Contact lenses have evolved. Initially, they were meant only for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or some other type of vision impairment. They could do what glasses did, only in a more sophisticated and appealing way. Today, however, contact lenses can be used by anyone to enhance their vision or just for fashion. Regardless, here’s a definitive list featuring the best contact lenses of 2021 that you can buy today. Biotrue ONEday contact lens This lens by Bausch & Lomb is an excellent choice if you put in long screen hours. It comes with Surface Active Technology that keeps your eyes 98% moisturized for up to 16 hours a day. This prevents itching and reduces the risk of long-term vision loss. Thanks to its unique peri-ballast design, the lens is a great option for patients with astigmatism. Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus contact lenses Comfort is a big thing when it comes to contact lenses. The Acuvue Oasys, which was released in 2005, doesn’t just lay great emphasis on comfort but delivers as well. In 20 clinical studies, seven out of 10 patients said that the Acuvue Oasys was the most comfortable contact lens they had ever worn! It works on the patented Hydraclear Plus that makes you feel like you’ve just put the lenses on even after hours. Precision1 This lens is made by Alcon, a Geneva-based American-Swiss company. After various studies, Alcon concluded that poor vision, poor comfort, and handling issues trigger users into switching lenses. Precision1 addresses these problems, with nine out of 10 patients in a trial reporting that the lens was comfortable, corrected vision, and was easy to handle. Dailies AquaComfort Plus Another one of the best contact lenses of 2021 is the Dailies AquaComfort Plus. The AquaComfort PLUS technology used in this lens releases a moisturizing agent every time you blink.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a non-profit organization that caters to retirees. Specifically, the AARP health insurance membership focuses on providing healthcare benefits at discounted rates from the best providers and insurance carriers. Note that the AARP is not an insurance provider but an intermediary service that connects retirees and seniors to resources for affordable healthcare. AARP health insurance is affiliated to several major providers. Once you are a member, all you have to do is log in and provide the ZIP code to narrow down the coverage options. AARP health insurance The nonprofit organization works in tandem with private insurance companies to offer its members a range of specially selected health insurance plans and fixed-cash hospital indemnity plans with low-cost insurance. AARP health insurance also offers a wide range of Medicarecomplete, MedicareRx, and Medicare supplement plans to help cover anything that is not part of your original healthcare plan. You will find comprehensive AARP Medicare plans for retirees above the age of 50 to avail premium healthcare at affordable prices. What is Original Medicare? Original Medicare consists of Part A that is hospital insurance. It provides cover for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, hospice care, and also home health care. Part B covers ambulance services, clinical research, inpatient and outpatient mental health care, and outpatient prescription medicines. Why take supplemental insurance? Over and above the basic coverage, you must also make provision for deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance that provide cover for a selected criteria of expenses and facilities. This can be met by taking a Medicare Supplement Insurance, which is also referred to as a Medigap policy. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company’s affiliation with AARP health insurance gives you the advantage of a choice of plans, convenient claims process, no network restrictions, and value for money while purchasing private insurance to supplement Original Medicare.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects one’s large intestine. It can inflame or cause ulcers in one’s rectum and colon, which is the inner lining of the large intestine. The disease has no known cure, but there are certain treatments as well as lifestyle and food habits that can reduce its flare-ups. Below are some signs of ulcerative colitis that should prompt one to consult a doctor immediately. Warning signs of ulcerative colitis development Abdominal discomforts like cramps, nausea, and bloating If abdominal discomfort like excessive gas, nausea, cramping, or bloating occurs frequently and persists for days without any significant lifestyle changes, it may be an early sign of ulcerative colitis. Diarrhea which may contain blood, mucus, pus Diarrhea that contains blood, mucus, or pus is another common sign of ulcerative colitis. Fever and loss of appetite An inexplicable high temperature that lasts more than a day or two can be a sign of a more serious health issue. Additionally, patients with ulcerative colitis might also find it difficult to build up an appetite on a daily basis. Rectal bleeding If one finds spotting or blood in one’s stool while defecating, it’s an alarming sign of ulcerative colitis. If one does not find any blood in stool but experiences other symptoms, one can take a stool test. It can reveal if there’s any internal bleeding invisible to the naked eye. Rectal bleeding can also indicate hemorrhoids. The latter is easier to cure, but it is best to get the bleeding evaluated, especially if it persists or occurs frequently. Problems with defecating If one is unable to defecate despite feeling the urgency, it might be a sign of ulcerative colitis. In extreme cases, one may feel the need to defecate six or more times a day.

Colon or colorectal cancer is the third most dominant cancer diagnosed in the country. It is a condition where cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably and abnormally, gradually affecting normal body tissues. Stages of colon cancer depend on the tumor size and its growth into the colon or rectum wall, whether it has spread to nearby nodes, distant nodes, or other organs. Some of the signs that indicate colon cancer are given below. Early signs Any changes in bowel habits like constipation, diarrhea, or dramatic changes in stool consistency, such as dry or hard stools with fluid leaking out, can be concerning. If any of these signs last for a long time, it can be a sign to get one’s colon tested for cancerous cells. Bowel movement issues Constant changes in bowel habits can cause worry, such as watery loose stools called diarrhea, constipation, or a sudden change in the stool’s consistency, like dry or hard stools with fluid leaking out around the stool. If any of these signs last for a long time, it can be a sign to get one’s colon tested for cancerous cells. Rectal bleeding Bloody stools are often an indicator of colon cancer. In this condition, stools may appear crimson red, maroon, or dark brown to black and tar-like. The bleeding may sometimes be in the digestive tract and only visible under a microscope. While it can also be a sign of hemorrhoids, which are easier to treat, it is best to get it checked if the bleeding persists, is severe, or happens frequently. Abdominal discomforts Suppose one hasn’t made any significant lifestyle changes and still persistently experiences excessive gas accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, or a feeling of fullness or nausea. In such cases, it may signify a more serious underlying health issue.

Dental implants are recommended for people who lose their teeth due to poor oral hygiene, plaque, tartar buildup, tooth decay, gum disease, or accidents. The implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as the roots of missing teeth. Over 500,000 people in the country get dental implants every year, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Even though it is a common procedure, a few mistakes may derail your treatment progress. Not finding an experienced dental specialist Do not pick a doctor based on the offers they advertise. Some doctors charge low fees to gain experience or lure a large number of patients but may not know how to diagnose or treat complicated cases. Instead, look for a dentist that makes you feel comfortable and can provide customized treatment options and plans. Skipping the planning process Inserting a dental implant can be a complex procedure. Therefore, you must visit the doctor beforehand to discuss the preparation process, equipment used, results, recovery process, and financing. The right dentist will make sure all your queries are answered and that you feel comfortable before commencing the surgery. Being unaware of the options Before finalizing dental implants, learn about the options. Different tooth problems have different solutions, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Speaking to an experienced dentist can help outline these choices. For instance, a single implant and a crown may be used to replace a single missing tooth. Similarly, partial dentures may be recommended for three or more missing teeth next to each other. These are typically removable and may save the trouble of tooth loss or extraction. In some cases, you might be surprised to learn that your original tooth can be maintained instead of extracting and replacing them with an implant. While this is a circumstantial decision, saving the teeth has more significant benefits than just saving money.

The lungs play an indispensable role in keeping us alive by facilitating respiration. Consequently, any lung abnormalities can significantly hamper one’s health and even lead to life-threatening conditions if not diagnosed and treated early. Nearly 14% of individuals in the country reported chronic lung disease. But, on the bright side, timely intervention can help prevent lung disease from worsening. So, here are some early signs of lung disease to watch out for: Wheezing Lung diseases typically cause the airways to narrow down, leading to their inflammation. Such narrowing of the airways blocks the supply of oxygen to the lungs, causing a wheezing sound when one breathes. Wheezing is a common symptom of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although wheezing is not life-threatening, it can be a symptom of potentially serious conditions; thus, such symptoms should not be ignored. Chest tightness Some lung conditions lead to the formation of a blood clot in the lung, known as pulmonary embolism. This symptom can cause chest pain and tightness due to blockage of blood flow to the lungs. Fatigue Lung conditions like COPD can cause extreme fatigue, as the body must exert considerable effort to perform basic tasks like breathing. Moreover, the absence of oxygen and surplus carbon dioxide in the body due to breathing problems can cause a condition called “lung fatigue,” characterized by low energy levels and constant tiredness. Chronic cough Asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and postnasal drip typically cause a chronic cough. Such coughing is often more prevalent at night than during the day. Individuals with severe nighttime cough for over a week should consult a doctor. Shortness of breath Dyspnea or shortness of breath is a common symptom of diseases like asthma, COPD, and pulmonary embolism, besides being associated with other conditions like anemia, heart problems, and cholesterol.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to describe various progressive respiratory conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the airways, block airflow, and make it hard to breathe. Two such conditions are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD can lead to significant disability and reduce one’s quality of life. Identifying the signs and symptoms can help diagnose the problem early and seek treatment. This post discusses a few noteworthy symptoms of COPD. Chronic cough One of the earliest signs is a persistent cough lasting at least three months per year for two consecutive years. Note that this duration is based on symptoms reported by affected people. This cough is often productive, meaning it will constantly produce phlegm. Over time, the cough becomes more frequent and severe as the disease affects respiration and linked functions. COPD also leads to excessive production of mucus in the airways. This mucus can be thick and challenging to clear, contributing to coughing and further airway obstruction. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) Dyspnea or breathlessness is a characteristic symptom of COPD. Initially, breathlessness may occur only during physical exertion, but as the disease progresses, it can interfere with daily activities and even happen when a person is entirely at rest. Patients often describe it as feeling like they can’t get enough air. Wheezing and tightness Wheezing, a typical high-pitched whistling sound produced during breathing, is a common sign of airway obstruction in COPD. It occurs as the narrowed airways cause turbulence as air passes through while inhaling deeply. Many individuals with COPD also experience a sensation of tightness or heaviness in the chest. This discomfort can be more pronounced during exacerbations (flare-ups) of the disease. Note that these symptoms will vary in severity from patient to patient. Frequent respiratory infections COPD patients are more susceptible to respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis due to impaired lung function and a weakened immune system.