Blood circulation is among the most crucial bodily functions. Red blood cells (RBCs) continuously supply freshly oxygenated blood to different organs, supporting all major metabolic, digestive, cognitive, and cardiovascular processes. Any interruption in this supply can trigger a chain reaction of complications, leading to poor health. Here are ten common signs of poor blood circulation that one must never ignore. Individuals should visit an expert immediately upon experiencing these symptoms to determine the underlying cause. Swelling Swelling is one of the first noticeable signs of poor blood circulation, which usually occurs in the hands and feet. It is accompanied by a warm sensation under the skin as the blood backs up and pools into a single area due to obstructions in arteries and veins. As blood circulation reduces, one might also experience numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. The numbness and tingling sensations are similar to what one experiences when pins and needles prick the skin. Dry skin Another visible symptom of poor circulation is dry skin. A lack of blood flow affects the regeneration of healthy skin cells, causing the old cells to crack up and form dry patches. If left unchecked, these dry patches can become infected and develop wounds that take time to heal.

The urinary bladder, an important organ located in the pelvic cavity, acts as a temporary reservoir or holding place for urine. Although it performs a vital function, one may not stop to think about it until it does not work as it should. Certain lifestyle choices can impact bladder health and function, leading to issues like painful urination or urinary incontinence. So, avoiding the following peeing mistakes can help one maintain bladder health: Holding it in for too long Sometimes, holding pee in is unavoidable. However, making a habit out of it can impact bladder health. Contrary to popular belief, urine is not sterile. It contains several microbes that can lead to infections. Additionally, holding urine in makes the bladder stretch too much, which can impact bladder control. Not emptying the bladder Not emptying the bladder can also impact bladder health by stretching the organ and increasing the risk of infection. At times, one may also be unaware that their bladder has not been emptied. This is known as urinary retention. It may be a result of blockages, treatments, infections, swelling, or even neurological conditions. Common symptoms of urinary retention include pain or swelling in the lower abdomen, frequent urination in small amounts, a continual urge to pass urine even after peeing, and a slow stream.

Esophageal cancer is a condition that develops due to the rapid and uncontrolled mutation of healthy cells in the esophagus. This mutation is triggered when the body mistakenly attacks its cells and tissue, impacting vital functions in the affected area. Cancer has no cure, and it is only possible to manage the spread and discomfort to a certain extent. Knowing these alarming signs of esophageal cancer and associated discomforts can help doctors decide the prompt course of action. Trouble with swallowing This cancer develops and affects the esophagus, so one will experience problems with swallowing. The healthy cells begin to mutate rapidly as cancer spreads and causes the passage to get constricted. Even the opening becomes too narrow, making it difficult to swallow food and beverages. Even after chewing properly, people might complain of pain while swallowing and morsels getting stuck midway due to constriction. And this symptom only becomes worse as the cancer progresses into the advanced stages. Developing a chronic cough The mutation of healthy cells in the esophagus also results in an excess buildup of mucus. This mucus formation is mainly triggered as an immune response by the body to keep the cells lubricated. Excess mucus further triggers a cough that persists and worsens with the spread of esophageal cancer.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). In this condition, the immune system targets the protective sheath that shields the nerve fibers, which causes communication problems between the brain and the body. This condition can cause permanent damage to the nerve fibers. Warning signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary between patients. Some of the most common early signs of MS are listed below. 1) Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)-  In some patients, the earliest indicator of MS is CIS. This episode lasts 24 hours, and one may experience neurologic symptoms that cannot be associated with another cause, some of which are listed below. Optic neuritis-  This condition causes damage to the myelin of the optic nerve, leading to vision problems and eye discomfort. Lhermitte’s Sign-  This is caused by a lesion on the spinal cord, which causes a tingling or shock sensation in the back and the neck, especially when one bends their neck. Transverse myelitis-  This affects the spinal cord and may cause muscle weakness, numbness, and other issues. 2) Fatigue-  Fatigue is one of the most common indicators of MS. It is described as exhaustion that makes it difficult to carry out one’s daily activities.

What we eat may play a significant role in the upkeep of our health. Some healthy foods may also help tackle symptoms like stiffness and joint pain, which are caused by arthritis. However, eating certain types of meals regularly could get boring. So here are six smoothie ideas to make meals more fun and simultaneously manage the symptoms of arthritis. Moreover, one should consult a healthcare expert before introducing these foods to their meal regime. Avocado smoothie Avocados are a healthy fruit choice, rich in healthy fats and vitamin E. Such properties are essential for preventing cartilage damage, which reduces the symptoms of joint pain caused by arthritis. To enjoy the fruit as a smoothie, one needs a cup of avocado cubes, a cup of cherries, and a cup of natural pineapple juice. The next step involves simply mixing all the ingredients and adding water to the mix until it reaches the desired consistency. Blueberry smoothie Those who enjoy eating berries may love to learn that blueberries are significantly healthy for the body, especially in tackling the symptoms of arthritis. Adding blueberries to meals could introduce several phytonutrients, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to the body, which may tackle the effects of inflammation.

Lungs play a vital role in breathing and oxygenating one’s body. Any disorders of this vital organ caused by inflammation can rapidly affect the rest of the body. However, many people may not realize they have lung problems until they become severe. Knowing the early signs of poor lung health can help individuals seek medical attention and prevent further damage. This article discusses some early signs of poor lung health and what they indicate. Here are a few common signs of poor lung health: Shortness of breath:  Difficulty breathing, especially after mild physical activity, could indicate poor lung function. Shortness of breath is also known as dyspnea, and it is a common symptom of many lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. A cold or flu virus can clog and stress out one’s lungs, causing shortness of breath. This compromised lung capacity can make one more susceptible to developing bacterial infections, including bacterial pneumonia or bronchitis. If one is experiencing shortness of breath, it is crucial to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Inability to breathe deeply:   Poor lung health can make it challenging to fully expand the lungs, resulting in shallow breathing.

Routine health checkups are important because they give people insight into what’s happening in their bodies. During these visits, one can ask the healthcare professional any health-related questions and resolve their doubts. However, since routine checkups are generally far apart (annual, in most cases), it’s necessary to ask the right questions to make the entire session worthwhile. Here are a few things individuals can ask the expert when undergoing a checkup. Am I getting enough sleep? Despite everything that’s said and written about sleep, its importance is still underrated by many across the globe. How much sleep a person requires will vary depending on age, activity level, and overall health. However, most people require six to nine hours of rest every night. Unfortunately, some may be unable to clock in adequate sleep due to work or personal stress. In such instances, it’s perfectly normal for people to ask their doctor if the hours they sleep daily are enough to keep them healthy. The healthcare expert is qualified to give patients details about their sleep patterns and the effects a lack of sleep has on their bodies. Does my family history put me at risk of any disease? For routine health checkups, most people prefer family doctors they have visited regularly for many years.

With the stigma around our sexual health, speaking to a gynecologist about specific issues can be tricky. One of the biggest reasons most of us shy away from asking questions about our sexual health is fear of judgment. It is important to remember that gynecologists are professionals trained to answer all your queries so that you can enjoy optimal health. Here are the most commonly asked ‘embarrassing’ questions at the gynecologist’s office: Does it look normal? Many women often worry about how their vulva looks. Like the rest of our bodies, vulvas come in all different shapes, sizes, and characteristics. There is no one-size-fits-all look, so there is nothing to feel self-conscious about. However, if you notice abnormal changes or growths, talk about them with your gynecologist. Since gynecologists are used to seeing several of them daily, they are the best person to clarify all your concerns. Do I need to shave/wax/groom before my visit? Having to strip down in the gynecologist’s office can be intimidating for many people, especially if it’s your first time. Many women feel they would be judged for their personal grooming practices and hair growth around their vagina. So unless you have a bump or a concerning spot covered by pubic hair, you do not need to worry about having to groom before your visit.

Autism spectrum disorder, better known as autism or ASD, is a developmental disability. Most people and children with this condition experience problems with social interaction, communication, repetitive behaviors, and interests. This can cause problems in relationships. One must keep in mind that several signs of ASD appear during the first 12 to 18 months. Hence, parents must consult a healthcare professional when they notice the following early signs of autism in children. Development of peculiar interests When a child is in the early stages of autism, he or she may show behaviors or interests that seem unusual. For instance, the child may line up toys or other objects and get incredibly upset when the order is changed suddenly. Another example of this early sign is the child throwing tantrums when separated from an object, activity, or toy. Unusual movements Another sign seen early in children is problems with cognitive functioning. So, if a child is on the autism spectrum, it can affect their motor skills. This can cause the child to go around in circles, flap the hands and feet, and rock back and forth rapidly. Additionally, the child may also experience an increased response to certain sensory triggers such as strong smells, sights, and sounds.

According to reports, cancer affected around 439 per 100,000 individuals in our country in 2019. But on the bright side, many survived the condition. This suggests that while cancer is a significant health concern, timely diagnosis and advanced treatment can help patients recover. Besides doctor-recommended therapies, a healthy lifestyle and nutrition plan is essential when dealing with the condition. Here are some herbs and spices that may help prevent and manage cancer: Turmeric Turmeric does more than just flavoring one’s food to perfection. Curcumin, the component that facilitates its bright-yellow color, is a potent antioxidant that may slow the spread of cancer cells in the body. It does this by helping destroy the blood vessels that feed cancer cells. Thanks to this property, turmeric complements cancer treatments like chemotherapy. It may be added to gravies, soups, smoothies, and stir-fries. Turmeric milk or tea is also emerging as a popular beverage. Garlic This allium vegetable helps prevent cancer cells from growing new blood vessels and facilitates their death. S-allyl cysteine, an organosulfur compound present in garlic, is shown to suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells. Reports from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) also indicate that garlic is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

Prostate cancer is a condition wherein healthy cells in a man’s prostate begin growing aggressively and out of control. If left unchecked, this tumor can spread to nearby organs such as the rectum, bladder, and others. In such instances, this disease is likely to become life-threatening. Fortunately, prostate cancer is often highly curable if healthcare professionals diagnose and treat it at an early stage. Some of the common warning signs of prostate cancer are listed below. Stiffness in the lower back If the tumor is not dealt with during its initial stages, prostate cancer spreads to several areas encompassing the lower back region in a person’s body. The malignant cells can negatively affect the bones, leading to a condition known as bone metastasis. Eventually, cancer affects the spine and triggers back stiffness and pain in people. This symptom can sometimes make it hard for patients to sit. Frequent urination As mentioned earlier, in its advanced stages, prostate cancer can affect surrounding organs, such as the bladder, urethra, and, in the long term, kidneys if it spreads. The urethra and the bladder are two organs close to the prostate gland. So, as the prostate enlarges out of control due to cancerous cell growth, it puts pressure on the bladder, which in turn causes people to feel the urgent need to urinate more often than usual.