Age macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that affects people 50 years and over. AMD affects the macular part of the retina, leading to blurry vision. The disease is caused by gene inheritance, smoking, eating lots of saturated fats, hypertension, obesity, and age. Younger adults and teenagers can have macular degeneration. The type of degeneration in this group is called Stargardt disease. Types of macular degeneration include: 1. Wet macular degeneration This is one of the age-related macular degenerations. Wet AMD is a severe and irreversible eye disease. But, when diagnosed early, the disease can be treated by preventing further loss of vision. In rare cases, vision can be recovered. Wet AMD characterizes growth of abnormal blood vessels below the retina. The vessels then burst blood or fluid into the macular. When the fluid enters this part of the retina, the vision becomes blurry or wavy. There is less focus on the objects being viewed. Eventually, the macular becomes scarred, causing permanent loss of focal vision. Symptoms of wet macular degeneration include: Loss of color intensity Blurry central vision Visual distortions Having blind spots 2. Dry macular degeneration It is a type of degeneration that comes with aging.

Skin conditions such as eczema are uncomfortable and often embarrassing due to excessive itching, rashes and dry skin. Known scientifically as atopic dermatitis, eczema is often associated with allergy sufferers and can be greatly affected by environmental factors. The nature of atopic dermatitis means that the dermal layer if the skin is weakened and more susceptible to irritants. These can include, pollution, dry conditions, excess heat and overly humid weather. This means location can affect the condition: 1. Oxnard, CA Located just 60 miles from Los Angeles which has the highest number of high ozone days annually, Oxnard too is prone to high pollution levels. These pollutants can be very irritating to those with skin conditions and contribute to dry skin problems. The dry hot summers in Oxnard are also damaging to the skin. With threatening environmental issues Oxnard further suffers from a low number of dermatologists in the region with only 23 specialists listed. 2. Amarillo, TX As cities go Amarillo is actually not too bad in terms of air pollution, scoring an impressive 74 out of 100 in average pollution tests. The average US city can only manage around 56 out of 100. The city does, however, have cold dry winter months which can dry out the skin leaving it prone to atopic dermatitis flares.

Medicare is a health insurance program run by the federal government for citizens 65 and older and those with particular diseases or disabilities. Part A covers hospitalization costs, skilled nursing facility care, surgery, hospice, and even certain home health aide services. While Medicare Part B helps pay for regular doctor visits, emergency treatment, some preventative services, and even specific medical equipment and supplies. Most people can begin the Medicare enrollment process three months before their 65th birthday. Medicare coverage is essential to keep your healthcare bills in check as you age. However, Medicare does not cover all medical expenses, such as: 1. Long term care While Medicare will pay for some types of skilled nursing care, it will not pay for non-medical custodial care like showering, dressing, etc. However, you may get insurance to cover long-term care expenses or a policy combining the two. An annuity with a long-term care provider may also help cover the Medicare gaps in the Original Medicare. 2. Prescription drugs It is important to note that Medicare does not pay for non-hospital prescription medicines. However, you can purchase a Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. When you become eligible for Medicare or no longer have access to alternative medication coverage, you may enroll in Part D or Medicare Advantage to replace your previous drug coverage.

Respiratory illnesses can be a real nuisance, especially during the flu season. And with the ongoing pandemic, as well as increasing instances of respiratory syncytial (RSVl) virus, covid 19, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), adenovirus and parainfluenza, it’s more important than ever to take precautions to avoid catching or developing a respiratory illness. To help you stay safe and healthy, we’ve compiled a list of the top five traditional hot spots for respiratory illnesses (in your office and at home), along with some tips on how to prevent them: 1. Doorknobs, and appliance and drawer handles Doorknobs and drawer handles are some of the most touched surfaces in any home or office. Unfortunately, they can also be hot spots for respiratory illnesses, as they can easily spread germs from one person to another. To avoid getting sick, make sure to wash your hands regularly, and consider wiping down these surfaces with a disinfectant wipe every few hours. 2. Keyboards and electronics keypads Keyboards and electronics keypads can also harbor germs and bacteria. They are frequently touched and seldom cleaned, making them a perfect breeding ground for respiratory viruses. To keep these hot spots clean, consider using a disinfectant wipe or spray to clean your keyboard and electronics keypads daily.

Allergic conditions are becoming increasingly common in modern society, with millions of people worldwide suffering from a range of symptoms. Some of the most common allergic conditions include asthma and rhinitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, oral allergy syndrome, atopic dermatitis, and angioedema. While the causes and triggers of allergic conditions can vary, there are several common factors that can contribute to their development. Keep reading as we explore five of the most significant causes and triggers of allergic conditions: 1. Environmental factors Environmental factors such as pollution, climate change, and exposure to allergens can also trigger allergic reactions. Air pollution, for example, can exacerbate asthma symptoms, while exposure to pollen can trigger hay fever. Climate change has also been linked to an increase in allergies, as rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels cause plants to produce more pollen. 2. Food allergies Food allergies are another common trigger for allergic reactions. Some of the most common food allergen triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, and eggs. Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild to severe, with anaphylaxis being the most severe and potentially life-threatening. 3. Medications Medications can also trigger allergic reactions in some people. Antibiotics, in particular, are a common cause of drug allergies.