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Avoid these 6 mistakes when buying life insurance

Avoid these 6 mistakes when buying life insurance

Buying life insurance is an excellent way of providing financial security to your loved ones after you’re gone. It’s not an exciting purchase but an integral part of ensuring your family has a nest egg to depend upon if something happens unexpectedly. So, before stepping into the market to buy a new life insurance policy, you should be aware of a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Waiting to buy insurance
Premiums for life insurance are based on various factors, including age and overall health. For example, if you would like to secure a policy at the lowest cost, it’s ideal to make your purchase while you are still young, as rates may increase as you age or if your health deteriorates.

Buying the cheapest policy
Knowing what you get in return is essential when looking for affordable policies. Two types of life insurance policies are available – term life and permanent life insurance. While the former is cheaper, it only covers you for a period (generally 10-30 years), whereas the latter can cover you until death. So before deciding, compare and contrast different policies to find the best coverage.

Allowing premiums to lapse
Making late payments on your insurance coverage can impact your benefits. This is especially true for permanent insurance, called universal life insurance, which offers long-term guaranteed protection at the lowest possible rate. So check these caveats and implications when purchasing, and set up an auto-pay mechanism to ensure you never miss a payment date.

Borrowing from your policy
Some permanent life insurance policies allow you to borrow from them when you need money. These withdrawals may be used in any way you like, including for loans. However, it is essential to be careful when withdrawing money, as taking too much may cause your policy to lapse or significantly reduce the benefits for your beneficiaries.

Relying too much on employer-provided coverage
Companies generally make use of group life insurance policies for their workers. Here, the payouts may be considered low for your beneficiaries, and they will be unable to cover their financial needs. Additionally, these benefits cannot be carried forward; the coverage does not apply to you once you leave the company. Instead of solely relying on your employer, fortify your insurance portfolio with your insurance policy.

Hiding information from the insurance company
If you hide any information from your insurance company, they may deny coverage. When you apply for life insurance, you will be asked for details regarding your health and lifestyle to identify your risk level. This data is verified against your medical records, motor vehicle reports, and other third-party sources. If a claim is related to the information you did not disclose, your insurer may not pay or settle the claim.

Buying a life insurance policy is a complicated affair. Working with a financial planner to discuss how it fits into your portfolio before investing may be ideal. In addition to this, remember to shop around and speak to your friends and family for recommendations to get the best policy rates.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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6 key early signs of developing autism

Autism is a progressive cognitive disorder that primarily impacts a child’s ability to communicate and interact daily. The condition develops and progresses early on with symptoms affecting behavior and communication, impacting a child’s normal growth. Children also develop limits and deficits in the necessary social skills for bonding and emotional development. The condition has no cure, but identifying the symptoms early and planning prompt treatment can improve the long-term outlook. Slow responses and reactions Autism affects the child’s emotional development. So, what comes naturally to other children may not be the same for children who are in the early stages of this disorder. Autistic children are slow to react, hesitate to smile or laugh slowly, resist hugging or cuddling, and neglect any interest in everyday routine. The condition is imminent if babies don’t babble naturally, develop facial expressions that don’t match reactions, and avoid eye contact within the first 12 months. Social isolation After the first 12 months, toddlers and preschoolers struggle with any activity that requires an emotional connection, be it with an object or even a person. Parents must take note of their child’s preferences and interests to check if they are showing signs of distancing. Key signs include playing on their own and avoiding social contact even if another child approaches them. Children between 12 and 18 months developing autism signs show severe social isolation. Repetitive movements Abrupt and uncontrolled movements are also unusual autism signs that show up early on during the disorder’s developmental phase. Young children tend to develop hyperactivity to triggers around them that affect their primary senses. It could be sounds, lights, tastes, and smells that cause rapid repetitive movements. Children might go around in circles, rock back and forth without reason, flap their hands or feet unnecessarily, and develop unnatural movements. Speech problems Autism also impacts the child’s ability to speak, with early signs indicating unusual speech patterns. Children may speak in a monotone voice or develop disturbing responses that follow a set pattern of speech. Speech problems develop in tandem with emotional disturbances, where kids might stop responding to normal requests or give unrelated answers. One might also notice a repetition of certain words and phrases that indicates cognitive decline impacting speech. Behavioral problems Autism impacts emotional reasoning, analytical thinking, and rational thinking. So, it's quite possible for children to develop tantrums in the early stages of the disorder. These tantrums can develop as a response to changes in their routine or pattern that takes kids out of their comfort zone. Tantrums can get out of hand if these kids also start banging their arms, legs, or head on surfaces indicating self-inflicting harm. Immediate consultation is advisable at this stage. Developing unusual preferences one of the most glaring signs of developing autism is unusual preferences and interests. Young children might become obsessed with a symmetrical shape or a particular pattern of inanimate objects. If they throw tantrums when this object is removed, it is an indicator of separation anxiety. Apart from objects, young kids might even react impulsively to specific sensory cues in and around their space. It could be a particular light, smell, sound, or object that is not pleasing visibly. Preferences also extend to foods and beverages with a particular craving for one food or drink. Note that there is no set pattern for these preferences. Besides these signs, children with autism spectrum disorder are also at risk of developing gastrointestinal discomfit that result in mild to moderate symptoms. Children may experience some abdominal pain, struggle with constipation, or even diarrhea. Note that these symptoms develop in no orderly progression and worsen with the severity of the condition.

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Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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