Hiring psychiatrists is a personal and private choice that one may not want to discuss with family or friends. However, even with so many professionals, finding one that the individual feels comfortable speaking to is essential. One way to do this is to interview a list of psychiatrists and ask them questions about their practice. So, here are nine questions that could help you pick a professional to help deal with mental health. Do they fall under the insurance network? One of the most important questions to ask the professional is whether they fall under the desired insurance network. Knowing if the psychiatrist accepts the insurance may help bring peace of mind when calculating finances. The individual could also check their insurance provider’s website for the network of psychiatrists that accept the individual insurance plan. Some providers may also allow users to filter options for healthcare professionals, such as by language, gender, and location. Where can users find patient reviews? Remember that all questions are important when hiring a professional, such as a psychiatrist. For example, asking about where to find their patient reviews could significantly help one select a professional that they are comfortable with. The individual could usually find these reviews on third-party websites or through search engines. The reviews will help an individual assess whether past patients were satisfied with the care. Reading the feedback from earlier clients could also help learn about the environment of the provider’s office or place of practice. Are credentials available? A psychiatrist must possess board certification to practice in their field. The credential helps identify if the professional has the necessary skills, training, and experience to offer healthcare in psychiatry. Patients who require an expert for children should look for one certified in child and adolescent psychiatry. Aging parents should look for professionals who specialize in geriatric psychiatry.

A radiologist is someone who helps diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses identified through the process of imaging procedures or also called radiology. These procedures include tests like X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and even ultrasound. It is important to ask as many questions as possible when getting a diagnosis related to health and not feel lost through the process. Here are some common questions you can ask your radiologist when you see him next. Why do you need the test? If you are unsure why you need certain tests, asking your radiologist can provide clarity. This is a fundamental question to ask. The doctor knows best, but knowing the reason for these procedures is important to understand your illness better. Knowing why this test is needed is important to know how the process works. Speak to the radiologist to know how this test can help diagnose the issue and what the possible outcomes are. Are there any side effects of the test? Imaging tests are generally considered safe, but it’s always a good idea to ask about potential risks or side effects before undergoing them. With so much technology involved, it’s possible that important details may be overlooked, so it’s best to consult with a radiologist who can provide a comprehensive understanding. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have to ensure a thorough assessment. What is the procedure for the test? Getting these tests done can create anxiety in some people, which is very natural. So asking questions related to the procedure and process of the testing may help with any stressors. A radiologist will be able to address any concerns related to how you need to prepare for the tests (if there is any prep required, that is), how long the procedure can take, or what all are the steps involved during the whole process.

Watches have become much more than mere accessories fastened to one’s wrist. Several essential daily activities – including heart rate and blood-pressure monitoring, counting the number of steps covered each day, and accessing mobile apps – are facilitated by smartwatches. Shopping seasons like Black Friday offer smartwatches at highly discounted prices, making them easily accessible while not compromising on quality. Based on last year’s sales, here are some smartwatch deals expected on Black Friday 2023: Budget-friendly smartwatches Buying an already reasonably priced smartwatch during the sale season is a highly effective way of reducing costs while availing of some cutting-edge features. Here are some budget-friendly smartwatch deals one can expect this year: 1. Some of Fitbit’s classic smartwatches are affordable while having all the features required in a decent smartwatch, including step count, exercise tracking, access to phone notifications, and basic health monitoring. These Fitbit smartwatches are perfect for beginners, students, or those looking to keep basic health checks. Last year, shoppers witnessed discounts on some of Fitbit’s affordable smartwatches, including the Fitbit Versa series, which were up for grabs at $80 off. One can expect similar deals on Fitbit’s smartwatches this Black Friday. 2. The older Apple Watch SE versions entail essential smartwatch features like heart-rate monitoring, calorie counting, and step counting while being reasonably priced. Last year, the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen [GPS + Cellular, 40mm] was available for $279, $7 off on the retail price of $299. Shoppers can gear up to bag them on sale during the upcoming Black Friday 2023. Aesthetically pleasing smartwatches Smartwatches with elegant displays have gained widespread popularity for their aesthetic value in addition to their features and functionalities. Here are some smartwatches with attractive displays that may be available on sale this year: 3. Google Pixel’s smartwatches entail 1.2-inch OLED displays and pebble-shaped designs.

Teeth staining can happen for several reasons, such as aging, poor eating habits, and an unhealthy lifestyle. To combat this, one could follow good oral hygiene, periodic dental cleaning, and professional tooth whitening to improve the color of the teeth. But apart from these measures, individuals could also make certain lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy foods. Below is a list of eleven foods that should be part of one’s meal regime for brighter teeth. Strawberries Eating strawberries could benefit one’s teeth, especially its color. The berry is rich in malic acid concentration, a property used in many toothpaste formulas. The acid works like a natural astringent and helps remove the tooth surface discoloration. One should note that strawberries are also abundant in citric acid, which may weaken the enamel. Therefore, each individual must wait at least 30 minutes to brush their teeth after consuming strawberries or other acidic foods. One could also rinse their mouth with water to negate the effects of citric acid after eating the berry. Onions Many are unaware of the health benefits associated with onions regarding oral hygiene. While the vegetable might cause bad breath, eating it in small amounts may benefit the teeth. The food contains antibacterial sulfur compounds that may prevent plaque from forming on the teeth. One could include onions on sandwiches and in salads when they can. Another food with similar sulfur compounds is garlic, which could prevent plaque and reduce the risk of yellowing teeth. Apples The fruit has several beneficial properties, including those associated with the teeth. Apples are crunchy. Therefore, its texture is a natural abrasive scrub, which helps clean the teeth when chewing on them. Furthermore, apples have a high malic acid concentration that could promote extra saliva and positively affect the teeth’ color. Pineapple The teeth are covered with a pellicle or a layer of salivary proteins.

Healthcare is a crucial aspect of any country, and it can be quite expensive if an individual does not have insurance such as Medicare. One of the healthcare options available is dental insurance, which can help save a lot of money on annual appointments and treatments. However, many people are not aware of the limitations of dental insurance. Here are six things that dental insurance plans may not cover. Cosmetic dentistry Restorative dentistry might be necessary when it’s related to one’s well-being. However, insurance companies usually classify cosmetic dentistry as an elective procedure and may not cover the cost of treatment. One should also note that many cosmetic dentists use restorative procedures, such as porcelain crowns, dental implants, and tooth veneers, for restorative and cosmetic purposes. Therefore, insurance may cover some or all of one’s restorative procedures but will not cover elective cosmetic procedures. If a dental procedure is necessary due to decay, disease, an accident, or injury, it may be considered a restorative procedure, and the insurance may cover some or all of the cost. It’s also important to note that some restorative procedures may be covered under insurance if they serve a functional purpose, such as replacing missing teeth or improving the mechanics of a patient’s bite. Pre-existing conditions A pre-existing condition refers to an oral health complication that is already present at the time when one signs up for insurance. While most dental plans may cover minor pre-existing conditions, like cavities, some plans may not provide coverage for severe pre-existing conditions. These might include dental complications like missing teeth. In such cases, one may be liable to an exclusion period (waiting period) for such complications, or coverage may not be provided at all. Individuals can opt for one of two different types of dental insurance plans with no waiting period – Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DMHO) or Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO).

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE, is a chronic digestive disease of the esophagus caused by an allergic condition. It is characterized by chest pain, heartburn, and solid food dysphagia. If this disorder is left untreated, it can cause esophageal remodeling and stricture formation. This disorder is also marked by eosinophilic inflammation and impacts the quality of life of the affected person. You can check out various reliable health websites to get information on eosinophilic esophagitis. A patient with EoE must be very careful with his health and meal plans, as research suggests that EoE is linked to food allergies. Therefore, the six most common food items that are responsible for such allergies include: Dairy Cow milk is said to be one of the most common reasons for EoE. Milk protein can trigger too many eosinophils. You should avoid food items made up of milk, buttermilk, lactose, and other related dairy products. You can replace dairy products with coconut hemp, dairy-free yogurts, cashew ice cream, etc. Soy Soy-based food items include tofu, soy butter, soymilk, and miso. Soy cheese, soy nuts, soy milk, etc., should be avoided and can be substituted with refined soybean oil or coconut aminos. Wheat You might think wheat is only found in bread, cereal, or baked goods. But some unexpected food items also have wheat, like hot dogs, beer, and ice creams. So it would be best to avoid bran, bulger, gluten, farro, and starch. These can be replaced with corn, oats, rice, and barley. Nuts It would be best if you said goodbye to nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios. Eggs In EoE-associated thyroid treatment, you should avoid the consumption of eggs and food items that contain eggs. Beware the hidden eggs in products like mayo, marshmallows, hollandaise sauce, or foods brushed with egg wash.

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that develops in some people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. It occurs when a person’s immune system starts to attack the body’s cells, leading to inflammation in joints and the overproduction of skin cells. It affects close to 1-3 percent of the world’s population. It is non-curable, and few treatment options aim to manage the symptoms. Read along to learn about its symptoms, triggers, and more. What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis? Many signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. The manifestations of this disease also may vary from person to person.  Some of the common indicators of the condition include: Scaly and inflamed skin, especially on the knees, scalp, and elbows. Pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more back, hips, or neck joints. Lack of energy or tiredness. Tenderness in the soles and heels  Swelling of a whole toe.  Dents or pits in the nails. Inflammation of the eye and blurry vision accompanied by redness or pain. What triggers psoriatic arthritis? The cause of psoriatic arthritis is an immune system disorder, where your immune system acts against your body. Both genetic and environmental factors seem to influence this response. Other than these, here are some other elements that can trigger psoriatic arthritis: Having psoriasis is one of the most significant risk factors that increases one’s tendency to develop psoriatic arthritis Obesity Having a family history of the condition A viral or bacterial infection may trigger psoriatic arthritis in some people who have the chance of inheriting psoriasis Which foods help to minimize the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis? Psoriatic arthritis may worsen over time. In severe cases, it may even cause permanent damage to your joints, including deformity.  People living with this condition are also at a higher risk of getting other serious health problems, such as:

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that go from the heart to the lungs. One may also experience chest pain, shortness of breath during periods of activity, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles and legs. The condition causes the narrowing or blocking of the arteries in the lungs, making the heart work harder to pump blood. This leads to weakened heart muscles and heart failure. Nutrition tips Living with PAH can be difficult. Although there is no cure yet, doctors may recommend treatment plans to manage the condition better. These treatments can further be supplemented by following a healthy nutritional plan. So, here are some tips to help one manage PAH better: Reduce salt and sodium intake Cutting back on salt and sodium intake is often the first piece of advice for those when dealing with PAH. Those living with PAH must limit their sodium intake to less than 2,000 milligrams a day. This is because excess sodium increases water retention in the body, making the heart work harder to pump blood, worsening the symptoms of PAH. Salt is a common additive in baking mixes, pickled foods, deli meats, frozen dinners, cheese, milk, canned vegetables, condiments, and sauces. Instead of picking up the salt shaker, one should try to season the food with other spices and herbs like cumin or garlic. Limit fluid intake People with PAH are often placed on a two-liter water/fluid restriction, as too much fluid in the body can exert pressure on the heart. Drinking too much fluid could also lead to edema or swelling and cause difficulty in breathing. It is best to speak with the doctor to gain a proper assessment of fluid balance and intake requirements. Avoid stimulants Another nutrition tip to manage PAH is avoiding stimulant beverages such as cola, coffee, and tea, as they contain high levels of caffeine.

With increasing numbers of people prioritizing health and wellness, the fitness sector has been booming like never before. Several new as well as traditional fitness and wellness trends have been gaining traction across the globe. This is because there has been a seamless merger between the online and real-world as people pick up routines that use advanced technology while simultaneously taking them outdoors. Here are a few fitness and wellness trends to be explored. Wearable technology Wearable technologies have been trending for quite some time. Now, they are far more advanced and intuitive. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, these devices have become far more capable of storing personalized data to help keep track of fitness goals. Furthermore, these wearable techs can now be connected with several apps to have synchronized and fully connected workout experiences. Strength training using free weights Strength training has steadily become one of the leading fitness trends in recent years. Its popularity is because it is flexible enough to incorporate different routines. These include using weights, elastic bands, dumbbells, and weighted knuckles for full-body workouts to build resistance, strength, and core. Bodyweight training Bodyweight training involves using the body’s entire weight as resistance to perform different types of movements ranging from simple to complex. These movements can include running, push-ups, chin-ups, and even lunges. To do these, there is very minimal equipment required. Also known as calisthenics, this type of training is used to target large muscle groups. Functional fitness training Functional fitness training is best for those who like to make their body for everyday activities. Thus, it involves repeating the movements that you do on a day-to-day basis in a high-intensity and high-energy environment. The goal is to make the body stronger and fitter to do daily tasks such as bending over to pick up something or having a firmer grip to haul groceries.

Osteoporosis is a bone condition that develops when bone mass and density decrease or when the structure and strength of the bone change. Although it can occur at any age, osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and older men. These fractures most commonly occur in the hips, vertebrae, and the wrist. It is considered a “silent” disease because there are generally no signs or symptoms until a bone breaks. Signs of early-stage osteoporosis In the early stages of osteoporosis, one may notice the following signs: Receding gums If the jaw begins to lose bone density, it can cause the gums to recede. Bone density loss can also make the gums more susceptible to bacteria, increasing the risk for gum disease. Speak to a dentist about screening for bone loss in the jaw. Weaker grip strength Research conducted on postmenopausal women shows a clear link between low bone density and low hand grip strength. Lower grip strength also puts one at a higher risk for falls. Weak and brittle fingernails Nail strength is also a reflection of one’s bone health. Weak and brittle fingernails could signal low bone density or mass. However, nail strength is also influenced by a host of other factors, such as exposure to extremely hot or cold weather, regular use of nail polish or acrylic nails, and submersion in water for long periods. Signs of later-stage osteoporosis Once the bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, one may notice more apparent signs and symptoms, such as: Back or neck pain Osteoporosis can cause compression fractures in the spine, which can cause a lot of pain in the neck and the back. This is because the collapsed vertebrae can pinch nerves around the spinal cord. The pain may occur in the form of mild discomfort or tenderness and range up to debilitating pain that severely interferes with one’s daily activities.

One may have weak nails if they bend, chip, or break easily. This is a common problem, making one use acrylic and gel nails to get the length and shape they design without relying on their own nails. However, this is only a temporary solution for brittle nails. Making a few changes, like eating well-balanced meals, practicing good hygiene, and protecting their nails, can help restore their health and make them stronger. Things to do Staying hydrated Water is crucial for maintaining a healthy mind and body, which includes nail health. If one does not have enough water and fluids during the day for the nails to get moisture, they may experience brittle nails. Maintaining optimum hydration levels will help one retain moisture in the nails and strengthen them. Using mild nail products One should skip nail paints and other products that contain compounds like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. All of these are harsh on the nails and can end up weakening them. One can try to find brands known for non-toxic, mild nail polishes. Products that do not contain these 3 harsh ingredients often come with “3-free” labels. One might also find some 5-free and 7-free paints that skip harsh chemicals like camphor, xylene, formaldehyde resin, and TPHP. Further, one should use only acetone-free removers to prevent dryness. Minimizing exposure to soapy water While hydrating is crucial, soaking in soapy water for long periods can harm the nails. One can observe their hands beginning to prune after a long shower. It is not just the skin, nails too can get dehydrated when exposed to such water for a long time, say during a bath, while doing the dishes, or even swimming. While water shouldn’t weaken the nails directly, the soap can dehydrate the nails, making them more likely to break.

Schizophrenia is a prevalent mental health condition that affects a person’s cognitive abilities and overall functioning. Its symptoms range from unusual behavior and distorted thinking to severe episodes of delusions, hallucinations, and emotional disconnect. Although the disorder is chronic with no cure, an early diagnosis and timely treatment can help improve the patient’s quality of life. The following are some healthy foods for schizophrenia that can help manage the condition better. Foods rich in omega-3 Healthy fats help counter inflammation that triggers cognitive symptoms and discomforts in people with schizophrenia. Omega-3 is among the most popular healthy fats experts recommend patients include in their meal plans to manage the condition. It helps slow down the progression of the disease to a reasonable extent and prevents oxidative stress from harming healthy brain cells. Fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, black cod, and sardines are the best sources of omega-3, which the brain easily absorbs. Vegetarians looking to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids can eat avocados. Besides anti-inflammatory properties, the fruit has fiber, which keeps a person feeling full. This, in turn, curbs unnecessary hunger pangs, lowering the risk of overeating associated with schizophrenia. Assorted nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are also suitable omega-3 sources for vegetarians. However, one should consume fatty acids carefully to boost anti-inflammatory responses and prevent cognitive functions from declining. Healthy probiotics Research studies suggest gut health can affect cognitive functions like thinking and memory. So, people with schizophrenia should consider foods and beverages that help boost healthy gut bacteria and preserve them in the digestive tract. Yogurt is one of the top choices among dairy products that help increase probiotic intake. It is also easy to digest and helps reduce stress. Nutritionists further suggest including fermented pickled vegetables in the meal plan to boost probiotic intake naturally.