11 things excluded from Medicare coverage

11 things excluded from Medicare coverage

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people with certain disabilities and people over 65. Original Medicare has two main parts: Part A, which covers the cost of inpatient services, and Part B, which covers the cost of outpatient services and certain medical equipment. Although the program is meant to ease the financial burden of medical costs on people, it can be quite complex to navigate. This article explores 11 things that are excluded from Medicare coverage. 1. Medically unreasonable services and supplies Any services and supplies deemed unnecessary or unreasonable for diagnosis or treatment are not covered by Medicare. These may include: Services that could have been furnished at a lower-cost setting (such as at a nursing home) Services that exceed Medicare length of stay limitations Excessive therapy or diagnostic procedures Unrelated screenings, tests, examinations, or therapies (that the patient has no symptoms for) Unnecessary services based on patient diagnosis, such as transcendental meditation Exceptions to this rule include Medicare preventive services, transitional care management, chronic care management, and advance care planning. 2. Opticians and eye exams While Medicare covers ophthalmologic expenses (such as cataract surgery), it does not cover the cost of most vision services, including eyeglasses and contact lenses or routine examinations for prescription and fitting. Additionally, Medicare does not cover the cost of eye refractions provided by practitioners. Those looking for vision coverage must consider signing up for Medicare Advantage plans. 3. Dental work Original Medicare and Medigap policies do not cover routine dental services such as the care, treatment, filling, or removal of teeth or the structures supporting the teeth (that is, the periodontium, which includes the gingivae, dentogingival junction, periodontal membrane, cementum, and alveolar bone). However, there are certain exceptions for the same. Medicare may cover some dental services, such as an X-ray required for treatment of a jaw or bone fracture, tooth extraction for radiation treatment, oral or dental examination performed prior to a renal transplant or heart valve replacement, or a dental service performed as an integral part of a treatment.
Cyberattack Prevention – Key Steps and Top Errors

Cyberattack Prevention – Key Steps and Top Errors

In the digital era, cyberattacks have become a growing threat to user privacy and personal data. As these attacks can take many forms, developing and building a sturdy security solution becomes essential. Identifying threats and preventing attacks is crucial for avoiding data breaches. You can also find affordable and efficient ways to protect your data and digital systems. Here are a few ways to ensure cybersecurity and mistakes to avoid when using the internet. Ways to prevent cyberattacks Setting strong passwords Unauthorized usage of devices can be prevented by setting a strong password. Using different usernames and passwords for each platform or account is a good practice, as this ensures that even when someone tries to hack one account, you won’t lose all your data. Also, changing the passwords frequently ensures high protection. You should always switch on password protection while accessing sensitive information.  Ensuring Wi-Fi security Today, everyone uses Wi-Fi on multiple devices, which makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. When an electronic gadget connected to the home network falls prey to an attack, other devices become vulnerable to the threat as well. So, you should change the default network password, which the attackers would be able to decipher. Various encryption protocols can also be used to ensure Wi-Fi security.  Constantly backing up data When a system is infected by a virus, personal data may be exploited or deleted, and you may be unable to access it. So, always keep a backup of important data. Also, it is best to ensure the external backup device is not connected to the system you regularly use. Maintaining a copy of your data lets you have access to files and documents you need, helping avoid serious consequences like data loss or theft.  Utilizing the firewall A firewall is an efficient way to protect data from malicious cyberattacks.
11 Things to Clarify With a Doctor During a Health Checkup

11 Things to Clarify With a Doctor During a Health Checkup

The COVID-19 pandemic and growing health conditions have made people understand the importance of staying healthy and fit. People search the internet for exercise routines, nutritious foods, and alternative methods to improve overall well-being. But despite following a better lifestyle, certain underlying conditions might trigger health complications. This is why getting a regular health checkup is imperative. One should cross-check certain factors during a checkup to get a clearer picture of their health. Health issue risks Health issues may stem from multiple underlying factors, including gender, age, and genetics. Unhealthy lifestyle habits are another contributing factor to the eruption of unsuspecting diseases. Therefore, one of the first things an individual should ask the healthcare professional, following a diagnosis, is if they are at risk of health issues. It is essential to get an honest opinion from the healthcare expert in this regard. Understanding stress Bringing up depression, stress, or anxiety problems isn’t an easy task. However, asking the healthcare expert about these mental health conditions may contribute to the routine checkup and make a better diagnosis. The patient could work with the doctor to look for new stress-related symptoms, which could help them develop ways to improve their condition. Complications with genetics Sometimes an individual might suffer from the same health conditions as a family member. The illness may occur more than once during their lifetime. Moreover, genetic factors may also play a part in the development of cancers. Such conditions may require closer supervision and additional evaluations followed by treatments. The expert may also suggest frequent tests if one has a family history of high cholesterol. Assessing if certain signs are normal One could be experiencing multiple signs and symptoms that may look normal but are linked to underlying health conditions. Therefore, during the doctor’s visit, they should ask if these signs are normal.
Top 7 laundry mistakes that damage clothes

Top 7 laundry mistakes that damage clothes

Doing laundry is a tedious chore as it involves the process of washing, drying, and folding clothes. However, one little mistake is required to ruin an entire load of your garments. While some of the damage can be undone, most of it is almost permanent. These mistakes ruin your clothes and cause problems in your washer and dryer. To avoid this, note these common laundry mistakes and ways to fix them.  Using too much detergent It is easy to assume that adding more laundry detergent to your washer would help in better cleaning. On the contrary, too much detergent will damage your clothes. This happens because extra soapy suds come from all the additional detergent. These do not rinse out of the clothes leaving behind sticky residues. These residues will attract more dust, dirt, and germs. So your clothes will become dirty quickly. What you can do Always check how much detergent is required according to the laundry load size. You can find this measure printed on the detergent box or in the user manual of your washer. Use a cup or scoop to measure the correct amount of detergent. Not sorting laundry based on fabric materials You are most likely washing your light-colored clothes separately from your dark-colored ones. But if you wash your clothes of different fabric materials together, you risk damaging your delicate clothes. The clothes of heavier fabrics will have an abrasive effect and cause tears on the clothes of softer fabrics. Also, if you wash clothes that shed lint together with others, there is the risk of a lot of fuzz collecting on your other clothes, such as dress pants. What you can do Different heavier fabrics, such as sweaters and jeans, from lightweight clothes, such as silk blouses and dress shirts. Also, wash bulky stuff such as bedding and towels separately from your clothes.
10 irresistible Black Friday 2022 refrigerator deals

10 irresistible Black Friday 2022 refrigerator deals

If you’re looking for a refrigerator, Black Friday is approaching with some top deals on refrigerators to help you save. This post will explore some excellent deals that were available last year, which should help you determine the offers this year. However, it is always recommended to plan and list down what you need, prepare a budget, and stick to it as much as possible, as the discounts and deals offered are hard to miss. Samsung Refrigerator (Model: #RF28T5001SR) This Samsung French Door refrigerator in stainless steel has a capacity of 28.2 cu. ft., and it was available for a discount deal. You could save $701, as the original price of this fridge was $1,999.99, but it was available for $1298. Samsung Refrigerator (Model: #RF29A9071SG) This is yet another great Samsung fridge with a capacity of 29 cu. ft. This four-door Flex French Door is available in the fingerprint-resistant black stainless finish with FlexZone. You could benefit from the deal on this refrigerator and save up to $801. Samsung Refrigerator (Model: #RF28R7351SG) This four-door French Door Refrigerator with 27.8 cu. ft. capacity and Fingerprint Resistant Black Stainless finish was available for a discounted price last year. This appliance is originally priced at $3599, but with the Black Friday offer, it was available at $2498. Thus, you could save $1101. Samsung Refrigerator (Model: #RF28R7201SR) This French door refrigerator (28 cu. ft.) is available in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless-Steel finish and four doors. This refrigerator was available for $1998, which was a $1001 savings. LG Refrigerator (Model: #LFXS26596S) The LG Electronics 26 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator is available in three-door and with InstaView Door-in-door and Glide “N” Serve features. It is available in PrintProof Stainless Steel finish. It was available for the discounted price of $2398, which helped you save $801. The original price of this fridge was $3199.
3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Here, cancerous cells begin accumulating in the bone marrow and outnumber the healthy cells. This leads to huge amounts of unwanted proteins rather than helpful antibodies. About 34,000 adults in the country are estimated to be affected by this condition in 2022. However, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Multiple myeloma does not have a permanent cure, but the disease and its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy to treat this blood-related condition.  Immunotherapy This is a treatment method that empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. It is a biological therapy where certain substances derived from living beings are used for the treatment. Here are a few options: CAR T-cell therapy: This is a form of immunotherapy prescribed for multiple myeloma patients. This works on the T-cells (a white blood cell type), stimulating them to fight cancerous growth. The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient and adding chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs) to the blood, helping the T-cells target certain cancerous cell antigens. The CAR T-cells are then infused into the blood of the patient. Doctors can recommend BCMA-targeted immunotherapy for patients to enter remission. The B-cell maturation antigen or BCMA helps regulate the growth and survival of B cells, and it is heavily present in myeloma cells. Targeting BCMA to kill cancer cells can slow the progression of the disease. BCMA-targeted treatment is a form of CAR T-cell therapy. Monoclonal antibodies: These are synthetic or man-made antibodies that attack the proteins on the myeloma cell surface. The antibodies attach to the CD38 protein on the myeloma cells, killing them and strengthening the immune system to attack the cancerous cells.
4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica. This prescription kills Deer ticks and helps prevent infections that may cause Lyme disease. Such an option must be given to your pet once a month and has lasting effects for up to 35 days. It is suitable for dogs six months or older and weighing at least 2.8 pounds. Other than the Deer tick, Simparica helps kill the lone star, Gulf Coast, American dog, and brown dog ticks. Bayer K9 Advantix II Bayer’s K9 Advantix II is a topical solution for dogs made from a combination of imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen, and permethrin. The formula is effective in exterminating and preventing fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice.
Common Household Products That Can Damage Lungs

Common Household Products That Can Damage Lungs

Long-term exposure to daily-use cleaners, dishwashing soaps, air fresheners, and other aerosol products harms lung health, mainly because these products contain irritants and volatile organic compounds that cause allergies in the lungs. There is a potential risk of lung disease, asthma, MAC disease, and common chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developing due to long-term exposure. So, it’s crucial to check the label of the following household items before buying them and practice caution while using them. Air fresheners Room and air fresheners are not just used in homes but also in offices, malls, and many other public places, which means one can be continually exposed to the product in and outside their living space. While the purpose of air fresheners is to keep odor at bay, several ingredients in the air freshener can cause harm to health. Fresheners are known to have volatile organic compounds and release harmful gasses in the air that are eventually inhaled by people in the room, increasing their risk of developing respiratory issues. Some of the known chemicals in such products include formaldehyde, benzene, and phthalates which can cause issues like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing when inhaled. Here is a list of ingredients that one will usually find in air fresheners and a look at how they can potentially harm the lungs: Solvents: They contain chemicals like glycol and ethanol used for diluting the other ingredients in the air freshener can. When these chemicals are inhaled, they cause irritation in the lungs. Aldehydes: This is a compound that develops with the natural chemical process taking place inside the bottle as the ingredients keep mixing together over time. This compound, when inhaled, can also be responsible for causing not just irritation but also cancer. Propellants: The ingredient is responsible for creating the mist when an air freshener is sprayed.
Top 13 most returned Christmas gifts

Top 13 most returned Christmas gifts

One can almost hear the jingling Christmas bells and see the twinkling fairy lights with Christmas not that far away. With it comes the exchange of gifts—an indispensable part of Christmas celebrations. Choosing a gift is about understanding what the receiver wants and likes and combining visual appeal with utility. To help one narrow down the best options, here are a few gifts that are often returned and, thus, should be avoided: 1. Video games Although buying a video game is a good idea for gamers, if one does not have access to the receiver’s game collection, they may end up gifting a game that the receiver already has. Moreover, if one does not have a fair idea about video games, they may end up buying the wrong game, which may not be useful for the recipient. So, it is a good idea to avoid buying a video game if one is unsure of the exact game the recipient wants. 2. Shoes Few things are more pleasant for fashionable individuals than being gifted a pair of elegant shoes. However, buying the right pair of shoes involves many considerations. First, one would have to ensure that the type and design of shoes are in accordance with the recipient’s preferences. Further, one shoe size definitely does not fit all, so shoes of the wrong size would be returned as a Christmas present. 3. Scented candles Scented candles are perhaps among the most popular Christmas gifts. But candles with an overwhelmingly strong fragrance or those with a scent the recipient does not like can make the gift stay unused. Alternatively, one can consider gifting a loved one a scent diffuser for Christmas, as they can add the fragrance of their choice to it. 4. Clothes Gifting clothes is usually risky, as one would have to consider factors like the size of the receiver, the type of clothing they like, and whether they already have similar options.
Top 10 best Black Friday vacuums deals to look out for in 2022

Top 10 best Black Friday vacuums deals to look out for in 2022

Having a superior hoover makes life easier. Cleaning can be completed fast and effectively, giving you more free time to do something enjoyable. Fortunately, some of the top manufacturers, such as Dyson, Shark, and Bissell, will be offering a ton of excellent Black Friday vacuum cleaner discounts in November. Here is a peek into what was offered by the brands last year to help you determine what to expect this year. Shark Navigator DLX This Shark upright vacuum cleaner is excellent for pet owners because it can clean floors and pick up hair very well. The long hose and extension wand lets you reach up to 11 feet for those difficult-to-reach ceiling nooks. The bagless canister stores 3.5 quarts of material that you can quickly empty into a rubbish bin. It was available at a low price for Black Friday and might be the one to watch for this year. Hoover WindTunnel 3 The 13 cyclones in this provide power where you need it most. You can move between rooms easily with the 40-foot extension cord, and the 12-foot hose, crevice, and pivoting dusting tool allow you to reach bookcases and ceiling corners far over your head. It has a five-year warranty. Last year on Black Friday, it was at a discounted price of $180 at Best Buy. Roborock H6 Adapt Cordless Stick Along with a docking station, carpet and dusting brushes, and a five-stage HEPA filtration system, this cordless stick vacuum also comes with a crevice tool. Pop off the wand to use a powerful handheld cordless vac in tight locations such as an automobile. Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal This cordless stick vacuum can clean for up to 60 minutes on a single charge and converts rapidly to a handheld for use in cars and tiny spaces. Put the vacuum’s wall-mounted charger in after emptying the bagless canister into the trash can.
5 versatile ways to use a smartwatch

5 versatile ways to use a smartwatch

Smartwatches have turned into one of the most popular wearable devices in the market. Interestingly, the global smartwatch market is expected to reach 230.30 million units by 2026. These devices come with many features that we can use in our daily lives. However, there are many people who buy and wear smartwatches without learning all of the wearable’s capabilities. To help you, here are five ways to make the best use of a smartwatch. As a fitness tracker Smartwatches have features that are useful for fitness enthusiasts. The watch combines software and hardware to help you track rains, hikes, swims, and more. The applications can track the distance covered, speed, intensity, elevations, and also the time it took to complete the activity. Furthermore, some smartwatches can automatically start tracking workouts based on your movement. Ultimately, a smartwatch may help you improve your overall health. To read important notifications If you’re on the move or running errands at a grocery store, you know how annoying pulling out your smartphone can be. By using a smartwatch, you can overcome this problem. Once connected to the smartphone, you can view all the essential notifications directly on the wearable. You can also check your grocery shopping lists and other quick notes effortlessly. For contactless payments Instead of paying for groceries and other utilities with printed money, we can make contactless payments with our smartphones. This helps keep a track of where and how the money is spent. If you have a capable smartwatch, you can make contactless payments using it with an appropriate payment application. The device can also be used as a tip calculator. For easy communication Communication features are another factors that make buying a smartwatch worth the investment. The wearable can track upcoming events in the office or at home. Furthermore, some smartwatches can also let you read a message and reply to it with a pre-programmed phrase.
Top 10 Black Friday 2022 internet service deals

Top 10 Black Friday 2022 internet service deals

On the sale bonanza day of Black Friday, even internet service providers do not hold back from offering the discounts you wish for. From 5G internet to exciting gift cards, you can find what you want and more. In this write-up, you will be made aware of some of the best internet deals that you can expect on Black Friday this year. Like every year, this year, the deals will be rewarding, too. AT&T Internet Like every year, this internet service provider will be loaded with exciting offers on Black Friday. You can expect gift cards worth $100 or $50 when you make a purchase of a certain amount. These offers are for both new and current customers. If you are a new customer of AT&T Internet, then you could get a $10 discount on the home Wi-Fi and various internet plans. Spectrum Spectrum could be a good choice if you want to find a new internet service provider. You can sign up for Spectrum online this Black Friday and get a cheaper deal than usual. They are also known for providing free equipment and activation services. Xfinity Xfinity is an internet service provider known for offering the best deals to new customers on Black Friday. This year, a new customer that opts for an Xfinity internet plan and an Xfinity mobile connection could receive a gift card worth around $300. Verizon Fios If you love cool freebies, then Verizon Fios will have a ton of those for you this Black Friday. If you sign up for their home unlimited internet services, then you could win goodies such as a PlayStation. HughesNet HughesNet is an internet service provider available in almost all parts of the country. This service provider also offers various deals and discounts that could reduce internet charges.