Published on: 18 October 2018
Last Updated on: 30 October 2024
As you get up there in age it can be even more important to stay active and healthy. The key to a longer life is to keep active and not be sedentary all the time. Eating healthy can be a huge contributor as well. There are simple things you can do to help achieve this that are actually fun too.
Clean Eating
It all starts with your diet. You don’t need to be on some special fade diet. However, you do need to watch what you eat. One of the first things you should do is take in more liquids. Some seniors may have to force themselves to drink more water than usual.
Planning out your meals ahead of time can really help you stay healthy. Most people end up in the fast food trap because they lack planning. When it’s dinner time they simply drive to the nearest drive-thru restaurant. Avoid this and do some meal planning. In the long run, it’s not only healthier it’s cheaper.
Our last healthy eating tip is to reduce the amount of sugar intake. Sure, it can be easy to pull out the ice cream at night and have a bowl or two. But sugar turns into fat and can lead to an increase in health dangers. Instead of that sugary snack replace it with fruit or even a sugar-free snack.
Protein is very important for the body as it gives you the energy and will help you feel fuller throughout the day. Lots of seniors overlook how much protein they take in. Cut down on the carbs and plan out a diet that is higher in protein. Some of the foods with the highest protein are eggs, chicken, turkey, cottage cheese, steak, beans, and nuts.
Exercising
Getting on an exercise routine can be hard. Our suggestion is to make it fun and social. Does your community have a walking group? If so this can be a great way to get outside and make a new friend while doing it.
Some seniors enjoy golf. Some might think riding in a golf cart isn’t much on an exercise but that’s not true. You can’t ride everywhere on a golf course and although it’s not constant you are walking and often times up and down hills. Golf can be an enjoyable game that takes out the fact that you are actually exercising.
Swimming is hands down one of the best exercises you can do. It essentially works the majority of your muscles and gets your heart rate up. The best part about swimming is you can go at your own pace. Get tired? No problem get out and lay in the sun for a bit. When you are rested up to go back in the water for a few more laps.
Take the grandkids to the park. What kids don’t love going to the park? Grab a basketball or a soccer ball and take the grandkids out. Sure, you might not be running around playing soccer with them the entire time but you can play some. The point is you need to get out of the house and gets some miles under those legs. You don’t have to overdo it but just work on being more active and have some fun doing it.
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Early signs of oral cancer are persistent mouth sores, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice. In such cases, you must visit an oncologist, an expert who deals with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It can affect the mouth, tongue, gums, and throat. In fact, there are several factors that contribute to its development. These include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure, and infections like HPV.
However, early detection plays a crucial role in increasing the chances of successful treatment. Also, it helps in improving outcomes. In this article, you will get details about the early signs of oral cancer and what you should be mindful of. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is one of the most common forms of neck/head cancer. Generally, it affects people above 60 years of age. In fact, oral cancer first affects your lips, tongue, mouth roof, and mouth floor. Apart from that, it also affects your oropharynx, which is the last part of your tongue. Also, it might affect the roof of your mouth, the sides and the back of your throat, and your tonsils.
At first, oral cancer can look like a common problem in your mouth and your lips. For instance, you can see white patches or bleeding sores. Basically, the difference between a common problem and a potential cancer is that the problems do not go away.
Here, if you leave the problems without any treatment for a long time, it can spread through your mouth and your throat. Moreover, it will also spread to other areas of your head and neck.
8 Common Warning Signs of Oral Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore
Recognizing the early signs of oral cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Here are eight common symptoms you must watch for and discuss with a cancer specialist promptly.
1. Presence of White/Red Patches in the Mouth
A classic sign of potential oral cancer is the presence of white or red patches in the mouth without any reason. Patches can occur on the tongue, roof of the mouth, inner cheeks, or gums. Patches can be painful sometimes but are usually asymptomatic.
However, you must not ignore them. If you see any of these patches extending more than a few weeks, visit an oncologist for a checkup at Apollo Hospital Belapur. Here, you will get a thorough examination.
2. Persistent Mouth Sores
Oral cancer can be indicated by mouth sores that do not heal within two weeks. The sores may be on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or gums, or on the roof of the mouth. However, getting sores in the mouth is quite common.
Still, you must let an oncologist evaluate sores that don’t improve. Don’t ignore the sores if they are painless or persistent. It could mean something more serious.
3. Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing
Pain or discomfort when swallowing or chewing food may be a sign of oral cancer. When there is a tumor blocking the throat or esophagus, difficulty swallowing or dysphagia often occurs. In some cases, this symptom may be accompanied by a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat or chest.
However, if this continues, it is important to see a specialist to help diagnose any underlying health issue early on.
4. Unexplained Bleeding
Unexplained bleeding on the inside of the mouth is a cause for concern. It could be blood in your saliva or while you brush your teeth. However, if there is any unexplained bleeding from the gums, tongue, or mouth, you must immediately visit a healthcare professional.
Apart from that, bleeding from your gums can be a sign of a minor gum problem. However, if it’s consistent or unusual, it could mean something more serious, such as oral cancer. If you are bleeding, don’t hesitate to visit the best oncologist in Mumbai to get it evaluated.
5. Numbness or Pain in the Mouth or Jaw
If you have numbness or persistent pain in the mouth or jaw that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relief, don’t ignore it. This may mean that cancer is affecting the nerves in your mouth or jaw area. This pain can get worse over time and often comes with other symptoms, such as difficulty moving the jaw or feeling fullness in the mouth.
Hence, you must consult a medical expert. Basically, the expert can help in figuring out the reason behind it and suggesting reasonable treatment alternatives.
6. Unexplained Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss, especially if it is unintentional, can be a sign of a number of health conditions, including oral cancer. Cancer cells can interfere with your body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss.
Moreover, if you get sudden weight loss along with other symptoms such as mouth sores, pain, or difficulty swallowing, see a medical expert as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can enhance the prognosis and treatment options for oral cancer.
7. Changes in Voice or Hoarseness
If you find that your voice or hoarseness doesn’t go away, it could be because oral cancer is affecting your vocal cords or the area around them. If the hoarseness lasts more than a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to consult an oncologist. Any change in voice should be evaluated to rule out any serious condition, including oral cancer.
8. Lumps or Swelling in the Neck
Signs that the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes include swelling or lumps in the neck. At first, these lumps may be painless, but they can become tender as the disease progresses. If you see any lumps or swelling in your neck, you should see a doctor right away.
An oncologist will evaluate these lumps. Also, the expert will ensure an accurate diagnosis to find whether these lumps are cancerous.
Activities that Increase Oral Cancer
The following are some of the major activities that increase oral cancer:
Smoking (cigarettes, pipes, and cigars)
Other tobacco products include chewing tobacco, snuff, water pipes, dip, etc.
Drinking excessive amounts of Alcohol daily.
Spending a lot of time under the sun without protecting the lips.
Having the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Having a history of oral cancer in the family.
Detecting Oral Cancer: The Way Forward
Recognizing the early signs of oral cancer is critical for effective treatment and improving your overall prognosis. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice promptly.
For instance, the Apollo Hospital Belapur, located in Navi Mumbai, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. It has expert oncologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating oral cancer. You can consult the best oncologist at Apollo Hospital for a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.
Basically, you must stay vigilant and consult an expert as soon as you notice unusual symptoms. This way, you can increase your chances of early detection, ensuring that your oral health remains in the best condition possible.
Do you have more suggestions to add on how to detect oral cancer? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
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There has been no time more integral to the advancement of our society than the 21st century. The past 20 years have been essential to the technological increases that are impacting billions of people all across the globe. Many facets of our society have been affected in the modern era, and healthcare is one of the most impacted elements. There has been a transformation throughout the healthcare industry, as new technologies like procedural telemedicine, as well as new regulations, have become commonplace throughout the medical system. There is a multitude of different specialties in healthcare, but one of the top aspects is physical and occupational therapy. This facet is involved in helping people fix their bodily ailments without the use of more invasive procedures.
What is Physical and Occupational Therapy?
Physical and occupational therapy has become increasingly popular throughout the 21st century, as advancements in the field and a greater understanding of the body have helped to improve peoples’ wellbeing. Patients who frequently attend physical and occupational therapy often have chronic pain or muscular-skeletal issues that can be aided with different exercises and stretches that help to heal the body. Working as a physical or occupational therapist allows you to more effectively treat patients who need help and requires immense knowledge of the human body. As 2020 has already gotten underway, it has become evident that the many changes to the system, especially for Medicare patients, are continuing to affect physical and occupational therapy offices. Understanding these changes is essential if you work in this field.
Learning about the 2020 Medicare Changes for PTA & OTA Modifiers
Working as a PTA (physical therapy assistant) or OTA (occupational therapy assistant) has undergone immense change since the beginning of the new decade in 2020. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has altered its billing policies, which has impacted the modifiers used in your office as well as the reimbursement procedures provided by PTAs and OTAs. Medicare changes 2020 has been implemented as a payment differential in the ways that PTAs and OTAs are paid.
The payment rate is now 85% of the rate of what assistants are paid. CMS has noted that any care that exceeds 10% of the total time of care would now be subject to reduced billing. The payment differential has to be applied to all private practice facilities, home health agencies, hospital outpatient departments, as well as rehabilitation agencies.
The codes that this can be applied include therapeutic services, as well as administrative or non-therapeutic services. Any timed or untimed coded procedures and modalities are also included, such as re-evaluations and initial evaluations. These many changes also include new documentation which provides a short description of the application of modifiers.
While many of these changes may sound a bit challenging, understanding them is essential for the success of any physical or occupational therapy office.
Final Thoughts
Working in the physical or occupational therapy field can be very complex, especially when dealing with Medicare billing. Learning about the 2020 changes in Medicare billing is essential when running a physical or occupational therapy firm.
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Caring for a loved one with diabetes is a significant responsibility that comes with various challenges, including managing the financial aspects of their healthcare. The Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring system offers an advanced solution for diabetes management, but caregivers need to carefully consider the associated costs. In this article, we will explore the financial considerations that caregivers should take into account when contemplating the use of the Dexcom G6 system.
Understanding The Dexcom G6 System
The Dexcom G6 is a revolutionary device that provides continuous glucose monitoring for individuals with diabetes. It offers real-time information about blood sugar levels, allowing for better management and timely interventions. This technology not only improves the quality of life for those with diabetes but also brings significant peace of mind to caregivers.
Initial Costs And Essential Components
When considering the Dexcom G6 system, caregivers need to factor in the initial costs. These costs include acquiring the transmitter, receiver, or compatible smartphone, as well as the sensors that attach to the skin to measure glucose levels. While the upfront expense might seem substantial, it's crucial to view it as an investment in better diabetes management and long-term health outcomes.
Ongoing Sensor Expenses
One of the ongoing costs associated with the Dexcom G6 system is the need for sensor replacement every 10 days. This regular replacement cycle ensures accurate and reliable glucose monitoring. Caregivers should be prepared for these recurring costs and budget accordingly.
Insurance Coverage And Reimbursement
Many insurance plans provide coverage for medical devices like the Dexcom G6 system. Caregivers should thoroughly review the loved one's insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage and the reimbursement process. Engaging in discussions with insurance providers and healthcare professionals can help clarify the financial aspect and ensure optimal coverage.
Exploring Financial Assistance Programs
Caregivers should be aware that there are financial assistance programs available to help manage the costs of the Dexcom G6 system. Research and inquire about organizations, foundations, and patient assistance programs that offer support to individuals with diabetes. These programs can provide much-needed relief from the financial burden.
Weighing Long-Term Benefits And Short-Term Costs
While the financial considerations of using the Dexcom G6 system are significant, caregivers must also evaluate the long-term benefits. Improved glucose management can lead to fewer hospitalizations, reduced complications, and enhanced overall well-being for loved ones with diabetes. Caregivers should approach the costs as an investment in long-term health outcomes.
Open Communication And Financial Planning
Transparent communication with healthcare providers is crucial for caregivers. Discussing financial concerns, insurance coverage, and available assistance programs can offer valuable insights and guidance. Healthcare professionals can help caregivers effectively integrate the Dexcom G6 system into their loved one's diabetes management plan while taking the financial aspect into account.
Conclusion
Choosing to invest in the Dexcom G6 system involves more than just considering the financial implications; it's about investing in the health and well-being of a loved one with diabetes. While the costs associated with the system are a legitimate concern, the potential benefits in terms of improved glucose management and enhanced quality of life cannot be overlooked. By carefully considering the Dexcom G6 cost and exploring financial assistance options, caregivers can make informed decisions that prioritize their loved one's health and provide peace of mind for both themselves and their loved ones.
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