The immune system acts as the body’s defense against bacteria, viruses, and other infections. Apart from this, its main tasks are to recognize and neutralize harmful substances from the environment and fight any abnormal cell formation in the body, such as cancer. The immune system also makes antibodies against germs it has previously come in contact with to keep one healthy. Here are some signs of a weak immune system: Extremely high-stress levels Reports by the American Psychological Association suggest that long-term stress has been linked to reduced immunity levels. This is because stress affects the lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the body, making one more vulnerable to viruses and infections. Constant colds As an adult, it is normal to contract two to three colds per year. These may last for 7-10 days. However, when one experiences a cold that just won’t go away, it may be a sign that they are immuno-compromised or have a weakened immune system. Stomach problems Frequently occurring gas, diarrhea, or constipation could also be a sign of a weakened immune system. According to certain research, approximately 70 percent of the immune system is located around the digestive tract. When this is compromised, it makes one more susceptible to inflammation and diseases. Slow-healing wounds Another tell-tale sign of a weakened immune system is that wounds don’t heal as quickly as they should. This occurs due to the lack of healthy immune cells in the body. Frequent infections Dealing with the following infections recurrently may be a sign of a weakened immune system, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: Having more than four ear infections in a year Developing pneumonia twice within a year Suffering from chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis a year. Fatigue A compromised immune system may cause one to feel tired and sluggish despite getting the right amount of sleep and nutrition.

Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary spasms or contractions in one or more muscles. Although they last only a few seconds or minutes, the accompanying pain can be torturous to bear. The cramps can result from various factors, including poor lifestyle habits many people unknowingly indulge in on a daily basis. Here, we have listed a few common bad habits to avoid as far as possible to prevent painful muscle cramping. Not drinking enough water Not drinking enough water, especially during summer, can be problematic. Heat causes the body to lose a lot of fluid content through perspiration. To make up for that, one should consume at least three to four liters of water daily, if not more. Not doing so can cause dehydration, which reduces a person’s blood volume. A reduced blood volume, in turn, leads to lesser blood, oxygen, and nutrients flowing to the organs and muscles, resulting in muscle cramps. Dehydration primarily causes cramping in the stomach due to the digestive system’s massive fluid requirements. Not consuming enough electrolytes A lack of electrolytes in the body is another major cause of muscle cramping. Certain minerals like magnesium and calcium have electrolytic properties that perform essential functions. For instance, they help maintain electrical neutrality in cells and support muscle and nerve health. An electrolyte imbalance leads to problems like increased nerve excitability and cramping. So, one must not only consume fluids regularly but also foods rich in electrolytes. Exercising too much Over-exercising, or straining oneself in the gym during workout sessions, causes muscle fatigue. This affects how the nerves function and, subsequently, causes muscle contractions and cramping. Therefore, one must not spend too much time exercising. About an hour or two of working out is adequate for most people. Consuming foods full of trans fats Overeating foods with trans fats can increase the frequency of cramping.

Statistical evidence suggests that over 34 million people nationwide are grappling with a chronic lung condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Such alarming statistical figures suggest that lung disorders are rampant in the country. A pulmonologist plays a crucial role in administering the required treatments and helping individuals manage symptoms of their lung diseases. While consulting a pulmonologist, it is essential to ask certain key questions to know better about one’s condition: What is my diagnosis and prognosis? It is essential to differentiate between diagnosis and prognosis and understand these aspects while addressing a lung issue. Diagnosis refers to the nature of the health condition, while prognosis refers to the course it is likely to take. While the former is based on one’s symptoms, the latter varies among individuals diagnosed with the same condition and may be based on various factors, such as age and comorbidities. It helps to consult a pulmonologist about one’s diagnosis and prognosis to understand what condition one is grappling with, any unusual symptoms one is likely to experience, etc. What is the cause of my symptoms? Understanding the underlying cause of a health condition can help one address the issue at its root. For example, living in a highly polluted area could be causing or aggravating one’s asthma. Thus, it is important to have an open conversation with one’s pulmonologist about one’s lifestyle and habits to determine the possible causes and contributing factors for a health condition. What treatment will suit me the best? Individuals with certain comorbidities may not be able to withstand certain treatments. Moreover, one’s age and health history are also integral factors in determining one’s treatment course. Thus, patients should ask their pulmonologists about the best treatment option for them, considering these factors, the possible side effects, and what the pulmonologist can do to mitigate them.

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. In most cases, the health expert may suggest lifestyle modifications and changes to the meal plan to ensure optimum nutrition. Nutritional changes involve eating healthy foods such as spinach, kale, lemon, grapefruit, and orange. In addition, the healthcare professional may also advise one to wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when stepping outside to avoid the risk of sun damage. Do eye drops have any side effects? Some eye examinations require the pupil to be dilated. In such scenarios, the doctor may suggest using certain eye drops to ensure proper dilation.

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. An ultrasound of the abdomen usually requires you to drink a lot of water so that the imaging is clear; access to such information can help alleviate any anxiety regarding the process. Can you explain the results? Once the tests are done, the doctor will let you know when the results can be expected. If not, you can ask the radiologist how long will the results take and if you need to book any subsequent appointment to discuss the results. Additionally, the results are likely to invite new questions, usually regarding the next step and if any treatment is 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? Clearly defining the goals and expectations of therapy is crucial for both you and your therapist. This question allows you to align your desired outcomes with the therapeutic process. Together, you can establish realistic goals and discuss the anticipated duration of therapy, ensuring that you are on the same page and working towards meaningful progress. How will we measure progress or success in therapy? Progress tracking is essential for gauging the effectiveness of therapy and providing a sense of accomplishment. You can actively participate in your healing journey and celebrate milestones by discussing the therapist’s approach to measuring progress, such as self-assessment, goal-tracking, or feedback.

“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. Ditching sunglasses The harmful UV rays of the sun affect the skin and the eyes. Repeated exposure to these rays can lead to issues like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and even eye cancer. Thus, keeping one’s eyes covered when stepping out on a sunny day is important. Wearing sunglasses that provide complete protection from UV rays is the best way to cover the eyes. Sleeping with makeup on Constantly sleeping with makeup on can increase one’s susceptibility to eye infections. Individuals who forget to remove their makeup before sleeping may often find a painful lump growing under their eyelids.

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. Paying attention to changes in urinary frequency can help identify potential high blood sugar levels. Blurry vision High blood sugar levels can affect the lens of the eye, causing temporary changes in vision. Individuals may experience blurred vision or difficulty focusing. This visual impairment is often temporary, and resolves once blood sugar levels are properly managed. However, prolonged high blood sugar can lead to long-term complications affecting vision. Dry mouth and skin Dehydration resulting from increased urination can cause dryness of the mouth and skin. Individuals may experience a persistent dry or sticky sensation in the mouth and notice dry, itchy, or flaky skin.

A debilitating neurological disorder, Parkinson’s disease, affects the nervous system. It is generally observed among those above the age of 60 years. In some cases, people below 50 also develop an early onset of the disease. It is common among those with a family history of the condition. Over time, the effect on the nervous system becomes apparent through several symptoms. There are warning signs of Parkinson’s that should not be ignored, which can help seek diagnosis and treatment. Temors in the hands This is one of the most noticeable warning signs of Parkinson’s. It is also known as rhythmic shaking. The tremors or shaking start to occur in the limbs of the hands or fingers. Sometimes, there is a pill-rolling tremor that causes a person to rub their thumb and forefinger against each other. The handwriting grows smaller It is normal for handwriting to change with age. However, Parkinson’s causes a person’s handwriting to become smaller, making it illegible over time. The words appear crowded, or the lines are not straight. This condition caused by Parkinson’s is also known as micrographia. The movements become slow Parkinson’s progresses over time to cause a person’s movements to become slower. They start to walk slower than their regular speed. Also, their steps may get shorter than how it usually was. They start to drag or shuffle their feet while walking. Also, the patients struggle to get up after sitting down. Loss of smell With the onset of Parkinson’s, some people begin to lose their sense of smell. They are particularly unable to recognize the smells of certain foods. They also have trouble smelling licorice, bananas, or dill pickles. While this is a common symptom of a stuffy nose or cold, it can be a sign of Parkinson’s if it is experienced with other symptoms as well.

There is so much advice floating around us when it comes to skincare. From online trends to old lores, it is important to filter this information and create a skincare routine that will get you closer to achieving your skin goals. However, while searching for the right products and foods, several bad habits can wreak havoc on your skin and slow down your progress. Here are five skincare habits that can worsen skin health: Not wearing sunscreen around the year Many of us assume that the sun isn’t bright or visible enough to affect our skin during the winter months. But, the sun’s UV rays still percolate to the ground and can affect your skin. To prevent photodamage from this exposure, wearing sunscreen all year round is important. Not removing your makeup before bed Washing your face before going to bed is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to several things, such as makeup, dust, dirt, and grime. Washing your face at the end of the day will help you remove these from the surface of your skin so they do not clog your pores and lead to more breakouts. Exfoliating too much Exfoliating once in a while can help remove dead skin cells and impurities from the skin. However, engaging in this practice too often can strip the skin of its essential oils and cause frequent acne flares. Using comedogenic products Some makeup, skincare, and haircare products contain oils that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. When shopping, look for products labeled ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘won’t clog pores,’ as they can help you avoid breakouts. Additionally, do not share your makeup applicators or brushes with others, as cross-contamination can also lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Drying your skin too much Sometimes, you may feel tempted to dry your skin using products for oily skin or astringents to avoid breakouts.

Parkinson’s disease is marked by a general decline in neurological health that interferes with movement control. While the cause of it is not known precisely, it is usually associated with age-related changes in brain function and some genetic factors. The more recognizable symptoms often overshadow the early signs of the condition. Therefore, to ensure timely diagnosis and intervention, it’s necessary to empower individuals, families, and healthcare professionals to recognize its presence at its earliest stages. Tremors Tremors refer to the shaking or trembling of one’s body. This loss of muscular control can begin in one’s hands, fingers, or other limbs. These tremors usually affect one’s ability to hold objects, write, or eat and are usually known to worsen over time. The severity of tremors can vary among individuals, ranging from mild and barely noticeable to more pronounced and interfering with daily activities. A decline in motor skills Motor skills are one’s ability to control and coordinate any voluntary actions of one’s body, from grasping objects to playing a sport. Any person at risk of developing Parkinson’s may experience slowness of movement. This may also be characterized by a delay in initiating and executing voluntary actions, making the movements less fluid and flexible. Difficulty balancing Since this condition affects one’s motor skills, one may also notice certain changes in walking or standing. These changes may be in the form of a hunch in the back or precarious balance while walking. Smell and speech changes These are one of the early that may go unnoticed. Loss of smell usually occurs before one’s motor skills begin to deteriorate. Individuals developing Parkinson’s may find it challenging to detect familiar smells. This can also indicate other issues like infections or aging, but one can discuss it with their healthcare professional if the issue persists. Alternatively, speech and voice alterations like hoarse or lower-than-usual voice or unclear pronunciations can indicate the condition’s onset.

Poor blood circulation can occur due to a number of health conditions. These include peripheral artery disease or PAD, diabetes, and Raynaud’s disease. While these require treatments prescribed by healthcare professionals, eating certain foods to improve blood count and blood circulation can also help. These foods also benefit athletes and those who indulge in physical activities to improve recovery and stamina. Here are some of these few foods to add to everyday meals. Broccoli One of the healthiest cruciferous vegetables is broccoli, which is packed with several nutrients. It is a rich source of vitamin B9 or folate. This nutrient is important to increase the count of red blood cells in the body. Adding broccoli to salads, stir-fried meals, and other food options can help the body produce red blood cells quicker, thus improving blood count and blood circulation. Bananas Adding bananas to cereal or having banana smoothies is not just filling but also extremely good for blood. This is because bananas are one of the richest sources of potassium. Potassium can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. This is especially helpful if there is an excess of sodium in the body. High levels of sodium can lead to high blood pressure.   However, the presence of potassium in the bananas flushes the additional sodium through the urine. This helps to improve blood circulation. Cayenne pepper This bright red pepper adds spice to sauces, dips, and chili oil. In addition, it has tons of nutritional benefits too. These benefits come from the compound known as capsaicin that lends cayenne pepper its spicy hot flavor. This compound optimizes the functions of the arteries. As a result, the muscles in the blood vessels relax. This controls blood pressure and improves blood circulation. Beetroot This vibrant, colorful veggie is packed with fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C.