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7 warning signs of poor lung health
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7 warning signs of poor lung health

People often overlook a persistent cough or mucus build-up in the throat amid their busy schedules. But these could be symptoms of developing lung conditions. The lungs are vital organs that keep us healthy and ensure the human body’s proper functioning. Several factors, from pollution and radiation to infection, can affect the lungs. Therefore, one should learn about the warning signs that indicate poor lung health and take steps to protect the organ. Signs of poor lung health Lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer progress slowly. By being aware of their signs, one can get timely diagnosis and treatment and prevent complications. Here, we have listed seven common warning signs that indicate the lungs are not functioning correctly: Difficulty breathing Lung function usually declines with age, so one may have trouble breathing as they grow older. However, when a person notices sudden shortness of breath without apparent reason, it could be a sign of lung disease. Many lung conditions compromise lung health and make people feel out of breath or energy, even without physical exertion. Chronic cough When a cough lasts more than eight weeks, it should not be ignored. Chronic cough is an early symptom of many lung diseases that damage the organ.
10 warning signs of eczema to watch out for
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10 warning signs of eczema to watch out for

Eczema is a chronic, non-contagious skin disorder where the patient experiences recurring, painfully itchy rashes. It affects people of all ages worldwide, especially infants and young children. The skin barrier plays a vital role in the human body. Conversely, eczema weakens the skin barrier, making it vulnerable to infection and dryness. Though the illness has no known cure, there are several strategies to help people manage their symptoms. Some of the common warning signs of the condition are discussed below. Warning signs of eczema Persistent itching Eczema or atopic dermatitis is characterized by itching that triggers rashes. Itching is one of the first warning signs of the condition. Some people experience mild itching, while for others, it can disrupt their work and sleep. Therefore, itching is one of the symptoms to watch out for to initiate prompt treatment for eczema. Flu or cold Eczema may worsen if the patient is bedridden with an illness like the flu or a cold. An upper respiratory infection can cause inflammation and an eczema flare, even if it is not the main trigger. Dehydrated skin It may feel tight and dry even before the skin itches or turns red from eczema. It is because dryness indicates the malfunctioning of the skin barrier.
3 tips for improving posture and maintaining eye health
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3 tips for improving posture and maintaining eye health

Science shows a correlation between one’s eyes and posture alignment. Human eyes send signals to the brain via the central nervous system. The brain interprets these signals and sends responses through the spinal cord to the rest of the body. When one does not maintain a good posture with natural erect alignment, this communication is hampered, causing health problems over time. So, here are some ideal postures for reading and sitting to maintain healthy eyesight. Postures for good eye health Straighten up the spine While the natural erect alignment of one’s spine can bring many health benefits, slouching can impact the connection between one’s spinal cord and brain. This, in turn, can weaken blood flow, affect sense response, including that of eyesight, and cause blurry vision problems. Ensure one’s spine is erect while standing, with the head held straight and the chin tucked in. Avoid bending forward while reading It’s easy to spend hours on one’s phone or reading with the head tucked in and body bent forward, but this can strain one’s spine, neck, shoulders, and eyes. To avoid this, one can stretch from time to time and better posture by keeping the computer screen parallel to one’s face.
7 harmful effects of smartphones on health
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7 harmful effects of smartphones on health

From finding our way in unknown places to staying connected with loved ones and managing finances, all daily activities are compressed into one smart electronic device—a smartphone. Today, nearly 82% of people in the country own a smartphone. However, studies have shown that excessive use of smartphones can result in several health issues, including sleep deprivation, anxiety, and elevated stress levels. So, here are some adverse effects of smartphone usage: Eye-related issues Excessive use of smartphones can lead to several eye-related complications, including itchy and dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. This is because the blue light generated by smartphone screens causes eye strain, especially when one is overstimulated. So, it is advisable to view the smartphone from a distance of 20–28 inches and rest the eyes for 15 minutes every two hours. Disrupted circadian rhythm The brain is governed by an internal clock, called circadian rhythm, that governs the sleep and wakefulness cycles. The blue light from smartphones hampers the brain’s production of melatonin, the hormone regulating the sleep schedule. As a result, viewing the phone just before bedtime can severely affect sleep quality and duration and even induce nightmares. The National Sleep Foundation advises that phones should be put away at least half an hour before bedtime.
Arthritis – Types and early warning signs
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Arthritis – Types and early warning signs

Arthritis is a term commonly used to describe a group of conditions that affect one’s joints. The bones are cushioned with cartilage, a slippery material that absorbs shocks and enables smooth movement. Arthritis develops when this cartilage wears down due to age or injury and does not function properly, leading to joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Here are the types and early warning signs of arthritis that one should be aware of. Types of arthritis The most common types of the condition include: Osteoarthritis It is a type of arthritis that affects the hips, knees, lower back, and other large joints that bear the most body pressure. Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. It attacks the smaller joints first, including the fingers and toes, and gradually the whole body, making it systemic. Psoriatic arthritis Another autoimmune condition, psoriatic arthritis primarily affects those with psoriasis, characterized by skin inflammation and patchy or scaly skin. Psoriasis commonly affects the tips of the elbows and knees, the navel, and the skin around one’s genitalia. Gout This is a relatively rare type of arthritis that develops when the kidneys cannot process excess uric acid, which accumulates in one’s joints.
7 early warning signs of weakening bones
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7 early warning signs of weakening bones

Eating nutritious food, getting some exercise every day, and ensuring the correct levels of hormones keep the bones healthy. Health conditions like osteoporosis could weaken bones, making them brittle and leading to frequent fractures. While there are management methods, such as therapies and lifestyle changes, to improve weaker bones, identifying the complication at its earliest is crucial. An early diagnosis is only possible if one takes note of these early warning signs of weakening bones. Problems with holding objects An individual with osteoporosis might have trouble holding objects because of weaker grip strength. This is one of the most common signs of osteoporosis that occurs with age. Patients might have trouble pushing heavy doors, standing up, and rotating door knobs. Those with these symptoms must get themselves checked by a healthcare expert. Gum recession Gum recession is when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the underlying roots. Multiple factors, including aggressive brushing, genetics, and unhealthy lifestyle habits, could lead to this. However, sometimes it could be triggered due to the loss of bone mineral density. Since the teeth and jaw bones are connected, if the jaw starts to lose bone mineral density, it could result in receding gums.
Autism – Common signs in early childhood
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Autism – Common signs in early childhood

The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder differ significantly depending on various aspects, including the child’s age. The signs could be observed in their behavioral patterns as early as age one. Regardless of whether someone has the condition, all children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular healthcare appointments when they are 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months old. Here are the common autism signs in children in different age groups. Babies between six months and one year A few developmental differences might become more apparent when a baby becomes a toddler. Parents can identify autism by looking out for specific irregularities during this stage. For instance, the baby might: Not like seeing new faces. Not show any form of affection. Dislike being cuddled. Refrain from pointing their fingers at things. Show no response to their names when called. Make limited or no conversation. Shy away from initiating conversations in the form of “chatter” or “babble.” Avoid asking for help even if needed, and struggle with the activity instead. Rarely smile in social situations. Make limited to no eye contact. Not turn their head to locate sounds, nor react to loud noises. Display a lack of social anticipation (such as not understanding the game of “Peek-a-boo” and not reaching out their arms to be picked up).
5 embarrassing questions to ask a gastroenterologist
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5 embarrassing questions to ask a gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist (GI) specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the digestive system organs, such as the liver, pancreas, stomach, gallbladder, intestines, colon, and esophagus. When experiencing digestive discomfort that does not go away, it might be wise to seek the expertise of a gastroenterologist. Patients should clarify their doubts about their symptoms and overall gastrointestinal health during the visit. Sometimes, it might be awkward, but it is necessary to ask certain uncomfortable questions. Should I worry if I fart too much in a day? Passing gas, a natural bodily function, can result from various factors, such as ongoing treatment, eating specific foods, and even childbirth. Excessive flatulence may point toward conditions like sleep apnea or, in rare cases, colon cancer. If frequent and bothersome farting persists, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a checkup. The expert can assess a person’s discomfort level and provide necessary guidance to address adverse impacts on their daily life. Should I worry if I urinate too often? How many times an individual pees in a day depends on many factors, such as their water intake and consumption of certain beverages. Since people have different bladder capacities, there is no fixed number of times one should use the bathroom.

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