8 Gardening Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them

The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against infection and diseases. Sometimes, this system malfunctions and attacks healthy cells and tissues, causing diseases in one or many body parts. Such diseases are called autoimmune diseases. Lupus is an example of an autoimmune disease that can affect people of all ages, with women at a higher risk than men. This post closely examines what lupus is, its types, and its symptoms.

What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where a person’s immune system mistakes healthy cells for invaders. It then creates antibodies to attack the healthy cells and tissues, causing inflammation and pain in different body parts, including the skin, joints, muscles, and internal organs. Lupus can be mild to severe and, in some cases, life-threatening.

Patients with lupus may see phases when they are very ill and phases where they feel better. The symptoms can be managed with treatment, and patients diagnosed with the disease can lead a full life.

Different types of lupus
The signs and remedies may vary from one person to another based on the type of lupus that affects them. The following are a few common types one should know:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
SLE is the most severe and most common form of lupus. It can affect a person’s health in many ways. For instance, SLE can cause inflammation of the kidney that damages the organ; inflammation in the nervous system and brain that causes headaches, strokes, memory problems, and confusion; inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain that leads to seizures, changes in behavior, and high fever, coronary artery disease that could increase the risk of a heart attack; and pulmonary hypertension.

SLE is difficult to diagnose as its symptoms mimic those of other benign diseases. Doctors use a combination of diagnostic tools, such as a physical examination, blood and urine examinations, and imaging tests, to rule out other ailments and identify SLE. If a person complains of kidney or skin issues, doctors may also perform a kidney and skin tissue biopsy to ascertain the cause.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE)
This type of lupus affects the skin, causing lesions and sores. The lesions are red, scaly, and raised and shaped like discs. Some may develop rashes on their cheeks, nose, face, scalp, mouth, nose, private parts, and areas exposed to sunlight. People with cutaneous lupus may go on to develop SLE.

Neonatal lupus (NL)
It is a rare type that affects infants if the mother has lupus. The child may have liver problems, rashes, or low blood cell counts at birth. All the symptoms disappear within a few months after birth, and the child usually lives a healthy and normal life. Doctors can now diagnose neonatal lupus and treat the child before or after delivery with proper screening and testing.

Treatment -induced lupus erythematosus
Some treatments may cause lupus with symptoms similar to SLE. The signs and impact of this condition usually disappear once doctors discontinue the treatment.

Early signs and symptoms of lupus
The condition’s manifestation varies from person to person. While some may experience a single symptom like a rash, others may develop multiple discomforts like rash, hair loss, and chest pain. The frequency of symptoms also differs from one person to another. Sometimes, the signs appear and disappear in phases, with episodes of flare-ups and periods of remission. The most commonly occurring early signs and symptoms of lupus include:

Off and on low-grade fever
Fever with temperatures between 36.9 degrees F and 38.3 degrees F that keep reoccurring without an apparent cause is one of the early symptoms of the disease. Since the fever is not very high and does not impact the patient in any way, many ignore it. This is a mistake, as recurrent low-grade fever can result from infection or inflammation associated with lupus.

Joint and muscle pain
Inflammation in the muscles and joints can cause stiffness and pain. The condition can affect any joint, especially the upper arms, neck, thigh, and shoulder. This symptom can prevent one from performing physical activities and exercise.

Skin rashes and lesions
Butterfly-shaped rashes on the cheeks and nose are a typical symptom. These rashes can also be round or disk-shaped and scaly. Sometimes, red-colored rings outline them. Rashes are more common in body areas exposed to sunlight.

Chest pain
If lupus affects the lungs, the organ’s lining may get inflamed, causing severe stab-like pain in some parts of the chest. This pain may increase when the patient sneezes, coughs, laughs, or takes a deep breath. Chest pain and shortness of breath are early warning signs of the condition.

Photosensitivity
Two in three people with lupus are photosensitive; they react strongly to sunlight and other bright artificial lights. Photosensitivity can exacerbate other symptoms like rashes, joint pain, and inflammation in the affected organs.

Mouth ulcers and sores
Red ulcers with a white halo on the roof of the mouth, cheeks, and lips should not be ignored. If a person has recurrent mouth ulcers that may or may not be painful, they should consult a doctor for a thorough examination and diagnosis.

Anemia
When a person has a chronic disease, inflammation may prevent the body from making adequate red blood cells (RBCs). It is called anemia of chronic disease. Anemia is a symptom of lupus that can manifest during flare-ups.

Persistent and unexplained fatigue
Eight out of ten people with SLE experience fatigue, which can be severe, making it difficult to complete basic tasks. It can be caused by anemia or without any apparent reason. Moreover, fatigue may not improve with adequate rest and sleep.

Hair loss
Lesions, rashes, and scars on the scalp can lead to hair thinning and consequent hair loss. Doctors can manage this symptom with treatment.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that can cause inflammation and sores in the digestive tract. Further, it significantly affects the colon – the innermost lining of the large intestine. While this health condition can be painful, in rare cases, it can also become life-threatening. So, healthcare professionals suggest patients stay away from potential triggers, especially certain foods. This article will elaborate on the 11 foods that can trigger ulcerative colitis.

Broccoli
While cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli are considered beneficial for the body, they can be harmful for patients with ulcerative colitis. Generally, such vegetables contain high amounts of insoluble fiber. Moreover, when consumed either raw or cooked, these cruciferous veggies can trigger gas and bloating. So, in addition to broccoli, it is suggested that people with digestive issues avoid adding cabbage, cauliflower, and sprouts to their meals.

Beans
Quite similar to cruciferous vegetables, beans are rich in fiber, which can lead to problems like bloating and gas, thus triggering a flare-up. Therefore, healthcare professionals recommend eliminating beans from one’s meal plan to manage ulcerative colitis. But, in cases where patients cannot steer clear of it, they must try different preparations and limit the intake. For instance, one can remove the outer layer of chickpeas to ease the digestion process.

Corn
Corn or corn kernels are known for their health benefits such as managing blood sugar and regulating bowel movements. However, these kernels contain insoluble fiber that cannot be digested by the human body and can cause issues like diarrhea. So, as an alternative, it is suggested that patients with ulcerative colitis or ones experiencing an active flare-up opt for easily digestible foods such as bananas, potatoes, and white rice.

Chocolate
The prominent ingredients of chocolate are caffeine and sugar, both of which can trigger an ulcerative colitis flare-up. In most cases, patients have noticed that these ingredients cause cramping and increase bowel movements. Therefore, those experiencing an active flare-up or living with the condition must stay away from chocolate.

Cake
Food items such as cakes and pastries often contain high amounts of added sugar, which can trigger flare-ups. When one eats such foods, the added sugar can change the balance of gut-based bacteria and cause inflammatory bowel disease-like symptoms. In addition to this, the processed or refined sugar found in such food items can spike blood sugar levels and cause an increase in inflammation. As a result, people with ulcerative colitis are advised to opt for alternative foods such as cantaloupes and other cooked fruits.

Peanuts
Just like high-fiber foods, peanuts and other nuts in their raw form cannot be broken down well by the digestive system. This can cause patients to feel a sense of discomfort during both digestion and bowel movements. Besides, nuts are allergens that can trigger a response in some people, so, it is best to steer clear of this food item. Nevertheless, if one wishes to eat peanuts, they can ground them into smooth butter that can be added to smoothies.

Raw onions
Raw onions are one of the common foods that can trigger ulcerative colitis as they contain fiber that cannot be digested easily. Additionally, these veggies can cause gas, which can lead to stomach pain in some people. As an alternative, one can opt for other herbs such as basil, thyme, and parsley to add flavor to their meals. If needed, one can even cut onions into small pieces and cook them thoroughly to reap the maximum benefits of the food.

Tomatoes
Even freshly picked tomatoes are acidic in nature, which can irritate the intestinal lining. Moreover, tomato seeds can prove to be incredibly difficult to digest for ulcerative colitis patients. So, one can either limit the intake of tomatoes to half a cup or opt for other alternatives, such as squash, which can be consumed in the form of soup.

Coffee
The main ingredient of coffee – caffeine, is a stimulant that can make way for problems such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Furthermore, coffee has chlorogenic acid, which can lead to an increase in the production of stomach acids and cause heartburn. In addition, if one is used to having large amounts of coffee throughout the day, it can leave one dehydrated, worsening the symptoms of the condition. Therefore, it is best to avoid such triggers that can cause an ulcerative colitis flare-up. Alternatively, one may peel off the outer layer of cucumbers and squash and prepare a healthy snack option.

Soda
Most carbonated beverages such as soda contain high amounts of artificial sweeteners – a definite ulcerative colitis trigger. Additionally, they contain caffeine, which can increase bowel movements and gas and the bubbles in these beverages can also cause one to feel bloated and have cramps. So, people with ulcerative colitis are advised to keep away from such beverages that can irritate the gut lining and increase the risk of inflammation and flare-ups. Instead, they are suggested to opt for fresh fruit juices like grapefruit, oranges, and other citrus fruits to keep themselves hydrated.

Milk
People who are lactose intolerant can experience inflammatory bowel disease-like symptoms when they consume milk and other dairy products. This is because milk contains certain proteins called casein, which can lead to intestinal inflammation and other gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Thus, ulcerative colitis patients are suggested to either completely avoid milk and dairy products or limit their intake to keep flare-ups at bay.

The above foods can trigger ulcerative colitis as well as Crohn’s disease, both of which are inflammatory conditions. However, one must keep in mind that ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are different health conditions related to the digestive tract. While both of them have similar symptoms such as rectal bleeding and diarrhea, the former affects the lining of the colon, the latter causes chronic inflammation of the complete gastrointestinal tract.

Dental implants are the most promising way to restore a smile on the faces of people who have lost one or more teeth. This procedure is widely suggested for people who lost their teeth in an accident or due to periodontal disease. Dental implants help people grind and chew food properly and also help in giving their appearance a proper definition. Read on to learn more about this procedure, its types, and its benefits.

Who needs dental implants?
An individual with one or more missing teeth or damaged roots would require dental implants. This procedure replaces a tooth or teeth that have been lost. They are usually made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that does not cause inflammation in the body when it enters it. It can replace one or more teeth, including the root of a molar (the back part of your upper jaw).

Types of dental implants
There are three types of dental implants – endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, and zygomatic implants. Dental implants are placed into the jawbone. They can be placed either endosteal (through the bone) or subperiosteal (on the surface of your jawbone).

Endosteal implants
Endosteal implantation is done by creating a hole in your oral cavity, then inserting a metal post inside this opening. This procedure lasts around six months and successfully restores teeth lost due to decay or trauma. When there are not enough teeth remaining after removal surgery, endosteal implants may be used as an alternative to other methods, such as partial dentures or bridgework, because it does not necessitate extensive surgery on your mouth area itself. 

Subperiosteal implants
Subperiosteal implants were invented as an alternative to endosteal implants, performed when there is an insufficient healthy bone in the lower jaw to support the implants. In this implant, a metal frame is planted with a post attached to the gum. Once the gum heals around the edge, the dental implants are screwed to the poles projected from the gums. 

Zygomatic implants  
Zygomatic implants are a lesser-known procedure where the implants are positioned into the patient’s cheekbone rather than the jawbone. 

Procedure
Dental implant surgery is a procedure carried out by a dentist or a team comprising a dentist and an oral surgeon to restore the functionality of missing teeth or improve their appearance. The procedure offers a permanent solution to missing teeth and necessitates less-invasive applications than other methods, such as bridges and dentures. Dental implants are placed into the jawbone below the gum line, where they function like natural teeth would have done before you lost them due to injury or decay. They are made from titanium alloy, so they will not break down over time and can last for decades with proper care.

Benefits
Dental implants are the only permanent solution to missing teeth and can improve the appearance of your smile. They are also an excellent choice if you have dentures, as they allow you to replace a single tooth with two or more dental implants. Dental implants can help improve chewing and speech besides enhancing one’s physical appearance.

Risks 
There are several risks associated with dental implants, including pain and swelling in the mouth for the first few days after surgery. The implant site may also bleed slightly initially, but this should stop within a few weeks. Infection at the implant area is another possible complication if you do not follow proper cleaning practices after your procedure or do not get regular checkups with your dentist.

If your bone does not fuse with the upper portion of your new tooth properly after it is placed, it becomes very likely that you will lose all support for that tooth later on down the line. It can happen even when everything goes well during placement. However, there are ways around this problem by using unique materials like composites made from calcium sulfate, which helps keep things strong while still keeping them flexible enough so they won’t break off easily during chewing activities. 

Failure of bone to fuse with the upper portion of an implant can lead to nerve damage in your jaw, causing pain and numbness in your gums and chin. It could result in reduced sensitivity within these areas even after healing has occurred since nerves continue working throughout life even if they were not damaged before placement. If you experience any of these complications or problems, your dentist may need to remove some of your new teeth and replace them with temporary ones until repairs or other implants are required.

Post-procedural instructions
After the procedure, proper care and medication are required to ensure no infection around the area where the implants are placed. After completing the procedure, you should keep the area clean by washing it with mild soap and warm water. One must also avoid foods that could cause bleeding during the healing process. For example, raw meat or red wine may cause infection around implants, leading to tooth loss or even worse scenarios like bone loss (osteoporosis). Also, avoid brushing too hard, as this might damage gums due to poor oral hygiene habits practiced by patients who had dental implants installed in their mouth at some point in past years before the treatment.

Although many risks are associated with dental implants, modern technology, and advanced techniques have reduced these factors to a minimum. They are an excellent option for people who are missing teeth or have damaged tooth roots and those who want to improve the appearance of their smiles. However, it is pertinent to mention that people diagnosed with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and certain autoimmune disorders are advised against getting dental implants as they are more prone to infections and other related complications. With regular and proper care, implants are expected to last a lifetime, provided the patient attends regular dental examinations every six months.

Over the years, Medicare has provided health insurance coverage to more than 60 million people nationwide. Individuals above 65 years and those with disabilities have benefited from this health insurance coverage. However, not all healthcare-related expenses are covered by Medicare; some things are excluded. In such scenarios, people should cover the remaining costs by taking supplemental insurance. Some things and services that are not covered by Medicare are listed below.

11 things Medicare doesn’t cover

Regular physical exams
Medicare doesn’t cover the expenses for routine physical exams that are not related to any diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or symptoms. However, Medicare has been expanded to provide coverage of checkups under certain circumstances. These include a one-time checkup in the first year of enrolling for Medicare Part B. Then, for subsequent years, coverage is provided for annual wellness visits.

Eye exams and opticians
The original Medicare covers certain eye health-related expenses, such as cataract surgery. However, it doesn’t cover others, such as expenses for contact lenses, expenses for glasses, and routine eye exams. Also, Medigap plans, which are the supplemental insurance plans offered by private insurance providers, do not cover these expenses. However, a few Medicare Advantage plans may cover the expenses for prescription glasses or routine eye checkups.

Hearing aids
Medicare covers certain ear conditions and hearing exams that a doctor has prescribed to diagnose an ear-related condition. In addition, it covers ear cleaning if a health expert deems it necessary. However, Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids and routine hearing exams. However, certain Medicare Advantage plans may include coverage for some hearing-related requirements.

Dental care work
Medicare does not cover most dental work. These include dental procedures and supplies such as tooth extractions, cleanings, dental plates, fillings, dentures, and dental devices. However, the original Medicare plan may cover certain dental services if these have to be done as part of other healthcare procedures already covered. In addition, Medicare Part A, that is, hospital insurance, covers a few dental services if an enrollee is admitted to a hospital. Furthermore, Part A also covers hospital stays for complicated or emergency dental procedures.

Chiropractic care
Original Medicare plans will not cover most chiropractic services and examinations suggested by a chiropractor. Also, expenses for X-rays are not covered. But Medicare Part B does cover the service of manual spinal manipulation. However, it must be done by a chiropractor or other qualified provider. Besides, some Medicare Advantage plans do provide coverage for chiropractic services.

Massage therapy
​Many people with chronic pain opt for massage therapy to alleviate the symptoms. However, the expenses incurred on such therapies are not covered by Medicare. The expenses of nearly all pain management treatments are not covered. However, there is coverage for occupational and physical therapy under a few specific circumstances prescribed by a doctor. Also, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover some part of massage therapy expenses.

Nursing home care
​In most cases, Medicare covers the expenses for some rehabilitation facilities, such as inpatient physical therapy after surgery. However, it does not pay the expenses for nursing homes or assisted living facilities. But Medicare Part A does pay for some nursing home care as long as it doesn’t involve long-term care or custodial care.

Cosmetic surgery
Medicare does not cover most types of cosmetic surgeries. However, if an enrollee requires to undergo cosmetic surgery to treat a malformed part of the body or due to accidental injury, some part of the expenses may be covered by Medicare. For example, Medicare covers the expenses for breast prostheses carried out for breast reconstruction when a person undergoes a mastectomy due to breast cancer.

Overseas care
Medicare doesn’t provide coverage for enrollees who are not lawfully located in the country. It won’t also pay for claims made under parts A and B. Also, no coverage is provided by a majority of the Medicare Advantage plans for medical expenses outside the country. However, certain Medigap policies cover some overseas medical costs. For those who travel frequently, it might be helpful to enroll.

Concierge care
Some doctors and clinics, such as boutique clinics, require patients to pay a membership fee before seeking treatment. These are known as concierge care. The fees for such concierge care often cost thousands of dollars annually. These fees are not covered by Medicare. However, if the doctor participates in Medicare after paying the fees, they must offer the services provided by Medicare. In such scenarios, the same rules of coinsurance and copays will apply as in regular Medicare.

Podiatry
Medicare does not cover the expenses for podiatry care. These include routine medical care for feet, removal of callus, and so on. However, Medicare Part B provides coverage for foot examinations and prescribed treatments for nerve damage due to diabetes, bunion deformities, hammertoe, heel spurs, and other foot injuries.

What to do to get insurance for the above?

Besides Part A and Part B of original Medicare, one can choose from several other supplementary plans. These plans cover the gaps in the Original Medicare policy. One of the most common supplemental plans is the Medicare Advantage. It includes Plan C and Plan D. Another well-known plan is Plan G.

Also called Medigap plans, these are generally offered by private insurance providers. Medicare pays these providers to offer extra coverage to enrollees. For instance, consider the Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company Plan G 2023. This plan covers all the benefits offered by other Medicare Plans like plans A, B, and C. The only expense not covered is the Medicare Part B deductible. It is a good option for those looking for additional insurance coverage for hospitalization and can get the Medicare Part B deductible out of their own pocket.

Parkinson’s disease is a severe brain disorder that may result in symptoms that are not noticeable in its early stages. However, the progressive disorder eventually damages the nervous system and various parts of the body controlled by the nerves. And while one could look for treatments to manage the disease, it isn’t easy to tell if someone has Parkinson’s disease because its symptoms may be similar to other health conditions.
Here are eight signs that require the immediate attention of a healthcare expert.

Loss of smell
The loss of smell is usually associated with the onset of Parkinson’s disease. The individual might have trouble smelling foods like dill pickles, licorice, and bananas. The loss of smell (hyposmia) may result in reduced food satisfaction, which may degrade one’s appetite. It can lead to a reduced enjoyment of food and appetite. There are also other health conditions why one may lose their sense of smell, including a stuffy nose, cold, and flu. The individual may be able to smell foods once again when they get better. However, if the condition occurs suddenly, one should consult an expert for signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Constipation
The foods one eats may play a major role in overall health, especially in the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, eating unhealthy meals could result in digestive complications, including constipation. For example, insufficient water intake or fiber in a meal could lead to poor bowel movements. Even ongoing prescriptions may trigger constipation. However, according to experts, the symptom is also an early warning sign of Parkinson’s disease. The changes in the brain that cause stiffness and slow movement also affect the muscles involved in swallowing and pushing food through the digestive system. So someone with Parkinson’s disease may develop constipation because of the improper functioning of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating smooth muscle activity of the gut. The disease may also alter the messages sent by the brain to the bladder, which could result in an overactive bladder. Therefore, the individual may need to urinate even when their bladder is empty or even experience urinary incontinence.

Stooped posture
Parkinson’s disease may affect one’s automatic activities. So an individual at risk of Parkinson’s may notice changes in their posture because the brain does not send signals indicating that they must stand up straight. A few changes may include rounded or stooped shoulders, forward lean of the head, and reduced low-back curve, which causes one to hunch over.

Tremors
A shaking or tremor in the finger, thumb, chin, or hand is normal after strenuous exercise or an ongoing prescription. It could also happen if the individual suffers from an injury. However, if one experiences none of these signs and still notices a tremor, it could be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. The typical PD tremor occurs when the body is at rest (resting tremor), and the symptom may reduce when the body is actively in use or when the person sleeps. However, it may recur when the person is awake and does not indulge in any activity.

Tiny handwriting
Everyone has a writing style that may differ slightly with time. This may usually occur as the person gets older, has poor vision, or if they have stiff hands or fingers. But if an individual’s handwriting becomes small and out of the ordinary, it could indicate the onset of Parkinson’s disease. The condition is known as micrographia. Apart from handwriting being small and crowded together, the size of the writing may get smaller as the person continues to write. Such symptoms must be diagnosed by an expert immediately for that the individual can get on an appropriate treatment plan for PD.

Trouble falling asleep
Most people have trouble falling asleep because of factors such as stress, excitement, or an ongoing illness. One may also experience quick jerks of the body when they are about to fall asleep or in lighter sleep. But this could also be an early indicator of Parkinson’s disease. The person may start acting out in their dreams, even in a deep sleep. And while they might not notice it, sleep troubles are usually identified by someone who lives with the patient. Therefore, any such signs should be diagnosed by an expert. The person with Parkinson’s may also undergo excessive daytime sleepiness, an inverted sleep cycle where they nap during the day, which makes it harder to sleep at night.

Difficulty with moving or walking
One of the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease could be difficulty moving or walking. The phenomenon could occur due to stiffness of the body, arms, and legs. The individual may find that these body parts do not swing as they used to. While the stiffness usually recedes, it might be chronic in those with Parkinson’s disease. An early sign one should look for is stiffness or pain in the shoulder or hips. Some may also notice that their feet are stuck to the floor. It is easy for one to overlook the symptom, as it is similar to that of arthritis. They may also need help controlling their movements, including starting and stopping, automatically controlling muscles, and find it difficult to go from sitting to standing easily.

A masked face
Some prescriptions could change an individual’s facial expression. Therefore, someone on a treatment plan may have a serious look or a staring persona. This side effect usually goes away after the prescription wears off. However, if one always has a depressed, serious facial expression, they ought to consult with a doctor for signs of Parkinson’s disease. Facial masking (hypomimia) could occur due to alterations in the facial muscles due to irregularities in the brain. As a result, the muscles turn stiff and may take longer to move, making it challenging to raise eyebrows, smile, and express one’s feelings. Other similar symptoms may include a low voice when one speaks, making it difficult for others to interpret the patient’s mood.