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  • All You Need To Know About Swine Flu

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    India is better equipped to battle swine flu this time as it has a stronger arsenal at its disposal. A descending winter, say experts, would be favorable to curb its spread. Besides, our country's Central and State Health Departments have been conducting multiple public awareness campaigns to educate the masses about swine flu.

    In order to avoid contracting swine flu you need to stay aware of its symptoms, follow basic guidelines and be proactive. Read further to understand the disease and ways to tackle it.

    What Is Swine Flu?

    Just as we are affected by flu, animals are also susceptible to it. A respiratory disease that originated from pigs and got transmitted to humans in their close proximity is called as swine flu. As the human immune system is not built to tackle the flu affecting pigs, we find it difficult to cope up with swine flu when exposed to it.

    A contagious illness, swine flu spreads rapidly if we inhale or intake virus droplets. People suffering from swine flu may cough or sneeze without any cover, inadvertently letting out airborne droplets containing germs.

    Who Are Vulnerable To Swine Flu?

    Infants, toddlers, young kids, adults above 60 years of age, people suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, pregnant women, and those that have a weak immune system are likely to get affected by this virus.

    What Are The Symptoms Of Swine Flu?

    Symptoms of swine flu are similar to that of a normal flu. These include:
    - Nasal secretions
    - Fever and cough
    - Headache and fatigue
    - Sore throat
    - Nausea
    - Vomiting and diarrhea

    How Is Swine Flu Diagnosed?

    If flu-like symptoms persist over a longer period than usual, it is suggested to undergo a check-up for swine flu. The disease is diagnosed by conducting a test called as a Polymerase Chain Reaction technique. It generally involves a procedure called as 'pronasopharyngeal swab'. This procedure is conducted to collect fluid samples from your nose, throat or mouth, which is then sent for testing.

    How Is Swine Flu Treated?

    Swine flu can be treated completely if it is diagnosed at an early stage. Two antiviral medicines, Tamiflu and Relenza are administered to stop the flu from spreading. You can opt for a vaccination or nasal spray depending upon your requirement, after consulting the doctor. Health insurance can cover the costs associated with the treatment and medications for swine flu. Swine flu can be treated completely if it is diagnosed at an early stage. Two antiviral medicines, Tamiflu and Relenza are administered to stop the flu from spreading. You can opt for a vaccination or nasal spray depending upon your requirement, after consulting the doctor.

    Top Precautionary Measures
    to Avoid Swine Flu:

    Washing Hands

    Swine Flu can be avoided by following simple measures like washing hands with soap on a regular basis. Keeping a hand sanitizer handy might prove extremely productive. Also, make sure to keep your surroundings clean.

    Wearing a Mask

    Wearing a mask may seem unfashionable but they score brownie points when it comes to saving lives. As the swine flu virus is airborne (carried through the air), wearing a mask to cover your nose and mouth while travelling can protect you from inhaling infected air.

    Avoiding Crowded Places

    Try your best to avoid crowded places. Social functions involving large gatherings can be skipped. Be cautious while using public transportation and public utility services. While greeting people, sticking to a traditional Namaste and avoiding the formal handshake can be adopted.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Paschim Midnapur

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Paschim Midnapur, West Bengal

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in North 24 Parganas

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance policies :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Naihati

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Naihati, West Bengal

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Udham Singh Nagar

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Sitarganj

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Sitarganj, Uttarakhand

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Rudrapur

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Roorkee

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Roorkee, Uttarakhand

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Rishikesh

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Nainital

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Nainital, Uttarakhand

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Khatima

    by icicilombard 002 | Nov 06, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Khatima, Uttarakhand

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance policies :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

    by iciclombard 01 | Nov 03, 2023

    Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, is a condition that occurs due to uncontrolled levels of sugar in the blood. Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic life-long autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from making insulin, which is then managed with insulin injections and blood sugar monitoring. This condition is known to be diagnosed in both children and adults. If diabetes is not treated over time, it can lead to serious complications like chronic diabetes which includes type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when less insulin is secreted by the pancreas because the immune system attacks the islet cells of the pancreas. Read on to learn more about what is type 1 diabetes.

     

    Type 1 diabetes explained

    Type 1 diabetes is a form of diabetes mellitus that leads to a condition known as hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), which occurs when insulin secretion is low. It is important to treat hyperglycaemia, as it can result in serious health problems including diabetic coma. Doctors suggest a fasting blood sugar test to identify how much insulin the pancreas makes, in the case of a type 1 diabetic patient.

    Insulin is an important hormone released by β-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans cells that control the amount of glucose in the blood. Some people have certain genes called HLA-DR3 or HLA-DR4, which are linked to autoimmune diseases that are passed on from parent to child, making them more likely to develop type 1 diabetes. A trigger in the environment such as any virus infecting the patient may also play a part in a person developing type 1 diabetes.

  • What Foods To Avoid With Diabetes?

    by iciclombard 01 | Nov 03, 2023

    Do you have diabetes and are struggling to keep your blood sugar levels in check? Well, we may just have the answers you need. When a person has diabetes, it isn’t just about choosing the right foods, it’s also about limiting or avoiding foods that can spike blood sugar and increase your risk of complications such as nerve damage, heart disease and stroke. In this article, we’ll explore what foods to avoid with diabetes.

     

    Foods and drinks to avoid with diabetes

    Food choices matter immensely for a diabetic patient. Here is a list of foods that diabetic patients should avoid:

     

    1. Sugary foods like sweets and soda

    Foods that are primarily made up of processed sugar lack nutritional value and can cause a sharp spike in blood sugar. Many desserts like candy and soda are considered low-quality carbohydrates and are among the worst foods to eat when you have type 2 diabetes. They even result in weight gain. Refined carbohydrates raise the sugar in the blood because of which the body produces extra insulin to bring the blood sugar down. Insulin is a fat-storage hormone that converts carbohydrates to fat when the level of insulin increases in the bloodstream. It then stores the fat in other areas of the body like on the buttocks, thighs, abdomen, and hips.

     

    2. Fatty cuts of meat

    Eating even small amounts of processed meats such as pork bacon, ham, salami or beef jerky, beans prepared with lard etc. may increase your risk of diabetes. They may contain many harmful chemicals and are linked to diseases such as cancer and heart disease in numerous studies. People with diabetes should also avoid ribs and other fatty cuts of meat, poultry meat with skin on it, deep-fried fish, etc. Such food can be replaced with leaner, more natural protein choices like chicken, tuna or hard-boiled eggs.

     

    3. Full-fat dairy products

    Full-fat dairy products primarily contain saturated fat (the ‘bad’ fat) and more calories, which increase the risk of obesity and heart disease. One can replace full-fat dairy products with low-fat or non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk.

  • Is Papaya Good For Diabetes?

    by iciclombard 01 | Nov 03, 2023

    Diabetes is a disorder in which either the production of insulin in the body is diminished or the body becomes resistant to insulin. This dysfunction results in the build-up of glucose in the blood. Therefore, for individuals suffering from diabetes, determining safe food options is crucial. When it comes to fruits, papaya is often considered beneficial due to its low sugar content and other properties. This greenish-yellow fruit is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, along with minerals and antioxidants like lycopene. Papaya can be consumed raw or cooked into a variety of dishes. However, its impact on blood sugar needs monitoring, as factors like portion size and overall diet play a role in controlling diabetes.

     

    Is papaya good for diabetic patients?

    Diabetes is a prevalent condition that can be managed with a healthy diet and exercise. Fruits contain natural sugar, and therefore, people assume that fruits are not good for diabetics. But eating fruits in moderation is actually part of a healthy diet. So, the question arises ‘is papaya good for diabetes?’. Papaya is one such fruit that, despite its sweet taste, has a nutrient profile that offers potential health benefits. Both green and yellow papayas are beneficial for managing blood sugar levels and boosting overall health in individuals with diabetes. A small fresh papaya contains around 120 calories and offers the following nutritional values:

    • 5 grams of dietary fibre
    • 18 grams of sugar
    • 2 grams of protein

    It is also a source of vitamin A, potassium, magnesium and folate.

  • What Is Diabetes Mellitus?

    by iciclombard 01 | Nov 03, 2023

    Diabetes is a metabolic disorder affecting insulin production or the body’s response to insulin, resulting in disruption of blood sugar control. Complications of diabetes include heart disease, eye problems, kidney disease, and nerve disorders, leading to morbidity and mortality over time.

    Diabetes mellitus can be of two forms: type 1, or juvenile-onset, which often begins in childhood; and type 2, or adult-onset, which commonly appears after 40 and is linked with insulin resistance. Another condition that affects pregnant women is gestational diabetes, a disorder that causes elevated levels of blood sugar during pregnancy. Read on to learn more about what is diabetes mellitus.

     

    Diabetes mellitus explained

    Diabetes is a Greek term that means ‘siphon’ or ‘passage.’ But what is mellitus? Mellitus is a Latin word that means ‘sweet.’ This is because it was noticed that the urine of people suffering from diabetes smelled sweet.

    • Causes: Insulin, a hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells, regulates glucose uptake for cellular energy. In diabetes, either the production of insulin decreases due to dysfunctional beta cells or cells become insulin-resistant, leading to high blood sugar.
    • Symptoms: High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) causes symptoms when levels are around 180 mg/dL or higher. Excess glucose from the blood is removed by the kidneys, resulting in glucose in the urine. This affects water reabsorption, causing frequent urination (polyuria) and thirst (polydipsia). This loss of glucose in the urine causes fatigue, exhaustion, weight loss, and an increase in hunger. Infections, especially in the urinary and vaginal areas, can also occur.
    • Complications: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a critical complication of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, an insulin shortage causes severe hyperglycaemia and increased fat breakdown, releasing fatty acids and ketones. This elevates blood acidity (lowering pH) and creates diabetic ketoacidosis, leading to hyperventilation, impaired brain function, coma, and even death. Urgent treatment with insulin and IV fluids is essential.
  • What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

    by iciclombard 01 | Nov 03, 2023

    Type 2 diabetes, also known as type 2 diabetes mellitus, is a prevalent medical condition that is generally associated with high blood sugar levels. The pancreas either release less insulin making the body resistant to insulin, or it makes enough but the body is unable to utilise it properly. People that need to fight it are often not sure where to start. So let us learn more about what type 2 diabetes is.

     

    Type 2 diabetes explained

    Insulin is a peptide hormone released in the pancreas that is responsible for glycogenesis, i.e., the conversion of glucose to glycogen, which is your body’s energy reserve. All the cells in our body need sugar to work normally. This sugar then enters into the cells with the help of a hormone called insulin (released by β-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans) that controls the amount of glucose in the blood. In type 2 diabetes, our body's cells can't properly utilise the sugar (blood glucose) from the foods we eat and the body’s glucose content remains unused. This increases blood sugar levels, which is known as hyperglycaemia.

     

    The chances of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes increase if:

    • The person belongs to Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Asian American backgrounds
    • The person is older than 45
    • The person is overweight/obese
    • The woman has gestational diabetes while pregnant
    • There’s any family history of diabetes
    • The person has pre-diabetes
  • How to Prevent Diabetes?

    by iciclombard 01 | Nov 03, 2023

    Diabetes is a condition with many complications. Type II diabetes (T2DM) is the most common one, which occurs due to less production or incomplete functioning of insulin. Sometimes the pancreas in our body is not able to make enough insulin, which can cause abnormal blood glucose levels. Alternatively, the pancreas produces enough insulin but our body is not able to utilise that insulin. This condition is called insulin resistance. Usually diabetes (T2DM) follows pre-diabetes, where the blood glucose level is high but not high enough to cause diabetes. It is always advisable to control pre-diabetes before it converts into diabetes. Want to know more about how to prevent diabetes? Well then, read on.

     

    Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control   

    Diabetes is caused either due to genetic reasons or due to an unhealthy lifestyle. To understand how to prevent diabetes, we first need to consider lifestyle factors that might be responsible for pre-diabetic or diabetic stages, which includes the following:

    • Sedentary lifestyle
    • Obesity or being overweight
    • Exercising less than three times a week
    • Age above 45 years
    • Family history of T2DM
    • Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy
    • Women giving birth to an overweight baby
    • Having fatty liver disease or Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
  • How To Control Diabetes?

    by iciclombard 01 | Nov 03, 2023

    As per the World Health Organisation, 77 million people in India suffer from type 2 diabetes. Moreover, 25 million are pre-diabetic. Type 2 diabetes is, in reality, a lifestyle disorder, characterised by high sugar levels. If you are obese, have high cholesterol, or have a family history of diabetes, you should be more cautious about this disease. Uncontrolled diabetes may lead to loss of vision, kidney failure, heart disease, or other serious problems. But did you know it can be controlled after incorporating a few healthy habits into your daily routine? So, if you’re wondering “how to control sugar levels?” we have the answers. This article will discuss how to control diabetes with some easy-to-follow tips.

     

    Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control

    Learn how to control diabetes using these simple tips:

    1. Lose excess weight

    • Keeping your weight in the ideal range for your body type is extremely important as it reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
    • Obese people are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes. Hence, dropping the extra pounds is helpful to control diabetes.
    • Learning portion control is a must to know how to control diabetes.

     

    2. Eat healthy plant-based foods

    • It’s important to consume fibre-rich food like fruits, vegetables, beans, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, lentils, legumes, nuts, and whole grains in order to keep sugar levels in control. These foods are known to provide us with vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fibre, without causing blood sugar spikes.
    • Foods that are rich in fibre not only keep us full for longer periods but also aid in weight loss and decrease the risk of developing diabetes.

     

    3. Eat healthy fats

    • In order to prevent diabetes, it is essential to cut down on excess saturated fat content in food. These are bad fats, often found in whole milk, cakes, processed snacks and red meat.
    • Foods that are good sources of unsaturated fats include olive, sunflower, cottonseed, and canola oils, nuts (all sorts), and fatty fish like salmon, tuna, etc.
  • Who Cannot Be Covered Under a Family Floater Policy?

    by iciclombard 01 | Nov 03, 2023

    Family floater health insurance is designed to typically cover your entire family within a single insurance arrangement. With family floater health insurance, you have the option to include your spouse, children, parents and dependent in-laws and siblings under one unified coverage. This policy comes with a predetermined sum insured and covers various medical expenses like hospitalisation, pre and post-hospitalisation costs, day-care procedures and ambulance fees. Depending on the policy's terms and conditions, it might also extend its coverage to include your maternity expenses, newborn care and pre-existing medical conditions. By understanding who cannot be covered under a family floater policy, you can make an informed decision about purchasing this insurance.

    What is the family floater policy?

    A family floater health insurance policy is a type of medical insurance that covers multiple family members under a single sum insured. Instead of buying individual policies, you can cover yourself, your spouse and dependent children in one plan. All members share the sum insured, which can be utilised by any insured member in case of hospitalisation or medical treatment.

    This approach is not only cost-effective but also easier to manage, as it involves one premium, one renewal date and one set of policy documents.

    What are the benefits of taking a floater policy?

    There are several advantages to choosing a family floater plan:

    • Affordable premiums: Compared to buying separate policies for each family member, floater plans come at a lower cumulative cost.
    • Simplified management: With a single medical insurance for the family, keeping track of renewals and benefits is easier.
    • Flexible coverage: If one member needs a higher payout during an emergency, the entire insured sum is available for use.
    • Tax benefits: Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, if you pay premiums for health insurance, you are eligible for tax deductions.

    Who cannot be covered under a family floater policy?

    Typically, almost every family floater policy defines a family uniquely, and there are specific rules governing who can be included and who cannot be covered under a family floater policy. The definition of family typically includes your spouse, children and parents. Some policies may offer coverage for siblings and parents in law if they are financially dependent on you. However, uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins and other relatives cannot be covered under a family floater plan. The specifics differ from insurer to insurer. 

    It's also important to note that certain policies impose a restriction on the count of adult family members covered, allowing up to a maximum of two adults in some cases. In contrast, others are more lenient, extending coverage to as many as four adults within a single policy.

    Following are some exclusions applicable for the floater across age groups:

    • Family floater health insurance plans generally don't cover pre-existing medical conditions. This means that if any member within your family already has a health issue diagnosed before you acquired the insurance policy, the costs tied to managing that specific condition might not be included in the protective coverage of the policy. However, these costs are usually covered after a fixed period of time such as 24 or 36 months.
    • When considering a family floater plan, remember that expenses related to cosmetic procedures like plastic surgery or hair transplants—are usually not covered unless these procedures are deemed medically necessary and can be proven as such.
    • It's vital to understand that expenses not directly associated with medical treatments, which typically include administrative fees, service charges, or admission expenses, typically aren't included by these insurance policies.
    • Moreover, family floater health insurance policies often don't account for expenses resulting from self-inflicted injuries or injuries sustained during risky activities or sports engagements.
    • Keep in mind that instances involving health hazards or disorders arising due to nuclear or radioactive incidents in your geographic vicinity aren't part of the coverage provided by family floater health insurance plans.
    • Medical costs that emerge due to the consumption of intoxicating substances are usually excluded from the coverage scope of family health insurance plans.

    Should you include your parents in your floater policy?

    Including your parents in a floater policy may seem like a loving and protective move, but it comes with caveats. Older individuals are more likely to make frequent claims, which can exhaust the sum insured quickly and affect the premium during renewals. Moreover, since most family floater plans have age restrictions, you may not even be allowed to include them if they are above 60 years.

    Instead, opting for a separate health insurance for senior citizens is a more suitable choice. These policies are specifically designed to meet the medical needs of the elderly and come with features like higher coverage for age-related ailments, annual health check-ups and pre-existing disease coverage.

    Should you include your children in your floater policy?

    Including children in your family floater policy is usually a wise decision—especially when they are young and financially dependent. Most medical insurance providers allow dependent children up to the age of 25 years to be covered. However, once they cross the age limit or become financially independent, they must be insured under a separate policy. For younger children, a family floater ensures cost-effective coverage and reduces the need to manage multiple policies.

    Conclusion

    In summary, family floater medical insurance policies present a holistic approach to include your entire family under one insurance plan. However, it's crucial for you to be mindful of the exclusions inherent in these policies. Prior to finalising your policy, always ensure a thorough review of the terms and conditions within your family floater insurance plan to gain a thorough understanding of its coverage and limitations.


    Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

  • What Are The Best Health Insurance Plans For Low-Income Families

    by iciclombard 01 | Nov 03, 2023

    Amid the consistent and ongoing rise in healthcare costs in our nation, along with the continuous surge in illnesses and injuries, you will find that health insurance has transformed into an essential requirement in the modern era. Life's uncertainties and innate health risks make predicting illness impossible, but you can certainly take steps to lessen the financial impact with your health insurance. Based on your current financial status, various insurance plans are available, such as health insurance plans for low income families.

     

    Health insurance plans for low-income families

    The following are some of the most popular options under health insurance for low income individuals.

    • You'll find one of the most prominent initiatives to be the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The policy aims to extend coverage up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family annually, requiring a nominal premium of Rs. 30 per annum. Notably, Ayushman Bharat ensures coverage for pre-existing conditions from the very first day of enrollment, offering a safety net against unforeseen health challenges.
    • The RSBY scheme (Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana) is a noteworthy insurance primarily targeted at those living below poverty line, especially those within the unorganised sector. This scheme supports workers and their family, granting coverage of up to Rs. 30,000 per family per annum. An interesting feature of RSBY is the provision of cashless hospitalisation, coupled with immediate coverage of pre-existing diseases. Under this arrangement, the government contributes 75% of the annual premium, while you contribute a nominal amount of Rs. 30 for renewal or registration. Additionally, the expenses related to the smart card and administrative processes are managed by respective State Governments, showcasing a collaborative approach to healthcare support.
    • The Aam Admi Bima Yojana (AABY) introduces a different facet of health insurance by offering personal accident coverage to rural households like yours without land ownership. Specifically targeting 45 occupational groups, this scheme is oriented towards the head of your family or an earning member, providing a safety net against the financial implications of accidents. The government takes care of the entire premium, providing you with coverage in the event of natural death, accidental death, or permanent disability. In the case of partial permanent disability, a compensation amount of Rs. 37,500 is awarded.
    • Another remarkable initiative is the Employment State Insurance Scheme (ESIS), extending its protective umbrella to workers employed in non-seasonal factories with a workforce of at least ten individuals. Beyond the workers, the plan also typically includes dependents, offering coverage for hospitalisation expenses and cash benefits for disablement or sickness. Additionally, if you meet with an accident during your employment and subsequently pass away, ESIS extends benefits to your dependents, ensuring ongoing financial stability through regular pension disbursements.

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