Respiratory syncytial virus is a common respiratory infection that results in mild cold symptoms, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, and wheezing. Most individuals recover quickly, but it can be more severe in infant and elderly individuals. If left untreated, respiratory syncytial virus can result in bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In fact, it is the most common cause of these two infections in children younger than 1 year. Luckily, there are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) treatments, such as Ribavirin. If you are a high risk individuals, you should attempt to prevent RSV—here’s how: 1. Wash your hands often Whether you’ve been at home all day or went out to run errands, you should be washing your hands often. Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds. If you’re on the go, make sure you carry a hand sanitizer with you that is at least 60% alcohol for optimal disinfectant. Keeping your hands clean will keep you free from germs and bacteria. 2. Avoid close contact with sick people Especially during peak cold and flu season, you should avoid close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms. This includes shaking hands, kissing, sharing utensils, and sharing drinks.

Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), NTM lung disease, MAC lung infection, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection, and nasal polyps (oh my)! These are all examples of breathing or respiratory issues that result in similar challenges and symptoms. Depending on what kind of breathing issue you have, your doctor will prescribe medications or treatments like Robitussin, Theraflu, Stiolto, Flonase, Afrin to help with symptom management. Additionally, you may opt to participate in Novovax clinical trials or receive a Pfizer vaccine for further treatment. You can also receive NUCALA prescription for nasal polyposis sinus, chronic rhinosinusitis nasal polyposis crswnp. However, it can also be helpful to make some dietary changes, as diet is directly linked to optimal respiratory function. Here are 5 foods to avoid with breathing issues, no matter what they are: 1. Dairy products If you have a daily allergy, drinking milk or eating dairy products can trigger and worsen symptoms of any breathing issues you might have. For example, with this allergy, you may experience wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, runny nose, and more—you likely already experience these symptoms with your breathing issue. Avoid stacking and worsening symptoms by removing dairy products from your diet. 2. Beans Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lima beans—a great recipe for chili, but a recipe for disaster when combined with breathing issues.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease characterized by progressive degeneration of nerve cells that are located in the spinal cord and brain. The degeneration of such nerve cells impacts voluntary control of arms and legs as well as other issues. While this disease is one of the most devastating in terms of nerve and muscle function, it does not impact mental function or senses at all. Therapies for treating ALS include things like occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, and heat or whirlpool therapy to help relieve muscle cramping. In addition to therapies, patients may be prescribed medications such as RADICAVA (edaravone) and Riluzole (Rilutek, Exservan, Tiglutik) to help with symptom management. Here are some early warning symptoms of ALS: 1. Twitching and cramping of muscles Twitching and cramping of the muscles is a common symptom of ALS. It occurs as a result of ongoing signal disruptions from the nerves to the muscles, and some cramps can be extremely painful, which is where medications and heat or whirlpool therapy come in. 2. Loss of motor control  ALS can impact motor neurons, causing them to degenerate and die, thus becoming unable to send messages to the muscles.

Marking the end of menstruation, menopause is a natural process that mainly occurs in a person’s 40s or 50s. While menopause can cause an onslaught of symptoms, there are remedies for heavy menstrual bleeding and ways to treat heavy periods—for example, by using painkillers. Other remedies for menopausal symptoms can include a premarin prescription, medicine to stop menstrual bleeding, female lubricant for dryness, Imvexxy, and Oriahnn. Keep reading to learn more about some of the early warning signs of menopause: 1. Irregular menstrual cycles One early warning sign of menopause is a change in the menstrual cycle. From your flow to the time between your periods, lots of changes may occur. Experiencing a heavier or lighter, shorter or longer, or less frequent cycle are all natural changes that the body may undergo in preparation for menopause. 2. Vaginal dryness For those soon to experience menopause, a decline in estrogen levels can result in vaginal dryness. Moreover, this dryness can lead to discomfort during intercourse as well as itchiness. Some individuals may also experience a change in libido or sexual function. 3. Hot flashes Experiencing a sudden, intense feeling of heat—typically in the face, chest, and neck—is known as a hot flash and is one of the early warning signs associated with menopause.

While health insurance is great to have, there are plenty of procedures, drugs, treatments, surgeries, and more that are not covered. Some program providers include Aetna, United Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Anthem, Mutual of Omaha. Policies for final expense needs such as the Aarp final expense policy can also be beneficial. After applying for an insurance plan, medical ins care cards are provided to demonstrate your proof of insurance. However, before you submit any applications for health insurance plans, it’s important to know what isn’t or likely won’t be covered under them. Keep reading to learn more:   1. Cosmetic surgery Typically, cosmetic surgery will only be covered by health insurance if the surgery in question is believed to be medically necessary. Therefore, surgeries such as liposuction, breast augmentation, facelifts, and dermabrasion will likely not be covered in most cases. 2. Some medications Over-the-counter medications are not covered by health insurance—these include supplements, vitamins, and non-prescription drugs. However, there are some prescription drugs that are uncovered. If there is a prescription drug that you or your loved one needs, but it’s uncovered by insurance, then there are a few options available to you. First and foremost, it’s likely best to try asking your doctor to provide you with a substitute prescription that is covered.