9 common types of disabilities to know about

9 common types of disabilities to know about

A disability can prevent one from carrying out regular activities in any aspect of one’s life, such as school, work, or home. Thus, when a person qualifies for disability aid, the government offers financial and healthcare benefits to help ease their quality of life. To help one understand this further, here is a list of nine common disabilities. It includes the conditions and disabilities that allow one to receive insurance and income from the government.

Neoplasms
A neoplasm is an abnormal growth that turns into a tumor or lump in the body. It occurs when cells multiply faster than usual. Furthermore, the growths could be cancerous, precancerous, or benign. If a tumor continues to grow, it may spread to other parts of the body, affecting various organs and leading to fatalities. Common types of neoplasms include lipomas, hemangiomas, adenomas, and fibromas. Individuals affected by the conditions might experience symptoms like shortness of breath, diarrhea, anemia, fatigue, and night sweats. These symptoms, in addition to others, make it difficult for the affected individual to maintain a normal lifestyle. As for statistics, about 3% of people with a neoplasm-associated disability qualify for healthcare benefits.

Intellectual disabilities
The category comprises up to 9% of people on healthcare benefits. Intellectual disabilities might involve learning, problem-solving, and adaptive behavior limitations, which can make it difficult for an individual to learn, retain, or communicate information naturally. A few types of intellectual disabilities include Down’s syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. One may prominently display the symptoms of intellectual disabilities before the age of 18.

Organic mental disorders
Chronic organic brain syndromes (organic mental disorders) are complications in the brain that result in severe psychological or behavioral issues. The problems might be temporary or last throughout one’s life. A few examples of organic mental disorders are amnesia, Alzheimer’s disease, delirium, and dementia. One may experience symptoms such as poor learning capacity, a decline in memory, language barriers, and a reduced ability to understand anything. Someone with an organic mental disorder may also experience trouble with judgment, such as the ability to think and calculate. About 3% of individuals with this type of disability may qualify for healthcare benefits.

Nervous system and sense organs
The nervous system encompasses the sensory organs, nerves, spinal cord, and the brain. Furthermore, the system enables the decision-making process and also ensures prompt communication between all body parts. However, some individuals might suffer from nervous system and sense organ disorders that may prevent them from participating in regular activities. This group of disabilities accounts for about 10% of those receiving healthcare-associated benefits. A few complications related to the nervous system include functional disorders like epilepsy and neuralgia and infections such as meningitis and polio. One may also suffer from degenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, and structural disorders, including Bell’s palsy, spinal cord or brain injuries.

Circulatory system
Disabilities associated with the circulatory system make up about 7% of the individuals on disability benefits. The circulatory system delivers oxygen, hormones, and nutrients to various cells in the body. It is also responsible for removing unwanted material from the cells and organs. The arteries carry blood away from the heart, while the veins help transport blood back into the vital organ. However, many people are susceptible to circulatory diseases, including high cholesterol, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, heart failure, dysrhythmia, and arrhythmia. Artery disease and stroke are also some complications that might lead to temporary or permanent disabilities.

Mood disorders
Estimates indicate that about 13% of those with mood disorders qualify for disability benefits. One may suffer from various types of mood disorders, such as cyclothymic disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. One may also experience other complications, such as persistent depressive disorders (dysthymia), mental illness, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Such disorders may drastically affect a person’s emotions and mood and result in debilitating symptoms like an extreme sense of emptiness, sadness, and irritability.

Injuries
Studies show that about 3% of people who suffer from an injury may qualify for disability benefits. One may suffer from injuries that cause permanent disability, which restricts them from working as they did before. A couple of examples of injuries that may qualify for healthcare benefits are severe burns, loss of hearing, visual impairment, amputation, loss of speech, and vertebral fractures. In most cases, an individual will qualify for healthcare benefits if the injury has resulted in a complete disability.

Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
The musculoskeletal system includes parts of the body such as ligaments, bones, cartilage, and other connective tissue. The system further connects the bones and helps one maintain regular movements. This makes it nearly impossible for one to stand, sit, or walk without a skeletal system. The most common disorders associated with the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue include spine disorders, ruptured discs, degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. This group of disabilities makes up about 30% of people receiving health benefits.

Schizophrenic and psychotic disorders
Disabilities caused by schizophrenic and psychotic disorders comprise about 5% of individuals who receive disability compensation. The symptoms of such disorders might include catatonic behavior, disorganized speech, hallucinations, and delusions. These symptoms can make it difficult for one to engage in regular work, socialize, or participate in other regular activities. One should also note that around 4% of the individuals who qualify for disability benefits have other mental health disorders. Individuals could check the criteria for eligibility with a local government organization or their healthcare provider.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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9 common iron deficiency signs one must not ignore

Essential for the production of hemoglobin in the body, nutritional iron plays a crucial function in carrying oxygen to the different organs. Iron deficiency can occur for various reasons, such as insufficient nutrition and underlying health problems. It is one of the most prevalent nutritional health disorders globally but often remains undiagnosed due to its subtle and varied symptoms. Therefore, one must know the common signs of iron deficiency for timely diagnosis and treatment. Signs of iron deficiency Feeling unusually tired One of the most common signs of iron deficiency is constant tiredness. This tiredness occurs even without doing any physically strenuous work. Even a slight drop in iron can bring down energy levels, making one feel fatigued. The constant fatigue is due to insufficient oxygen in the blood. The iron supports the production of hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen to different organs. Without enough iron, hemoglobin levels go down. So does the level of oxygen, leading to tiredness. The skin may appear unusually pale One of the most noticeable signs of iron deficiency is the skin losing its healthy color. This can be observed by looking at the inside of the eyelids, which may appear paler than usual, taking on a white or yellowish hue. In more severe cases, the creases on the palms of the hands may also turn pale. This happens due to a decrease in hemoglobin levels caused by the lack of iron in the body. Hemoglobin is responsible for giving blood its characteristic red color. When iron levels drop, hemoglobin production is affected, causing the blood to lose its redness. This, in turn, causes the skin to appear less vibrant and less warm. Frequent shortness of breath The crucial function of hemoglobin is to facilitate the transportation of oxygen by the red blood cells to the body's various organs. When the hemoglobin levels drop due to insufficient iron levels, the oxygen levels in the body also decrease. This leads to a lack of oxygen supply to the muscles and organs, making it difficult for them to perform their functions. The body struggles to keep up with the demands of daily activities, and even simple tasks like climbing stairs, running on the treadmill, or lifting objects become challenging. The body's breathing rate increases as it tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen, causing one to feel out of breath and tired quickly. Recurring headaches Severe iron deficiency leading to anemia can harm the optimal functioning of various organs in the body. Insufficient blood supply can hamper the body's ability to distribute oxygen and nutrients properly. In case of inadequate blood flow to the brain, the blood vessels begin to enlarge, elevating the pressure within the brain, which can result in recurring headaches. Additionally, the lack of blood supply to the brain may cause feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness. Heart palpitations Iron deficiency can lead to low hemoglobin levels, reducing oxygen supply. As a result, the heart has to work harder to transport the oxygen, which can cause an increase in heart rate and irregular heartbeats. If one experiences heart palpitations, seeing a doctor for a physical examination is essential to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Having unusual cravings Iron deficiency can manifest peculiarly, often affecting children and pregnant women. The telltale sign of this condition is an intense craving for bizarre and sometimes inedible substances such as chalk, ice, or paper. This unusual behavior is the body's way of replenishing depleted iron stores. Also known as pica, this condition is usually temporary and subsides as soon as iron levels in the body start to increase. Dry hair and skin Dry skin and hair may result from iron deficiency. As iron deficiency leads to low hemoglobin levels in the blood, the cells in the skin and hair receive less oxygen. This starts to impair hair growth and causes the skin to lose its natural hydration. In some cases, hair loss may also occur, with more than usual hair falling out while brushing and washing. Restless legs syndrome Restless legs syndrome causes strong urges to move the legs even when a person is at rest. Sometimes, the legs and feet have unpleasant itching or crawling sensations. These symptoms generally worsen at night, disrupting sleep. While the exact cause of restless leg syndrome is not known, it is often observed to be closely associated with iron deficiency. As iron levels deteriorate in the body, the risk for restless legs syndrome goes high. Brittle or spoon-shaped nails Koilonychia, also known as spoon-shaped fingernails, is a common sign of iron deficiency that can indicate an underlying health condition. Initially, brittle nails that easily crack and chip are the first symptoms of iron deficiency. This can progress to the point where the nails start to become spoon-shaped, with the middle of the nail dipping down and the edges rising, giving a round appearance that resembles a spoon. This occurs due to the lack of iron in the body, which affects the production of hemoglobin in the blood and oxygen delivery to the nail bed. This condition is usually reversible and temporary, and the nails will return to their natural shape once iron deficiency is treated. 

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