American Healthcare and its Woes

Published on: 16 February 2019 Last Updated on: 08 August 2019
American Healthcare

Most Americans agree that healthcare is important. Deciding who pays for quality healthcare is where disagreement begins. That part isn’t surprising. What many people fail to realize, is how unfounded disagreement can translate into unfair outcomes. Fortunately, Dylan Scott at Vox visualized the state of American healthcare in five sobering charts. His revelations were based on data published by the US Census Bureau in 2016, but that doesn’t make them any less compelling. According to Scott, everything from geopolitics and age to racial or ethnic heritage and even employment status can have a huge impact on healthcare. In other words, countless citizens live somewhere that doesn’t necessarily prioritize public access to affordable healthcare, and they don’t even realize it.

The problems appear too complex to outsiders. That alone prevents the grand majority of them from trying to address things. Nevertheless, those individuals devoted to understanding the issues point to only a few key variables. For instance, Olga Khazan at The Atlantic highlighted three main reasons why our healthcare system is the worst amongst developed countries. Inadequate healthcare insurance coverage is the first obstacle, and with more than 27 million uninsured Americans, it’s no joking matter. Administrative inefficiency is another serious impediment, but it’s also unsurprising given the profit incentive. Everyone wants a piece of the proverbial pie. The final culprit is our primary care services, which are fragmented and disorganized to the point of sometimes inhibiting patient treatment.

Conscientious writers like Olga aren’t the only ones publicizing the dismal state of affairs. Scholars from the foremost universities have begun to express similar sentiments when it comes to the healthcare system. Karen Feldscher at The Harvard Gazette promoted a joint study orchestrated by Harvard and the London School of Economics. According to the research, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), “The US has substantially higher spending, worse population health outcomes, and worse access to care than other wealthy countries.” The authoring researchers pinpointed administrative costs, prescription pharmaceuticals, and average annual salaries as the primary drivers of rampant healthcare prices.

Comparing our healthcare system to those instituted abroad rarely makes sense. While the federal government vows to protect minors and has safety nets for the elderly, the status quo can quickly betray either group, depending on the nature of the scenario. Our elders are especially susceptible to disastrous possibilities without sufficient care. Many of the educated ones rely on specialized groups like Easy Medicare to investigate insurance eligibility and coverage details. The process isn’t nearly as intuitive when your health is already in decline, which is precisely why professional groups and services exist. It’s fair to say that without such support, still more people might fall by the wayside.

Universal healthcare is likely to become increasingly popular if the described trends continue unabated. The healthcare outcomes are unsustainable and they seem to reflect the income inequalities and other disparities that plague America. The best that some of us can do, for the time being, is choose wisely between residing in a red or a blue state. Nisarg Patel at Slate emphasized as much just last year. According to him, “The battleground over healthcare has moved out of the national sphere and into state politics.” While the idea of moving for the sake of healthcare and medical attention might sound foreign to some individuals, numerous Americans have firsthand experience.

Suffice it to say that the national healthcare system is not in an ideal condition. Debating the subject and advocating for better policies are both meaningful steps. It is our collective duty to demand appropriate healthcare for each and every person, regardless of circumstance or socioeconomic standing. Anything less ought to be considered a tragic betrayal.

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Healthy Hearing

Ways To Balance Your Life With Healthy Hearing

If you are looking for ways to maintain healthy hearing, there are several options to consider. These include eating a healthy diet, avoiding cigarette smoke, and keeping your ears clean. You can also take frequent breaks from listening, so your ears can get a rest. Here Are Five Prime Ways To Balance Your Life With Healthy Hearing 1. Eating healthy Eating healthy is the best way to keep your hearing health in top-notch condition. If you're looking for a quick and easy fix, consider making a habit of eating well and being physically active. This will improve your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic disease. Getting enough sleep is another smart move. While you're at it, don't forget to get your fill of vitamins and minerals. Boosting your Vitamin D intake will help you maintain good health and prevent otosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish also aid in improving your acoustic performance. One of the best ways to make sure your ears are in tip-top shape is to include a wide range of food types in your diet. Some popular food choices include fish, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. A balanced diet will also help you manage your weight and avoid common health conditions. For example, if you're looking for the most important component of a well-rounded meal, try incorporating fresh ingredients into your recipe. Not only will you be healthier, but you'll also enjoy a more satisfying meal. Also, make sure to get your vitamins and minerals from a variety of sources. As a final point, you should make the time to try something new. Experiment with different foods to see what works for you. The most gratifying aspect of eating healthy is that it can lead to improved mood, more energy, and more social activities. Lastly, it's an opportunity to build a healthy habit you can enjoy for years to come. You'll never regret it. Get started by taking a look at the USDA's dietary guidelines. You might even be surprised by the quality of the recommendations you receive! 2. Exercising regularly If you want to keep your hearing healthy, then you must exercise regularly. Studies have shown that people who exercise have better hearing and a lower risk of developing presbycusis. Exercise increases blood circulation, which helps in keeping the brain and ears healthy. It also helps improve cardiovascular health and strengthens the immune system. Regular physical activity also reduces inflammation. Inflammation damages hair cells, capillaries, and nerve cells. By reducing inflammation, exercise also protects against age-related hearing loss. When mice were unable to exercise, they experienced worse damage to their ears than those who were active. Exercise can protect the ear from age-related inflammation and prevent presbycusis. Regular aerobic exercise and strength training can protect hearing in later life. The cochlea is the key component of hearing, and it is essential to maintain its health as one age. Many Americans are motivated to improve their physical and mental well-being, including their hearing. Exercise has many benefits for all parts of the body. A daily exercise routine can increase energy, improve sleep, and decrease stress. A study by the University of Florida found that exercise can slow age-related hearing loss. Exercise also reduced inflammation and increased the blood supply to the ear. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body weight, which is associated with hearing. Exercising for 20 minutes five times a week can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. For more information on how to exercise for healthy hearing, talk with a qualified personal trainer. Make sure you choose a form of exercise you enjoy. Choose a routine that fits your lifestyle and schedule. Exercise will protect your hearing for the rest of your life. 3. Taking listening breaks Taking listening breaks is one way to keep your hearing health in check. This could mean something as small as taking a nap during the day, or as big as switching out your hearing aids. Regardless of your circumstances, a little TLC now and then can make a world of difference in your quality of life. The fact of the matter is, a good old fashion nap is not always feasible during the work week. For that reason, it's important to take care of the ears on a regular basis. Luckily, many modern-day smartphones have apps that track your exposure to various noise sources. While it may be difficult to avoid all noise, reducing the amount of background noise is the most important step in the process. If you're stuck at the office, you can opt to try out eye yoga, or read a book on your Kindle or another portable reading device while taking a stroll along a park or other public space. Other activities to consider include attending a museum or visiting your local zoo. These activities are all great ways to get out and about while giving your brain a much-needed break. Another useful tip is to use headphones that are specifically designed for people with hearing loss. You can pick up a pair at your nearest electronics retailer or order a pair online. Using over-the-ear headphones is an excellent way to minimize your exposure to background noise. They also help ensure you get a better seal. Some of these devices even offer an optional earbud kit if you don't have one already. The best part is that a healthy ear is an invaluable asset that you can rely on for many years to come. So be sure to take the time to test out your hearing and reap the rewards! 4. Preventing water from entering your ear canal When you are swimming, you might get water trapped in your ear canal. This can cause discomfort and hearing loss. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent water from entering your ear canal. 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However, the mechanisms through which the adverse influence of cigarette smoke on hearing may occur are not fully understood. In order to better understand the mechanisms of the adverse influence of cigarette smoke, a study was conducted at the University of North Texas Hearing Clinic. This study evaluated the relationship between the level of cigarette smoke and auditory test measures, including central and peripheral auditory pathway measures. Behavioral and electrophysiologic test measures were administered to measure CO level. These measures were combined with other variables to predict the outcome measure. Using ordinary least squares estimation procedures, a predictive multiple linear regression model was selected to analyze the association between the auditory tests and the breath CO level. The results showed that the magnitude of the elevated risk was higher among past smokers than current smokers. For past smokers, the MVRR was 1.30 (1.09, 1.55). But the risk was reduced with a longer time since smoking cessation. Similarly, the MVRR was 1.21 for current smokers. There are many ways to quit smoking. Some of these include finding a quit program, medications, or individual counseling. You can also make your home and car smoke-free. Keeping your children away from the smoke reduces their chance of respiratory infections. Read Also: Seeking a Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers to Check Out 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Different Types Of Blood Circulation Exercise

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Drinking Chamomile Tea

What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Chamomile Tea And Why Is Chamomile So Popular When Creating Blends Of Organic Tea?

Chamomile tea is highly recommended for relaxing and unwinding after a long hard day. It has this soothing feel and is associated with so many benefits. The benefits of drinking chamomile tea are numerous and more research about the benefits of chamomile tea is ongoing globally. This article explores why chamomile is so popular when creating blends of organic tea and the eight benefits of drinking chamomile tea. Why Is Chamomile One Of The Popular Ingredients In Organic Tea Blends? Chamomile is one of the most popular ingredients used in creating blends of organic tea mainly because of its associated benefits. Chamomile is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. Chamomile tea is a great choice at any time of the day because it is naturally caffeine-free. It is highly recommended for everyone. What Are The Main Benefits Of Drinking Chamomile Tea? 1. In might help improve sleep quality Drinking chamomile tea is commonly believed to aid relaxation and sleep. You are drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed might aid sleep quality and quantity. Chamomile includes a particular antioxidant molecule called 'apigenin,' which is thought to have sedative characteristics. Chamomile might help you sleep better and wake up feeling relaxed, calm, and rejuvenated after you fall asleep. 2. It might help reduce menstrual cramps Chamomile tea has an antispasmodic property that might help soothe muscles, stretch, and relax. It also might provide warmth and a soothing effect which is very good for women during their monthly menstrual cycle. Hence, one of the benefits of drinking chamomile tea is that it might help reduce menstrual cramps. 3. Might help improve digestion Digesting properly is very beneficial to you. Chamomile might help reduce acidity in the stomach and reduce the growth of some bad bacteria in the stomach, which could deteriorate an individual's health. The anti-inflammatory property of chamomile, which might help improve digestion, benefits from drinking chamomile tea. Chamomile's soothing and warming effect is also very good for the stomach. 4. Might help boost the immune system The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile might help boost an individual's immune system. Chamomile tea contains some chemical properties that might reduce internal inflammation and improve the immune system. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea when you come down with a cold might help reduce cold symptoms. Its soothing effect also might help clear sore throats. It might help regulate uncomfortable conditions and soothes the digestive tract, which may become out of balance when you are cold or down with a health condition. 5. Might help relieves stress One of the benefits of drinking chamomile tea is that it might help relieve stress. It has a soothing effect due to the polyphenol apigenin, which aids relaxation. Unlike other herbal teas, chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, so it does not give any jittery effect when you drink it at any time of the day. 6. Might help improve skin health Chamomile is usually used as an ingredient for producing skin products because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its antioxidants. Chamomile also has a relaxing, comforting, and refreshing effect on the skin. When you drink Chamomile tea, it also might help improve your skin, as we all know, our internal health condition usually reflects on our skin. Consistently drinking chamomile tea might help boost the condition of your skin. 7. Might help improve your heart Flavones, an antioxidant present in Chamomile tea, are beneficial for your heart. This is because it might help reduce the risk of a bad heart. Although research is still being conducted to discover more positive effects of chamomile tea on the heart, it is highly recommended as a healthy heart drink. 8. Might benefit in weight loss Chamomile tea is a delightful, calorie-free drink that you can drink all day when you are trying to lose weight. Although chamomile tea does not have any chemical property that aids weight loss, it is a healthy drink choice when attempting to lose weight and want something a bit tastier than water.

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Hair Loss

Hair Loss Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Many people in the world suffer from the problem of hair loss. The reason can be heredity, accident, stress, anxiety, and many other people in America can go for hair loss treatment California so that the problem of loss can be controlled, and gradually eliminated. Hair loss occurs typically for everybody, but it is replaced by new hair. When this does not happen, then the loss can make the person bald. Hair Loss Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment: Causes of hair loss: If a person feels that he is losing hair, but new hair is not taking their place, he/she can go to a doctor who will diagnose the reason for the new hair not growing. Heredity is the most common cause of people losing hair and becoming bald. Other causes of hair loss can be surgery, traumatic events, stress, anxiety, etc. Hormonal changes can also result in hair loss, but they can be temporary. The hormonal changes can occur because of childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, etc. Other causes can be high blood pressure, depression, arthritis, heart problems, etc. Most of the hair products that we use are driven by marketing and advertising. We see our favourite celebs endorsing them and do not think twice about putting such harmful chemical-laden products in our hair. It is essential that we only use dermatologist recommended products at all times. If you are in doubt, get an appointment with an experienced dermatologist and then buy hair care products like shampoos and conditioners according to their prescription. The dermatologist will take into account your pre-existing conditions, your hair-type, scalp issues, and more. Symptoms of hair loss: There are many symptoms, which show that the person is losing hair. These symptoms are Thinning of hair on the top Patchy bald spots on the head Hair loss started suddenly and was not replaced by new hair Hair loss in the whole body Treatment of hair loss: There are various methods, which can be done to control and eliminate the problem of baldness. The treatment depends on the causes and symptoms of hair fall. Some of these treatments have been discussed here. Medication: This is the first thing that dermatologists prefer, and they prescribe Over-the-counter (OTC) medication. This medication includes creams and gels, which the person has to apply directly to his scalp. Minoxidil is one of the main ingredients in the cream and gel. This ingredient has some side effects like irritation. This can also lead to hair growth on the forehead and face. Oral medication can also be prescribed if the dermatologist sees the symptoms of baldness. If medication is not helpful, then other procedures can be adopted to stop hair loss. Hair transplant surgery: In this surgery, hair is planted along with small pieces of the skin on the parts of the scalp where there is no hair growth. This process is good for those people who have the hereditary problem of hair loss. The patient needs to go through multiple surgeries so that all the bald portions can be covered with hair. Scalp reduction: In this process, those portions of the scalp are removed which have no hair. These areas are closed by using the skin of those parts that have hair. The flap is another option in which a part of the scalp that has hair is placed on the bald part of the scalp. Conclusion: These are the causes and symptoms of hair fall, and treatment is not very easy if there is no effect of medication. The patient has to undergo many surgeries so that hair can be transplanted, and the patient starts looking smart again. Read Also: How Can You Let Your Hair Regrow Naturally? 6 Proven Ways To Deal With Hair Loss For Women What To Know About Laser Hair Removal Utica NY

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