Eye care is an integral aspect of one’s general health. However, unbeknownst to many, certain unhealthy nutritional and lifestyle habits can trigger damage to this vital organ. It can include staring at the screen for longer periods, constantly rubbing one’s eyes, and more. Such habits can lead to complications such as eye fatigue and damage to the cornea. Awareness of such unhealthy habits might help one manage them and keep such complications at bay. Excessive screen time Most health experts advise patients with vision problems to follow the 20-20-20 rule while using screens. This rule emphasizes that every 20 minutes of looking at a screen should be followed up by focusing on a spot 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. Excessive screen time can trigger retinal damage and eye fatigue, and this activity helps reduce the strain on your eyes. Blinking is another way of ensuring your eyes are clean and lubricated. Make it a habit to blink when using screens. Rubbing your eyes Rubbing your eyes can lead to severe complications in the long run. For one, it is impossible to stop rubbing once you have started. Excessively rubbing your eyes can cause microvascular damage to the smaller blood vessels.

Blood clots are gel-like masses that can clog one’s blood vessels. They are made of platelets, proteins, and cells. They can restrict blood flow while moving through the bloodstream or stick to the walls of tiny blood vessels. Clots can affect any part of the body and be life-threatening if they block vitals like the lungs, heart, or brain. Here are some common habits and risk factors that can affect one’s blood circulation over time. Habits to avoid Here are some habits that cause blood clots: Sitting for a prolonged time The modern lifestyle may require one to sit at a desk in front of computers for a long time. Doctors warn that sitting for an extended period can pose a health risk and lead to many health concerns. When one does not move for hours, the blood gets pooled in one place. The flow is also restricted, especially in one’s legs, increasing the risk of blood clotting. Wearing tight clothing and shoes Tight clothes, including jeans or high heels, can make it difficult for blood to flow freely through the body, especially to the legs. Apart from this, tight clothing can also compress the intestines and affect abdominal health, leading to pain or heartburn.

According to statistical data, nearly 40% of women and men will be diagnosed with cancer at some point. Such statistical evidence indicates that cancer treatment is the need of the hour in the country. Today, several interventions have been developed to help patients overcome cancer. Timely diagnosis can facilitate better treatment response, aiding in recovery. Here are some important questions that patients may find embarrassing but must ask their oncologists to have a better understanding of the condition: What stage of cancer do I have? One of the most crucial questions to ask an oncologist upon cancer diagnosis is what stage of cancer is one in. Most cancers have four stages. The first stage is the most preliminary one, wherein cancer has not begun spreading to other areas of the body. In the second stage, cancer has grown but has not begun spreading to other areas. The third stage involves the spread of cancer to other tissues and lymph nodes, while the fourth stage is where cancer spreads to other body organs. It is imperative to ask the oncologist the stage of cancer one has and the extent to which it has spread in the body. Such information can help patients understand the course and intensity of treatment that may be required.

Despite modern times, some women still feel embarrassed to ask questions about their reproductive health to the gynecologist for fear of being judged. But to achieve optimal vaginal health, being honest with one’s gynecologist is essential. By clearly discussing one’s issues, individuals can better understand their body and allow the doctor to give the proper treatment or advice if needed. Here are some common but potentially awkward questions worth asking to encourage this vital conversation. Why is intercourse painful? Some women may experience painful sex and deduce that that’s how it is, but the act is supposed to be pleasurable. There may be several reasons why one experiences pain, from lack of lubrication and arousal to low libido or discomfort due to a cyst. So, discussing one’s concerns openly is best to find a suitable solution. How can I feel more comfortable stripping down for my visit? Visiting a gynecologist may require one to strip down, which can be awkward, especially for the first time. Most doctors are mindful of the problem and may have initial conversations to ease the patient. But one can always ask for ways to find more comfort. Should I wait for my period to end before booking an appointment?

We might not heed a cough that won’t go away or wheezing while breathing, assuming it might be because of air quality or changing weather. However, mild but chronic symptoms like these must be noted down. People often think that trouble with breathing is normal as they get older, but these might be signs of severe lung disease. With this in mind, here are six warning signs of poor lung health that should not be ignored. Chronic cough A cough that won’t go away and has been around for eight weeks or longer is considered chronic. The constant symptom indicates something might be wrong with the individual’s respiratory system. If one experiences this, they should visit a healthcare expert for an opinion immediately. Excessive mucus production The mucus lines the surfaces of organs like the lungs and serves as a lubricant to keep tissues from drying out and as a line of defense. But if someone develops excessive mucus in their throat or chest that won’t go away, it could be a sign of lung disease. Wheezing Noisy or strained breathing is a potential sign that something might be obstructing the airwaves in the lungs or forcing them to narrow.

Blood circulation is a vital process that ensures the continuous flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It keeps all bodily organs functioning, ensuring optimum health. However, certain health conditions, including peripheral artery diseases and high blood pressure, can disrupt circulation. In such cases, the essential nutrients may not reach some body parts. It is when people experience certain warning signs that indicate that their blood circulation needs a boost. Varicose veins These develop when additional pressure builds up on the blood vessels, obstructing normal blood circulation. Varicose veins may also occur due to damage to blood vessels, disrupting blood circulation in the veins. As a result, the veins appear twisted or engorged, usually in the lower extremities, such as the lower area of the leg. Blood clots These can occur anywhere in the body, blocking blood flow, either completely or partially. Although it can develop in any body part, the clots forming in the legs or arms are generally responsible for causing blood circulation issues. Sometimes, a blood clot in the abdomen can also indicate poor blood circulation. Muscle cramps When the body cannot get sufficient oxygenated blood due to poor circulation, it can cause cramps, especially in the legs.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin disorder in which the skin feels extremely itchy, is flaky, and can appear reddish and inflamed. While the skin condition usually develops and is common in young children, it can occur at any age. It is also observed eczema patients are at high risk of having asthma, hay fever, and some food allergies. Keep reading to learn more about the early warning signs of this disease. Reddish and itchy skin Eczema usually starts with this symptom, which can be noticed on the feet, hands, and face. The skin may also become scaly, rough, and dry in certain areas. It needs to be properly diagnosed by a healthcare professional for initiating proper topical treatment. Blisters In some cases of eczema, one of the symptoms includes developing blisters. These are small and often have fluid filled in them. They can also be extremely itchy and, when scratched, may break and ooze on the skin. In addition, it can lead to further skin irritation in the area. Cracked skin This skin condition develops thick skin, which gets inflamed or swollen and can lead to cracks. It can get extremely uncomfortable, especially around the areas where the skin is thin and folded.

A shower can help to drive any tiredness and other morning blues away. However, there are certain bathing mistakes that can reduce the effectiveness of a shower. When one makes these mistakes, they prevent themselves from enjoying the whole range of health benefits bathing brings with it. Additionally, some of these can cause health issues as well. Having said that, here are six such mistakes to avoid while showering that one must be aware of. Showering for too long Spending hours on end in the shower may seem like a luxury, but long showers are a prime reason for skin dehydration. Dermatologists advise people against indulging in long showers as they can gradually peel away skin layers such as epidermal barriers and lipids. This exposes the skin to health conditions such as eczema. Ideally, one must shower for no longer than 10 to 15 minutes. At most, that time can be extended by a couple of minutes. However, if one spends any longer than that in the shower, they are actively causing harm to their skin. Using products that are harsh on the skin Products that have abrasive components can strip essential oils, moisture, elasticity, and other sensitive and vital components of the skin.

Constipation is a gastrointestinal problem characterized by infrequent bowel movements, which can be less than three times a week. The stool consistency may be hard and dry, and one may find it difficult or painful to pass it. Moreover, chronic constipation may last several weeks and usually affects a person’s quality of life. Constipation is a curable condition and the cause and severity of the condition may vary from person to person. Constipation signs Inability to pass stool The obvious sign of constipation is hard stool that may be painful to pass. Those who are constipated may feel the urge to go to the bathroom but may find it difficult to pass stool. Dry stool consistency The usual stool consistency of a constipated person is hard and dry, and it may require strain to empty the bowel. Additionally, bowel movement is also hampered. Inability to pass gas and bloating An inability to pass gas is a common sign of constipation and this can cause bloating or abdominal discomfort. These symptoms may lead one to feel full quicker than usual after eating regular meals. One may also experience cramping or stomach aches. Sluggishness and loss of appetite Since the waste matter is not pushed out of the system, it may lead one to feel sluggish.

Periods are a part of the monthly menstrual cycle for people with a uterus. It is the shedding of the uterine lining in the form of blood and other fluids and tissue that may last for 3-7 days. Approximately 5 days to 2 weeks before its arrival, 90% of people who menstruate may feel certain symptoms. This is collectively known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some of the most common side effects or symptoms of periods include: Abdominal cramps Menstrual cramps, also known as primary dysmenorrhea, cause an achy or cramping feeling in the lower abdomen, lower back, and upper thighs. Their severity may range from dull or mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with one’s daily activities. People with conditions like endometriosis, cervical stenosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and fibroids may experience worse cramps during their menstrual cycle. Gas and bloating Some people also experience a sensation of heaviness in the stomach or may struggle to zip up their pants. This is also known as bloating and is caused due to changing hormone levels which lead to higher retention of water in the body. For most people, the worst bloating occurs on the day their period begins. The body’s hormonal changes also impact bowel functioning and can lead to gas, diarrhea, constipation, or nausea.