Sarcopenia

After a certain age, people start losing muscles. This is known as Sarcopenia. It is most likely to be seen among people above the age of 60 or 70. The older one becomes, the weaker the muscle becomes. A sedentary lifestyle can also lead to early sarcopenia. It leads to the loss of strength, functionality of the body, and mass. It is quite natural with the growing age after 30 years of age. However, with a healthy diet, healthy routine, and daily exercise, one can delay the pace of Sarcopenia symptoms. Understanding the various causes and symptoms is essential to understanding the nature of Sarcopenia and how to stay healthy and fit.

In order to understand 'what is sarcopenia', one also needs to properly understand the several causes apart from the general age factor. Here are the causes-

• Health problems that are chronic
• Low weight
• Genetic issues
• Poor stress management
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diabetic patients
• Obesity
• Decrease in the level of hormones
• Alcohol consumption or smoking habit
• Malnutrition and poor diet style
• Heart problems
• Kidney or liver disorder

Already age stimulates sarcopenia symptoms and if these aforementioned problems accompany the age factor, the severity of sarcopenia may increase. So, consulting a doctor soon is a must in such cases.

Depending on the amount of muscle loss, sarcopenia symptoms may slightly differ from one individual to another. Some common symptoms are-

• Low strength and endurance
• Change in the size of muscles
• Difficulty balancing while standing or walking
• Persistent weakness
• Difficult climbing stairs.

Apart from the general age factor, some risk factors are also associated with sarcopenia and so, some people are more prone to get this disease early. The various risk factors are-

• Metabolic syndrome
• Type ll diabetic patients
• Poor diet
• Malnutritioned people
• Junk food eaters

Sarcopenia assessment includes certain tests like dual-energy-Xray absorptiometry test or walking speed test. In serious cases, men's hormone or testosterone therapy may be given as sarcopenia treatment. Patients may also be recommended to have a daily intake of Vitamin D and protein.

Sarcopenia is majorly age, lack of activity, and poor-diet related problems. It is quite obvious that age factors cannot be dealt with and a certain amount of muscle loss will happen no matter what preventive measures you take because that is the normal course of a human body. However, to lessen its speed and pace here's what all you can do-

• Exercise daily, maybe for 30 mins only
• Have a healthy and nutritious diet
• Supplementary consumption can also help. You may consult your doctor for the right supplements
• Yoga and meditation on a daily basis is also an ultimate exercise
• Stay positive and think positive
• Try to avoid stress.

There are several health plans available. So, to help you get your hands on the right one, here are some of the leading health insurance plans for Sarcopenia

Health insurance plans for Sarcopenia are meant to provide you with the needed cover and financial assistance in case of any medical emergency. Although sarcopenia is an obvious health condition, insurance will give you financial relaxation especially when you are already ageing. The benefits include-

• Protection for family

  Top and leading health insurance plans also give you the option to insure your complete family. With such a policy, you need not have a specific health plan for each family member.

• Cashless hospitalization

  With network hospitals, you do not have to carry or pay in cash. The insurance company will pay the bills to the hospital without your interference.

• Tax benefits

  Under Income Tax Act, you may also be subject to tax benefits depending on the premium payable and several other factors.

• Financial pillar

  Having a health insurance plan provides you with the financial pillar you need at the time of medical requirement.

• Easy to claim

  Claiming for health insurance benefits is not a tough task. Within a few clicks from the comfort of your home, claims can be raised.

Everything that gets covered in a health insurance policy is referred to as the plan Inclusions. Before you get your hands on a health insurance plan, understanding its inclusions is essential. These are-

• Daycare treatment
• Ambulance expenses
• Pre and post-hospitalisation
• In-patient hospitalisation
• AYUSH cover
• Maternity covers
• Free health check-ups
• The Second opinion cost
• Daily expenses
• ICU charges and room rent
• Cashless treatment

Certain medical conditions cannot be covered under a health insurance policy. Some of the conditions may differ from insurance company to company, however, majorly the exclusions are almost the same. These are-

• Injuries due to suicide attempt
• Injuries due to intake of drugs or alcohol
• Cosmetic treatment
• Existing illness
• Treatment availed abroad
• No claims during waiting period