Winter can be busy. Holiday parties, family gatherings, shoveling snow, and other distractions can make dry mouth easy to forget. It’s not unusual to feel dryness in the winter, which can lead to dry eyes, dry skin, and dry mouth.

Your dryness symptoms might be ignored, thinking they are weather-related. But, you may not know that they could be indicative of a more serious medical condition. Keep reading if your mouth feels dry during winter.

Sjogren’s syndrome, pronounced “Sjogren” in the United States, can affect up to four million people. “SHOW-grens”An autoimmune disorder, referred to as a “autoimmune disorder” in which immune cells attack and destroy exocrine hormones. These glands prevent dryness and provide moisture. People can experience dry-mouth symptoms like difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing, cracked or sore lips, dry throats, dry mouth, dry skin, peeling lips, increased cavity formation, digestive problems, and increased risk of developing cancer.

“No matter what the season, any time you notice changes to your health or body, it’s important to talk to your doctor because no symptom should be ignored,”Dr. Michael Brennan, director of the Sjgren’s Syndrome Center and Salivary Disorders Center at Carolinas Medical Center, said: “Dry, cracked lips, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and sensitivity to certain foods, drinks, and the cold or dry air are all important symptoms to discuss with a physician. They may not sound serious, but those symptoms could be critical in diagnosing Sj?gren’s syndrome.”

Talk to your doctor if dry-mouth symptoms are a problem this winter. Here are some tips to manage dry-mouth symptoms.

* If certain foods or drinks seem to bother you, plan ahead before attending holiday parties or family meals. Ask the host what the menu is like before you go. Or offer to bring a dish you know you will enjoy.

* Heating systems can take away moisture in the air. To increase the moisture level in your home, particularly at night, you might consider buying a humidifier.

* Create a “survive the dryness”Kit. Drinking water, sugarless gum and throat lozenges are all good options to combat dryness. These items can be kept at work or in your gym bag along with an extra water bottle.

Your doctor is the best person to consult if you have any questions regarding dryness symptoms, or any other changes in your body. Your doctor can help you determine the root cause of your symptoms and offer suggestions for how to treat them. You can find more information about Sj’gren’s syndrome, and tips on managing dryness symptoms. www.LivingWithDryness.com.

Today’s life is very fast. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, except their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. Although 98 per cent of insurance claims are processed within 30 working days, it can be frustrating for those who have difficulty paying their medical bills.

An insurance policy is not enough, especially with nearly two-thirds American households earning less than 2002. It is important to find out how fast and easy your insurance company processes and pays claims. This is critical for both financial recovery and physical recovery.

According to a recent survey, 66% of workers would struggle to pay for the financial burdens associated with serious injuries and illnesses. Only 49% of workers have over $1,000 to pay out-of-pocket costs. Employers are being forced to take cost-saving measures due to rising health care costs, which is putting even more financial pressure on employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to offer fast service because they have better technology and an understanding of today’s consumer needs. This is just one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is a necessity in today’s world. It is more important than ever that you have money available immediately for serious injuries or illnesses. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.

Aflac’s One Day Pay guarantee can be found on aflac.com/onedaypay.