A good lotion is an extremely important element that should be a part of your daily-skin regime. The skin gets dry and loses its moisture and the best lotions help the skin retain water and keep it protected. Using the best lotions for dry skin religiously is found to have an extremely great effect in repairing and soothing dry itchy skin. However, how do you choosing the best one from a wide range of options can put you in a fix.

The skin is made of several layers and the top layer comprises of dead skin cells. It is beneath this skin layer where water is stored. However, when the water levels are low, it begins to feel dry and there is a loss of elasticity. Thus, the best lotions for dry skin are formulated with the right ingredients that fill in for the lost moisture. Here are some of the popular lotions for dry skin that will help your skin healthy and well-hydrated.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
The daily moisturizing lotion from Aveeno has been widely lauded for nearly a decade now. The lotion is fragrance-free and formulated to be non-irritating, making for a mild application. It also contains ingredients such as oatmeal and glycerin that effectively soothe the skin. The Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion can be purchased at an affordable price of around $8.

Keihl’s Creme De Corps
The Creme De Corps is one of the best lotions for dry skin from the brand. This is the best-selling product, it has been a hit ever since its launch. The lotion is non-greasy and thus, you do feel uncomfortable. Moreover, the formulation includes cocoa butter and sesame oil that render deep hydration. The Kiehl’s Creme de Corps is available at around $30.

Avene TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid lotion
The Nutri-Fluid lotion packs an updated formulation that is bound to make it your favorite. This moisturizer is extremely mild and can even be used on the skin of a baby. While the lotion may seem thick, it glides on the skin, giving you the perfectly smooth skin. Fragrance-free, the product provides long hours of hydration. The Avene TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid lotion is available at just around $42.

Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion
If you are looking for a light-weight lotion that you can even wear during summers, then Clarins lotion is the ultimate choice for you. Endowed with shea butter, this lotion works in every season. It has a mild fragrance that feels supper-fresh. Get your hands on this Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion at just about $43.

Medical alert systems and devices are very useful for notifying medical authorities in case of an emergency. At the push of a button, emergency services and medical centers can be given an alert to respond for assistance. Technological advancements have certainly helped the way medical assistance is provided. However, there are a number of factors that must be considered while selecting AARP medical alert systems and devices. Popular AARP medical alert systems and devices such as personal and medical emergency response system and medical emergency response systems provide increased independence and peace of mind for your loved ones.

Here is what you should consider while choosing AARP medical alert systems.

Type of device or system
The type of medical alert device or system will determine its functionality. Checking whether the device is wearable or requires a stable installation and determining the system’s range, mobility, connectivity, battery life, and remote connectivity are all the factors to consider while shopping for AARP medical alert systems.

System functionalities
Your new medical alert system should be able to call for help, alert authorities in case of a fall, and monitor your health remotely. GPS location tracking, activity monitoring, daily electronic check-in services, fitness tracking, and general home security monitoring are additional functionalities you should look for while buying AARP medical alert systems.

Response and assistance
The main idea of installing a medical alert system or using wearable medical alert technology is to expect a quick and efficient response from emergency medical services. Check to see if medical alert system companies operate with emergency response and medical centers within a short radius of your current residence. Ensure the system provides call-routing facilities to alternative emergency response teams in case one cannot make it in time. Customer service and grievance redressal are paramount when it comes to emergency medical services.

Availability and cost
After you have compared features and facilities, the determining factors are price and product availability in your area. Product fees, contracts, guarantee and cancellation policies, any discounts that can be available for the system, and insurance coverage for the cost of AARP medical alert systems are important factors that should be considered before you buy a long-term installation and contract.

For diabetics, it is essential to regularly keep track of their blood sugar levels. Checking blood glucose levels helps in controlling diabetes. This also helps to avoid the complications of diabetes such as neuropathy, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, skin problems, and foot damage. It is recommended that a person with diabetes should go through a complete blood test at least twice to thrice a year. However, regular blood sugar tests can be done at home with glucose meters.

Although many blood glucose meters are affordable, they might make a dent in your pocket. If you are looking for free glucose meters, here are a few tips to help you find glucose meters free of cost:

• The first thing to do is to ask your doctor regarding the recommended brands of glucose meters. Doctors usually know which brands are commonly used by patients and which brands are popular due to their quality and price. Your doctor will know which glucose meters are the most affordable.
• Once you have the list from your doctor, contact your insurance company. Ask them which brands recommended by your doctor are covered by insurance. Many insurance companies reimburse the total cost of glucose meters and test strips. However, it might happen that you can get a free glucose meter which is not approved by the insurance company. In such cases, you might have to pay out of your own pocket for test strips and other supplies that you might require in the future.
• Many insurance companies also have a list of approved pharmacies. You may get free glucose meters from these pharmacies, or the cost will be reimbursed by your insurance. Also, many mail-order pharmacies offer free glucose meters to their customers along with supplying test strips for 90 days.
• Check the websites of popular glucose meter brands. Many offer free glucose meters on trial basis based on certain qualifying parameters. The parameters may include for how long you had diabetes, type of diabetes, whether you have used glucose meters before, and the brand of glucose meter you have used. If you apply for free glucose meters this way, ensure that you read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid any additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Ever wondered why gym enthusiasts keep obsessing over protein shakes so much?

The thing about proteins is that the ones that you get from your daily staple food take time to break down and reach the muscles. While this can be a slow process, there is an alternative for this and you know it as the protein shake. With protein shakes, you can immediately provide your body with the protein that helps in building and toning your muscles.

For those who are thinking to start drinking protein shakes after reading this, note that there are some things that you need to keep in mind while you consume protein shakes.

Here are some things that you should know –

• The most important thing to keep in mind is that simply drinking protein shakes will be of no good if you do not train regularly and eat right.
  
• The next thing to keep in mind is that there is a correct time to drink a protein shake if you want the best output.
  
• One of the best times to gulp down protein shakes is after an intense workout. This will help in doing damage control through muscle recovery of the muscles that went through intense training.
  
• Drinking protein shakes 30 minutes before your gym session also helps, as it lowers the muscle damage that is bound to happen when you sweat it out in the gym.
  
• Many people drink protein shakes first thing in the morning along with their breakfast as the shake serves as the perfect source of nutrients after a good nights’ sleep.
  If drinking a plainly flavored protein shake is not your thing then you can always spice it up a bit. You can try adding frozen bananas, almond milk, berries, Greek yogurt or hemp seeds to make the drink more interesting. The best thing is that by doing so, you are increasing the nutritional value of the shake and making it richer and better.

Do you already consume protein shakes? If yes, then you are one of those fitness conscious people who know what they want and let nothing stop them from getting it. Just don’t overdo it and ask your nutritionist if you are not aware of how much protein your body ideally needs.

Portable medical alert devices or personal emergency response systems are devices that are catered toward seniors to equip them with a greater sense of independence. What’s best is that these devices provide the much-needed peace of mind to the caregivers. Effective portable medical alert devices are especially helpful as they act as a reliable reassurance in an emergency. Typically, most portable medical alert devices have easy interface and functionalities, prompt response, and sturdy equipment that helps seniors feel safe as well as independent at the same time. While most portable medical alert devices have amazing features, it gets increasingly tricky to choose the best portable medical alert devices out of the lot. Here are some of the things you must consider while picking the most effective portable medical alert systems.

Consider your needs and requirements
The best way to find the perfect portable medical alert device includes identifying your requirements. For instance, if the senior is prone to falls, wearable devices with buttons may work the best. The call for help feature on such devices can help get prompt alerts in emergencies. For seniors undergoing treatment, it is best that you buy portable medical devices with medication reminders and features that monitor health status. Additionally, if the senior is active and someone who drives, the best device would be the one with activity monitor and GPS location detector. Similarly, based on your needs, you can choose to buy devices with additional features like home security, fitness tracking, check-in services and home security monitoring.

Features to watch out for
It is a fact that some portable medical alert devices are more sophisticated than the others. Some of the useful features to invest in include extended range of up to 400 feet, extra back up in the event of power failure, multiple contact options, and extra help buttons at accident-prone areas. You can further base your buying decision on the type of device you may need. You can choose from a pool of waterproof options, wearable devices, and comfortable devices that are non-obtrusive and safe to be worn all day long. Other important features to consider include water resistance, range, mobility, and connectivity.

Cost
While this is a crucial factor that can affect your decision, it is essential you look beyond the price of only the device. It is also important that you consider the overall cost of the particular device and avoid devices with elaborate and complicated pricing policies and additional hidden fees. Ensure you look for a brand that does not charge extra fees for shipping, installation, servicing, activation, and repair.

Peyronie’s disease is the result of multiple penile injuries that cause painful and curved erections. It is a rare type of erectile dysfunction and the cause of the same is largely unknown. Many studies suggest that this form of erectile dysfunction may be caused due to a trauma to the penis. Such trauma can lead to fibrous scar tissue inside the penis and bleeding. However, the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse observes that the condition often arises even without any penile injury.

There is no cure for the disease, but it is treatable. One needs to consult the doctor immediately if the symptoms are severe. The doctor may recommend medications or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some of the preferred treatments for Peyronie’s disease.

Non-surgical treatments
There are a few non-surgical options that can be considered for treating Peyronie’s disease. A technique known as iontophoresis is used to pass weak electrical current that infuses the medication through the skin. Other non-surgical treatments include shock wave therapy that helps in breaking up the scar tissue and penile traction therapy that helps stretching the penis. Patients suffering from Peyronie’s disease can also benefit from gentle penile exercises post treatments, which should be practiced every day for a couple of minutes.

Medications
The Food and Drug Administration has approved clostridium hystolyticum (Xiaflex) for treating Peyronie’s disease. The medication includes a series of penile injections that help in breaking the buildup of collagen inside the penis. It is recommended to consult your doctor before taking any medications. Moreover, it is always preferable to take prescribed medications.

Lifestyle changes
It has been observed that a few lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunctions such as Peyronie’s disease. Some of these changes include reducing the consumption of alcohol, quitting smoking, and regular exercise.

Surgery
The doctor may opt for surgery only in the case of severe deformity of the penis. Some of the surgical options include enlargement of the scar tissue, shortening the unaffected side of the penis and, penile implants.

Colon or colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that is formed in the inner wall of the large intestine, that is, colon or rectum. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in both men and women in the country. Following are some of the best cancer hospitals in the country that can help the patient get treated well:

• University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City
• Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
• Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, Boston
• UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles
• Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
• Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
• Cleveland Clinic
• Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore
• UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco
• Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
• Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian, Philadelphia
• Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital, California
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago
• Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University, St Louis
• University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill
• New York–Presbyterian Hospital
• USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Hospital
• Keck Medical Center of USC, Los Angeles
• Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• City of Hope, Duarte, California

National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer centers are some of the best hospitals with reputed colon cancer doctors and they offer good treatment options across the country. The nearest NCI designated colon cancer centers can be found on their website page. Commission on Cancer (CoC) Hospital Locator can also be used to find accredited hospitals or colon cancer centers near you.

While choosing a hospital or a colon cancer center, the patients and caregivers must remember that it is not just the reputation of the hospital that matters but also the doctor and the team involved in the treatment that is vital, and one must always pick a hospital based on the doctors, their experience with colon cancer treatment, success rate, support services, ratings, location, other patients’ experience and the quality of care they offer.