Excess sugar is linked to multiple health issues, from diabetes to cardiovascular diseases and chronic illnesses. With the increasing availability of packaged foods and baked goods at local stores, it is possible to go overboard with sugar if one is not careful. However, one can keep an eye out for common signs of excessive sugar and limit sweetened food and drink. So, here are a few signs of high sugar intake to recognize: Frequent sugar cravings If one eats too much sugar, they will continue to crave sugary foods and beverages. This is because sugar intake releases dopamine, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure in the brain, so one can crave this feeling and indulge in more sweet foods. So, if one notices persistent cravings, it could be a sign that they need to limit sugary foods and find healthier alternatives. Energy crash This is a common and often unnoticed sign of excess sugar intake. Contrary to popular belief, sugar does not lead to constant energy throughout the day. The ingredient is responsible for an instant boost or rush of energy as the body gets busy utilizing this sugar. However, due to a rapid rise in blood glucose, the body produces insulin to balance the excess sugar.

Excessive sugar intake could lead to various health complications, including diabetic retinopathy – a condition affecting the retina. The longer an individual has diabetes and excessive sugar in their blood, the more likely they are to develop the eye disorder. While there are treatments for the condition, early diagnosis is important to improve the odds of managing the disease. Here are five signs of diabetic retinopathy to help identify and seek assistance immediately. Blurry vision Blurry vision may stem from several conditions, such as strain on the eyes from sitting in front of a screen for long hours. However, it may also indicate high blood sugar and require an expert’s intervention. The symptom may result from a swelling of the lens, which affects one’s ability to see clearly. Floaters An individual may develop symptoms such as floaters, which are small dark shapes that float across their vision. These could look like threads, spots, squiggly lines, and tiny cobwebs. Most people may experience the symptoms occasionally and don’t require treatments. However, it could also be a sign of excess sugar in the blood and may appear suddenly without going away. In such situations, one must consult an expert immediately. Bleeding in the eye People who notice bleeding in their eyes should consult with a healthcare professional immediately.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that impacts the nervous system. It affects the movement and motor skills of an individual. Sometimes, it also changes behavior, cognitive abilities, memory, and sleep patterns. Since the condition is progressive, the symptoms start gradually. Although Parkinson’s is not curable, some treatments slow down the condition’s progression and help manage the symptoms. Understanding the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease can help in timely diagnosis and management. Tremors Also called rhythmic shaking, the tremors usually start in the limbs. Even when the hands are at rest, one might experience tremors. The intensity of shaking may come down when the individual is engaged in some activity or task. Some people with Parkinson’s might experience pill-rolling tremors, wherein they try to rub their forefinger and thumb back and forth. Slowed movement This early sign of Parkinson’s is also called bradykinesia and is characterized by slow movement. Also, it makes it harder to perform the simplest of tasks. For example, a person’s steps become slower and shorter while walking. They may tend to shuffle or drag their feet as they walk. They may also find it difficult to stand up after sitting down for a while. In short, it becomes time-consuming to do routine tasks.

Neuroscience is an interesting study field, with never-ending questions and the quest to answer them. If you know a neurologist and would like to strike up a healthy conversation to know more about the field, you can start with some unusual questions. These questions may not just be about the brain’s health but also about understanding how powerful and complex this organ is. Here are some to start you off. Can brain waves be harnessed to generate power to make devices work? While the brain produces electricity of its own through the neuron receptors, the energy generated is too small. However, there is ongoing research to understand how this electricity naturally generated in the body can be used for scientific purposes. The research includes trying to treat wounds in the body, depression, paralysis, and even cancer. One of the best examples of how electric waves are used in treatment is the pacemaker which helps facilitate the beating of the heart at an appropriate pace. How does the brain intercept and process abstract concepts like art and philosophy? A small experiment was done at the Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging to understand how the brain activates neural patterns to understand abstract scientific concepts.

Unbeknownst to many, having a heart attack can increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks among men and women. Several contributing factors, ranging from age to unhealthy lifestyle choices or certain health conditions, increase this risk. Therefore, older adults and people who have endured a heart attack must pay attention to the warning signs and symptoms of recurrent heart failure. However, more importantly, one must avoid making certain mistakes to prevent this condition. Working out excessively If forced to pump blood more excessively during any physical activity, the heart can fail at some point due to wear and tear. This risk is high among patients already diagnosed with cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure. Experts recommend at least 30 mins of physical exercise daily to keep the heart muscles strong. Not making lifestyle changes Healthy changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle will only help improve overall cardiovascular function. However, resisting change or not following specific nutrition and activity guidelines recommended by a healthcare expert increases the risk of heart failure, among other conditions. When coupled with unhealthy habits and poor lifestyle choices, this can result in chronic complications. Skipping prescriptions After an episode of heart attack or failure, one must follow prescription treatments suggested by a health expert without fail to keep the organ’s health in check.

Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body and is also found in regular foods and beverages. It’s a fatty substance stored in the body’s cells and produces vitamins or minerals to support vital bodily functions. The body stores both good and bad cholesterol so any imbalance in either levels can trigger high cholesterol. A buildup of high cholesterol can lead to severe health complications, making it imperative to identify the warning signs of the same. Signs of high cholesterol There are no direct symptoms of high cholesterol. However, high cholesterol does increase the risk of several underlying health complications that trigger the following discomforts. Discomfort in the chest High cholesterol greatly increases the risk of coronary heart disease. So, one might experience chest pain, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea, as a precursor. As cholesterol levels increase in the arteries, it causes a buildup of plaque, causing blockage. Cognitive problems Problems with cognition are also indicative signs of high cholesterol. As the plaque buildup increases blood pressure in the arteries, vital oxygen supply to the brain is cut off. This can result in loss of balance, coordination problems, dizziness, drooping eyelids, paralysis on one side, confusion, slurring, blurred vision, severe headaches, and even numbness.

Are loud snores keeping you up at night? Whether you are a sleep-deprived partner or someone who is bothered by their own snores, it is important to address the cause and find suitable solutions to get uninterrupted sleep. Snores are sounds triggered by obstructed breathing. From lifestyle changes to tried-and-tested remedies, various approaches can help clear the nasal passages. So, here are a few tips to follow for a quiet bedtime:  Fix the sleeping position Sleeping on your back can worsen snoring, as it allows the tongue and soft tissues to collapse into the airway. Try sleeping on your side. You can get pillows designed to keep you in the correct position to breathe easily. Clear congestion Nasal congestion from allergies or colds can restrict airflow and cause snoring. Use saline nasal sprays, nasal strips, or a humidifier to keep your nasal passages clear and lubricated. Nasal strips are among the most common options to stop snoring, but they may not work for everyone. Stay hydrated Dehydration can lead to the production of thicker mucus, narrowing the airways and exacerbating snoring. So, drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your air passages moist. Follow a bedtime routine Establishing a regular sleep routine helps regulate the body’s internal clock leading to better sleep quality.

Are you finding it difficult to catch your breath lately? Breathing difficulty can be a significant cause for concern, and its symptoms should not be ignored. While common conditions such as asthma and COPD are widely known, several lesser-known lung conditions can also contribute to respiratory issues. In this article, we will explore five lung conditions contributing to breathing difficulties and learn the different approaches one can take to treat the condition. Lung conditions that can cause breathing difficulties Pulmonary hypertension Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. This can strain the heart and cause breathing difficulties, fatigue, chest pain, and fainting spells. Pulmonary hypertension can be idiopathic or secondary to underlying conditions such as heart or lung diseases. Various treatment options may help widen the blood vessels, improve blood flow, and address the underlying cause. Chronic bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation and excessive mucus production in the airways and is often caused by long-term exposure to irritants. A persistent cough lasting at least three months in two consecutive years is the hallmark symptom of chronic bronchitis. Treatment involves bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and lifestyle modifications. Lung cancer Lung cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the lungs and can cause breathing difficulties as it progresses.

In a world teeming with microscopic adversaries, staying vigilant for the early signs of viral infection is essential. By identifying these telltale indicators, we can take swift action, safeguard our health, and curtail the spread of contagious illnesses. Viral infections encompass a wide range of diseases, each leaving a distinct footprint on our bodies. They can manifest in various ways, presenting distinct symptoms. Understanding these early indicators empowers us to protect ourselves and others. Flu symptoms One of the primary indicators of a viral infection is the onset of flu-like symptoms. A sudden and persistent fever, often accompanied by chills, can be an early sign that your body is fighting off an infection. Alongside fever, you may experience head and body aches, ranging from mild to severe, causing discomfort and reduced energy levels. Fatigue and weakness are also common during viral infections. Upper respiratory symptoms Viral infections frequently affect the respiratory system, leading to a range of upper respiratory symptoms. Nasal congestion, accompanied by a runny or stuffy nose, can make breathing challenging and affect your comfort. A sore throat, characterized by pain, irritation, and inflammation, is another common sign of a viral infection. It may be accompanied by difficulty swallowing or a scratchy sensation.

Millions of people across the country use wheeled mobility devices such as wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, or scooters due to limited or complete loss of their ability to walk. While these devices help provide accessible mobility, they may also harm one’s health in the long term. Many wheelchair users face barriers when accessing preventive healthcare services and achieving physical fitness. Because of these reasons, they are more likely to develop the following: Shoulder overuse injuries:  Maneuvering the wheelchair can put pressure on the upper body’s chest, shoulder, and back muscles, making them more susceptible to injuries and strains. Strengthening these muscles can help avoid such injuries. Look for wheelchair-friendly gyms, or try muscle-strengthening exercises at home using resistance bands. Urinary tract disorders:  Accessibility to washroom facilities remains a struggle for wheelchair users, especially when out and about. This makes them more prone to developing urge or stress incontinence and other urinary tract disorders. Reduced bone density:  Those living with a severely limiting condition or disease, such that they are immobile for six months or longer, are at a higher risk of experiencing bone loss or reduced bone density. This may eventually lead to osteoporosis. Muscle atrophy:  Similarly, more extended periods of immobility have also been associated with reduced glycogen storage, which impacts the ability of the muscles to mobilize fatty acids.

Gynecologists are specialized doctors whose primary focus is women’s health and the reproductive system. These healthcare professionals can treat various health problems across menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, obstetrics, hormone disorders, and more. Hence one must seek their advice during tough times. However, there are chances that one may not know the symptoms to look out for. Hence, here are some early signs that indicate a woman’s need to consult a gynecologist. Early signs that indicate a visit to a gynecologist Painful periods Many women feel discomfort during the menstrual period. While some can have stomach cramps, hot flashes, and sore breasts, others can experience low blood pressure, headache, and excess hunger. However, if one has unmanageable abdominal pain, this can be due to problems such as endometriosis – an extra buildup of tissue outside the uterus, or fibroids – abnormal growth of cells and tissue in the uterus. Abnormal vaginal bleeding While spotting between periods isn’t a cause to worry, one must look out for unexplained bleeding between periods and bleeding after menopause. Additionally, when one is pregnant and notices bleeding, it can signify issues with the pregnancy. In addition, if one experiences excess bleeding, it could indicate ovarian cancer. Breast pain or lumps Usually, women can notice tenderness in the breast area before the onset of their menstrual period.