Eye checkups are incredibly important as they help diagnose common eye-related disorders such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataract in their early stages. Frequent visits to an ophthalmologist can keep eye-related diseases and infections at bay. However, it is normal to have questions before and after an eye exam. Sorting out one’s concerns helps in the preparation and better management of vision health. Here are a few important questions one must ask an ophthalmologist. Important questions to ask the ophthalmologist What tests will I be undergoing today? Typically, an eye test or an eye exam is a test of the patient’s vision. It usually includes the reading out of numbers and alphabets off a chart. However, this chart is often placed at a distance. So, when one struggles to read, the ophthalmologist detects refractive errors and suggests contact lenses or eyeglasses, according to the individual’s preference. But in rare cases, one can also be suggested to undergo further diagnostic tests, especially when risk factors such as high blood pressure and heart disease are involved. What are some easy ways I can care for my eyes? Generally, as a person age, they become more susceptible to eye problems. Hence, one must ask the ophthalmologist how to care for one’s eyes at home.

When undergoing any kind of treatment, it is important to have an understanding of the procedures, risks involved, and the recovery process. For instance, radiology involves diagnosing and treating injuries or illnesses detected with the help of imaging procedures, like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. So, when consulting a radiologist, you should not hesitate to address necessary queries concerning your health. So, here are some questions you need to ask a radiologist: What is the purpose of the test? It is important to understand why a specific diagnostic test is recommended by the radiologist. You should ask the doctor about how the test will detect or confirm a health issue and the outcome you can expect. Are there any risks to consider? Most imaging tests are considered to be safe, but it is always important to ask about any side effects or risks. For example, when undergoing an MRI, you should have no metal objects on your body or clothes. Similarly, other tests might require distinct precautions to avoid safety hazards. How is the test conducted? It is always a good idea to ask your radiologist about the test procedure. They can help make you understand the steps involved in the process, how long the procedure is, and if there is any preparation required.

Embarking on a therapeutic journey is a significant step toward self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. However, finding the right therapist and establishing a productive therapeutic relationship requires open communication and clarity. To make the most out of your therapy sessions, it’s essential to ask your therapist the right questions. These questions will help you gain a deeper understanding of the therapeutic process, establish mutual trust, and align your goals. Let’s discuss a few of them. What experience do you have in treating my specific concerns? Checking the therapist’s experience and expertise is essential. Knowing they have helped people with issues similar to yours will go a long way in calming your doubts and intrusive thoughts. Inquiring about their experience in treating similar cases can provide reassurance and confidence in their ability to support you effectively. How do you approach confidentiality and privacy? Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, promoting a safe and trusting environment. Discussing the therapist’s approach to confidentiality, including any limits or exceptions, you can ensure that your personal information remains private. Understanding these boundaries will foster a sense of security and enable you to share openly without fear of judgment or disclosure. What are the goals and expectations of therapy?

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” it is rightly said. And the perception of beauty is made possible by the virtue of the eyes. From watching a movie and enjoying the beauty around us to reading an article online, every minute aspect of our lives is governed by our visual faculties. Hence, eye care should be a crucial part of caring for one’s well-being. Here are some common negative habits that affect one’s eyes: Eating unhealthy foods The eyes require vitamins, minerals, zinc, lutein, omega-3, and other essential nutrients. The body absorbs these nutrients through healthy foods. For example, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and broccoli are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and is essential for good eye health. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fatty fish, are required for good vision. Staring at electronic devices Exposure to white light for long periods is one of the biggest concerns prevalent today, with over 66% nationwide in the country admitting to sleeping with their phones by their side at night. This alarming pattern has several negative consequences, including dry eyes and severe eye strain. Thus, the National Sleep Foundation advises that one should put away electronic devices like mobile phones at least half an hour before going to bed.

When one has too much glucose in the body, it is known as hyperglycemia. It generally occurs when there is too little insulin in the body or when the present insulin cannot be used effectively. This condition commonly affects people with type-1 and type-2 diabetes. However, it may also affect people who have recently had a stroke, heart attack, or severe infection. Here are some common early signs of high blood sugar one should know about: Frequent urination High blood sugar levels in the body cause the kidneys to filter out excess sugar from the blood. This increases one’s urge to urinate, particularly at night. Increased thirst (polydipsia) Increased urination causes the loss of additional water in the body, which may make one feel dehydrated and thirstier than usual. Increased hunger Often, people with diabetes cannot get enough energy from their food. This increases their urge to eat more often. Fatigue A lack of energy causes people to feel tired constantly. Headache High blood sugar levels may cause shifts in the levels of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, which may trigger headaches in some people. Blurred vision Excessive sugar in the bloodstream can also damage blood vessels in the eyes, affecting one’s vision.

Having a sweet tooth is more common in the country than one would imagine. According to a recent survey, 59% of respondents (who snack often) in the country chose cookies as their favorite snacks, with ice cream and sweets also featuring among the top 10 picks. While desserts are instant mood enhancers, excessive sugar intake triggers several health issues, which include compromised dental health. Here are a few ways in which sugar affects oral health: Dental cavities The teeth contain two types of hard tissues—enamel and dentin. When sugar enters the mouth, it may be metabolized by oral bacteria to give rise to acid, which can demineralize the enamel and the dentin, causing cavities. Food particles may enter these cavities, leading to tooth decay and further complications. Although teeth cavities may be covered with dental fillings, this process is rather expensive, accounting for 5–10% of the healthcare budget. Plaque Plaque or tartar refers to a sticky coating of bacteria on the teeth, causing bad breath, dark stains, and hard teeth deposits. Often, tartar is formed when the molecules present in sugary foods mix with one’s saliva and oral bacteria. If left untreated, tartar may dissolve the enamel and lead to the development of dental cavities.

The human body gives out certain hidden signs to alert one of excessive sugar intake in the body, and poor eye health is one of them. Excessive consumption of refined sugar can affect one’s eyes adversely, leading to diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic eyes result from damaged blood vessels due to poorly controlled sugar levels. Here are the early signs that should prompt one to consult a doctor immediately to prevent further complications. Signs of poor eye health due to excessive sugar Excessive sugar intake can lead to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome. Diabetic retinopathy is marked by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to sugar, while cataract gives a cloudy vision. Dry eye syndrome can cause problems with one’s tear production. Identifying the signs of poor eye health resulting from excess sugar consumption is crucial for early intervention. Therefore, look out for the following symptoms: Blurred or fluctuating vision The primary sign of vision issues due to unstable sugar levels is blurry vision. Excess sugar intake leads to fluids getting leaked into one’s eye lens. Eye fatigue or discomfort The eyes may feel tired, achy, or heavy, especially after prolonged screen time or visual tasks. Increased sensitivity to light Individuals experiencing poor eye health due to excess sugar consumption may notice heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.

Due to the pandemic, there has been a surge in diabetes cases around the world. This rise has been exacerbated by low-grade inflammation caused due to viral infections, which impact insulin resistance. According to research, these viruses can replicate within pancreatic beta-cells, where insulin is produced. This further affects the synthesis and secretion process of the hormone. This sudden increase has made it more critical to recognize the five alarming signs of high blood sugar. Excessive thirst Also known as polydipsia, excessive thirst is a common sign of high blood sugar caused by dehydration resulting from frequent urination. Patients with high blood sugar levels might constantly battle the urge to drink fluids to quench their insatiable thirst. Increased hunger People with high blood sugar are also prone to increased hunger as a sign of their condition. Polyphagia causes the body’s cells to miss out on receiving sufficient energy from glucose. In order to cope with it, the body breaks down stored fat and muscle tissue, which might cause unintentional loss of body mass. Frequent urination Polyuria is also one of the common signs of high blood sugar. The kidney’s primary function is to eliminate excessive sugar in the body. The urge to empty the bladder is more frequent at night, known as nocturia.

Most people focus on skincare routines and quality products to achieve healthy and glowing skin. However, certain habits can undermine all that effort and worsen skin health. From everyday practices to lifestyle choices, these habits can exacerbate skin problems and hinder getting a healthier complexion. Thus, here are a few poor habits to note and subsequently avoid since they may prevent you from improving your skin and maintaining optimal health. 8 poor habits that worsen skin health Eating junk food Eating junk, oily, salty, or fried food affects skin health adversely. Highly salty foods dehydrate one’s body and compel the skin to produce more oil, leading to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Unhealthy fats have also been shown to trigger one’s skin. Additionally, poor nutrition can lead to rapidly aging skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. One can instead eat healthier snack alternatives, including fruits, nuts, smoothies, and more, for overall health benefits. Not taking off makeup before sleeping Due to exposure to dirt, pollution, and the chemicals in cosmetics, the skin undergoes significant stress during the day. Retaining makeup for extended periods can result in chemical build-up, irritation, clogged pores, and breakouts. Additionally, makeup products tend to attract dirt, exacerbating the situation.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shakes, stiffness, or difficulty with coordination and balance. Since the condition begins slowly, it can be tough to tell if one has Parkinson’s. However, knowing the signs and symptoms can help one be more aware and visit a healthcare professional for diagnosis and management. Here are some common early signs of Parkinson’s disease: Tremors: Tremors or rhythmic shaking may affect a part of the body. It generally begins in a limb, especially the hands or fingers. One may experience trembling hands at rest, but the tremors may subside when performing a task. Slowed movement: Parkinson’s can also slow down movement, making it difficult to complete basic everyday tasks. Steps may become shorter, and one may notice the shuffling of the feet instead of walking. This slowing down is known as bradykinesia. Rigid muscles: One may also experience muscle stiffness, inflexibility, and cramps in any body part. It can often be painful and limit the range of motion. It may also make tasks such as writing, doing up the buttons, or tying one’s shoelaces more difficult. Posture and balance troubles: One may develop a stooped posture or have balance and coordination problems as the condition progresses.