Getting enough sleep to ensure you can function properly on a daily basis is essential to your health and existence. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 90 million Americans snore during sleep. While half of these people are “simple snorers” or primary snorers, the other half may have a serious sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When it comes to sleep apnea and chronic snoring it can cause a disruptive flow in your life, as well as many serious health risks such as high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, and more. So it is encouraged to see a doctor and talk about potential options. Doctors may recommend the following sleep apnea treatments based off of their evaluation: 1. Weight loss Losing weight through exercise and changing dietary habits, according to the Mayo Clinic is recommended to improve your health and quality of life. It may also help reduce sleepiness during the day. 2. Decrease alcohol consumption Stimulating brain functions by adding mental stimulation to your daily function increases your mental stability to help your body realize it needs to rest. In addition, if you decrease alcohol consumption that will also be a great way to start a healthier lifestyle and promote quality sleep.

Pulmonary hypertension is an umbrella term for conditions that consist of high blood pressure in the lungs and right side of the heart. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a form of this condition in which the pulmonary arteries, which take deoxygenated blood to the lungs to supply oxygen, are decreased in diameter. This generates more pressure in the blood flowing through. The heart must pump harder against the resistance, resulting in chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, and edema, similar to heart conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If the cause of PAH is not clear, it is termed idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), but usually, PAH can be traced back to several risk factors, including: 1. Lung Disease Lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is the leading cause of secondary PAH. Due to the remodeling of blood cells in the lungs as a result of hypoxia and inflammation caused by COPD, the pressure in the pulmonary artery increases. 2. Cirrhosis There are several diseases that increase the risk of PAH. Cirrhosis, severe liver disease in which scar tissue forms, leads to hypertension in the veins that supply the liver, generating a domino effect in the pulmonary arteries. 3. Scleroderma Scar tissue is a significant component of PAH, also seen in scleroderma, a connective tissue disease.

Dry eyes is a health issue where the eyes are unable to produce enough tears to keep them moist. People with dry eyes experience a wide range of symptoms including burning sensation, itchiness, irritation and feeling like sand particles are caught in the eye. The eyes may become painful and red and sometimes discharge semi-liquid. There are plenty of home remedies for dry eyes starting from simple warm compresses to complex herbs. Even a slight lifestyle change can have a significant impact on how your eyes will feel. This information looks at some natural ways you can reduce dry eye symptoms: 1. Humidifier A simple humidifier can add moisture to your air thus helping alleviate irritation in the eyes and making the eyes moist at the same time. Use this method as long as the dry eyes persist or until the room reaches a certain humidity level. Humidifier is a great solution that works for any season, especially during the summer when dry eyes tend to become severe. Use a bedside humidifier at night and in places where there are furnaces to improve air quality and reduce dry air. 2. Warm compresses Apply warm compress with a wet wash cloth and gently press the cloth on both the eyes.

Acid reflux and heartburn are familiar to over a million Americans. In fact, GERD, or gastro-esphageal reflux disease is the most prevalent digestive disorder in the U.S. GERD affects patients with symptoms of painful burning in the throat and chest due to stomach acids that get forced back up into the esophagus, which is a result of the lower esophageal sphincter (or LES), a thick ring of muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. While GERD is reasonably harmless in nature, if it’s chronic in nature it may burn the inner lining of the esophagus and may cause permanent damage. Thankfully, several over-the-counter remedies (i.e., antacids), as well as the following home remedies may be helpful and relieve painful symptoms: 1. Elevate your head during sleep GERD commonly strikes at its worst at night, due to the position of sleep. However, research shows that acid reflux sufferers who elevate the head during rest have significantly lower GERD symptoms. You can either prop up your head and torso with pillows or elevate the head of your bed (if it’s adjustable). Other GERD sufferers find that sleeping on the left side vs. the right side of the body also reduces GERD symptoms.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition whereby an individual has abnormal excessive sweating that does not result from exercise or any form of heat. This state can make you sweat so much that the sweat drips off your hands or soaks through your clothing and bedding. The symptoms of hyperhidrosis (or heavy sweating) include wet palms, wet soles of the feet, and noticeable sweating stains. Individuals with hyperhidrosis quickly become socially withdrawn and may be reluctant to make physical contact. Luckily, heavy sweating can be treated naturally in the following ways: 1. Black and green tea Taking hot beverages, including black and green tea, is counterintuitive to reducing excessive sweat. Patients with hyperhidrosis should regularly drink green tea as it contains Vitamin B and Magnesium, which is responsible for restricting your sweat glands from sweating frequently. Applying black tea on your underarms using a towel will also help reduce excessive sweating. Black tea contains astringent properties that reduce sweating. Apply when it is cold. 2. Wheatgrass juice This is a natural detoxifier that is rich in folic acid, Vitamin C, A, B6, and B12. These constituents are essential in diluting and neutralizing toxins in the blood hence helping to reduce excessive sweating.

Most of us think nothing of feeding our cat’s a wee bite of food from our plates. Nevertheless, some human food is not safe for cats and should be avoided. Some of the dangers caused by cats ingesting human food can include allergic reactions, stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, seizures, and feline toxicity. Beware of these harmful human foods around cats: 1. Garlic and onions Onions, chives, shallots, scallions, and garlic are members of the allium family of vegetables, which contain thiosulphate. This sulfur, although safe when ingested by humans, is very harmful for kitties. In fact, thiosulphate destroys feline red blood cells, resulting in anemia and is also very difficult for cats to digest and breakdown via digestion. For that reason, garlic, onions and other similar vegetables will cause several gastrointestinal complications. 2. Chocolate Like in dogs, chocolate is very harmful when ingested by cats. It leads to symptoms of vomiting diarrhea, wheezing, seizures, and if left untreated, it can cause complete heart failure. 3. Caffeine   Any food or drink containing caffeine (i.e., coffee, teas, chocolate, energy drinks, or sodas) may cause several adverse reactions in cats, including heart palpitations, salivation, hyperactivity, tremors, and wheezing. This is why it’s imperative to keep drinks and any baked goods containing coffee, espresso powder, tea leaves far away from cats.

When you think of Medicare, you probably think of medical coverage for seniors. And while that is a critical aspect of Medicare, there are several different parts to the program. Each part covers different services, and some parts have gaps in coverage that you may not be aware of. Below, we look at what isn’t covered by Medicare and dispel some common myths about the program: 1. Routine dental exams and treatment Medicare coverage doesn’t include routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, or extractions. There are a few exceptions, however. If you need dental care to have surgery that Medicare covers, then Medicare will also cover the necessary dental care. For example, Medicare will cover the extraction if you need a tooth extraction before heart surgery. Medicare will also cover dental care related to an injury, such as a jaw fracture. But for routine dental care, you’ll have to pay out of pocket or purchase an individual dental insurance plan. 2. Long term care Medicare coverage does not include long-term care, such as nursing home care. Also, Medicare will not pay for custodial care, which is the kind of care you need when you can no longer take care of yourself.