7 signs of unhealthy skin that need attention

7 signs of unhealthy skin that need attention

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and often also the one that is easily ignored. It is one of the telltale organs which show signs and symptoms of how a person’s body is doing internally – if it is healthy or unhealthy. Many internal and external factors contribute to the skin’s health and here are some signs that indicate one’s skin might need some love, care, and attention. Dry and flaky skin This happens when there is not enough moisture retention in the skin. There can be many factors that cause dryness, including using harsh face and body cleansers, excessive bathing and exfoliation, and extreme weather conditions like too hot or too cold temperatures. Moreover, other underlying conditions like eczema or psoriasis could be responsible for the dry and flaky skin symptoms. It is important to moisturize regularly and drink enough water to stay hydrated. If one lives in an extremely dry environment, then investing in a humidifier is recommended to avoid further skin issues. Acne breakouts This is a prevalent condition that leads to the formation of other issues like blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. When there is excess sebum production, then it leads to clogging of pores and the formation of bacteria.
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7 warning signs of bone cancer to be aware of

7 warning signs of bone cancer to be aware of

Bone cancer is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects an individual’s pelvis and long bones in the arms or legs. Timely detection and treatment are crucial to manage the symptoms effectively. Here are some of the highly common warning signs associated with bone cancer as well as some of its causes and treatment options. This can help individuals recognize symptoms and take proactive measures in addressing this condition. What is bone cancer? Bone cancer, or bone sarcoma, is an uncommon type of cancer that makes up less than one percent of all cancer cases. It occurs once malignant cells start to grow in the bones and form a tumor. Bone cancer can be of various forms. Osteosarcoma, which is highly prevalent in children and young adults. Here, the cancerous cells grow or produce excess bone cells. Chondrosarcoma is another type of cancer where the cancerous cells begin to produce cartilage. It usually affects middle-aged and older adults. Ewing sarcoma tumors primarily affect the pelvis, legs and arms of children and young adults. Warning signs of bone cancer Pain In the initial stage, one may experience pain in the area where the cancer is developing. This is the most common sign and may also be associated with swelling in the area.
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5 tips for healthy lungs

5 tips for healthy lungs

Maintaining lung health is crucial for our overall well-being. Our lungs are primarily responsible for supplying oxygen to our body and releasing carbon dioxide, which is why taking good care of them is essential. However, with the increasing prevalence of lung-related diseases worldwide, prioritizing lung health is becoming more critical than ever. This article will impart valuable tips to help one keep their lungs healthy. Some of them are: Environmental factors that affect lung health The air we breathe can have a significant impact on our lung health. Exposure to air pollution, occupational hazards, and allergens can increase the risk of developing lung-related diseases. Air pollution significantly contributes to lung-related diseases and can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and lung cancer. Occupational hazards such as asbestos, coal dust, and silica can also lead to lung-related diseases. Besides, allergens and irritants such as pet dander, pollen, and smoke can also irritate our lungs and cause respiratory problems. To minimize exposure to these environmental factors, it’s essential to wear protective gear, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, and maintain indoor air quality. Tips to promote healthy lungs Here are some tips to keep your lungs healthy: Practice good hygiene Practicing good hygiene helps prevent the spread of respiratory infections, which can be particularly harmful to people with compromised lung health.
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5 alarming side effects of insufficient water intake

5 alarming side effects of insufficient water intake

Accounting for more than 60% of the human body, water is integral for survival. Hydration facilitates digestive functions, helps maintain temperature, and ensures proper circulation. Health experts and nutritionists advise adults to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily to ensure optimum health. Insufficient water intake can lead to several complications, such as dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, and more. Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of not drinking enough water. Dehydration The first noticeable side effect of poor drinking habits is dehydration. As the term suggests, this is a condition in which the body lacks enough water and cannot function properly. It can lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, dark yellow urine, thirst, and dry mouth. Some severe symptoms include feeling lightheaded or confused. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to life-threatening complications like kidney failure, seizures, and other severe conditions. Skin changes Dry and flaky skin are common symptoms of insufficient water intake. Drinking enough glasses of water during the day is important to keep the skin naturally hydrated and moisturized from within. Many nutritionists also recommend eating hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and similar foods, which helps keep the skin’s elasticity intact, making it appear youthful.
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7 common early signs of Parkinson’s

7 common early signs of Parkinson’s

The brain controls all actions in the body using an intricate network of nerves connecting everything from head to toe. Parkinson’s is a neurological progressive disease that affects this network and disrupts vital nerve signals controlling body parts and functions. The disease does not have a permanent cure. But its symptoms can be managed with treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. One must recognize early signs of Parkinson’s disease to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Tremors Stress or physical fatigue can trigger shaky hands. However, a tremor that develops in the thumb, one of the fingers, the hand, or even the chin while resting may be an early sign of Parkinson’s. Tremors can start in the fingers but can turn into severely uncontrolled movements affecting the entire arm as the condition progresses. Poor balance, posture, and gait Changes in one’s walk and pace, like suddenly walking slower, could be another early sign of the disease. Parkinson’s also affects the nerves that control flexibility and balance. If the person takes more time or struggles with maintaining balance, it indicates damage to the basal ganglia nerves. Changes in stance are also noticeable as the disease progresses, with one developing a stooped or hunched-over posture.
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Understanding high cholesterol – Its symptoms and associated risk factors

Understanding high cholesterol – Its symptoms and associated risk factors

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver. It builds healthy cell membranes, vitamin D, and certain hormones. Since it cannot dissolve in water, it does not travel through the bloodstream. It is carried by lipoproteins, which are low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, or bad cholesterol) and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs, or good cholesterol). High amounts of LDL or low amounts of HDL can lead to fatty buildup in the blood vessels. High cholesterol To find out one’s cholesterol levels, a lipid profile may be required. Here’s what the results mean: Total cholesterol in adults These are the parameters to check one’s total cholesterol: Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL Borderline: 200 to 239 mg/dL High: 240 mg/dL or above LDL cholesterol in adults These are the parameters to check one’s LDL cholesterol: Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL Near-optimal: 100 to 129 mg/dL Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL High: 160 to 189 mg/dL Very high: 190 mg/dL or above HDL cholesterol in adults These are the parameters to check one’s HDL cholesterol: Optimal: 60 mg/dL or higher Borderline: 40 to 59 mg/dL among men and 50 to 50 mg/dL among women Low: Under 40 mg/dL among men and under 50 mg/dL among women Medicare insurance covers routine blood checkups for high cholesterol once every five years.
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6 signs of poor eyesight caused by excessive blood sugar

6 signs of poor eyesight caused by excessive blood sugar

High blood sugar can be caused by high amounts of sugar consumption, insulin deficiency, or in some other way. Either way, people with a high blood sugar ratio tend to have many health issues because of it. While high blood sugar affects nearly every organ and system in the human body, it arguably affects one’s vision most severely. Here are some signs of poor eyesight due to excessive sugar in one’s bloodstream: Blurry vision All the signs and symptoms listed here directly relate to diabetes, the ultimate frontier for high blood sugar-related health conditions. Blurry vision is one of the earlier signs of the dangerously high proportion of sugar in a person’s blood messing with their vision. Most people believe they need new glasses or contact lenses once their vision goes blurry. However, people need to get their eyes tested by an ophthalmologist to confirm whether they need a new pair of contact lenses or other diabetes-related treatment methods. By bringing one’s blood sugar levels into the acceptable range of about 70 to 130 milligrams per deciliter before meals and less than 180 milligrams per deciliter about an hour or two after them, people can correct blurry vision. This meal correction takes up to three months for blurry vision to clear.
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10 easy ways to clean stained teeth

10 easy ways to clean stained teeth

Several people experience changes in the color of their teeth over time. While these alterations can be subtle, they can occur over a gradual period, slowly damaging the teeth. These changes can be noticed in the form of yellow or discolored teeth, which may turn darker with age. Although at first, this may seem harmless, one must not ignore it. Keep reading to learn about ten simple ways to clean stained teeth. Brush regularly and use a mouthwash One must brush their teeth at least two times a day, and especially after consuming foods and beverages that can turn the teeth yellow, such as tea, coffee, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and tomato-based sauces. However, one must remember that brushing the teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods may do more harm than good. Doing so can take away tooth enamel, making the yellow color increasingly visible. Furthermore, to ensure one achieves a pearly smile, one can try whitening mouthwashes. These products contain incredibly low concentrations of chemicals like potassium pyrophosphate and sodium citrate that work by bleaching teeth and removing stains. Apply hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste Most whitening gels contain peroxide-based agents that bleach the teeth. So, one can blend baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste and use it to get rid of plaque and bacteria buildup on the teeth.
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10 early warning signs of a heart attack

10 early warning signs of a heart attack

Heart attacks typically occur when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This blockage can result from plaque buildup in the arteries, causing reduced blood flow to the heart. If the blood flow is severely restricted or completely blocked, it can lead to damage to or death of the heart muscle. Here are the common early signs of a heart attack: 1. Chest pain Also called angina, chest pain is a common early sign that indicates a clogged artery. The pain might feel like a tightness in the chest area, squeezing, or a sensation of pressure and general discomfort. People may also complain of the sensation of burning or pinching. The pain may last for a few minutes. Other reasons for chest pain may include acid reflux, muscle strain, or injury. If one experiences the pain for a few seconds, primarily upon touching a particular area around the chest, it is most likely not a result of a heart attack. Alternatively, one may not experience chest pain but still have blockages. So, it’s important to consult a health professional and check one’s heart health periodically. 2. Stinging sensation One may also experience pain, certain discomfort, or a stinging sensation in different body parts.
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Early warning signs of amyloidosis to be aware of

Early warning signs of amyloidosis to be aware of

Amyloidosis is a rare and intricate health condition characterized by the buildup of abnormal amyloid proteins in various organs and tissues throughout the body. Due to its infrequency and the often subtle nature of its symptoms, diagnosing amyloidosis in its early stages can be a formidable challenge. Nevertheless, early detection is paramount for effective management and treatment. Here’s a look into the crucial early warning signs of amyloidosis that individuals should remain vigilant about. Fatigue and weakness Unexplained fatigue and weakness often serve as the initial signs of amyloidosis. As amyloid proteins accumulate in different organs, they can disrupt regular bodily functions, leading to persistent feelings of weariness and weakness. Swelling of ankles and legs Amyloidosis can impact the heart, resulting in a condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy. This can also cause fluid retention and swelling, which is often observed in the ankles and legs. Unexplained swelling should prompt immediate consultation with a healthcare professional. Shortness of breath With the accumulation of amyloid deposits in the heart and lungs, individuals grappling with amyloidosis may experience shortness of breath, particularly during physical exertion. This symptom can be mistaken for other respiratory issues, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis. Irregular heartbeat Amyloidosis can interfere with the heart’s normal electrical signaling, leading to arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.
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