If “seeing is believing,” what is hearing? Hearing, too, is an important part of communication and plays an indispensable role in helping one perceive the world. Roughly 1.8 million people aged 12 and above in the country are affected by severe hearing loss. Owing to technological advancement, several facilities, including hearing aids and assistive learning devices, have been devised to help individuals who are hard of hearing. Timely detection of hearing problems helps doctors recommend suitable interventions. Here are some warning signs of hearing loss: Inability to understand what others say In the initial stages of losing their hearing, individuals cannot typically understand what others are saying, especially in crowded places. They may ask others to repeat themselves frequently and find it difficult to hold conversations. Difficulty hearing the other person over the phone Phone conversations can be harrowing for those with hearing difficulties, as they often find it difficult to follow the other person over a call. Thus, individuals who are hard of hearing and live alone may experience loneliness because of their inability to communicate over the phone. Tendency to increase TV or radio volume Those who are hard of hearing may find it difficult to hear dialogues or music playing on TV or radio.

It is normal for the bones to lose density and become weaker with age. Bone weakness develops gradually in most cases, but the onset can be quicker in people suffering from health issues like osteoporosis. This post lists a few common early warning signs of bone weakening that help identify the problem. Individuals who experience these should visit a healthcare professional to identify the cause and learn about the remedies to strengthen their bones. Lower back pain When a person has osteoporosis, their bone density reduces dramatically. In such a situation, the bones of the vertebrae, which are located one below the other in the spine, can come under increasing pressure. Sometimes, this pressure causes the lower-back bones to collapse or become compressed, resulting in massive discomfort and pain. Chronic back pain is among the earliest signs of osteoporosis. Receding gums The gums and jaw are closely connected to the bone structure in the head and face. So, if a person’s jawbone becomes weak, or, in other words, they lose bone in their jaw, it can cause their gums to recede from their teeth. In such instances, one should visit a dentist to check whether the problem is because of weak bones in the region.

Joint pain is a common occurrence in most elderly patients. But some often fail to get it checked and receive a proper diagnosis. Most older patients, and some young ones, who experience joint pain are diagnosed with one or other forms of arthritis. Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are two of the most common forms of the disease. Inflammation of joints is a primary symptom in all forms of arthritis. An early diagnosis is essential for better treatment and management of the condition. Pain Those with joint pain should get it checked as early as possible. One of the questions your doctor might ask is how suddenly or gradually the pain developed. The persistence of the pain is another factor that needs to be considered. The diagnosis will also determine whether or not the pain worsens with increased activity and decreases when one rests. Tenderness Tenderness and inflammation of joints is a warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage of the joints wears away, which can result in tenderness and pain. Tenderness is often present in combination with other symptoms like joint swelling, pain, and redness. Stiff joints Stiff joints are one of the earliest warning signs of arthritis. It is described as discomfort in the joints after spending some time being inactive.

Mental health is about the brain’s functioning and everything else that impacts it. It is an umbrella term for psychological and social well-being and the ability to regulate and address emotions. Given its deep-rooted effect on daily life, it has garnered more attention, popularity, and support in recent years. Therefore, here are the five daily activities that can positively affect mental health. So let us learn more about each of them in detail: Get quality sleep Quality sleep plays a significant role in governing one’s mental health. Those who do not get enough sleep, or experience disrupted sleep, have reported more frequent mental distress than others. Building healthy sleep habits (such as avoiding caffeine after 3 pm and sleeping and waking at the same hours daily) can help improve sleep quality and mental health. Reduce social media Constantly scrolling through social media may cause one to compare their life to that of others. This can lead to feelings of low self-worth and can cause anxiety or depression. Therefore, one must limit their social media screen time and take up more meaningful activities or hobbies instead. Strengthen relationships Positive relationships with loved ones can also significantly improve one’s mental health. For instance, having a stable and reliable group of friends can reduce feelings of loneliness, increase access to emotional support, and add meaning to one’s life.

Despite external care and efforts to maintain healthy skin, one may experience various skin issues during one’s lifetime. While some may be caused due to a particular physical activity, changes in lifestyle, hormonal changes, or family history, some signs may be the precursor for serious health concerns. So it’s important to get these symptoms checked professionally to get expert advice and treatment. Here are 10 signs that should prompt one to consult a dermatologist. Persistent acne Breakouts may occur as a result of stress, unexpected changes in one’s eating habits, or during adolescence. While breakouts are normal, experiencing persistent aches without any significant changes in one’s lifestyle can be a cause for concern. Blemishes The damaged skin cells around a zit or acne leave pigmented spots and cause blemishes. These spots may fade gradually or with easy home remedies, but it’s better to have a dermatologist examine them if any areas do not lighten with time. Increase in size of dark circles The common causes of dark circles include lack of sleep, dehydration, advancing age, or excessive sun exposure. However, underlying health diseases like eczema or thyroid problems may also cause it. So, if one sees that the dark circles are growing in size elliptically, one should consult a doctor.

Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal (GI) or digestive conditions. These may occur anywhere along the digestive tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, intestines, colon, and rectum. Some common GI diseases include cirrhosis, Crohn’s Disease, GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, colon polyps, and certain forms of cancer. When visiting a gastroenterologist, having a list of questions for your doctor can help put your mind at ease. Seemingly uncomfortable questions to ask your gastroenterologist Diagnosis-related questions It is natural to be worried and imagine the worst scenarios before getting your diagnosis. Rather than continuing with that line of thought, it is advisable to ask your doctor questions like: What tests will be conducted to diagnose the condition? How should I better prepare for these tests? Are the tests conducted one after the other or simultaneously? How long will the results take, and do I visit you with the results? Are there any risks associated with these tests? Ailment-related questions Once you have gotten diagnosed, it is best to truly understand the condition by asking the following questions: What are the possible underlying causes of the condition? How will this condition affect my daily life? What symptoms should I watch out for?

Though migraine headaches are not considered dangerous, the throbbing sensation on one or both sides of the head can seriously impact one’s daily routine. Various sensory, visual, or nutritional triggers can aggravate migraine episodes or cause the discomfort to persist. However, simple changes in daily food habits can provide some relief for patients. A few food items and beverages that help manage migraine symptoms and prevent pain from worsening are listed below. Fatty fish Fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and trout are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids that naturally counter inflammation and prevent painful migraine flare-ups. Leafy greens Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, turnip greens, and broccoli are rich sources of magnesium and excellent antioxidants that fight inflammation and prevent frequent flare-ups. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes boast excellent nutrients, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins, that actively help counter the inflammation triggering migraine attacks. Avocados Avocados are one of the richest sources of plant-based omega-3 fats that help prevent inflammation and fight oxidative stress. Avocados also contain vitamin D and magnesium to alleviate migraine pain. Assorted berries Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are all excellent sources of antioxidants with the potential to relieve the pressure on the sinus due to migraine attacks.

Schizophrenia is one of the most complex mental disorders. Individuals struggling with the condition often experience symptoms like delusional thinking, hallucinations, and social isolation. The condition significantly affects cognitive ability, leading to trouble perceiving emotions or controlling behavior. Patients need multidimensional support, including special care and dedicated treatment. Other remedies, such as eating a healthy meal plan, can help. For example, foods can determine one’s mood, so it’s important to know the most nourishing foods for schizophrenia. Here are a few foods that patients with schizophrenia can include in their meal plans: Lentils Lentils are reasonably priced food items that contain many nutrients, from protein and fiber to essential vitamins and antioxidants. These superfoods help boost the production of a brain chemical called serotonin, which regulates one’s mood and behavior. Apart from that, it also stabilizes one’s sugar levels and keeps one energetic. Broccoli Studies show that this cruciferous vegetable has high levels of antioxidants, sulforaphane, vitamins, folic acid, zinc, and fiber. People with schizophrenia may experience chemical imbalances in their brains, which sulforaphane-rich foods like broccoli can regulate. Whole grains People with schizophrenia struggle to satisfy their hunger and may not feel full even after meals. In addition, the patients may also see a hike in their body fat due to schizophrenia treatments.

Caring for the teeth isn’t just about brushing, flossing, and using an expensive mouthwash. Lifestyle habits can also affect one’s oral health. Certain bad habits inadvertently damage the teeth, causing them to become chipped or cracked. They also increase the risk of gum injuries, jaw and bone disorders, and bacterial infections that cause severe discomfort. From biting the nails to eating too much sugar, here are six bad habits that damage the teeth. Biting the fingernails Nail biting is a bad habit people develop unknowingly. Since the nails hold dirt and debris, it’s unhygienic. Biting the nails repeatedly can also cause weaker teeth to chip off. Further, the jaw assumes a protruded position while biting, which can lead to jaw disorders that are hard to rectify. The best way to avoid this habit is to trim the nails regularly. Chewing, grinding, and clenching Chewing hard foods can chip the teeth or erode their surface. Hence, experts recommend softening the foods with saliva before biting them down with brute force. Clenching and grinding are subconscious habits some develop at night. Dentists recommend wearing a mouth guard to prevent the upper and lower jaw from grinding excessively. Using the teeth for unnecessary tasks Using the teeth to cut open strips of sticky tape, packages, or hard substances can cause them to chip off and grind away.

The immune system is the primary defense mechanism employed by the body to actively protect against disease and prevent health complications in the long run. Even changes in daily nutrition and certain unhealthy lifestyle choices directly impact immunity. But the more important concern here is to identify the signs of a weak immune system so that immediate treatment and preventive care can be given for recovery. Here are the top indicators of weakened immunity. Elevated stress Stress is often referred to as the silent predator as it causes a high rise in cortisol levels in the body. An excess release of cortisol in the bloodstream lowers the white blood cell (WBC) count, the body’s central disease-fighting cells. Low WBC triggers a hormonal imbalance that directly affects a person’s immunity, leaving the body vulnerable to known diseases. Continuous stress can severely affect organ function and cognitive health. Fever Developing a fever indicates the body’s immune system is working hard to fight off a reaction or infection. There are also multiple autoimmune responses (triggers of the immune system) that directly impact a person’s overall health. With fever, a person also develops fatigue that impacts their daily routine. Frequent sickness An illness that persists or takes longer to recover from is a clear sign of a weak immune system.