Constipation is a digestive problem marked by infrequent bowel movements (usually less than three times a week). One may find it difficult or painful to pass stool, and the condition may become chronic if it lasts several weeks. While it is a common and curable condition, constipation can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, mood, energy levels, and overall fitness. Here are some mistakes one should avoid for managing or preventing constipation. Not drinking enough water Water is imperative for smooth bowel movement. The colon draws water from the body to soften stool and eliminate it easily, but dehydration can harden it and lead to constipation. Usually, doctors advise drinking eight to ten glasses of water per day, but the requirement may vary from person to person. One can also add water-rich foods like melons, berries, cucumbers, soups, and unsweetened pure juices to their meals to ensure adequate water intake. Suddenly increasing fiber intake Fiber is an essential plant-based carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. The soluble fiber found in foods like apples, barley, bananas, oats, and beans helps soften stool and regulate bowel movement. On the other hand, the insoluble fiber in foods like whole grains and legumes helps speed up the movement of food in the digestive tract toward the intestines.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men, especially those over 50. Like most health issues, early detection is critical in treating the disease; the same goes for prostate cancer. However, there are some early warning signs which can help in identifying the disease. If you notice any of these, you must speak to a health professional immediately and get the necessary tests done immediately. Change in urinary habits Men with prostate cancer can experience some changes in their urinary habits. This can be the need to urinate more frequently, especially at night, leading to sleep discomfort. It is also possible that they may have trouble starting or stopping the urine stream. This could be due to weak urine flow, and it can also make the bladder feel like it has not been appropriately emptied, leading to discomfort. Pain or discomfort Prostate cancer can cause pain in the pelvic region, which can also extend to the lower back and upper thighs. It is also possible that during ejaculation, some men may experience intense pain. These are all signs that a health professional should make a proper diagnosis to check the prostate. Blood in the urine This is an alarming sign of prostate cancer and can even be painful.

Eczema is a skin condition that weakens the skin’s barrier function, which may cause it to become dry, itchy, and bumpy. There are several types of eczema based on the skin functioning it affects. These are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. It can affect people at any age, but symptoms generally appear during childhood. It is important to know its warning signs to recognize eczema. Itchy skin Feeling itchy is one of the most common signs of an eczema flare. Generally, the symptom precedes the redness and may be mild or severe. This occurs because, during a flare, there is an increase in inflammation, which also increases the blood flow, generating an itchy sensation. Dry skin People with atopic eczema often have dehydrated skin because their skin cannot retain any moisture. This can exacerbate during a flare, causing painful cracks or even bleeding in some cases. Rashes Rashes are also a common symptom for most people with eczema. They occur as a result of inflammation during a flare and are generally accompanied by itchy and dry skin. They occur in response to a trigger, which can vary from person to person. The most common triggers include irritants such as soaps and detergents, environmental factors and allergens such as cold weather, dust mites, pet fur, pollen, or mold, food allergies, sensitivity to certain materials such as wool or synthetic fabrics, hormonal changes, and skin infections.

Poor blood circulation develops when the arteries that supply blood to the body are narrowed or blocked. If left untreated, poor circulation can lead to health complications like aches, nerve damage, or peripheral artery disease—a condition where poor blood circulation affects the arms, legs, and feet. One may also be at risk of developing a stroke due to insufficient blood flow. So, here are the warning signs of poor circulation one should not overlook: Causes Many issues can affect blood circulation. For instance, the spike in blood glucose levels associated with diabetes can damage the blood vessels carrying the fluid. High body mass and high blood pressure can also slow down blood flow. High cholesterol may get accumulated around the blood vessels and restrict the flow. The buildup of plaque in the arteries, which is a condition called atherosclerosis, can also limit circulation. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle and aging can weaken the circulation system. Warning signs Cold hands or feet Healthy blood circulation keeps the body warm. But if the blood flow is restricted due to nerve damage or other reasons, one may feel their hands and feet turning cold even in warm weather. Joint pain or stiffness Poor blood circulation may lead to fluids accumulating in certain body parts, like the legs, ankles, and feet.

Have you ever experienced breathlessness even after carrying out your day-to-day activities? Or have you been frequently experiencing wheezing or coughing fits? If your answer to either of the questions is yes, you might want to get yourself checked out. These can be considered signs of weak lungs that aren’t functioning optimally. Lungs have a crucial role to play in purifying the blood and supplying the body with oxygen. Shortness of breath Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath is among the most common signs of poor lung health. This does not mean calling the doctor’s clinic after you have run a marathon. But, if a short brisk walk or climbing a flight of stairs leaves you breathless, it could be a red flag you need to pay attention to. This sign could indicate conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or lung cancer. Chronic cough Some infections or flu can leave you with a cough that lasts weeks after the fever has abated. However, a chronic cough that has managed to stick around for more than eight weeks can be a sign you need to see a doctor. It could indicate underlying conditions such as asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, or lung cancer.

Bathing or showering is crucial for maintaining good health and hygiene, and the act is almost done on autopilot as adults. But, have you ever taken time out to wonder if you were doing it correctly? There are ways of making our showering routine more efficient, so we can save time, energy, and water. Here are some common mistakes people make when bathing and showering and how to avoid them. Bathing multiple times a day Washing your body too often removes healthy oils and bacteria from the skin, making it dry, itchy, or cracked. If you work out multiple times a day or spend long hours outside doing physical work, it may be necessary to shower twice daily to keep your body clean. If not, showering twice a day could waste time and precious resources such as water. Using the wrong soap Using antibacterial soaps can strip your skin of good and bad bacteria and make it more susceptible to infections. Using harsh soaps can also dry out your skin. Stick to mild soaps or gentle cleansers with added oils or moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin feeling soft and supple. If you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, it may be advisable to use a fragrance-free soap.

Menopause, a natural process, signals the end of a woman’s childbearing years. Significant hormonal changes are underway, which can result in various physical and psychological symptoms. Although controlling these symptoms might be difficult, there are many techniques that women might use to lessen their discomfort. We will offer suggestions and guidance on how to manage menopause symptoms and enhance the general quality of life throughout this transitional period in this article. Menopause symptoms Changes in hormone levels, specifically a decrease in the ovarian synthesis of estrogen and progesterone, lead to menopause symptoms. Menopause symptoms can range in severity and duration and might include: Periods becoming irregular As menopause approaches, periods may vary, get lighter or heavier, or stop entirely. Hot flashes Hot flashes or short bouts of warmth extend to the face and upper body, followed by flushing, perspiration, and chills. Night sweats Night sweats can produce excessive perspiration while you sleep, disrupting your sleep cycle. Vaginal dryness and discomfort Dryness, itching, burning, and pain in the vaginal area during sexual activity are all signs of low estrogen levels. Mood swings Changes in mood, such as impatience, anxiety, depression, and difficulties concentrating, are common throughout menopause. Symptoms of menopause and tips for managing it Insomnia During menopause, many women have trouble falling or staying asleep.

Anemia is a health condition where the body lacks healthy red blood cells (RBC) to carry sufficient oxygen to all its parts. When an individual has anemia, they might experience weakness. This condition has many different types, each with its own causes. Fortunately, various treatment options exist to manage the warning signs and symptoms, including lifestyle changes and healthy nutritional habits. Keep reading to learn more about anemia and its warning signs that necessitate treatment. Top 6 warning signs of anemia Fatigue One of the most common and noticeable warning signs of anemia is fatigue. Here, one might experience a sudden lack of energy due to insufficient iron intake, which is needed to produce hemoglobin. When someone has anemia, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin and distribute oxygen and other nutrients to different parts. In most cases, fatigue can also set in when vital organs and muscles receive insufficient oxygen. Brittle nails and changes in skin color Another noticeable sign of anemia is pale skin. It can result from a lack of hemoglobin or red blood cells (RBCs). So, when the body notices low levels of RBC, it automatically diverts blood to all its vital organs. It leads to pale skin or a pale complexion.

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting most adults in the country. There are over 100 different subtypes of arthritis that exhibit a myriad of symptoms as the condition progresses. However, there are a few key early signs and symptoms that indicate developing arthritis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help improve quality of life in the long run. Here are the signs and symptoms to identify. Pain and tenderness Pain that develops with muscle tenderness between the connecting joints is an early arthritis sign. Experiencing stiffness in the joints with the new pain is also a worrying sign that should not be ignored. Often this pain goes away with physical activity. However, prolonged periods of inactivity further worsen the stiffness associated with the condition. Further, inflammation of the joints will also cause a warm sensation to develop under the skin with visible swelling and redness. These inflammatory responses mainly affect the membranes that hold joints together and worsen as arthritis progresses. Lumps under the skin For specific types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, a person may develop nodules or lumps under the skin. The size varies depending on the severity of the condition, but these nodules can be as small as a lentil or grow more significant than a walnut.

The bones serve several functions, including permitting locomotion and motor capability and protecting vital organs. However, many factors could lead to the weakening of bones (osteoporosis), such as age and family history. The phenomenon could result in complications affecting an individual’s ability to carry out daily tasks. The best way to improve weaker bones is by identifying these early warning signs and subsequently working on ways to manage the condition. Weaker grip strength Some individuals might experience a sudden low grip strength. And this is a potential indicator of low bone mineral density. The lack of grip would indicate that the individual’s muscle strength has reduced. The development could result in the inability to open tin cans or push heavy doors. It may also prevent one from holding onto a grab rail on a staircase effectively, which could increase the risk of falls and fracturing bones. Grip strength is easily measurable in a doctor’s office or at home with a hand dynamometer tool. Receding gums If someone notices receding gums – usually during a visit to a dentist – it should be considered an indicator of osteoporosis. The teeth and jaw bones are joined. So if the jaw starts to lose bone mineral density, it will result in receding gums.