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4 questions one should ask a gastroenterologist
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4 questions one should ask a gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive tract disorders. This can include problems ranging from the passage of gas, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome to even colon cancer, and more. While asking them certain questions can be embarrassing, one must not shy away from them. Instead, one must enquire about the issues to receive more information. Keep reading to know more about these questions and why they must be asked. Is passing a lot of gas an issue? Usually, one may release gas in the form of burps or even farts, but most people do not know that this gas forms due to many reasons. While the passage of gas is completely natural, sometimes when it builds up, it can lead to bloating and abdominal pain. This often occurs when the patient regularly eats fatty foods, has an increased level of stress, eats too quickly, or has irritable bowel syndrome. In such cases, gastroenterologists may provide a diagnosis of the underlying issue and develop a treatment plan. How do I know if my stool is normal? Typically, stool can be of different colors, shapes, and sizes. It must be log-like and have cracks on its surface.
Top 7 foods that help relieve migraines
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Top 7 foods that help relieve migraines

Migraine, marked by a severe headache and throbbing pain, is a common phenomenon that affects many people. There are several reasons for it, including sensory stimuli, stress, weather changes, hormonal changes, and other underlying health conditions. When the neural activity becomes overactive, it gets more sensitive and causes migraine. To avoid this, it is important to make changes to one’s food regime. Adding certain foods discussed below to one’s daily meals can help relieve migraines. Leafy greens like spinach and kale Spinach and kale are both leafy greens that contain magnesium, which has shown to prevent neurons from becoming hypersensitive. This, in turn, helps keep migraines at bay. Kale is also rich in fiber, but one may require some time to get used to its strong taste. These versatile foods can be blended into soups, salads, pastas, as well as chips. Scrambled eggs Eggs are a nutrient powerhouse that also provide migraine-fighting benefits of magnesium along with other additional nutrients including protein, essential vitamins, and zinc. They are also incredibly easy to make and an affordable option to include in one’s daily food regime. Almonds Almonds are one of the best foods for migraines as they contain magnesium and essential fats and fiber, which can also bring overall health benefits to individuals.
6 hypertension symptoms that require immediate attention
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6 hypertension symptoms that require immediate attention

Hypertension occurs when one’s blood pressure rises to higher than normal levels. The pressure of blood fluctuates throughout the day based on the activities one indulges in. But when one develops hypertension, they risk suffering from severe health complications like a heart attack, stroke, and even heart disease. Therefore, it is important to learn about the symptoms of high blood pressure so that one may seek treatment at the earliest. Severe headaches A spike in blood pressure may trigger unbearable headaches. Severe headaches might also be accompanied by other symptoms like perspiration, anxiety, confusion, and palpitations. Atrial fibrillation Hypertension may cause the heart to push excessive blood to different organs of the body, including the brain. However, too much force may damage the arteries and cause them to weaken. A weakened artery may become blocked by a clot or plaque buildup, which could increase the risk of atrial fibrillation — an irregular heart rhythm that could lead to blood clots in the heart, and put one at risk of stroke. Breathing difficulties High blood pressure may result in the lack of oxygenated blood moving from the heart to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries. Therefore, an individual may develop pulmonary hypertension and suffer from symptoms like shortness of breath and pain in the chest.
5 common mistakes to avoid while buying medical insurance
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5 common mistakes to avoid while buying medical insurance

Medical insurance is a crucial investment as it offers individuals and their families financial security and peace of mind. But sadly, many people do not research well and buy a policy in a hurry. As a result, they make several mistakes, which lead to inadequate coverage, denied claims, and unexpected expenses. This article highlights the common mistakes to avoid while buying medical insurance that could prevent you from enjoying its benefits. Failing to understand your healthcare needs A significant mistake people make is not fully understanding their healthcare needs before purchasing insurance. Experts recommend you take the time to assess each family member’s health situation, any ongoing therapies or treatments, frequency of doctor visits, and specialist consultations, and buy a suitable package that covers these costs. Not researching the available options The medical insurance market is vast, with hundreds of plans from different providers. Not researching your options can lead to missed opportunities for better coverage at lower costs. So, take the time to compare plans from different providers, review the coverage details, and evaluate the company’s network of healthcare providers, deductibles, copayments, and premiums. Buying insufficient coverage You may have to bear the burden of expensive medical bills if you neglect the policy’s coverage specifications.
7 unhealthy habits that damage teeth
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7 unhealthy habits that damage teeth

Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond just regular brushing and flossing. One may follow several habits without realizing the potential harm they can cause to one’s teeth. From seemingly harmless activities to daily routines, these habits can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Here are some common but often overlooked habits that harm oral health. One must avoid them to extend the longevity of their pearly whites. Poor oral hygiene Neglecting proper oral hygiene practices, such as inconsistent brushing and skipping flossing, can pave the way for plaque buildup. This buildup contributes to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease, which can lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated. Using teeth as a tool Using one’s teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or crack nuts might seem convenient, but it’s a recipe for disaster. This habit can cause chips or cracks in one’s teeth or lead to gum bleeding. So it’s advisable to use one’s teeth only for chewing food and not as substitutes for scissors or bottle openers. Nail biting Nail biting affects one’s nails and takes a toll on one’s teeth. This habit exerts pressure on one’s teeth and jaw, potentially causing misalignment and damaging tooth enamel.
5 signs that may indicate anemia
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5 signs that may indicate anemia

Anemia is a condition where there are not sufficient healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. There are various causes of this blood deficiency and also risk factors that could worsen its condition. And while there are treatment options for anemia, it is important to diagnose the complication early to reduce its effects. Here are six common warning signs that are potential indicators of anemia. Breathing difficulties Someone who develops anemia may suffer from breathing difficulties. The irregularity may result from the lungs trying to overcompensate to carry more oxygen. Even a little exertion may lead to symptoms like shortness of breath. Palpitations The lack of oxygen in the blood could lead to one experiencing palpitations and feeling anxious simultaneously. An irregular heartbeat is unhealthy as the heart needs to work extra hard to compensate for the lack of oxygen, which could also result in pain in the chest. In severe cases, it could lead to an enlarged heart or failure. Therefore, these signs must be discussed with an expert immediately. Cold hands and feet Feeling cold in the feet and hands is usual in cooler temperatures. However, if someone develops these signs out of the ordinary, it could be an indicator of poor blood circulation caused by anemia.
6 healthy snacks to lower cholesterol levels
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6 healthy snacks to lower cholesterol levels

If one has high cholesterol levels, they may have to monitor their meal plans. Neglecting what they eat may have adverse effects on their health and increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. While certain foods can help reduce cholesterol levels, eating the same thing regularly could get boring. So, here are six healthy snack ideas to diversify meals and control the levels of cholesterol – the waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver. Almonds These nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which may fight against the effects of high cholesterol levels in the blood. It is suggested to have about one-quarter cup of almonds throughout the day. Other healthy sources of nuts to add to meals include walnut halves and hazelnuts. Popcorn The snack choice that most people enjoy during a movie is also beneficial for those with high cholesterol. The fiber content of the food contributes to lowering the waxy buildup in the blood. However, one should avoid adding flavors like butter and salt to popcorn as these may worsen cholesterol levels. Greek yogurt dip The snack is higher in proteins when compared to plain yogurt and is also low in sugar. So, Greek yogurt dip could make a suitable addition to heart-healthy foods.
7 signs of a weakened immune system
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7 signs of a weakened immune system

The immune system acts as the body’s defense against bacteria, viruses, and other infections. Apart from this, its main tasks are to recognize and neutralize harmful substances from the environment and fight any abnormal cell formation in the body, such as cancer. The immune system also makes antibodies against germs it has previously come in contact with to keep one healthy. Here are some signs of a weak immune system: Extremely high-stress levels Reports by the American Psychological Association suggest that long-term stress has been linked to reduced immunity levels. This is because stress affects the lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the body, making one more vulnerable to viruses and infections. Constant colds As an adult, it is normal to contract two to three colds per year. These may last for 7-10 days. However, when one experiences a cold that just won’t go away, it may be a sign that they are immuno-compromised or have a weakened immune system. Stomach problems Frequently occurring gas, diarrhea, or constipation could also be a sign of a weakened immune system. According to certain research, approximately 70 percent of the immune system is located around the digestive tract. When this is compromised, it makes one more susceptible to inflammation and diseases.
4 bad habits that can cause muscle cramps
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4 bad habits that can cause muscle cramps

Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary spasms or contractions in one or more muscles. Although they last only a few seconds or minutes, the accompanying pain can be torturous to bear. The cramps can result from various factors, including poor lifestyle habits many people unknowingly indulge in on a daily basis. Here, we have listed a few common bad habits to avoid as far as possible to prevent painful muscle cramping. Not drinking enough water Not drinking enough water, especially during summer, can be problematic. Heat causes the body to lose a lot of fluid content through perspiration. To make up for that, one should consume at least three to four liters of water daily, if not more. Not doing so can cause dehydration, which reduces a person’s blood volume. A reduced blood volume, in turn, leads to lesser blood, oxygen, and nutrients flowing to the organs and muscles, resulting in muscle cramps. Dehydration primarily causes cramping in the stomach due to the digestive system’s massive fluid requirements. Not consuming enough electrolytes A lack of electrolytes in the body is another major cause of muscle cramping. Certain minerals like magnesium and calcium have electrolytic properties that perform essential functions. For instance, they help maintain electrical neutrality in cells and support muscle and nerve health.
4 essential questions to ask a pulmonologist
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4 essential questions to ask a pulmonologist

Statistical evidence suggests that over 34 million people nationwide are grappling with a chronic lung condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Such alarming statistical figures suggest that lung disorders are rampant in the country. A pulmonologist plays a crucial role in administering the required treatments and helping individuals manage symptoms of their lung diseases. While consulting a pulmonologist, it is essential to ask certain key questions to know better about one’s condition: What is my diagnosis and prognosis? It is essential to differentiate between diagnosis and prognosis and understand these aspects while addressing a lung issue. Diagnosis refers to the nature of the health condition, while prognosis refers to the course it is likely to take. While the former is based on one’s symptoms, the latter varies among individuals diagnosed with the same condition and may be based on various factors, such as age and comorbidities. It helps to consult a pulmonologist about one’s diagnosis and prognosis to understand what condition one is grappling with, any unusual symptoms one is likely to experience, etc. What is the cause of my symptoms? Understanding the underlying cause of a health condition can help one address the issue at its root.

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A look at some of the best free investment advisors
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A look at some of the best free investment advisors

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online.
Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria
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Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

As you approach retirement, most of your money has been invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is an excellent way to tap into your home’s equity. If you have paid off a home loan or have only a small amount to be paid, it is a good option to meet various financial goals. Here are the criteria for reverse mortgage eligibility: Personal criteria Age You must be 62 years or older, to apply for a reverse mortgage. Generally, as you grow older the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) amount increases. Property The home should be your primary residence, and you need to live there for the entire duration of the reverse mortgage. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify for such mortgages. Home equity You should be the owner of your home outright or possess a minimum of 50% home equity. There is a possibility that you may qualify for a reverse mortgage despite having some outstanding balance on your existing home loan. However, the criterion is that you must first pay off the remaining mortgage from the sanctioned amount and meet other liens. The balance funds may be used for any other purpose. Using a reverse mortgage to refinance existing debt is beneficial in reducing your monthly cash outflows.
Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider
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Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider

A lot of people get stuck in debt due to many reasons. The interest rates keep adding up, taking a toll on an individual’s financial stability. In such a case, debt settlement can be quite helpful if you wish to settle a large amount. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider to help ease the burden off your shoulders. National Debt Relief National Debt Relief has the most detailed insights on their website that can help you with debt settlement. It talks about the debt qualification, the amount of money you need to pay for enrolments as well as the debt relief services that they offer. The average savings after the fees is around 30%. CreditAssociates This particular company is known for helping clients with the elimination of debt. They undertake this entire process between twenty-four to thirty-six months. They use enhanced software, and the outstanding expertise of their team to help their clients with great debt negotiation services. Pacific Debt Inc This is one of the top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider. You need to have a minimum of $10,000 in debt to avail their services. They offer an affordable monthly program/plan with payment as well as upfront fees.
6 top business credit card companies
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6 top business credit card companies

The right business credit card can help you save thousands of dollars. Business accounts can earn more rewards like discounts, hotel stays, and cashback offers. You may also use these cards to meet short-term financial requirements. In case you haven’t applied for one yet, you must check out 6 of the top business credit cards that you can apply for to make your life easier. American Express Blue Business® Plus Card This is an ideal business credit card offered by one of the leading credit card companies and does not levy any annual fees. You receive twice the Membership Reward ® points upto $50,000 with no category restrictions, which reduces to 1% thereafter. The cashback earned automatically gets credited in your statement. The regular APR on this card is 13.24% to 19.24% variable. CitiBusiness® AAdvantage® Platinum Select ® MasterCard® This is an excellent option if you undertake frequent business travel with American Airlines. You earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Additionally, the card offers 2 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar spent on telecommunications, fuel, car rental, and cable and satellite services. All other purchases earn you one mile for every dollar spent. The annual fee is $99 (waived in the first year) and regular APR varies between 15.99% and 24.99%.
Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country
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Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country

NNN properties are known as triple net lease properties and can be categorized as single-tenant properties that are available for lease. In these properties, the maintenance fees, taxes, and insurance have to be paid by the lessee instead of the landlord. These costs have to be borne by the lessee in addition to the rent. Here are some of the top NNN properties for sale: 7-Eleven, Texas There are plenty of 7-Eleven properties that come under the category of NNN properties. This one is our top pick at the moment, as it serves two commodities that are always in demand: gas and foods. The property is on the 3601 West Freeway in Fort Worth, Texas, making it quite a hot spot for sale. The current annual rent for this property is $267,500, while the cap rate is 5.75%. Burger King, Florida Burger King is one of the country’s favorite fast-food chains. The current annual rent for this property is about $140,000, and the cap rate is 5.15%. This property was built quite recently as compared to the other options on our list, and it has the potential of providing good returns quickly, as it is in a strategic location on SW Port St.

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6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in
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6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in

Before you search for the best dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs), it is recommended you understand your needs and overall investment objectives. ETFs are hybrids of mutual funds and stocks. When you invest in the ETF, you purchase shares in the fund, which buys the underlying asset. Here are six of the best high-dividend ETF funds: Vanguard High Dividend Yield (VYM) This ETF adopts the simple method of choosing stocks that have higher dividend yield when compared to other companies. This has resulted in building a diversified portfolio comprising 400 stocks with higher market capitalization. The majority of these stocks belong to the healthcare, consumer, and financial sectors. During the last decade, VYM delivered average annual returns of 12.9%. The expense ratio is the lowest in the industry at 0.06% per annum. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation (VIG) The ETF focuses on investing in companies that have a long history of increasing their dividend payouts over the years. The portfolio includes approximately 180 stocks with low yields. The ETF has earned average returns of 12.6% per year over the last 10 years. The expense ratio is 0.06%, which makes it an excellent option if you do not mind lower dividend returns currently but want to earn more in the future.
Top 5 providers for automated investments
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Top 5 providers for automated investments

Roboadvisors are gaining popularity as these investment programs offer affordable financial advice to a large number of investors. These automated advisors use an algorithm to recommend investment options that best suit your requirements. The best automated investing algorithms offer simple account setup, portfolio management, low fees, strong goal planning, and security. Here are the top five providers of automated investments. Betterment This roboadvisor is the best for delivering top-quality services. You may sync various financial accounts without investing to gain an overall picture of your investment portfolio. You may choose the pre-built Betterment portfolios or customize one to meet your needs. The algorithm gives you the flexibility to add new goals as required while monitoring your progress without any difficulties. The advisor charges between 0.25% and 0.4% management fees with no minimum account requirement. Wealthfront It is one of the largest Robo-advisors and provides goal-based investing enabling you to understand the future effects of your financial decisions. You may choose from a wide range of portfolios that comprise individual stocks to meet your financial goals. Once your portfolio accumulates USD 25,000, Wealthfront allows you to borrow against its value. The service provider also offers margin lending. The management fee for most accounts is 0.25% and you need an account minimum of USD 500.
Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio
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Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio

Most people work for decades so that they can make investments and collect sufficient funds for their retirement years. Having enough savings for the golden years is ideally the most significant goal for you as an investor, but the volatile market may make it difficult to understand which retirement funds are suitable for you. To help you out, here are the best retirement investments that you can include in your portfolio: Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund This retirement fund is created for investors who want to retire early so that they can enjoy the benefits of their investment within 15 years. However, even if you don’t want to retire that early, this fund has various offerings that make it one of the best retirement investments available in the market. As of now, this retirement fund offers a current yield of over 2%, and the expense ratio is 0.14%. Plus, Vanguard is quite a trusted name for keeping your money safe. Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund This fund offers one of the best diversifications and a lot more protection in case the fund underperforms. So, it invests in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and aims to provide long-term capital appreciation at an expense ratio of 0.58%.
Top 5 capital providers for your business
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Top 5 capital providers for your business

People who wish to set up their business ventures need additional funding to get going. Many banks and financial institutions help promising businesses with the same and in this article, we would be covering guaranteed business loan providers. You can check the following list out when looking for business loan providers. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo is one of the best financial institutions when it comes to guaranteed business loan providers in the market. It offers various other financial products. It claims to be a leader when it comes to small business loans. The unsecured business loan has varied loan amounts starting from $10,000 and going up to $100,000. The term for this product is between one to five years. Additionally, you can go for other loans offered by Wells Fargo, such as the Equipment Express Loan or the Advancing Term Loan. Capital One Capital One does not only offer good deals on business credit cards, its business loan is worth considering too. If you are looking at a funding source that can help expand your business or get going with the operations, then we highly recommend you to choose the business loan offered by Capital One. Starting at a minimal amount of $10,000 and a maximum term length of 5 years, the repayment term is simple and can be done on a monthly basis.
All you need to know about home insurance policy
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All you need to know about home insurance policy

Buying a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are a lot of risks that come with owning a home like the risk of theft and property damage. Investing in the right kind of home insurance policy is important so as to be financially prepared for these risks. There are several different companies in the market that offer home insurance policies with different kinds of terms and coverages. Remember the following points before choosing a home insurance policy. Explore your options As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of home insurance policies available to homeowners at this time. When selecting one, it is important to consider factors like what potential risks are being covered in the policy. It is also important to consider the company’s record in your area, whether they are reliable as insurance providers, and their response time. Ask about discounts Home insurance policy in 2021 offers additional services and discounts. They may offer discounts on additional safety installment services such as installing an alarm system, smoke alarm, or better locks. There may also be certain offers for old and retired personnel as well as some discounts for policies when taken via your employer’s or organization’s reference.
5 technologies revolutionizing financial services
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5 technologies revolutionizing financial services

For any industry to sustain itself in today’s world, implementing digital strategies has become indispensable. This holds particularly true for the financial services industry. The good news is that digital transformation in financial services has already begun, and we’ll likely see more and more innovative technologies underpinning banking and financial institutions in the coming years. Keep reading to learn about the latest digital transformation trends in the financial services industry. Big data and artificial intelligence The combination of big data and artificial intelligence is a revolutionary digital strategy that is shaping the future of banking and financial services. The technology helps institutions process, store, and drive valuable insights from the data they gather from their customers’ activities. Big data and artificial intelligence allow institutions to create a highly personalized experience, helping businesses attract and retain customers. Blockchain Blockchain is a fairly new technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the financial services industry. With blockchain technology, all transactions are permanently stored in the blockchain network, providing the highest level of transparency and security. Nobody can tamper with these transactions, which nearly eliminates the risk of error and fraud. Besides security, the technology is being explored for use in a wide variety of banking and investment applications.