Too many American seniors are not aware of the healthcare benefits available to them. Every person at least 65 years of old (or a few months short of reaching 65) should be familiar with the Medicare enrollment process or have a caretaker who is familiar with it. Prepare for Medicare’s general enrollment period with these steps. Continue reading
Get Involved for National Caregiver Month
blogCaregivers don’t put themselves first. They focus their time, their energy, and their emotional capacity on others. In honor of National Caregivers Month, Simplefill is digging into the admirable lives of these special people. Continue reading
What is Good Cholesterol?
blog“Cholesterol” and “bad” get paired together a lot. As a duo, they insinuate heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and heart attacks. But knowing how “good cholesterol” works is just as important as eschewing the “bad” cholesterol. Simplefill stands behind the power of good cholesterol to bring better health to your body. Continue reading
Chronic Disease Series: GERD & Acid Reflux
blog Chronic Disease SeriesVirtually everyone has experienced indigestion: The broiling stomach, the acidic taste, and the discomfort are all an unwelcome, but familiar, experience. For people who suffer from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD), it’s more than “uncomfortable” –it can be debilitating. Get the details from Simplefill: Continue reading
What Can You Do for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
blog Cancer AssistanceOne in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It’s a formidable statistic, and for good reason, but there is a silver lining: With early detection, thousands of lives are saved each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that many more women could survive this illness if they take advantage of early detection tests.
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Simplefill explores the most effective ways to fight this disease. Continue reading
Chronic Disease Series: Heart Disease & High Cholesterol
UncategorizedOur heart pumps a reliable 100,000 beats every single day. While we might not think about each beat, the health of this organ dictates the wellbeing of our entire body. If you’re living with chronic illnesses that can jeopardize your heart, it’s important to take action. Get the facts with Simplefill:
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is an umbrella term to describe conditions that affect the health of your heart. Blood vessel diseases, heart defects, and heart rhythm or valve issues all fit into this broad category.
What causes it?
Since heart disease is such a broad term, there is no single trigger. Some common types and causes of heart disease are:
- Cardiovascular disease: Caused by blocked blood vessels
- Arrhythmia: Caused by an abnormal heartbeat
- Cardiomyopathy: Caused by thickened or stiff heart muscle
- Valvular heart disease: Caused by leaking or narrowed valves
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience any of the following heart disease symptoms, you should seek emergency help immediately:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
How does high cholesterol contribute to heart disease?
Cholesterol is found in the fat in your blood. Our body needs cholesterol to build cells, but too much of it increases the chance of getting heart disease. There are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol but your doctor can perform a simple test to help you understand your level.
How can I treat heart disease?
A combination of medical treatment and lifestyle choices can lower your cholesterol and mitigate the effects of heart disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends:
- Regular exercise: At least 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week
- Healthy diet: Low-sodium and low or fat-free foods, limited alcohol consumption, and no smoking
- Medication: Heart disease medication is tailored to your specific type of heart disease.
If you’re living healthfully and still have high cholesterol, your doctor will recommend medication to lower it. Common prescriptions include statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, band bile-acid-binding resins.
If finances are standing between you and a healthy heart, Simplefill is here to help. We provide medication assistance to help you take care of your most important organ, so you can rely on 100,000 healthy beats per day. Apply today and take control.
Mental Health Series: World Suicide Prevention Day
blog Mental Health SeriesThere is no archetype of clinical depression; people of varying ages and histories grapple with suicidal thoughts daily. The CDC reported 41,149 suicides in 2013, and nearly 500,000 people were admitted into hospitals with self-inflicted injuries in the same year. Continue reading
Chronic Disorder Series: Cystic Fibrosis
blog“It can make me feel like I’ve won a marathon every single day, because let’s face it, I have.”
– A cystic fibrosis patient explains what it feels like to live with the disease Continue reading
All About Glaucoma for National Eye Exam Month
blogThis August, we’re all about vision. In honor of National Eye Exam Month, we’ve collected the most-asked questions (and answers) about glaucoma, the most prevalent eye disease in the country. If you’re concerned that you or someone you love could have glaucoma, gather the facts below and make sure you share them with your loved ones! Continue reading
Sunscreen 101: Save Your Skin for UV Safety Month
UncategorizedSome might say sunscreen is a necessary evil. After all, who doesn’t like how they look with a bit of a sun tan? Yet the evidence overwhelming demonstrates just how damaging UV rays are to our skin.
What’s more, it’s hard to know just how much protection you need. Is SPF 15 enough to do the trick? Do you really need to reapply throughout the day?
We make it our mission to help others live their best life by encouraging a holistic approach to health. Each month we tackle different health topics at our blog. This month we’re setting the record straight about sun protection. Continue reading