the insurer does not cover any medical expenses for the said illnesses. This period can go up to four years for certain ailments. So, when you are buying a mediclaim policy in India, try looking for one that has a low waiting period.

Further, many insurers allow policyholders to pay a higher premium to reduce the waiting period. If this is financially viable to you, then pay the additional premium and get rid of the waiting period.

5. Premium amount

Mediclaim insurance policies have annual premiums. The amount of premium is calculated based on the risks perceived by the insurer. Once you have shortlisted plans based on your needs and the points mentioned above, compare premiums and try to find the most cost-efficient one. Remember, the cheapest option might not always be the best option. Don’t compromise on coverage but don’t overpay the premium. Choose judiciously.

Summing Up

Most insurers offer an online platform to help you look at options and choose the right mediclaim insurance policy for your needs. They also offer a range of add-on covers to help you customise the policy. However, these add-ons increase the premium amount. Remember, while the health insurance premium might seem like a cost today, the coverage it offers can save you a lot of money during a medical emergency in the future. Hence, assess the health requirements of your family and choose the right policy to offer them the best medical care without worrying about the expenses. Good Luck!

Are you struggling with menopause hormonal imbalance and want your everyday life back? Menopause decreases the production of different hormones as you get old. Women experiencing menopause in Lake Mary can schedule an appointment with Christopher K Quinsey for guidance.

Menopause

You know you’re reaching menopause when you start experiencing symptoms such as: 

• Viginal dryness
• Night sweats
• Sleeping problems
• Hot flashes
• Mood changes
• Loss of breast fullness
• Weight gain

 Menopause and BHRT

Handling all signs and symptoms associated with menopause can be pretty challenging. Fortunately, you can visit your gynecologist and ask for options to manage the stage. You can choose to undergo Bioidentical Hormone Therapy, a procedure used to replenish lost hormones.

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

BHRT is a therapy that corrects hormonal imbalances. It increases the reproductive hormones that tend to decrease with age. These hormones slow down the transition process, thus managing symptoms associated with menopause.

BHRT treats most hormonal conditions in both genders, such as Menopause, Depression, Perimenopause, Endometriosis, Premenstrual syndrome, Andropause, and Thyroid dysfunction. Unlike Traditional HRT which uses synthetic hormones such as Premarin and Oestradiol to correct hormonal imbalances, BHRT replicates your natural hormones.

How to use BHRT

Before a doctor decides to use BHRT, you will be asked for all necessary information concerning your symptoms. Moreover, the doctor will do some tests to determine your condition. Most BHRT medications are usually prescribed as creams or tablets. You can choose the type that you’re most comfortable with.

 Are they safe?

Taking natural estrogen and progesterone prescriptions has fewer risks of getting cancer or heart diseases. Using BHRT is safe, and you should only take the quantity prescribed.

Benefits of Using Bioidentical Hormone Replacement

BHRT is typically administered to people whose hormone levels are dropping. Here are the advantages of taking Bioidentical Hormone Replacement when in the menopause stage.

1. It matches your body’s hormones

Unlike other hormones, BHRT is made of estrogen derived from plant sources. The estrogen present in plants is synthesized to mimic your body’s chemical structures, making it easier for your body to accept it. 

2. Controls night sweats and hot flashes

Are you experiencing uncomfortable heat surges during menopause? Bioidentical hormones come in handy because they stabilize your body temperature. The hormones work by stabilizing your hypothalamus.

3. Promotes better mood and sleep

Bioidentical hormones help balance your hormones, thus improving your mood and brain functionality.

4. It gives you better hair and skin

Sometimes, menopause can cause tons of problems like sagging skin and wrinkles. Why would you look old while you don’t feel it? Taking bioidentical hormones will improve your body’s collagen and elastin production, thus giving you healthier skin.

Final Thoughts

BHRT is a better option for women who find it hard to keep up with menopause’s hormonal imbalance. Book an appointment with Christopher K Quinsey, MD, today if you want someone to guide you through the menopause and post-menopause journey. The gynecologists will help you manage and overcome the uncomfortable signs and symptoms associated with menopause.

Pelvic pain is a severe medical condition that can affect everyone regardless of age or race. However, pelvic pain is more prevalent in women than in men considering that they are more vulnerable to reproductive diseases such as endometriosis. Dr. Karen Brodman in New York has years of experience in diagnosing and treating underlying conditions causing pelvic pain. Do not allow pelvic pain to make your life dull.

Pelvic pain 101

Pelvic pain refers to the discomfort in your pelvic area, arising from the peritoneum and spreading to the surrounding parts. This annoyance may be due to internal organ abnormalities, infections, or underlying disease in your pelvis bone. However, in women, pelvic pain may indicate an underlying medical condition in one of the reproductive organs (vagina, fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries). In some cases, pelvic pain may radiate to your lower abdomen, making some people mistake it for pelvic pain. If your pelvic pain worsens or persists for more than six months, it is referred to as chronic pain. Some of the causes of chronic pelvic pain include:

•  Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Adenomyosis
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic adhesions

Fibroids rarely cause any bothersome symptoms, but women with large fibroids may experience pressure or a dull ache in their pelvis or lower abdomen. If uterine fibroids are the underlying cause of your pelvic pain, the professional team may recommend several treatments to shrink the fibroids, alleviating your symptoms.

How does endometriosis relate to pelvic pain?

Endometriosis is a painful disorder when your uterus lining grows outside your uterus. Medical experts ascertain that endometriosis occurs when your menstrual blood flows backward into your pelvic area. Your endometrial cells then develop on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the surrounding organs in your pelvis. During menstruation, these patches of endometriosis cause inflammation, leading to pelvic pain. Endometriosis is the most prevalent cause of pelvic pain in women and worsens during menstruation. The pain may range from a dull ache to a stabbing pain that may reduce the quality of your life. The severity of your discomfort may not necessarily indicate the extent of your health condition. You may have mild endometriosis with excruciating pelvic pain or severe endometriosis with mild discomfort.

What treatments can your doctor recommend for pelvic pain?

During your appointment, Dr. Brodman may discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and perform a pelvic exam to determine the root cause of your discomfort. She may also use diagnostic imaging like MRI and ultrasound for accurate diagnosis. After identifying the underlying cause of your painful symptoms, she may formulate a treatment plan to treat the medical condition and relieve your symptoms. Your provider may recommend hormonal therapy if your pain emanates from the menstrual cycle at the beginning of your treatment. If endometriosis is the underlying cause of your pain, Dr. Brodman may recommend Laparoscopic deep excision surgery to eliminate the patches of endometriosis. She may also recommend a hysterectomy if you have advanced, diffuse adenomyosis.

Contact Dr. Brodman for a pelvic exam or schedule your appointment online.

Invisalign aligners are a lifesaver since they restore your confidence and smile. Unlike traditional braces that interrupt your smile, these aligners are clear. Those with crooked teeth, overbite, and unwanted gaps can book an appointment with Saratoga Invisalign specialists.

Types of orthodontic issues that Invisalign resolve

Most dentists don’t recommend using Invisalign on small children because their teeth are still growing. However, dentists can use Invisalign aligners for adults with conditions such as:

• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Protruding teeth
• Underbite
• Crowded teeth
• Teeth gaps
• Crooked teeth

People with severe cases might need to undergo other orthodontic procedures to address the problem. Your dentist will do a short assessment before determining whether this treatment option will work for you or not.

The ideal candidate for Invisalign treatment

You qualify for Invisalign treatment if:

1. You don’t have serious dental issues or gum diseases that need advanced treatment options.
2. You will strictly follow all the instructions given by your dentist. Remember that wearing these aligners is easy, and you have to wear them for longer periods. You can only remove them when eating.
3. Your jaws have fully matured.
4. You’re not an active smoker.
5. You observe good oral hygiene.      

 People with active gum diseases or cavities should undergo restorative treatment before they consider undergoing Invisalign treatment.

Advantages of wearing Invisalign clear aligners

• You get a more cosmetically-appealing smile.
• They are easy to maintain because they don’t need a tedious cleaning process.
• They’re comfortable to wear because dentists apply less pressure when installing them.
• You can easily remove them since there are no orthodontic-related restrictions.

Taking care of your oral health when having Invisalign aligners

Although you don’t have to worry about having food debris on your aligners, you should take care of them following the following procedures.

1. Ensure you brush your teeth after every meal.
2. You brush the aligners carefully using a soft brush to avoid damaging them.
3. You have all the cleaning products in your handbag or workplace desk.
4. Soak the aligners using the Cleaning Crystals
5. Properly rinse your trays before storing them to minimize germ buildup.

Who is not an Invisalign candidate?

Not everyone qualifies to undergo an Invisalign treatment procedure. People who are irresponsible and careless should avoid undergoing this procedure because it can lead to severe gum infections.

Also, patients with poor diets and tobacco cravings should consult their doctor before considering this option. Don’t consider this option if you like snacking because you’ll have to remove the aligners when eating something.

It’s advisable to consult a dentist before you consider undergoing Invisalign treatment. Book an appointment with Dr. Rapal in Saratoga, CA, if you think you qualify for Invisalign treatment. Dr. Rapal and her team will customize a treatment plan that meets your needs. Their extensive knowledge in handling cosmetic dentistry will help you regain your smile again.

Studies indicate that there is a huge rise in the number of people suffering with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It is a type of neurodegenerative disorder that is caused due to Vitamin B1 deficiency. What causes Vitamin B1 deficiency? The intake of large amounts of alcohol frequently is one of the main causes for this problem. However, this deficiency can also occur due to cancer, intestinal problems, stomach surgery and malnutrition.

Some people believe Wernicke’s is the acute phase, while Korsakoff syndrome as the chronic stage. Even after taking the therapy, Wernicke’s encephalopathy frequently develops this condition called Korsakoff syndrome in most cases. WKS is characterized by a variety of issues in mental processing. WKS can cause severe damage to your brain, if it is not treated at the early stages.

Looking for a solution for alcohol addiction? Whether it is you or someone in your family, the first thing that you must do is find a good rehab center. Detox to Rehab has got a name and fame in the US for its effective treatments for addiction. Their staff treats every patient with utmost care, which means you can always expect positive results at the end of the treatment. 

What are the wernicke disease symptoms? Continue reading to know about them. 

When it comes to Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE), some of the symptoms which you may commonly experience are difficulty in walking, confusion and vision problems. WE are caused by thiamine insufficiency. Because thiamine is required by every cell in your body, and it cannot be produced by your body naturally, you must get it from food. Thiamine is extremely important for kidneys, liver, heart and brain.

Most people with WE generally look underweight and malnourished. However, the symptoms of WE can vary from person to person. Hence, it is important to contact a doctor or a therapist as soon as possible for the treatment. 

While some people may enjoy deep sleep to the extent of even getting to wake up late, were it not for the persistent alarms, others remain awake throughout the night. Most adults will experience these symptoms at some point in life. The prolonged lack of sleep causes people to struggle with their daily activities since the body is in distress. Getting a good Lakeway insomnia specialist can be daunting. However, at the Sleep Cycle Center, you are guaranteed quality treatment from specialists who will help you enjoy a good night’s rest. Learn more about insomnia before booking your appointment.

Insomnia Comes with Several Characteristics

You may struggle with insomnia, but you might not understand it. Insomnia assumes different characteristics, including difficulty falling asleep, waking up several times during the night, feeling unrefreshed, and waking up too early without falling back asleep. The specialist will also examine you for symptoms such as difficulty focusing or thinking during the day, fatigue, depression, and poor memory to ascertain whether it is insomnia or other sleeping disorder.

Insomnia Comes in Two Forms

There are two different types of Insomnia: Acute and Chronic Insomnia. Acute insomnia is mainly associated with life situations and lasts less than three months and then automatically goes away. Conversely, chronic insomnia is a prolonged lack of sleep and daytime consequences lasting for more than three months. It usually occurs due to clinical disorders or environmental changes.

Risk Factors for Insomnia

Some risk factors that lead to insomnia include bright lighting, disorders, and aging. Other factors may include job stress, relationship issues, psychiatric problems, irregular working hours, medications, drug abuse, and irregular sleeping and wake times.

Insomnia Is a Disorder and a Symptom

Specialists consider insomnia a disorder and a symptom of other issues, making it the most challenging condition to treat. It is difficult to pinpoint an underlying problem that leads to insomnia. People with medical conditions or stress will experience insomnia, and therefore narrowing it down to a single cause may be difficult. However, insomnia is treatable, and consequently, you do not have to worry about the condition.

How To Prevent Insomnia

Sleep is an essential part of your life if you want to be productive in your daily activities. It is crucial to ensure that you prioritize sleep by setting aside specific times for when you will sleep and wake-up every day. Maintain a consistent cycle of your sleeping time, including the number of hours you sleep. Also, prepare your brain to get ready for sleep by avoiding activities that will keep you awake, such as drinking coffee or eating heavy meals.

Many people have struggled with insomnia without knowing if they can get help. Insomnia is a treatable condition and if you are a victim, then worry not, as the Sleep Cycle Center is here to restore your sweet sleep and help you enjoy a peaceful night. You do not have to struggle every night; counting hours until morning finds you awake still. You can start by scheduling an online consultation or calling their office today.

Most people are hesitant to schedule cancer screening due to fear of positive results. However, living in ignorance is not any better. Knowing your tests results is usually the first step in eradicating the disease. It is normal to get depressed or overwhelmed when the results are not in your favor. But on the flip side, early cancer detection helps prevent cancer from spreading. Treating the disease during its onset stages is easier, less costly, and enhances your chances of survival. You should talk with your doctor at Life Imaging Fla to understand what cancer screening involves.

Cancer screening tests

Mammography

A mammogram is a test that can screen for cancer in women with no breast complaints or can be used for diagnostic purposes. It involves the use of x-rays which produce internal images of your breast’s structure. The test can show abnormalities in the breasts, such as a lump but cannot establish the presence of cancer. Additional tests such as biopsies can be done to determine whether the tumors are cancerous. The testing process is not painful, but you may experience slight discomfort as the plates press against your breast. Although the process is generally safe, discuss it with your doctor, especially pregnant, as the x-rays could cause congenital disabilities.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a test used to check for abnormalities or changes in your large intestines and rectum. The test is minimally invasive, where the doctor uses a colonoscope to view the inside of the colon. If there is a presence of abnormal growths, a biopsy may be required for close examination. Individuals aged 50 and above and those at risk for colorectal cancer should get screened regularly. As part of the preparations before testing, your specialist may advise you to avoid eating solid foods and stick to liquids. You may also need to take a laxative that helps empty your bowel the night before or the morning of the procedure. Although complications hardly occur, there is a possibility of a perforation in the colon, bleeding, and reaction to the sedative used.

Pap smear

It is used to test for cervical cancer, but it can also detect abnormal cells that are not necessarily cancerous. Getting a Pap smear test is the first step to preventing or stopping the development of cervical cancer. One of the significant downsides of a Pap test is that abnormal cells could go undetected. This does not imply the test was wrongly conducted, but it could be due to a small number of abnormal cells and inadequate cells collection. However, since cancer cells take time to develop, the next test may detect any abnormal cells.

Low-dose helical CT

It is a lung screening test used to detect cancer in the lungs of healthy people who are at risk for the disease. Examples include older adults and chronic smokers. During the test, you will need to lie flat and remain still on a table as it passes through a machine. You are required to hold your breath during scanning for clarity in test results.

If you want to get screened for cancer, book a session with your doctor today at Life Imaging Fla.