Getting a hearing aid is a big moment for many, especially first-time users. People tend to be delighted to get their new hearing aid as it helps them live with hearing impairment while not compromising their quality of life. Using it is fairly easy, but even then, users can make certain mistakes that reduce the overall effectiveness of the device. Let’s analyze the common mistakes and find a way to avoid them. Not wearing the aids enough Initially, the hearing aids may be uncomfortable to wear, but that should not put users off using them anyway. Essentially, users will take some time getting used to a device that is supposed to stay in their ears all day and most of the night. A common mistake new users make is not wearing the hearing aids enough during this challenging phase. This is a mistake that can thwart their progress while they adapt to the new device. To form good habits, one can wear their hearing aids for eight hours a day, at the very least initially. Users can increase the number of hours progressively until the phase arrives in which wearing the aids will be comfortable. Not cleaning the hearing aids regularly The ears accumulate dirt and wax rapidly.

Dental care insurance serves as a crucial safeguard that helps people save on out-of-pocket treatment costs and makes painful procedures easier to deal with. However, one should note that not everything falls under its scope. While dental insurance is designed to cover a range of services, certain aspects of dental care may go beyond its capacity. Understanding these will help individuals make informed decisions about their oral health and financial planning. Cosmetic dentistry Dental insurance focuses on procedures essential for maintaining oral health, relegating cosmetic dentistry to elective services. Aesthetic improvements like teeth whitening, veneers, or cosmetic bonding are often excluded, requiring individuals to explore alternative payment options. Orthodontic treatments for adults While orthodontic coverage is a common inclusion for children, adults seeking orthodontic treatments, such as braces or aligners, may encounter limitations. Insurance companies often consider orthodontic procedures for adults from a cosmetic standpoint, offering limited coverage. Therefore, reviewing one’s insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage for orthodontic treatments is important. Elective procedures Dental insurance commonly overlooks elective procedures performed for non-essential reasons. Services like gum contouring or aesthetic gum surgeries, chosen for cosmetic purposes rather than need, may necessitate separate financing. Pre-existing conditions Similar to health insurance, dental coverage may not extend to pre-existing conditions.

Liver cancer is a health condition characterized by the aggressive and uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the liver. Like other cancers, this type exhibits certain typical symptoms throughout its various stages of progression. However, many of these symptoms are also common to liver damage, making it difficult to determine whether an individual is suffering from liver damage or liver cancer. Here are some of the most common symptoms shared by both of these conditions: Abdominal swelling When an individual is diagnosed with liver cancer, their liver is subjected to an excessive amount of pressure, which leads to the obstruction of blood flow in veins and other vessels. As a result, the various liver fluids are forced into the person’s abdomen. Over a period of time, this condition inevitably causes abdominal swelling. Nausea or vomiting Liver tumors can produce hormones that affect the functioning of other organs in the body. The hormones can lead to problems like spiked calcium levels in the blood. This condition, known as hypercalcemia, can lead to a range of health issues, such as nausea, muscle weakness, constipation, fatigue, and confusion. It is important to note that nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can be associated with various health conditions.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a rare condition mainly affecting the food pipe or esophagus—a muscular tube connecting the mouth and stomach. When affected by EoE, certain white blood cells called eosinophils grow exponentially in the esophageal lining, causing inflammation. While the precise cause of the condition is unknown, it is believed to be a reaction to allergens like foods and environmental irritants or a result of allergic diseases like hay fever, eczema, and asthma. Common signs 1. Trouble swallowing food EoE makes it hard to swallow food due to inflammation in the muscular tube. This symptom is called dysphagia. So, those with EoE may get the sensation that the food, solids, in particular, is stuck in the throat. This can make one avoid eating. If the condition worsens, it can actually result in food impaction (food stuck in the throat) or choking, where medical intervention may be required. 2. Chest pain and acid reflux Another common sign of eosinophilic esophagitis is acid reflux, which causes symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation. The chest pain, which can feel sharp or intense, is often localized behind the breastbone. A condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also causes similar symptoms, making one often mistake EoE for GERD.

More than half of the human body is made up of water. This fluid is indispensable in helping different organs carry out their functions correctly. Drinking less water can cause dehydration and contribute to several health conditions. To avoid complications, smartwatches and mobile apps have been developed to remind people to drink water regularly and stay hydrated. The following are a few common repercussions one may face due to less water intake. Constipation Water helps food move through the gastrointestinal tract. When the body does not have sufficient water, it cannot perform this function effectively. As a result, individuals may experience hard stools or constipation. Bad breath Water helps produce saliva and destroy the bacteria inside the mouth, resulting in optimal oral hygiene. Dehydration hampers this process, leading to bad breath. The foul smell may not recede despite brushing regularly and practicing other oral care activities. Skin problems Although moisturizing and cleansing are essential skincare practices, they are typically ineffective if one does not drink enough water. Dry skin is among the most common symptoms of dehydration. The skin may appear sunken and dull, with dark circles underneath the eyes and chapped lips. Dark-yellow urine When a person is dehydrated, the kidneys try to conserve water in the body, which causes the urine to become darker in color.

Blood pressure measurement is the most common test carried out at a physician’s office. However, sometimes, one may be asked to take the readings at home to allow them to continue with work and other commitments while recording the measurement in real time to keep an eye on drastic fluctuations. As this process is highly prone to errors, here are mistakes cardiologists want one to stop making while taking blood pressure readings at home: 1. Testing with a full bladder A full bladder may exert pressure on the kidneys, making them respond in a way that raises blood pressure by 10 to 15 points. So, going to the bathroom 20 to 30 minutes beforehand could help get more accurate readings. 2. Incorrect posture Keeping the legs crossed and slouching while taking a reading could compress the arteries in the legs and restrict blood flow, resulting in an irregularly high blood pressure reading. So, one should sit upright and place the machine on a flat surface like a kitchen or dining table before measuring blood pressure. Further, the feet should be on the floor, and the arm should rest at the heart level, i.e., on the table or the arm of the chair.

Most individuals who smoke know that it can pose a risk to their health. They are also aware that they should quit smoking, and if they do, their lungs will only get better. However, they might not know how to quit smoking for good or struggle to do so. Thankfully, there are quite a few ways that can help one quit for good. Some of these are mentioned below. 1. Start preparing The first step to quitting smoking is to find a strong enough reason that can motivate them to give up the habit. It can be anything; an individual may want to focus on their health. Once they have a solid reason and motivation to quit, they can pick a date to quit cold turkey or gradually reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke. This is a choice that should be made after talking to a doctor and factoring in one’s behavior patterns. Once the choice is made, individuals should get rid of smoke trays and any cigarettes lying around. Some people find it easier to distract themselves by eating something. 2. Seek support There are numerous offline and online support groups that people who are looking to quit smoking can benefit from.

Feet are often neglected when it comes to caring for the body, but if one faces issues with the limb, one will find it hard to move, run, or do any number of things. The constant strain on feet can increase tension and discomfort, affecting overall health. So, it’s a good idea to massage the feet on a routine basis and care for them. Here are four benefits of getting the feet massaged regularly: Helps with healthier feet Since a massage can help stimulate the feet, it may promote better foot health. A good massage helps relieve stiffness and tension and promotes better circulation and flexibility in one’s feet. The therapeutic measure could also help prevent foot-related complications like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and flat feet. Relieves nausea and pain Experts indicate that a foot massage could help relieve symptoms like nausea and pain, especially if the person experiences it because of emotional distress or sickness. Applying pressure to the top of the foot, below the area where the big toe meets the second toe, could stimulate organs, like the large intestines, heart, and stomach, which helps alleviate nausea and pain. Decreases blood pressure Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually triggered by lack of exercise, stress, and poor eating habits.