Health insurance helps pay for treatments and other healthcare services, making them popular. However, people should understand that these policies have limitations. Health insurance may not cover the costs of treating specific illnesses and availing particular care services, and individuals would have to bear the expenses themselves. Understanding the exclusions is crucial for informed decision-making when choosing a policy. Here are a few things health insurance usually does not cover. 1. Cosmetic surgery Health insurance plans cover the cost of plastic surgery if it is deemed a medical necessity and helps improve a person’s health. For instance, reconstructive surgeries after accidents are often covered. However, the cosmetic surgeries and procedures individuals undergo solely to change their appearance may not be covered. Understanding the fine line between cosmetic and medically necessary procedures is crucial to making informed decisions when opting for surgeries. 2. Nursing home care Health insurance plans usually do not cover the cost of staying in a nursing home, especially if someone needs care for an extended period. While Medicare may provide short-term coverage for specific situations, extended stay expenses are usually not covered. So, individuals should consider the potential financial strain they may undergo due to long-term nursing home care needs.

Approximately 9.5% of individuals nationwide are diagnosed with depression each year. This mental health condition requires prompt diagnosis and systematic interventions. With increasing awareness of mental health conditions, several psychiatric and psychotherapeutic interventions have been devised. In addition to seeking professional help, individuals with depressive symptoms can also make certain lifestyle changes, like eating and excluding certain foods, to alleviate symptoms. So, here are some foods that can help manage depressive symptoms: 1. Fatty fish like salmon Low serotonin levels have been associated with depressive symptoms; conversely, raising serotonin levels is advised as a treatment for depression. It has been found that increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids may boost serotonin concentration in the body, helping with depression management. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, fatty fish are also rich in vitamin D. Deficiency of this vitamin is linked to depressive symptoms. Therefore, fatty or oily fish should be a part of one’s meal plan while healing from depression. 2. Eggs Protein-rich foods, like eggs, contain certain amino acids necessary to produce neurotransmitters that help prevent and treat depression and anxiety-related symptoms. Besides being a rich protein source, eggs contain vitamins B2 and B12, iron, choline, selenium, and tryptophan.

Dry eyes is a condition that leads to persistent dryness in one’s eyes, marked by grittiness, redness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. It can be caused by various factors, including environmental conditions, lifestyle, and food habits. While it’s essential to consult an eye care professional for personalized advice, adding certain foods to one’s daily meals may help promote eye health and alleviate dry eyes. Here are some foods that can help prevent dry eyes. Fish Fresh tuna, menhaden, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon, and a variety of other fish serve as reservoirs of omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds help mitigate inflammation on the eyelids or the eye’s surface and enhance tear production. The meibomian glands along the edge of the eyelids are responsible for producing the oily component of tears, a vital mechanism that safeguards against dryness and maintains optimal eye moisture. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes are among the richest sources of vitamin A. This essential nutrient not only enhances tear quality but also alleviates symptoms associated with dry eyes. Carrots Carrot emerges as a nutritional powerhouse that contains both vitamin A and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, responsible for the vegetable’s bright orange color, also boosts vitamin A production and absorption. Leafy greens Vibrant leafy greens, including spinach, collard greens, and kale, serve as a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin.

The eating habits and food choices of an individual can significantly impact their overall health. Many foods are medically known to combat chronic health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Generally, plant-based foods are considered superior to animal-derived ones to fight cancer. Healthcare professionals often recommend certain superfoods to help prevent cancer and combat the disease if it already exists in the body. Here are some of the top superfoods for fighting cancer: Broccoli Sulforaphane is a strong plant compound renowned for its potent anticancer properties. This compound is found in cruciferous vegetables, with broccoli being one of the prime examples. Sulforaphane holds the power to reduce the size and number of breast cancer cells by almost 75%, as per several research studies. With these properties, broccoli is also considered an equally potent weapon against prostate cancer. Additionally, cruciferous vegetables can lower the risk of colorectal malignancies in people. Asparagus Folate-rich foods are also beneficial to keep malignancies at bay for people. Additionally, these foods also help reduce the severity of multiple cancer symptoms due to their unique health-enhancing properties. Asparagus and eggs contain loads of folate, while other foods like beans, sunflower seeds, and leafy green vegetables also contain adequate reserves of the component.

The human heart is a lot more than just a beating organ. It performs several functions, from supplying blood to body organs to regulating blood pressure and providing nutrients to the body. Thus, promptly diagnosing and treating heart conditions is essential to ensuring overall physical well-being. Unfortunately, heart disease has emerged as the leading cause of death in the country today. So, here are some common heart diseases and their symptoms that one shouldn’t ignore: 1. Coronary heart disease Coronary heart disease is characterized by the accumulation of fatty substances in the coronary arteries, which block blood supply from the heart to other bodily organs. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are common causes of this disease. The disease’s symptoms, such as severe chest pain, nausea, light-headedness, and shortness of breath, can be debilitating. Besides seeking timely treatment, individuals with this condition should make major lifestyle changes, such as avoiding processed foods, maintaining a nutrient-balanced meal plan, and exercising regularly. 2. Arrhythmia Arrhythmia involves irregularities in the rate or rhythm of one’s heartbeat. In other words, one’s heart may either beat too fast or too slowly or have an erratic rhythm, even when not engaging in physical activity. High blood pressure, narrowing of the arteries, and heart surgery are common causes of arrhythmia.