8 signs that require a visit to the dermatologist

8 signs that require a visit to the dermatologist

As one ages, the human skin becomes susceptible to various health conditions. Certain treatments can help cure or manage these complications. However, most people often neglect any unusual signs on their skin and misinterpret them as something harmless. But for a remedy to be effective, one must visit a healthcare expert as soon as they notice any abnormalities in their skin condition. On that note, here are eight signs that require a dermatologist’s intervention. Severe acne Most people develop pimples or blackheads at some point in their lives. But if the acne is widespread on the body and face and does not respond to usual remedies, it might be time to visit a skin specialist. The expert may suggest topical and oral prescriptions and therapies like chemical peels or laser treatments to manage the outbreak. Inflamed, red skin Itchy, red, or inflamed skin might occur due to eczema, a condition that encompasses multiple skin problems. The constant redness of the skin or face flushing might also indicate rosacea. Therefore, one must schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if they experience these symptoms. Skin growths Skin growths like moles and tags may usually not require any treatment, but not everyone is comfortable with these developments.
Read More
6 unhealthy habits that degrade bone health

6 unhealthy habits that degrade bone health

Bones support the body and make movement possible. Along with protecting the brain, heart, and other vital organs from injury, they also help improve balance and coordination. Bones are a vital part of the human body, and keeping them in good shape is essential. However, several every day habits can degrade them and make one more prone to injuries and chronic medical conditions, so here are some of the habits one must avoid: Overeating salt Salt has been linked with causing excessive calcium secretion through the kidneys. People who consume high amounts of salt regularly are also at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, which can cause bone thinning. Therefore, to maintain good bone health, limiting salt intake to the suggested amounts (2,300 milligrams per day for healthy adults) is important. Not getting enough vitamin D Staying indoors all day can significantly impact bone health and increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. To absorb calcium, it is essential also to consume the recommended dosage of vitamin D. This vitamin is usually made in the skin after exposure to sunlight, so stepping out in the sun can help. However, one needs to limit their time in the sun to 10-15 minutes, as too much exposure to sunlight also increases the risk of skin cancer.
Read More
7 essential questions to ask a psychiatrist

7 essential questions to ask a psychiatrist

When seeking help from a psychiatrist, it’s vital to approach the process with openness and curiosity. Asking the right questions can help you better understand your condition and treatment options and establish a strong rapport with your psychiatrist. Remember, psychiatrists are trained professionals who support and assist you in your mental health journey. Exploring essential questions to ask a psychiatrist can streamline your conversations and ensure you receive the best care possible. Can you explain my diagnosis to me in simple terms? To navigate your mental health journey, ask your psychiatrist for explanations. Using language that is easy for you to understand will bring your better comprehension of your diagnosis. You will be able to better grasp the nature of your condition, its symptoms, and potential treatment options. This knowledge empowers you to actively participate in care and make informed decisions. What treatment options are available to manage the condition? Another question you must ask your psychiatrist should be in connection to the available treatment options. Talk about the variety of approaches you can explore. Psychiatrists can provide insights into evidence-based therapies, prescription options, or a combination of them. Getting a better picture of the benefits and potential side effects of treatments can help make better decisions.
Read More
Seizure clusters – Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis

Seizure clusters – Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis

Seizure clusters is a term used to describe multiple seizure attacks that occur within 24 hours or a shorter period. Such repetitive seizure attacks may also be referred to as cyclical seizures, recurrent seizures, and crescendo seizures. If a person is prone to seizures, they should try to understand their repetitive behavior, the estimated recovery period, and possible triggers. This information can come in handy in landing the correct diagnosis and treatment. Causes Health experts do not know the exact cause of seizure clusters. However, they believe that a failure to gain control over a seizure attack can cause its reoccurrence. Certain other risk factors for the condition include frontal lobe epilepsy, rare seizures, cortical dysplasia, refractory epilepsy, and CNS infections. People with focal onset seizures are also said to have an increased risk of seizure clusters than patients with generalized onset seizures. In focal onset seizures, the electrical disturbance in the brain is restricted to a specific region. Further, those with a head injury or head trauma are at a higher risk. Triggers Like with the causes, there is no clear picture of what could trigger episodes of seizure clusters. A few possible trigger factors discovered by patients and doctors include skipping seizure aid, stress, sleep deprivation, menstruation, illness, and fever.
Read More
8 early signs of Parkinson’s disease that shouldn’t be ignored

8 early signs of Parkinson’s disease that shouldn’t be ignored

Parkinson’s is a disorder that slowly encroaches upon an individual’s neurological health, making it difficult for them to perform daily tasks. Old age is usually the leading cause of the disease. Before the obvious motor symptoms emerge, however, some discreet signs can serve as early indicators. Detecting these can provide valuable insight into the presence of Parkinson’s disease, offering a window of opportunity for intervention and better management of symptoms. Here are some of the early signs that one should pay attention to: Tremors In Parkinson’s disease, tremors are a hallmark motor symptom that usually begins in the hands, fingers, or limbs. These tremors often appear as rhythmic shaking or trembling and may be more pronounced at rest. They can gradually worsen, affecting daily activities such as writing, eating, or holding objects. While not everyone with Parkinson’s experiences tremors, they are a recognizable and significant early sign of the disease. Loss of manual dexterity and motor skills Dexterity refers to the skill and ability to use one’s hands or body with precision and coordination. Fine motor skills can be affected early in Parkinson’s disease. Individuals may notice a slight decline in their ability to perform intricate tasks, such as writing or buttoning clothes.
Read More
6 mistakes to avoid while taking supplements

6 mistakes to avoid while taking supplements

Taking supplements is an effective way to add extra vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients lacking in regular meals. These fill in potential nutritional gaps and improve overall health. However, your supplement regimens may not give the results you want if you commit some of these common mistakes. After all, these are not immediate solutions and require professional supervision, caution, and discipline. Thus, here are a few common mistakes to avoid while taking supplements. Not consulting a doctor before taking the supplements If you have been experiencing symptoms that seem like a vitamin deficiency, consult your primary care doctor; they are likely to recommend blood tests. Through these tests, you will know which nutrient levels are low in your body, and your doctor can recommend the appropriate supplements. Moreover, consulting a doctor will ensure that the supplements do not interfere with any other prescriptions you might take for a pre-existing health condition. Taking too many supplements all at once It is a misconception that the more supplements you take, the better it is for your health. Mixing different supplements may lead to chemical interactions in your body that will do more harm than good. Also, it will cause the liver to overwork.
Read More
6 critical fitness mistakes to avoid and improve outlook

6 critical fitness mistakes to avoid and improve outlook

The body and mind greatly benefit from any activity that promotes fitness. Mainly, exercise boosts mood and lowers the risk of health complications triggered by a sedentary lifestyle. But paying attention to the form and practicing a few select exercises to achieve fitness goals is not enough. It is also important to avoid making the following mistakes that compromise fitness and increases the risk of injury during workouts. Setting unrealistic goals Exercises will vary depending on the intensity of training necessary to achieve specific fitness goals – for endurance or strength. But it is not possible to train all major muscle groups at the same time. Exercising is a slow and laborious task, so it pays to be patient. Pushing the body and mind to meet unrealistic goals may not lead to long-term results. Therefore, try to include as much variation as possible in the types of workouts. Experts recommend a good balance of cardio and powerlifting to target major muscle groups and achieve desired fitness goals. Set goals that are manageable and don’t negatively impact daily lifestyle. Overtraining Overtraining is one of the biggest mistakes rookies make during the first few months of gym training. Just increasing the number of reps or rounds will not guarantee quicker results.
Read More
7 simple snack ideas that can reduce cholesterol levels

7 simple snack ideas that can reduce cholesterol levels

If the cholesterol level in an adult is above 240 mg/dL, they have high cholesterol. The level varies for men and women based on their age. 12% of adults and 7% of adolescents in the country have high cholesterol. Besides treatment, nutritional regimes and exercise are key to lowering cholesterol levels. A person with high cholesterol must commit to a diet that does not spike the current numbers. Here are some snack options that can lower cholesterol levels: Avocado Avocado is a must-have item in the kitchen if an individual has high cholesterol. It is rich in healthy fats that keep one satisfied, and it has 0 cholesterol. Avocado is also versatile; add it to egg, chicken, or vegetable salads, and make guacamole, toast, or salsa. If there are young kids with cholesterol, avocados can be included twice a week in ways that appeal to their palette. Here are some easy-to-make avocado snacks: Avocado and salmon toasts Avocado and cucumber roses Grilled avocado with hummus and tahini Avocado and chicken or egg salad Guacamole with baby carrots Baked avocado fries Baked chips If an individual is working towards lowering their cholesterol levels, it takes a lot of commitment and discipline. Doctors would have banned fries, but one can still enjoy healthy fries once in a while.
Read More
4 side effects of inadequate water intake

4 side effects of inadequate water intake

The secret to maintaining good health may be eating healthy and staying active. However, the importance of water cannot be overlooked, as every organ in the body needs sufficient water to function properly. Water also aids in lubricating the joints and maintaining body temperature. In fact, drinking insufficient water throughout the day can lead to various side effects, such as urinary problems and dizziness. In severe cases, it can even lead to kidney stones. 4 common side effects of insufficient water intake Persistent headaches One of the first side effects of insufficient water intake is the presence of persistent headaches, which can result in throbbing pain and hinder daily activities. Hence, when suffering from persistent headaches, it’s suggested that an individual consume a large glass of water and rest until the headache disappears. In most cases, dehydration-related headaches should disappear in a couple of hours after consuming water. Low energy or fatigue When an individual is dehydrated, they may notice a drop in their energy levels. They may face symptoms such as decreased focus, lightheadedness, and dizziness. The dehydration can worsen during the afternoons due to continued inadequate water intake, worsening the fatigue, and they may be unable to go about their day as usual.
Read More
7 common early signs of Parkinson’s

7 common early signs of Parkinson’s

The brain controls all actions in the body using an intricate network of nerves connecting everything from head to toe. Parkinson’s is a neurological progressive disease that affects this network and disrupts vital nerve signals controlling body parts and functions. The disease does not have a permanent cure. But its symptoms can be managed with treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. One must recognize early signs of Parkinson’s disease to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Tremors Stress or physical fatigue can trigger shaky hands. However, a tremor that develops in the thumb, one of the fingers, the hand, or even the chin while resting may be an early sign of Parkinson’s. Tremors can start in the fingers but can turn into severely uncontrolled movements affecting the entire arm as the condition progresses. Poor balance, posture, and gait Changes in one’s walk and pace, like suddenly walking slower, could be another early sign of the disease. Parkinson’s also affects the nerves that control flexibility and balance. If the person takes more time or struggles with maintaining balance, it indicates damage to the basal ganglia nerves. Changes in stance are also noticeable as the disease progresses, with one developing a stooped or hunched-over posture.
Read More