As the seasons change, the threat of the common cold and flu increases. The cold and flu can cause a wide range of symptoms, including coughing, fever, body aches, and fatigue. While there is no cure for these viral infections, certain foods can help boost your immune system and make it easier to get through the cold and flu season. Here are the top immune-boosting foods to help you get through the cold and flu season: 1. Citrus fruits Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help boost your immune system and fight off viruses. Eating citrus fruits or drinking their juices can help reduce the severity and duration of the cold and flu. 2. Green tea Green tea contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to boost the immune system. Drinking green tea regularly can help reduce the risk of getting sick and ease the symptoms of the cold and flu 3. Mushrooms Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, a type of carbohydrate that can boost the immune system. Mushrooms also contain selenium, an antioxidant that can help fight off infections. Eating mushrooms can help reduce the risk of getting sick and ease the symptoms of the cold and flu 4.

Lung cancer is a devastating disease that can be difficult to detect in its early stages. While common symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain are well-known indicators of lung cancer, there are other less expected symptoms that can also be warning signs. In this listicle, we will explore six lung cancer symptoms that are often overlooked: 1. Arm and shoulder pain Arm and shoulder pain can be a sign of lung cancer that has spread to the bones. When cancer cells invade the bones, they can cause pain, swelling, and fractures. If you are experiencing persistent pain in your arm or shoulder, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, it is essential to seek medical attention. 2. Eye problems Unusual eye problems such as double vision, drooping eyelids, or swelling around the eyes can be a sign of lung cancer that has spread to the brain. In some cases, the tumor can cause pressure on the optic nerve, leading to vision problems. If you notice any changes in your vision or have any unusual eye symptoms, it is crucial to speak with your doctor. 3. Hoarseness or change in voice A persistent hoarse voice or a change in your voice can be a sign of lung cancer.

Mac lung disease, also known as mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease, is a rare but serious lung condition caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium avium complex. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. While treatments such as Arikayce, Rifamycin, and Ethambutol are available, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some causes and risk factors for MAC lung disease that you should be aware of: Exposure to contaminated soil or water Exposure to soil or water contaminated with Mycobacterium avium complex bacteria is a significant risk factor for MAC lung disease. This is particularly true for individuals who have compromised immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infection. Airborne bacteria Airborne bacteria are another significant cause of MAC lung disease. The bacteria can spread through the air and cause infection when inhaled. Individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting the disease through airborne bacteria. Individuals with low immunity (HIV or AIDS) Individuals with low immunity, such as those with HIV or AIDS, are at a higher risk of developing MAC lung disease. This is because their immune systems are not strong enough to fight off infections. As such, these individuals need to take extra precautions to avoid exposure to the bacteria.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine causing stiffness and making it harder to bend. The presence of the HLA-B27 gene increases the risk of developing AS as well as environmental factors such as exposure to certain infections, toxins, and pollutants; joint injuries; changes in the colon’s bacteria; and bowel inflammation. There are many medications that can treat AS such as Upadacitinib, Cimzia, Xeljanz, Stelara, Enbrel, Simponi, and Infliximab. Here are the early warning signs of ankylosing spondylitis that you should watch out for: 1. Back pain The back pain caused by ankylosing spondylitis is often described as an ongoing, dull pain that feels like it’s coming from deep within the patient’s lower back or buttocks. This is because of the inflammation caused by AS. For relief, doctors recommend painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. 2. Stiffness Another early warning sign to look out for in those with ankylosing spondylitis is stiffness. The inflammation caused by AS can affect the pelvis, shoulders, hips and knees, and between the spine and ribs. Stiffness can be expected in these areas, especially in joints like the knees and in the spine.

Medicare is a government-run health insurance program that provides coverage for Americans who are 65 and older or have a disability. While Medicare covers a lot of medical expenses, there are certain things that it doesn’t cover. Be sure to visit the Medicare.gov. website to apply for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security. You can learn more and sign up for other parts at Here are seven things that Medicare doesn’t cover: 1. Hearing aids Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, exams for fitting hearing aids, or exams for hearing problems. However, Medicare will cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor thinks you need them. You can purchase additional coverage for hearing aids through a Medicare Advantage plan or a private insurer. 2. Routine eye exams Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams unless you have diabetes or are at high risk for glaucoma. However, if you need surgery to correct your vision, Medicare will cover it. If you want routine eye exams, you can purchase additional coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan or a private insurer like Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Humana, or Cigna. 3. Routine dental exams Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, or extractions.

Water is an essential element for life, and drinking enough of it is crucial for maintaining good health. Fortunately, staying hydrated has never been easier thanks to the variety of brands like Culligan, Brita, and Nestle that offer safe and clean drinking water. Here are five surprising health benefits of drinking water that you might not know about: 1. Improves complexion Drinking water is one of the simplest ways to improve your complexion. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can look dry, dull, and tired. Drinking enough water helps keep your skin hydrated and plump, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, water helps flush toxins out of your body, which can help reduce the occurrence of acne and other skin problems. 2. Boosts immunity Drinking enough water can help boost your immune system. Water helps transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, which helps your immune system function properly. Additionally, drinking water can help flush out toxins and waste products, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent infections. 3. Prevents cramps If you’re prone to muscle cramps, drinking water could help. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and other types of muscle pain, particularly if you suffer from leg cramps or restless leg syndrome at night.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects men, especially those who are over the age of 50. While traditional drug treatments such as XTANDI, Mogamulizumab, Radium injections, ERLEADA, Vectibix, Relugolix oral, and Ibrutinib can be effective in treating prostate cancer, early detection is critical for better outcomes. In this article, we will explore the early signs of prostate cancer that you should be aware of: 1. Problems urinating Difficulty in urinating or frequent urination is one of the most common early signs of prostate cancer. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder out of the body. When the prostate gland is enlarged due to cancer, it can press against the urethra and cause problems with urination. 2. Blood in the urine or semen Another early sign of prostate cancer is the presence of blood in the urine or semen. This symptom can be alarming and should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. While blood in the urine or semen can be caused by other conditions, such as infections or kidney stones, it is essential to rule out prostate cancer as a potential cause. 3. Pain in the hips, back, and spine Prostate cancer can also cause pain in the hips, back, or spine.

Nasal polyps are soft, small, non-cancerous growths in the nose that are typically non-serious but can keep growing if ignored. They are often associated with other illnesses such as chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma. While they are non-serious it is often a bad idea to ignore symptoms, and treatments of nasal polyps include FLONASE nasal spray, Xhance, and more. This is what can happen if nasal polyps go untreated. 1. Breathing problems As you ignore nasal polyps they can continue to grow until they block the nasal passage more and more, causing breathing problems. Treatments for nasal polyps often work by shrinking and eliminating the polyps to prevent breathing issues. If you want to be able to breathe clearly through your nasal passages it is best to treat nasal polyps before they become more serious and start causing worsening issues. 2. Lost sense of smell Another complication of nasal polyps is the loss of the ability to smell. This is, again, caused by largening nasal polyps that can continue to block smells from reaching the smell receptors through the nasal passage. This can be an upsetting symptom and can easily be avoided by seeking out treatment for nasal polyps early on.

Osteoporosis is defined as a medical condition in which the bones become fragile from loss of tissue due to hormonal changes or vitamin deficiencies. There are many medications that can help those suffering from osteoporosis from over the counter medication such as Advil for pain, to prescriptions such as Forteo, Prolia, Romosozumab (EVENITY), Rinvoq to help prevent bone loss. However, it is best to prevent osteoporosis before it’s onset. This can be done by taking the following actions: 1. Take bone density supplements By taking supplements for bone health you can prevent the onset of osteoporosis. These supplements include vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin K, zinc, and calcium supplements. These supplements can support bone health and improve bone density. It is important to discuss taking these supplements with a healthcare professional if you are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. 2. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy One of the main risk factors for osteoporosis is not having enough estrogen due to hormonal changes caused by menopause. A treatment that can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis caused by hormonal changes is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is a type of medication that mimics the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which can be used to help strengthen bones.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, which causes red, scaly, and itchy patches on the skin. Doctors typically prescribe medications such as Tremfya, Skyrizi, Stelara, Cosentyx, Xeljanx, Otezla, Ilumya (tildrakizumab), and Rituximab, or recommend gene therapy to reduce psoriasis flare ups. Although psoriasis primarily affects the skin, it is also linked to several other health conditions. In this article, we will explore six health conditions that are commonly associated with psoriasis: 1. Lymphoma Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for filtering out toxins and waste products from the body. People with psoriasis are at an increased risk of developing lymphoma, especially if they have severe or long-standing psoriasis. However, it is important to note that the overall risk of developing lymphoma is still relatively low, even for people with psoriasis. 2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Studies have shown that people with psoriasis are more likely to develop COPD, a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. The link between psoriasis and COPD is not yet fully understood, but it is thought that the chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis may play a role in the development of COPD.