Category Archive : Biologics

The Link Between DNA and Injury Susceptibility

We all know that our DNA is a unique set of instructions that helps to determine our physical characteristics and traits, but did you know that you can also learn a lot from your DNA? By understanding what your DNA can tell you, you can gain a wealth of information about your own identity and ancestry. Additionally, you can even uncover more about your medical history, including your risk of developing certain diseases and illnesses. Clearly, this information can be valuable for taking care of yourself and protecting your health throughout your life. If you’re interested, keep reading to find out more about the link between DNA and injury susceptibility.

What is the link between DNA and injury susceptibility?

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Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause paralysis, pain, and other physical impairments that drastically reduce quality of life for patients and their families. While most spinal cord injuries are primarily caused by external trauma or disease, there could be a genetic link between SCI and certain individuals’ susceptibility to it. If you or a loved one has a spinal cord injury, the best thing you can do is look into inpatient facilities, as well as outpatient treatment options.

We’ve made huge advances in genetics in recent years, including the discovery of Denisovan and neanderthal DNA. The most remarkable thing about Denisovan DNA is that it is found in modern human populations. It had been present in humans for thousands of years, yet scientists had not been able to detect it until recently. As we learn more about our DNA and how it works, we’ll be able to learn more about what conditions correlate to certain genetic markers. This means our ability to predict and prevent disease will improve considerably.

By uncovering inherited genetic factors that increase the risk of injury we may eventually be able to develop personalized interventions tailored towards preventing those specific types of injuries from occurring before they occur rather than trying to treat them after they happen. This would revolutionize our healthcare system and improve outcomes for patients.

How can you take better care of your health?

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Now that you know more about the link between DNA and injury susceptibility, let’s talk about another major factor in injury susceptibility: your lifestyle. For example, did you know lack of sleep can have a significant effect on your health and wellness? Lack of sleep can lead to a number of health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. It can also lead to decreased productivity and mood swings. If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, talk to your doctor as soon as possible about finding a solution.

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential if you want to protect your health as well. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients can prevent a variety of health issues including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. A healthy diet is also essential for maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your energy levels up. You need plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It is also critical to limit your consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and sodas. A dietician can assist you in putting together a meal plan.

Overall, the link between DNA and injury susceptibility is an important factor in understanding how and why people are more or less prone to injury. By learning about the genetic basis of injuries, medical professionals can better understand the risks associated with a particular individual, as well as how to best treat and prevent injuries. In addition to using this technology to further your knowledge of your medical history, you should prioritize making healthy lifestyle choices on a daily basis. This includes getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy diet. By following this advice, you can trust that you’re taking the best possible care of yourself.

Typical Restaurant Operating Expenses

The restaurant business can be lucrative. According to Statista, the global restaurant industry’s market size crossed 1 trillion dollars last year. Despite COVID-19 and its effects, the industry is set to see a double-digit growth between 2021 and 2028. Therefore, starting or scaling your restaurant business sounds like a plan. However, knowing the financial implications of owning a restaurant is a top priority. You’ll need enough money to support the quality work from chefs, servers, cleaners, and administrative staff. Here are some typical restaurant operating expenses you should know.

Restaurant Equipment Costs

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Whether a mobile food truck or an online order platform, restaurants need different types of equipment to thrive. Quality restaurant equipment isn’t only reserved for huge brick-and-mortar restaurants, as even a home delivery business will need various types of small ware and furniture including major appliances like ovens, freezers, and stoves.

Sadly, these types of equipment can be capital intensive, hence why many restaurant owners rely on financing strategies to go around the cost burden of some equipment. You can get temporary access to the highest-quality restaurant equipment through equipment financing and leasing service providers.

Today, enlisting such services has become as easy as a Google search. For instance, a quick query for “Salem restaurant equipment” can bring up several options to leverage for your restaurant in Salem, like The Restaurant Warehouse. You don’t need to fixate on brand-new amenities for your restaurant. The secondhand market can get you functional appliances like BBQ grills, refrigerators, and more at good prices.

Utility Costs

Utilities are a mainstay in the restaurant business. You need the best appliances like an AC system to ensure indoor air comfort for your commercial clients. And when the AC or cooling system gets faulty, you need the best HVAC technicians to facilitate routine maintenance and ensure comfort at any given time.

In contracting an HVAC contractor for your faulty AC unit, it’s essential to consider local technicians who are familiar with your community’s climate conditions and the best services to provide. A quick Google query for “AC repair Melbourne, FL” can suffice if you’re in Florida.

Beyond repair services, it’s essential to deploy energy-conserving strategies to lower your utility costs and contribute to the world’s call for sustainability. Using smart thermostats and advanced utility devices can be a good idea. Smart heat systems give you more than the convenience of controlling your restaurant’s heating remotely, and restaurant owners can tailor heating to their specific needs.

Rental Costs

A huge part of your restaurant’s success depends on your location. Hosting your restaurant in a business district might be a better option than in a residential area. Homeowners have the convenience of their kitchen and time to prepare their food. Many business people don’t. However, renting a space in a busy area is no easy task.

Apart from the huge rent prices, you may need to obtain different business permits, which might be stressful. But it’s essential to consider the location’s traffic and its food-buying culture before making your final decision. That notwithstanding, experts advise new restaurant owners to keep rent costs between 6 and 11 percent in calculating their profit and loss.

Food & Labor Costs

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Many restauranteurs overspend on food. However, it’s vital to be frugal and lean with your food budget. Note that low price doesn’t mean low quality, so try to negotiate food prices and ensure you’re getting the best deals on the market.

That being said, when it comes to staff payments, there’s no benchmark on how much to spend on your staff. Keeping the numbers between 25 and 30 percent of your total sales is a good idea to sustain your profits.

All in all, managing restaurants can be daunting. Many restaurants end up hemorrhaging cash in their early days. Knowing how to keep operational results above costs is necessary for your restaurant’s success.

How Does Industrial Fermentation Work?

If you’ve ever enjoyed a cool beer on a warm day, eaten yogurt, or sliced through a fresh loaf of sourdough bread as you make breakfast, you’ve enjoyed the results of the fermentation process. This is because fermentation has a pretty big role in our everyday lives, whether we’re aware of it or not. In fact, tiny microorganisms (such as yeast) or strains of bacteria (such as E. coli) are used to transform raw ingredients with starches and glucose in them into the delicious eats and drinks we enjoy. You can be a home fermenter by working on a sourdough starter in your kitchen. Still, if companies and businesses want to benefit from the natural wonders that fermentation techniques provide, they’ll need to look to biotechnology experts and industrial fermentation facilities.

You can think of an industrial fermentation facility like a huge version of your bowl at home with the sourdough starter in it. The major difference (beyond scale) is the risks involved. When the biomass in your sourdough dies, you can tell right away and throw it out. When biotechnology professionals take the fermentation of large volumes of materials upon themselves (whether they’re making yogurt or medicine), they can’t afford for any microbial contamination to get in the way of the fermentation process. That could spell a hazardous situation for consumers. If you’re interested in exactly how biotechnology professionals keep their biomass safe from microbial contamination, read on.

Industrial Fermentation for Commercial Products

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The word “bacteria” may sound dangerous (after all, that’s why we have antibiotics, isn’t it?), but there are plenty of examples of good bacteria, or microbes, out there. A microbiology expert will tell you that the human body is full of good bacteria, making our digestive systems and everything else work the way it should. That’s called our microbiome. Problems only begin to crop up when our microbiome gets thrown out of whack by some bad bacteria throwing off things’ balance. That’s why the purification of food products that require fermentation is crucial. Glucose and carbohydrates provide fuel for microbes and yeast, and when they’re introduced, those microbes or yeast split and multiply, creating lactic acid. If you’ve ever tasted the tangy taste of fresh yogurt, or beer, or even kombucha, you know what lactic acid tastes like, whether you’re aware or not. All of that is well and good, but be sure that whoever is in charge of the industrial fermentation of that grape kombucha is insisting on the highest levels of purification before you enjoy the flavor of your cool, good-bacteria-laden beverage.

Batch Fermentation for Antibiotics

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You may be thinking to yourself, “wait, isn’t E. coli bad?” You’re not wrong; certain strains of E. coli can be very dangerous and can cause dangerous bouts of diarrhea that can leave a person dehydrated and even dying. However, other E. coli are always present in the human microbiome, as well as the microbiome of many animals. This is another example of the difference between a contaminant (or “bad bacteria”) and a useful microbe (or the “good bacteria”).

It’s strange to think that biochem professionals make antibiotics like penicillin that fight bad bacteria by using good bacteria. This form of industrial fermentation is similar to the one described above, but it differs significantly, and that has to do with batch fermentation. Think about it; you don’t want an ongoing batch of penicillin hanging around a laboratory, the way a sourdough starter lives in your closet or kitchen counter forever, right? You want the biochem professionals to take purification and contaminants seriously and remake that batch every time. The good news is that this is exactly what is done. Batch fermentation means that each time a batch of penicillin or a similar medicine is made, they start fresh with a new batch. This way, all variables are taken into account, and we can all be certain that any pills that make it to your pharmacy are completely free of contaminants.

Fermentation can sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to be a biochem major to understand the basics of this process. It’s exciting to think about how the new approaches in biochemical engineering are working alongside age-old techniques like fermentation to take both food and medicine to the next level.

How Do Exoskeletons Work?

Exoskeletons tend to be the stuff of dreams, especially for fans of science fiction. There are many examples of how this device is used in fantastic settings, in some of our favorite pieces of sci-fi entertainment. In Aliens, the heroine fights a gigantic, acid-spewing Alien queen with the use of a power loader exoskeleton. In all of the Iron Man movies, Tony Stark uses a variety of exoskeleton suits to save the day. In the billion-dollar grossing Avatar movie, an amplified mobility suit/ exoskeleton is used by the bad guy mercenaries to take on the Na’vi, and of course who could forget the robotic exoskeleton that is Robocop?

Such futuristic outfits are fantastical in their idea of what exoskeletons would eventually look like, and what they might be used for. But these robots are not actually fantasy. In the current day, exoskeletons do exist and provide an important service to their users. Exoskeletons are wearable devices that work hand-in-hand with their operators. They are usually used to augment, reinforce, or restore performance for a human wearer. This is done by being placed on the body, essentially acting as an amplifier to their movements.

Where do exoskeletons come from?

These devices are often made out of metal or carbon fibers (rigid materials) or are composed of soft and elastic parts. Exoskeletons were first invented in the 1960s by General Electric, with the creation of a device called the Hardiman. The first exoskeleton was a large full-body device that was designed to augment the wearer’s strength and enable the lifting of heavy objects, whilst reducing fatigue. At the end of that same decade, gait-assistance exoskeletons were created at the Mihajlo Pupin Institute in Serbia. By the time the 1970s came around, another gait-assistance exoskeleton was created at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Since then exoskeleton innovation has hit a variety of technological heights. Towards the end of the 2010s, a variety of lightweight military exoskeleton prototypes had been developed. The goal for these was to augment a user’s strength and endurance. Post-2010, there were several gait-assistance and restoration exoskeletons that were introduced to the public. An example of this is Ekso Bionics’ various robotic exoskeleton, produced by this industry leader, based in the United States.

How does the exoskeleton work?

To answer the question of how such devices work, we must first begin by discussing the frame of an exoskeleton. Depending on what materials went into making them, they are often lightweight and allow quite a degree of freedom when it comes to movement. The frame goes around the user’s body, or part of their body, depending on the type being used. In some cases, the exoskeletons can contain sensors that are used to monitor and then respond to a person’s movements.

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What do they run on?

Exoskeletons require different types of power sources to help them operate. They can be either motorized or mechanical, while others run on electricity. Some exoskeletons don’t require any electricity and offer more freedom for a user. One useful example of seeing how these work is in the EksoUE suit. The EksoUE is an exoskeleton that assists patients who have limited mobility or limb injury in the upper body. The exoskeleton technology works with a patient’s affected shoulder and arm during his or her rehabilitation. This device is a wearable upper-extremity type of medical exoskeleton.

This device has interchangeable springs, which allows for different powered active-assisted function movement. The device’s operation is based on the patient’s strength, endurance, and the weight of their limb or extremity. This is often how most other exoskeletons work, as they are based around the user who is operating them. In the case of the EksoUE, how the exoskeleton operates is based on how the patient utilizes the device. These devices are often used for occupational or physical therapy sessions. This helps to allow for longer and more high-intensity therapy sessions and is a huge assist in increasing muscle activity, and motor functions.

Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Endometriosis

Endometriosis involves the presence and growth of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterine cavity. As one of the most common gynecological conditions, endometriosis ("endo") affects one in 10 women. The most common symptoms of endo include menstrual irregularities, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and dysmenorrhea.

Living with endometriosis isn't easy, and the symptoms of the condition often affect the psychological and social functioning of individuals affected. For many patients, the symptoms of endo significantly compromise social relationships, sexuality, and mental health, leading to social isolation, anxiety, and depression. If you're struggling to keep your social life alive and function with endo, here are some ways to cope.

Reach Out for Support

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Photo Credit: Unsplash

From family to personal relationships to work, the symptoms of endo can take control of every aspect of your life. Surrounding yourself with the support of close friends and family can help you avoid social isolation when your anxiety and depression are at their worst.

Social support is a valuable coping mechanism, but in some situations, sharing your experience with friends and family can be challenging. Endometriosis is a complicated condition, and some friends and family members may be quick to tell you that you're just exaggerating.

If you're not getting the support you need from friends or family, joining an online endometriosis support group can provide the opportunity to share your experience with women in similar situations. Additionally, try asking your gynecologist about local endo support groups for in-person opportunities to swap strategies for coping with endo.

If you're experiencing anxiety or depression, reach out for professional help. The expert specialists at the Therapy Group of DC, a group of therapists in DC, provide personalized, data-driven treatment plans for each patient. Whether you're fighting social isolation or struggling to function at work, the professionals at the Therapy Group of DC can help you learn healthy ways to cope.

Focus on Your Diet

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Photo Credit: Unsplash

Dealing with anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to reach for unhealthy foods if you're not in a great mental space. However, according to HealthSoul, an online directory of hospitals, travel insurance, health insurance, and doctors, all-natural treatment methods, like eating a healthy diet, can improve the symptoms of depression and reduce endometriosis pain.

In one randomized controlled trial, symptoms of depression improved significantly among subjects who followed a Meditteranean-style diet for three weeks. The study reported that the depression "score" of participants fell from the "moderate" to "normal" range, and participants also reported feeling less stressed and anxious.

Another study found that a high intake of fresh fruit and vegetables reduced the relative risk of endometriosis by 40 percent. Meanwhile, diets high in beef, red meat, and ham increased the relative risk between 80 and 100 percent. Consequently, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake and incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet may be able to reduce the pain associated with endo and improve the symptoms of depression.

Practice Self-Care

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Photo Credit: Unsplash

According to a study by the National Institute of Health, stress can worsen the symptoms of endometriosis, and dealing with the symptoms of endo can further heighten stress levels. To avoid getting caught in a never-ending cycle, aim to incorporate self-care into your daily routine.

If you're not sure where to start, try tracking your period, endo symptoms, and mood swings to obtain an idea of when you experience the worst symptoms. If possible, clear your calendar to avoid feeling overwhelmed by social and work obligations when your symptoms are at their worst.

Living with endo is both emotionally and physically draining, and paying attention to your mind and body connection can help you feel better. In a recent study, mindful meditation improved pain and depression symptoms in individuals with chronic pain. If meditation isn't for you, creating a photo journal using a private photo storage device or writing down your feelings in a notebook can help you reap the same therapeutic benefits.

Dealing with the symptoms of endometriosis can feel overwhelming, and many women with endo experience anxiety and depression. Reaching out for help, focusing on your diet, and practicing self-care can help you avoid sacrificing your social relationships and mental health because of endo.

Paying for a Funeral with Life Insurance

The cost of a traditional funeral ranges between $7,000 and $12,000, including basic service fees, a casket, viewing and burial, and other preparation. With the cost of funerals steadily rising, thinking about how to secure funds for your funeral can help you avoid sending your loved ones into a financial disaster.

If you're planning to set aside money in your will, it's important to keep in mind that your survivors won't be able to access your wealth until the court probates your estate, which can take a few months to a year. In most cases, funeral homes ask for full payment upfront, meaning your survivors may risk debt when paying for your funeral. Instead, here's how selling your life insurance policy can help you cover the cost of your funeral.

What is a life settlement?

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Photo Credit: Unsplash

If you're covered under a life insurance policy, you can sell your policy to a buyer in return for a lump-sum payment. When you sell your life insurance policy to a life settlement company or life settlement broker, they take over paying the monthly premiums on your policy to keep it in place.

Depending on your financial situation, selling your life insurance policy may be able to help you cover the costs of your funeral and provide financial assistance to your loved ones after your death.

How can I sell my life insurance policy?

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Photo Credit: Unsplash

To qualify for a life settlement, the face value of your policy must be at least $100,00 and you must be at least 70 years of age. If you're not sure how much your life insurance policy is worth, contact your insurance company and speak to an agent.

If you're suffering from a terminal illness or have a reduced life expectancy, you may qualify for a viatical settlement. Life insurance policyholders with terminal illnesses such as Alzheimer's or cancer do not need to meet an age requirement to qualify for a viatical settlement. To find out more about how a viatical settlement can give you financial peace of mind, Google “what is a viatical settlement“ or visit the American Life Fund to see if your policy qualifies.

How much should I set aside for my funeral?

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Photo Credit: Unsplash

Depending on whether you're planning to be buried or cremated, funerals can cost up to $9,000 or more. In some cases, caskets and urns can cost thousands of dollars or more, depending on the style and material. Calculating the cost of your funeral beforehand can give you peace of mind and help you set aside enough to help your loved ones pay for funeral expenses.

If you're planning your funeral with a budget in mind, remember that add-ons can add thousands of dollars to the overall cost. To obtain a general idea of how much you'll be spending, shop around for funeral services and add-ons you want by contacting local funeral homes and asking for quotes. Although most consumers don't shop around for funeral services, it can help you understand your options before making any major purchases.

How can I save money on my funeral?

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Photo Credit: Unsplash

In addition to shopping around, purchasing funeral items—like caskets and liners—from a third-party can help you cut costs. By comparing prices and purchasing items through a third party, you can reduce the cost of your funeral by thousands of dollars without sacrificing the integrity of your arrangement. To further reduce costs, consider skipping embalming or hosting memorial services at a private home.

Cremation can also help you save on funeral costs. With Legacy Cremation, a trusted cremation provider, the costs of transportation, certified copies of the death certificate, cremation approval, and assistance in filing for VA benefits are included in the cost of a cremation package. The professionals at Legacy Cremation can also help you plan a unique and meaningful ceremony to honor your life.

All in all, selling your life insurance policy for a lump-sum payment can help you gain financial peace of mind, cover the cost of your funeral, and provide for your loved ones after your death.

Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Endometriosis

Endometriosis involves the presence and growth of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterine cavity. As one of the most common gynecological conditions, endometriosis ("endo") affects one in 10 women. The most common symptoms of endo include menstrual irregularities, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and dysmenorrhea.

Living with endometriosis isn't easy, and the symptoms of the condition often affect the psychological and social functioning of individuals affected. For many patients, the symptoms of endo significantly compromise social relationships, sexuality, and mental health, leading to social isolation, anxiety, and depression. If you're struggling to keep your social life alive and function with endo, here are some ways to cope.

Reach Out for Support

img

Photo Credit: Unsplash

From family to personal relationships to work, the symptoms of endo can take control of every aspect of your life. Surrounding yourself with the support of close friends and family can help you avoid social isolation when your anxiety and depression are at their worst.

Social support is a valuable coping mechanism, but in some situations, sharing your experience with friends and family can be challenging. Endometriosis is a complicated condition, and some friends and family members may be quick to tell you that you're just exaggerating.

If you're not getting the support you need from friends or family, joining an online endometriosis support group can provide the opportunity to share your experience with women in similar situations. Additionally, try asking your gynecologist about local endo support groups for in-person opportunities to swap strategies for coping with endo.

If you're experiencing anxiety or depression, reach out for professional help. The expert specialists at the Therapy Group of DC, a group of therapists in DC, provide personalized, data-driven treatment plans for each patient. Whether you're fighting social isolation or struggling to function at work, the professionals at the Therapy Group of DC can help you learn healthy ways to cope.

Focus on Your Diet

img

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Dealing with anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to reach for unhealthy foods if you're not in a great mental space. However, according to HealthSoul, an online directory of hospitals, travel insurance, health insurance, and doctors, all-natural treatment methods, like eating a healthy diet, can improve the symptoms of depression and reduce endometriosis pain.

In one randomized controlled trial, symptoms of depression improved significantly among subjects who followed a Meditteranean-style diet for three weeks. The study reported that the depression "score" of participants fell from the "moderate" to "normal" range, and participants also reported feeling less stressed and anxious.

Another study found that a high intake of fresh fruit and vegetables reduced the relative risk of endometriosis by 40 percent. Meanwhile, diets high in beef, red meat, and ham increased the relative risk between 80 and 100 percent. Consequently, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake and incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet may be able to reduce the pain associated with endo and improve the symptoms of depression.

Practice Self-Care

img

Photo Credit: Unsplash

According to a study by the National Institute of Health, stress can worsen the symptoms of endometriosis, and dealing with the symptoms of endo can further heighten stress levels. To avoid getting caught in a never-ending cycle, aim to incorporate self-care into your daily routine.

If you're not sure where to start, try tracking your period, endo symptoms, and mood swings to obtain an idea of when you experience the worst symptoms. If possible, clear your calendar to avoid feeling overwhelmed by social and work obligations when your symptoms are at their worst.

Living with endo is both emotionally and physically draining, and paying attention to your mind and body connection can help you feel better. In a recent study, mindful meditation improved pain and depression symptoms in individuals with chronic pain. If meditation isn't for you, creating a photo journal using a private photo storage device or writing down your feelings in a notebook can help you reap the same therapeutic benefits.

Dealing with the symptoms of endometriosis can feel overwhelming, and many women with endo experience anxiety and depression. Reaching out for help, focusing on your diet, and practicing self-care can help you avoid sacrificing your social relationships and mental health because of endo.

Paying for a Funeral with Life Insurance

The cost of a traditional funeral ranges between $7,000 and $12,000, including basic service fees, a casket, viewing and burial, and other preparation. With the cost of funerals steadily rising, thinking about how to secure funds for your funeral can help you avoid sending your loved ones into a financial disaster.

If you're planning to set aside money in your will, it's important to keep in mind that your survivors won't be able to access your wealth until the court probates your estate, which can take a few months to a year. In most cases, funeral homes ask for full payment upfront, meaning your survivors may risk debt when paying for your funeral. Instead, here's how selling your life insurance policy can help you cover the cost of your funeral.

What is a life settlement?

img

Photo Credit: Unsplash

If you're covered under a life insurance policy, you can sell your policy to a buyer in return for a lump-sum payment. When you sell your life insurance policy to a life settlement company or life settlement broker, they take over paying the monthly premiums on your policy to keep it in place.

Depending on your financial situation, selling your life insurance policy may be able to help you cover the costs of your funeral and provide financial assistance to your loved ones after your death.

How can I sell my life insurance policy?

img

Photo Credit: Unsplash

To qualify for a life settlement, the face value of your policy must be at least $100,00 and you must be at least 70 years of age. If you're not sure how much your life insurance policy is worth, contact your insurance company and speak to an agent.

If you're suffering from a terminal illness or have a reduced life expectancy, you may qualify for a viatical settlement. Life insurance policyholders with terminal illnesses such as Alzheimer's or cancer do not need to meet an age requirement to qualify for a viatical settlement. To find out more about how a viatical settlement can give you financial peace of mind, Google “what is a viatical settlement“ or visit the American Life Fund to see if your policy qualifies.

How much should I set aside for my funeral?

img

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Depending on whether you're planning to be buried or cremated, funerals can cost up to $9,000 or more. In some cases, caskets and urns can cost thousands of dollars or more, depending on the style and material. Calculating the cost of your funeral beforehand can give you peace of mind and help you set aside enough to help your loved ones pay for funeral expenses.

If you're planning your funeral with a budget in mind, remember that add-ons can add thousands of dollars to the overall cost. To obtain a general idea of how much you'll be spending, shop around for funeral services and add-ons you want by contacting local funeral homes and asking for quotes. Although most consumers don't shop around for funeral services, it can help you understand your options before making any major purchases.

How can I save money on my funeral?

img

Photo Credit: Unsplash

In addition to shopping around, purchasing funeral items—like caskets and liners—from a third-party can help you cut costs. By comparing prices and purchasing items through a third party, you can reduce the cost of your funeral by thousands of dollars without sacrificing the integrity of your arrangement. To further reduce costs, consider skipping embalming or hosting memorial services at a private home.

Cremation can also help you save on funeral costs. With Legacy Cremation, a trusted cremation provider, the costs of transportation, certified copies of the death certificate, cremation approval, and assistance in filing for VA benefits are included in the cost of a cremation package. The professionals at Legacy Cremation can also help you plan a unique and meaningful ceremony to honor your life.

All in all, selling your life insurance policy for a lump-sum payment can help you gain financial peace of mind, cover the cost of your funeral, and provide for your loved ones after your death.

Does Hearing Loss Get Worse With Age?

Nobody wants to think about hearing loss, but for many, it's a medical condition that needs to be thought about. Especially as you age and your ears are exposed to more sounds, the likelihood is higher than you will develop worse hearing. That being said, age alone isn't the sole determinant of whether or not you'll develop hearing loss.

There are multiple types and ranges of hearing loss that you may experience, so it's best to understand the similarities and differences between them if you're going to avoid developing hearing loss in the first place. Read on to find out more about what can impact your ears for better and worse so that you know what you need to do to protect yourself.

Types of Hearing Loss Explained

Sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common types of hearing loss you may experience. This kind of hearing loss occurs as a result of damage to your inner ear or the nerve that plays a role in hearing. Aging, as well as exposure to loud noises, can cause sensorineural hearing loss. This kind of hearing loss is permanent.

Conductive hearing loss can occur at any part of your ear, including the middle ear. Sometimes, conductive hearing loss develops as a result of another underlying condition. For example, if you have an ear infection that has caused a lot of fluid to build up in your middle ear, this could contribute to conductive hearing loss.

Not all conductive hearing loss is reversible. However, with medical treatment or surgery, it may be able to treat your symptoms and improve your situation. This ultimately depends on what caused your hearing loss in the first place, so it's best to see a specialist and get a more accurate diagnosis.

Mixed hearing loss occurs when you experience a combination of conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. This may be because of problems with the outer ear, eardrum, sensorineural nerves, or inner ear. Most often mixed hearing loss is a result of a long term infection or trauma to the head. As a result, it's always a good idea to seek out medical treatment at the onset of any hearing problems so that you can prevent them from worsening.

Other hearing issues that you may experience include the sounds of rushing or buzzing in your ears. Sometimes you may even experience a ringing in your ears, called tinnitus. Tinnitus is often related to other symptoms, but some people also experience chronic tinnitus without any other underlying cause. It's important to let a doctor determine whether or not your tinnitus is a sign of a deeper condition. Some patients report that they've found help from the resources and treatments offered from websites like https://Tinnitus911.com/.

Managing Your Life With Hearing Loss

When you have chronic hearing loss, it can change your life in numerous ways. If your hearing loss isn't too severe, you may be able to get by using assisted hearing devices such as hearing aids or watching television with closed captioning. Even so, there may come a time when your hearing loss turns into deafness, which can impact your life in other ways. Depending on your age, it may be useful to look into in-home care services in Fairless Hills, PA or wherever you live.

These sorts of services can be of particular use to aging individuals who may also need help around the house with other activities and chores. It's just as important to note that enrolling in American Sign Language courses can be equally helpful in connecting you with others who can help you undergo your transition by providing resources and a community.

How Family History Really Affects Your Cancer Risk

Cancer is a disease that grows rapidly. The only true way to avoid cancer is to get tested regularly and pay attention to your symptoms. There are a lot of treatment options available for cancer and, if found early, there is a good chance that you can beat the disease and go on to live a healthy life.

There is no true way to know where cancer stems from, but there are behaviors that increase your risk of getting cancer. When it comes to genetics and cancer, there are genes that can be inherited that increase the risk of cancer but cancer doesn't come from your genetics alone.

Genetics

Most cancer patients don't have a genetic mutation for the disease occur. Having a genetic mutation doesn't mean that you will get cancer, it just means that certain behaviors will increase the likelihood of you getting these diseases. There is a list of cancer types that are genetic and you can test for these gene mutations by getting a genetics test. Another way to determine your family health history is to ask your family members.

Usually, the eldest family member in your family will have an idea of how your relatives fared with diseases like cancer and heart disease. If you aren't close with your family members and have lost touch, using a search tool like Go Look Up you can find the address and phone numbers of your relatives. Even if your family members have changed their names you can perform background checks and search for your relatives by their maiden names to get their contact information.

Preventive Care

Taking preventive measures against the probability of cancer-related illnesses is encouraged for everyone, but especially for those who have a family history of cancer. Smoking can increase your risk of cancer. If you are a smoker, there are programs that can help you quit. Using nicotine patches, gums, and even inhalers are effective ways to control your nicotine cravings. Smoking clinics are available at major pharmacies that offer walk-in clinic services.

Adult females should check their breasts once a month to ensure there are no concerning bumps or lumps. Aside from home preventive measures, ensure that you're going to get your annual checkups. Getting pap smears to check for cervical cancer and mammograms at your general physician's office can keep you aware of what is going on with your health.

There are also tests and other precautions for those who have tested positive for any genetic mutations. More recently, scientists have come up with home tests that allow you to test for certain cancers, like colon cancer, in the privacy of your own home. This makes the collection process easy. Once you've completed the test, you send it into a laboratory for testing. Visit a cancer care facility to obtain more information on preventive measures and treatment options.

It is important to follow up with your physicians when it comes to preventive care. The presence of abnormal cells can quickly multiply to the point where surgery may be necessary. If you feel as though you need to be tested, don't hesitate to address your concerns with your primary care doctor. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist that can perform precautionary tests to eliminate your concerns.

The best way to beat cancer is to stay informed and prepared. Genetic testing allows you to determine which types of genetic mutations you may have. Knowing your genetics can help you and your physician stay on top of preventive measures and testing. Eliminate or cut down risky behaviors that increase your risk of illness, like smoking. The best way to eliminate cancer is to test for abnormal cells regularly and engage in healthy behaviors, like a healthy diet and exercise.