Have you ever experienced breathlessness even after carrying out your day-to-day activities? Or have you been frequently experiencing wheezing or coughing fits? If your answer to either of the questions is yes, you might want to get yourself checked out. These can be considered signs of weak lungs that aren’t functioning optimally. Lungs have a crucial role to play in purifying the blood and supplying the body with oxygen. Shortness of breath Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath is among the most common signs of poor lung health. This does not mean calling the doctor’s clinic after you have run a marathon. But, if a short brisk walk or climbing a flight of stairs leaves you breathless, it could be a red flag you need to pay attention to. This sign could indicate conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or lung cancer. Chronic cough Some infections or flu can leave you with a cough that lasts weeks after the fever has abated. However, a chronic cough that has managed to stick around for more than eight weeks can be a sign you need to see a doctor. It could indicate underlying conditions such as asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, or lung cancer.

Bathing or showering is crucial for maintaining good health and hygiene, and the act is almost done on autopilot as adults. But, have you ever taken time out to wonder if you were doing it correctly? There are ways of making our showering routine more efficient, so we can save time, energy, and water. Here are some common mistakes people make when bathing and showering and how to avoid them. Bathing multiple times a day Washing your body too often removes healthy oils and bacteria from the skin, making it dry, itchy, or cracked. If you work out multiple times a day or spend long hours outside doing physical work, it may be necessary to shower twice daily to keep your body clean. If not, showering twice a day could waste time and precious resources such as water. Using the wrong soap Using antibacterial soaps can strip your skin of good and bad bacteria and make it more susceptible to infections. Using harsh soaps can also dry out your skin. Stick to mild soaps or gentle cleansers with added oils or moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin feeling soft and supple. If you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, it may be advisable to use a fragrance-free soap.

Menopause, a natural process, signals the end of a woman’s childbearing years. Significant hormonal changes are underway, which can result in various physical and psychological symptoms. Although controlling these symptoms might be difficult, there are many techniques that women might use to lessen their discomfort. We will offer suggestions and guidance on how to manage menopause symptoms and enhance the general quality of life throughout this transitional period in this article. Menopause symptoms Changes in hormone levels, specifically a decrease in the ovarian synthesis of estrogen and progesterone, lead to menopause symptoms. Menopause symptoms can range in severity and duration and might include: Periods becoming irregular As menopause approaches, periods may vary, get lighter or heavier, or stop entirely. Hot flashes Hot flashes or short bouts of warmth extend to the face and upper body, followed by flushing, perspiration, and chills. Night sweats Night sweats can produce excessive perspiration while you sleep, disrupting your sleep cycle. Vaginal dryness and discomfort Dryness, itching, burning, and pain in the vaginal area during sexual activity are all signs of low estrogen levels. Mood swings Changes in mood, such as impatience, anxiety, depression, and difficulties concentrating, are common throughout menopause. Symptoms of menopause and tips for managing it Insomnia During menopause, many women have trouble falling or staying asleep.

Anemia is a health condition where the body lacks healthy red blood cells (RBC) to carry sufficient oxygen to all its parts. When an individual has anemia, they might experience weakness. This condition has many different types, each with its own causes. Fortunately, various treatment options exist to manage the warning signs and symptoms, including lifestyle changes and healthy nutritional habits. Keep reading to learn more about anemia and its warning signs that necessitate treatment. Top 6 warning signs of anemia Fatigue One of the most common and noticeable warning signs of anemia is fatigue. Here, one might experience a sudden lack of energy due to insufficient iron intake, which is needed to produce hemoglobin. When someone has anemia, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin and distribute oxygen and other nutrients to different parts. In most cases, fatigue can also set in when vital organs and muscles receive insufficient oxygen. Brittle nails and changes in skin color Another noticeable sign of anemia is pale skin. It can result from a lack of hemoglobin or red blood cells (RBCs). So, when the body notices low levels of RBC, it automatically diverts blood to all its vital organs. It leads to pale skin or a pale complexion.

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting most adults in the country. There are over 100 different subtypes of arthritis that exhibit a myriad of symptoms as the condition progresses. However, there are a few key early signs and symptoms that indicate developing arthritis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help improve quality of life in the long run. Here are the signs and symptoms to identify. Pain and tenderness Pain that develops with muscle tenderness between the connecting joints is an early arthritis sign. Experiencing stiffness in the joints with the new pain is also a worrying sign that should not be ignored. Often this pain goes away with physical activity. However, prolonged periods of inactivity further worsen the stiffness associated with the condition. Further, inflammation of the joints will also cause a warm sensation to develop under the skin with visible swelling and redness. These inflammatory responses mainly affect the membranes that hold joints together and worsen as arthritis progresses. Lumps under the skin For specific types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, a person may develop nodules or lumps under the skin. The size varies depending on the severity of the condition, but these nodules can be as small as a lentil or grow more significant than a walnut.

The bones serve several functions, including permitting locomotion and motor capability and protecting vital organs. However, many factors could lead to the weakening of bones (osteoporosis), such as age and family history. The phenomenon could result in complications affecting an individual’s ability to carry out daily tasks. The best way to improve weaker bones is by identifying these early warning signs and subsequently working on ways to manage the condition. Weaker grip strength Some individuals might experience a sudden low grip strength. And this is a potential indicator of low bone mineral density. The lack of grip would indicate that the individual’s muscle strength has reduced. The development could result in the inability to open tin cans or push heavy doors. It may also prevent one from holding onto a grab rail on a staircase effectively, which could increase the risk of falls and fracturing bones. Grip strength is easily measurable in a doctor’s office or at home with a hand dynamometer tool. Receding gums If someone notices receding gums – usually during a visit to a dentist – it should be considered an indicator of osteoporosis. The teeth and jaw bones are joined. So if the jaw starts to lose bone mineral density, it will result in receding gums.

Autism is a progressive cognitive disorder that primarily impacts a child’s ability to communicate and interact daily. The condition develops and progresses early on with symptoms affecting behavior and communication, impacting a child’s normal growth. Children also develop limits and deficits in the necessary social skills for bonding and emotional development. The condition has no cure, but identifying the symptoms early and planning prompt treatment can improve the long-term outlook. Slow responses and reactions Autism affects the child’s emotional development. So, what comes naturally to other children may not be the same for children who are in the early stages of this disorder. Autistic children are slow to react, hesitate to smile or laugh slowly, resist hugging or cuddling, and neglect any interest in everyday routine. The condition is imminent if babies don’t babble naturally, develop facial expressions that don’t match reactions, and avoid eye contact within the first 12 months. Social isolation After the first 12 months, toddlers and preschoolers struggle with any activity that requires an emotional connection, be it with an object or even a person. Parents must take note of their child’s preferences and interests to check if they are showing signs of distancing. Key signs include playing on their own and avoiding social contact even if another child approaches them.

Nobody likes talking openly about bodily functions, especially when it comes to digestion and excretion. This is why, most people struggle to discuss issues like constipation and excessive flatulence, even with close relatives. Fortunately, a gastroenterologist’s cabin is a safe space where the healthcare expert can resolve all potentially embarrassing queries without a hint of judgment. Here are some of the most so-called embarrassing questions one can freely ask their gastroenterologist without holding back. Do I have constipation? Constipation is a very specific health issue involving hard and lumpy stools that are incredibly challenging to eject from the body. Also, someone with constipation will constantly feel that they have not evacuated their feces completely, which leads to a perpetual urge to visit the restroom for a quick pooping session. A gastroenterologist can differentiate between this and other common conditions like gas, bloating, cramps, and others in which people have less-than-smooth bowel movements or do not feel like defecating even after multiple days without doing so. Do I need a colonoscopy? Constipation is a common issue across the country. People with issues such as chronic idiopathic constipation often believe that colonoscopy is the only solution to resolve it. An experienced gastroenterologist decides whether someone needs a colonoscopy based on 4 factors:

Diabetes or high blood sugar can be effectively controlled if a proper daily diet is followed. Paying attention to food habits will not only keep a control on the blood sugar but also develop overall healthy weight. A balanced diet is often suggested by dieticians but not many understand the need for the same. If a person is suffering from diabetes, one thought tends to constantly remain in our mind and that is how to control blood sugar. Here are 10 best food items that are popular, easily available, and perfect for controlling blood sugar. Take a look! Vegetables are perfect for controlling blood sugar We all know that vegetables are an important part of everyday meals and diet plan. Including vegetables in the meal helps to keep us fit and healthy. Not only does eating vegetables healthy for a maintained body weight but also for controlling high blood sugar. It is advisable to include all kinds of vegetables in your diet but ensure to choose vegetables that are low in carbohydrates. You can try having mushrooms, tomatoes, sprouts, and onions, to name a few. Try adding more flavor to your meal by seasoning the vegetables well. Broccoli for a healthy heart Often recommended by doctors for people suffering from high blood sugar, broccoli is considered one of the best food items when one is looking to control blood sugar.

Parkinson’s disease affects a large number of individuals in the country. It is characterized by tremors and rigid muscles and affects the day-to-day functioning of the individual.  No specific nutritional program can help cure Parkinson’s disease. But research has shown that following a healthy meal plan and nurturing a healthy body can help deal with the condition better. Herein, we shall discuss the foods that help tackle Parkinson’s as well as those to be avoided. These foods are highly recommended for Parkinson’s disease patients: Fatty fish Fatty fish can go a long way in helping tackle Parkinson’s disease. The omega-3 fatty acids present in fatty fish can help reduce inflammation of the nerves and improve neurotransmission. Omega-3s can also help slow the progression of neurodegeneration due to Parkinson’s disease. Foods high in antioxidants Free radicals can damage organs and fatty tissue, and even lead to the development of Parkinson’s in the body. Antioxidants help tackle free radicals that wreak havoc in the body. Blueberries, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits are great sources of antioxidants.   Foods with high nutritional value Those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease also suffer from nutrient deficiencies. To tackle this issue, eating foods with tons of zinc, iron, and essential vitamins becomes cricial.

Nasal polyps are soft tissue growths found inside the nasal passage or on the sinuses. They are a symptom of respiratory diseases, allergies, and common sinus infections. Nasal polyps can cause breathing problems due to congestion and may increase the risk of infections among adults. It is possible to manage the condition with medications and treatments among known nasal polyps info options. The following changes in the food regime also help. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals Vitamin A and foods rich in beta carotene help counter inflammation and protect the sinus membrane. Popular options include dark leafy greens and fresh fruits, including spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, melon, mango, and apricots. Additionally, vitamins C and E can help fight free radicals that cause tissue damage due to oxidative stress. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds that are rich in bromelain and magnesium can further provide relief from sinus infections triggered due to nasal polyps. These foods are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and repair tissues. Foods rich in nutrients Cayenne pepper is rich in capsaicin that helps clear the sinuses and congestion. Additionally, foods that contain quercetin are potent antioxidants that fight inflammation and provide long-term relief.