In the quest for optimal health, people try exercise routines, remedies, therapies, and food regimes. Regarding the last option, the food choice tends to be bland, unseasoned, and dull, making one believe that health and delicious foods are at odds. However, this is false, and herbs and spices enhance the flavors of meals and offer numerous health benefits. Among their remarkable qualities, certain herbs and spices possess potent properties that may contribute to cancer prevention. Turmeric Turmeric is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A common ingredient in traditional recipes, it is also being taken as a supplement these days. The curcumin found in turmeric has been proven beneficial for a healthy body. There are numerous researches on the health benefits of curcumin and some even indicate it being useful in combating cancer. Adding turmeric to recipes, whether in curries, smoothies, or teas, adds a vibrant yellow color and distinctive flavor to the food and drink, along with being a way to harness its potential benefits. Garlic Garlic is another potential ally in the fight against cancer that can be conveniently found in most kitchens around the world. It is filled with organosulfur compounds that have a cancer-fighting effect on the body.

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder affecting the brain and nervous system, characterized by inadvertent movements, stiffness, and lack of coordination. The disease typically affects senior citizens, with 5-10% of patients experiencing the symptoms before age 50. Several studies have linked the onset of the disease to specific genetic mutations. Parkinson’s occurs when nerve cells in the basal ganglia, which produce dopamine and facilitate movement, begin getting destroyed. Here are some early signs of Parkinson’s disease: Loss of balance The basal ganglia is typically responsible for motor control, ensuring that balance is reflexive. However, individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience problems with the basal ganglia. Consequently, the frontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for thinking, takes over to regulate balance. However, this process does not occur automatically, so individuals with this disease have to exert efforts to achieve balance. Loss of balance is among the early symptoms of the condition. Muscle stiffness Parkinson’s disease is associated with reduced dopamine levels, which is believed to cause muscle movement issues and give rise to rigidity and stiffness. This stiffness may occur in the arms, legs, hips, and shoulders and can significantly affect daily activities like walking. Tremors Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may experience slow, continuous tremors in their muscles, typically while they are stationary.

People living in the country aged 65 and above can opt for federal health insurance assistance in the form of Medicare, which covers comprehensive costs for known treatments. Even some younger individuals with disabilities or those diagnosed with end-stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare plans. It is divided into four parts and covers everything from hospitalization expenses to the cost of prescriptions. Here are ten common mistakes to avoid while enrolling for Medicare. Enrollment mistakes Medicare benefits become available as soon as a person turns 65. So, it is always beneficial to apply for Medicare policies in the initial enrollment period, open only for a fixed time. Enrolling late can lead to an increase in premiums that would have been otherwise affordable. Signing up for automatic renewals Never voluntarily opt for automatic renewal, as one can switch up plans and avail benefits under a different policy that can be changed once a year. So, consider the premiums, deductibles, and copayments and see if the new policy is worth it. Taking plans only for the premiums Premiums are just one aspect of the total cost of paying for insurance. One must also compare policy benefits, even if it means paying slightly higher premiums.

Medicare is a federal primary insurance program that is offered to elderly seniors. It is available for both working and retired seniors as a benefit to pay for rising healthcare costs. Even young adults suffering from a disability or those diagnosed with end-stage renal disease can avail of this benefit. Medicare is a complicated insurance program that entitles many tricky terms and conditions. Here are 15 essential things you should know about Medicare. It’s a government-sponsored insurance Medicare is something that you can additionally avail over any existing insurance plans to provide coverage for treatment. You need to apply before you turn 65 Applications start three months before you turn 65 and end four months post your 65th birthday, giving you seven months to enroll for the plans. There are four parts Medicare is divided into four main parts, with Part A and B forming the original Medicare. Original covers both the inpatient and outpatient needs, whereas Parts C and D are special advantage plans that help cover special costs and prescriptions. You can choose between Original and Advantage plans Original Medicare only covers Part A and B, with an option to choose Part C to pay for prescriptions. Or choose Part C with optional D coverage.

Peeing is an automatic reflex that is triggered when the bladder becomes full. The kidneys work hard to filter out unwanted toxins and fluids from the body and evacuate these liquids into the bladder that holds the urine. With a normal fluid intake of 2 liters per day, the average adult pees about 800 to 2000 milliliters in a 24-hour cycle. But despite peeing being a regular activity, some people tend to make the following mistakes. Holding pee for a prolonged duration One of the main functions of urination is to help the body evacuate toxins that are filtered out by the kidneys from the bloodstream. So, holding it in actually increases the risk of urinary tract infections caused by the bacteria and toxins in the urine. It also puts pressure on the kidneys, disrupting normal function and increasing the risk of kidney stones developing in the organ. Following urinary voiding It may not be possible to use the restroom multiple times with certain jobs. So many people develop a habit or schedule to urinate at fixed times during the day. This is referred to as preventive voiding, where one learns to control one’s bladder and urine output. While it is not something that can cause major bladder problems, it’s also a habit that should not be prolonged.

Foods and beverages provide the necessary nutrients to support physical and mental activity for growing children and adults. However, the body gradually loses its ability to break down foods and beverages to extract and absorb nutrients effectively with advancing age. Even some underlying health complications can trigger nutritional deficiencies, forcing one to take supplements extracted from natural foods and beverages. Here are five crucial mistakes to avoid while taking supplements: Taking too many supplements The body can absorb and process only a finite amount of nutrients daily. So, taking more can trigger unnecessary complications without any of the inherent benefits of supplementing. More is not always healthy, especially regarding supplements made from synthetic extracts. Also, not all vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can be taken at once since mixing supplements has multiple side effects, even the most basic ones for boosting immunity and overall metabolism. Combining the wrong supplements together Never take calcium and iron supplements together, as calcium lowers the body’s ability to absorb iron effectively. The same applies to magnesium and calcium, which should never be taken together. It’s alright to take them apart at long intervals. Vitamin C is great for boosting immunity, and vitamin B12 helps boost energy and cognitive function and improve mood.

Unbeknownst to many, having a heart attack can increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks among men and women. Several contributing factors, ranging from age to unhealthy lifestyle choices or certain health conditions, increase this risk. Therefore, older adults and people who have endured a heart attack must pay attention to the warning signs and symptoms of recurrent heart failure. However, more importantly, one must avoid making certain mistakes to prevent this condition. Working out excessively If forced to pump blood more excessively during any physical activity, the heart can fail at some point due to wear and tear. This risk is high among patients already diagnosed with cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure. Experts recommend at least 30 mins of physical exercise daily to keep the heart muscles strong. Not making lifestyle changes Healthy changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle will only help improve overall cardiovascular function. However, resisting change or not following specific nutrition and activity guidelines recommended by a healthcare expert increases the risk of heart failure, among other conditions. When coupled with unhealthy habits and poor lifestyle choices, this can result in chronic complications. Skipping prescriptions After an episode of heart attack or failure, one must follow prescription treatments suggested by a health expert without fail to keep the organ’s health in check.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is produced by the liver. It helps in the formation of cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D. Although cholesterol is needed by the body, too much of it can cause multiple health problems, especially for the heart. Moreover, since cholesterol cannot travel through the body, particles called lipoproteins do the job. Let’s understand these in detail and learn about the symptoms of increasing cholesterol levels. Forms of lipoproteins LDL is a form that makes up most of the cholesterol found in the body. However, too much of LDL puts the heart at a high risk of developing diseases like stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. The high build up of LDL on the walls of the arteries is called plaque. HDL absorbs the cholesterol in the blood and brings it back to the liver. This is then flushed out of the body, therefore, higher levels of HDL are considered to be good for one’s health. Symptoms of increasing cholesterol levels There are no specific early signs of increasing cholesterol levels; however, one should always be observant of the body’s responses to food, environment, and activities. In most cases, high cholesterol is only observed too late when it is already affecting the body with health illnesses like a stroke or heart disease.

Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body and is also found in regular foods and beverages. It’s a fatty substance stored in the body’s cells and produces vitamins or minerals to support vital bodily functions. The body stores both good and bad cholesterol so any imbalance in either levels can trigger high cholesterol. A buildup of high cholesterol can lead to severe health complications, making it imperative to identify the warning signs of the same. Signs of high cholesterol There are no direct symptoms of high cholesterol. However, high cholesterol does increase the risk of several underlying health complications that trigger the following discomforts. Discomfort in the chest High cholesterol greatly increases the risk of coronary heart disease. So, one might experience chest pain, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea, as a precursor. As cholesterol levels increase in the arteries, it causes a buildup of plaque, causing blockage. Cognitive problems Problems with cognition are also indicative signs of high cholesterol. As the plaque buildup increases blood pressure in the arteries, vital oxygen supply to the brain is cut off. This can result in loss of balance, coordination problems, dizziness, drooping eyelids, paralysis on one side, confusion, slurring, blurred vision, severe headaches, and even numbness.