Good overall health indicates the presence of a proper lifestyle and the right food choices. Among other things, it also points to proper blood circulation. Poor blood circulation can lead to improper functioning of the organs and body systems. The condition can be caused by damaged or restricted blood vessels and plagued arteries, among other factors. Thus, it is crucial for one to be aware of the various symptoms of poor blood circulation. Cramping The painful cramping of muscles, even after minimal or a regular amount of activity, can be a sign of poor blood supply. The symptom is generally resolved after getting some rest. Numbness and tingling The feeling of numbness or tingling generally occurs in the body’s extremities. This is a sign and a result of poor blood flow to the limbs. If the sensation is chronic, it may also be caused by some underlying condition. Exhaustion and feeling cold A proper blood supply gives the body the energy to carry out organ functions, system activities, etc. It also fuels the maintenance of optimum temperature levels along with energy. If the blood supply to the body is compromised, it may lead to one feeling cold, lethargic, and fatigued.

Esophageal cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the esophagus. The mutation usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus and could develop anywhere in this tube. Various treatments and natural remedies could help in managing the condition. However, one must visit a healthcare professional to diagnose cancer early and ensure the best treatment results. Understanding the warning signs of the condition is essential for early diagnosis and management. Trouble swallowing Sometimes people may have dysphagia, which is trouble with swallowing. And these symptoms may often be misdiagnosed as other health conditions, such as eosinophilic esophagitis – an inflammation of the esophagus caused by a specific white blood cell. However, difficulty with swallowing might also occur due to the growth of cancer cells in the esophagus. The trouble might be mild at first but worsen as cancer grows and the opening inside the esophagus gets smaller. Pain in the chest Pain or discomfort in the middle region or a burning, pressurized-like sensation on the chest is often associated with conditions like heartburn. But discomfort in the chest may also be a symptom of the development of esophageal cancer. Therefore, someone who experiences this sign should get an expert’s opinion immediately.

Hearing loss is a common problem that is caused by aging, prolonged exposure to loud noises, certain diseases, and genetic variations. More than half the people in the country over the age of 75 live with age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis. Depending on the part of the ear it affects, presbycusis may be of three types – conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. Here are some of the most common warning signs of hearing loss. Difficulty in hearing consonant sounds Those living with presbycusis may lose their ability to hear high-frequency sounds. These normally include consonant sounds like S, F, Th, Sh, K, V, and P. This means one may easily confuse terms like “show” and “throw” or “peep” and “keep”, which can lead to misunderstandings or miscommunication. One may also think that others are mumbling or talking in muffled tones. Straining to listen Hearing is a brain activity and those who suffer from hearing loss need to strain to listen to what others are saying, which takes a lot of effort for the brain to process the sounds and make sense of them. This can cause listening fatigue. Doctors or audiologists may prescribe professional hearing aids to reduce the strain on one’s ears.

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent disorders in the country, with approximately 1 in 4 adults diagnosed with some form of the condition. There are over 100 different subtypes of arthritis, with each condition characterized by different symptoms. The most common indicators are joint pain and stiffness, which worsen with age. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help patients manage symptoms. Some early warning signs that indicate arthritis are discussed below. Joint pain Arthritis mainly affects the joints with inflammation, leading to pain and tenderness in major bone and muscle groups. It is often coupled with stiffness that is prevalent in the morning and worsens with prolonged periods of inactivity. These flare-ups mainly trigger pain in the membranes connecting two joints. Skin nodules and lumps Arthritis patients often experience skin nodules or excess tissue growth under the epidermis. Inflammation is one of the main triggers of such growths on the knuckles, fingers, forearms, elbows, knees, and even behind the heels. In the case of osteoarthritis, one of the common subtypes, these lumps or nodules first appear on the big toe. Mobility issues Inflammation and pain affect vital muscle and joint groups, leading to mobility problems. The range of motion for the arms and legs becomes restricted as swelling and stiffness develop in the region.

As we age, it is normal for loose skin elasticity and weakening of the bones, also known as osteoporosis. However, the condition may get noticed sooner if one pays close attention. Weak bones are often seen in elderly patients, but in some cases, people can lose bone density at a young age due to vitamin deficiency, poor eating habits, or cancer. So let’s learn more signs that indicate the weakening of the bones. Brittle fingernails Nails and bones have no direct connection, although brittle nails could indicate a weak bone condition. Also, if you regularly get your nails done, it contributes to the poor condition of your nails. It is better to get tested in time as brittle nails are a sign of weakening bones and developing conditions like osteoporosis. Receding gums Gums are another body part that can tell you how well your bones are doing. For example, receding gums could indicate that your body might lack the required amount of calcium or vitamin D. This is seen because the gums are losing their grip on the jaw bone. Therefore, if you experience receding gums, you should visit the dentist to seek appropriate treatment. Lower back pain A common symptom associated with loss of bone density is lower back pain.

Most people do not give much thought to the way they urinate. But the way this important natural bodily function is carried out has a huge impact on health. A few peeing mistakes can cause bladder and kidney problems, hormonal imbalances, or other urinary tract infections that put health at risk in the long run. So, here are some common peeing mistakes one might be making and ways to avoid them: Holding it in When one is engaged in important activities, they may delay urinating even if they feel the urge. Although the bladder is designed to expand, holding pee for a long time repeatedly can damage the organ and lead to chronic bladder overstretching, disrupting bladder control. Parents or caregivers can help kids understand the importance of taking regular bathroom breaks even when in school. Peeing too frequently If one pees too frequently, even when they don’t need to, the bladder gets trained to respond to smaller volumes of urine. An overactive bladder can hamper daily life, making peeing too much one of the top peeing mistakes to avoid. Further, if one is unable to hold their pee at all, this could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Bone cancer is a health condition that involves aggressive cell growth in one’s bones. It is a rare type of cancer. Most cases of stage 1 and a few stage 2 bone cancers are curable, while stage 3 is almost impossible to cure though treatments can relieve symptoms and delay the spread. Therefore, early diagnosis is important in managing the condition. A few common warning signs of bone cancer are discussed below. Swelling and redness of joints Like other kinds of cancer, bone cancer also advances through the uncontrollable multiplying of cells. When the cells aggressively create more copies of themselves, they tend to form a lump in the joints. In many cases, such lumps are clearly visible from the outside. The redness is caused by inflammation and irritation triggered by the rapid cell growth. A lump or swelling emerges after the affected area becomes painful. An example of swelling is when bone cancers form in the neck area. In such cases, a lump is formed in the back of an individual’s throat. It causes trouble in breathing and swallowing food. Movement difficulties When bone cancer metastasizes, it restricts a person’s movement in multiple ways. For example, if the tumor is present in a bone or joint, it weakens that area and makes it prone to injuries and fractures.

The digestive system is made up of vital organs that support functions allowing the body to absorb nutrition from daily foods. The major organs in this system are the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreas, colon, rectum, and liver. And only specialist doctors treat conditions and complications that develop in the digestive system. Here are 5 uncomfortable yet important questions to ask a gastroenterologist before, during, and after treatment. What conditions do they treat? A general physician recommends checking up with a gastroenterologist for severe constipation and diarrhea. But gastroenterologists also advise on the best course of treatment for diseases that affect major abdominal organs. One consults to understand complications like cirrhosis, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, gallbladder disease, gastrointestinal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and even colitis. These doctors also specialize in endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures to confirm the development of chronic conditions. What invasive diagnostic tests are necessary? Problems in the abdomen, GI tract, and colon can be diagnosed by performing an endoscopy or colonoscopy. Both tests are invasive and can be a concern for many patients who are unsure about the procedure. So, the only way to overcome the fear of invasive diagnostic tests is by discussing the steps involved and understanding if these procedures are the only way to confirm the existence of a problem.

Dental visits, no matter how unpleasant, are essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Most dental appointments may involve routine checkups and cleanings. At times, however, you may have questions regarding procedures or habits, but any feeling of embarrassment or worry over judgment from the dentist may prevent you from asking them. To make it easier for you, here are some of the most common but uncomfortable questions that people are too shy to ask. Where does the saliva go? You may have seen the suction line during any dental procedure. This suction removes the excess saliva and tooth debris from one’s mouth and helps to keep their mouth dry, which can otherwise interfere with the treatment. The device funnels waste materials, including spit, through a filtering system that separates liquids from solids. The waste is then disposed of into the office’s wastewater system. Does the treatment have any side effects? Filings, extractions, and root canals may have potential risk factors. Some common side effects may include pain, swelling, or temporary sensitivity. By asking about the possible side effects of a treatment to your dentist, you can better prepare for any discomfort or complications that may arise after the procedure. What are the potential dental risks I should be aware of?

A pulmonologist, also known as a lung doctor, helps people optimize their breathing and, as a result, keeps lung disorders away. They are doctors who specialize in treating lung conditions, offering consultation and management options to strengthen the respiratory systems. When visiting a pulmonologist, one can ask many respiration-related questions and discuss breathing-related symptoms. Some queries can seem unusual, but one should seek answers to see if their respiratory system works as it should. Why do I feel tired after climbing the stairs? While some people may find it hard to ask their pulmonologist such a simple question, it is a highly valid one, nevertheless. Respiratory health influences aspects such as stamina and endurance while engaging in any kind of physical activity. So, if one feels perpetually tired and weak, even after performing the simplest tasks, such as climbing a few stairs, then it could be a sign of a health condition. A pulmonologist can answer this question without judging the patient. How do I use the inhaler correctly? This is another basic question many people may feel awkward asking their lung doctor. Inhalers are a commonly-used prescription-based solution. It is a handy tool for people with asthma to restore their breathing and open the airways.