Headaches are a common health complaint worldwide. The general causes of headaches include lack of sleep, dehydration, eye strain, and sinus infection. While most headaches are not a cause for concern, some persistent ones may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. It is important to recognize the alarming signs of headaches to ensure that appropriate care is sought in a timely manner. Here are seven alarming signs of headaches one shouldn’t ignore. Sudden onset of severe pain If one experiences a sudden onset of severe pain, it could be a thunderclap headache. A thunderclap headache is a severe and sudden onset headache that reaches its maximum intensity within 60 seconds. This type of headache can be a sign of a ruptured blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. It’s best to seek medical attention immediately. Oftentimes, the condition can be accompanied even by seizures or fever. Headaches after a head injury Headaches that occur after a head injury could be a sign of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries can be serious and may cause dizziness, issues with focus and memory, and ringing in the ear along with a headache. Headaches with fever, stiff neck, and confusion If one experiences a severe headache, which is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea or confusion, it could be a sign of meningitis.

Many of us have set reminders or installed apps on our phones that remind us to drink water. But most of us often fail to heed those reminders and get tempted to have coffee, tea, or soda instead of a glass of water. Sadly, giving in to this temptation is one of the reasons so many of us today are dealing with health issues and a host of other side effects. Persistent headaches A major part of the brain is comprised of water. When a person does not drink sufficient water, persistent headaches can occur as a side effect. So the next time someone has a headache, instead of using a prescription treatment, they should try drinking a glass or two of water to manage the headache. Mental fog The body and the brain are almost three-quarters water. This makes drinking water a crucial part of staying healthy with a sharp brain. It has been suggested that dehydration can negatively impact your productivity and memory power. If a person experiences brain fog oftentimes, drinking more water might just help. Moodiness Hormone imbalance and stress are not the only things that can make a person cranky. Dehydration is a fair contributor as well.

Cancer is a health condition wherein the cells in the body grow uncontrollably. Some individuals develop cancer in the prostate, a part of the male reproductive system. The symptoms of prostate cancer may differ from one person to the next. Some may not experience any abnormalities until a much later stage. But here are some of the common warning signs of prostate cancer. Being mindful of them could help an individual seek treatment at the earliest. Slow or weak urine flow Most individuals with a prostate will develop difficulties urinating as they age. So it does not necessarily have to be the result of prostate cancer. However, if someone experiences weak or slow urine flow, or if the urine flow starts and stops beyond their control, it’s better to get the prostate checked. Problems with urination might point toward prostate cancer, especially if the symptoms begin at an early age. Painful or burning sensation while urinating If an individual develops dysuria, a burning or painful sensation while urinating, it might be a sign of a urinary tract infection. However, these signs are also associated with prostate cancer and must be checked immediately. Blood in urine One of the most common warning signs of prostate cancer is hematuria, which causes blood to mix with urine.

Just like cleaning one’s surroundings is necessary to prevent waste accumulation, one’s body must also destroy toxins and undigested matter to ensure health and well-being. Constipation is a significant health issue today, with about 16% of adults worldwide showing signs of the condition. Although not life-threatening, severe constipation can cause complications like fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, and bowel incontinence. Some common mistakes to avoid to manage constipation and its symptoms are discussed below. Excessive soluble fiber intake It is important to understand the difference between the two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber, found in foods like lentils, barley, beans, oats, and bran, forms a gel-like substance in the stomach, which delays digestion and is helpful for individuals grappling with diarrhea symptoms. However, too much soluble fiber can worsen constipation. Therefore, individuals who are constipated should limit their soluble-fiber intake and increase their proportions of insoluble fiber, which does not convert to a gel-like formation and moves faster through the digestive system, preventing constipation. Insoluble-fiber sources include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, leafy greens, blackberries, and potatoes. Depending on laxatives to pass stools While laxatives may help prevent constipation, studies indicate that they can cause damage to the nerve cells in the colon.

Several cleaning products are currently available in the market, and various brands are working on making household and industrial cleaning possible with easy options. However, unbeknownst to many, these cleaning products are made of harsh chemicals, and prolonged exposure to them can lead to health issues that are not easily addressed or recognized. Therefore, it is important to be aware of ingredients used in cleaning products to ensure optimum health and environmental safety. Respiratory risks caused by cleaning products Several health risks are linked between cleaning products and one’s body, especially the lungs. Research carried out by the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine points towards how cleaning products can reduce lung function, especially among women exposed to more spray cleaning chemicals than women not exposed to them. Evidence suggests that exposure to toxic chemicals in cleaning products creates more complications for people with asthma, COPD, or respiratory allergies. Impact of chemicals in cleaning supplies on health These products contain ingredients like volatile organic compounds or VOCs, which vaporize at room temperature and can irritate the eyes and throat, leading to headaches and other respiratory issues. Studies suggest that exposure to these cleaning chemicals can increase the risk of occupational asthma and other related lung disorders.

Eczema is a chronic, non-contagious skin disorder where the patient experiences recurring, painfully itchy rashes. It affects people of all ages worldwide, especially infants and young children. The skin barrier plays a vital role in the human body. Conversely, eczema weakens the skin barrier, making it vulnerable to infection and dryness. Though the illness has no known cure, there are several strategies to help people manage their symptoms. Some of the common warning signs of the condition are discussed below. Warning signs of eczema Persistent itching Eczema or atopic dermatitis is characterized by itching that triggers rashes. Itching is one of the first warning signs of the condition. Some people experience mild itching, while for others, it can disrupt their work and sleep. Therefore, itching is one of the symptoms to watch out for to initiate prompt treatment for eczema. Flu or cold Eczema may worsen if the patient is bedridden with an illness like the flu or a cold. An upper respiratory infection can cause inflammation and an eczema flare, even if it is not the main trigger. Dehydrated skin It may feel tight and dry even before the skin itches or turns red from eczema. It is because dryness indicates the malfunctioning of the skin barrier.

People often overlook a persistent cough or mucus build-up in the throat amid their busy schedules. But these could be symptoms of developing lung conditions. The lungs are vital organs that keep us healthy and ensure the human body’s proper functioning. Several factors, from pollution and radiation to infection, can affect the lungs. Therefore, one should learn about the warning signs that indicate poor lung health and take steps to protect the organ. Signs of poor lung health Lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer progress slowly. By being aware of their signs, one can get timely diagnosis and treatment and prevent complications. Here, we have listed seven common warning signs that indicate the lungs are not functioning correctly: Difficulty breathing Lung function usually declines with age, so one may have trouble breathing as they grow older. However, when a person notices sudden shortness of breath without apparent reason, it could be a sign of lung disease. Many lung conditions compromise lung health and make people feel out of breath or energy, even without physical exertion. Chronic cough When a cough lasts more than eight weeks, it should not be ignored. Chronic cough is an early symptom of many lung diseases that damage the organ.

Your body’s organs, particularly the extremities, get insufficient blood flow when poor blood circulation occurs. The condition can be caused by diseases such as diabetes, varicose veins, peripheral artery disease, or even factors like a sedentary lifestyle. It can result in minor aches, nerve damage in the feet, and even heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of warning signs of poor blood circulation to address them quickly. Poor blood circulation warning signs Here is a list of five typical warning symptoms of poor blood circulation to help you know what to look for: Having trouble standing up When you feel dizzy upon standing up from a chair or sofa or engaging in any mild physical activity, your brain is probably not receiving enough blood. A decreased blood volume that causes insufficient blood flow could be the root cause. Wounds that heal slowly Circulation is crucial to the healing of wounds. When you are hurt, your blood distributes oxygen, additional nutrients, and white blood cells to the affected tissue. Poor circulation, on the other hand, prevents adequate blood from getting to the wound and slows recovery. An injury’s risk of infection and other problems, like an amputation, increases with time.

From finding our way in unknown places to staying connected with loved ones and managing finances, all daily activities are compressed into one smart electronic device—a smartphone. Today, nearly 82% of people in the country own a smartphone. However, studies have shown that excessive use of smartphones can result in several health issues, including sleep deprivation, anxiety, and elevated stress levels. So, here are some adverse effects of smartphone usage: Eye-related issues Excessive use of smartphones can lead to several eye-related complications, including itchy and dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. This is because the blue light generated by smartphone screens causes eye strain, especially when one is overstimulated. So, it is advisable to view the smartphone from a distance of 20–28 inches and rest the eyes for 15 minutes every two hours. Disrupted circadian rhythm The brain is governed by an internal clock, called circadian rhythm, that governs the sleep and wakefulness cycles. The blue light from smartphones hampers the brain’s production of melatonin, the hormone regulating the sleep schedule. As a result, viewing the phone just before bedtime can severely affect sleep quality and duration and even induce nightmares. The National Sleep Foundation advises that phones should be put away at least half an hour before bedtime.

Science shows a correlation between one’s eyes and posture alignment. Human eyes send signals to the brain via the central nervous system. The brain interprets these signals and sends responses through the spinal cord to the rest of the body. When one does not maintain a good posture with natural erect alignment, this communication is hampered, causing health problems over time. So, here are some ideal postures for reading and sitting to maintain healthy eyesight. Postures for good eye health Straighten up the spine While the natural erect alignment of one’s spine can bring many health benefits, slouching can impact the connection between one’s spinal cord and brain. This, in turn, can weaken blood flow, affect sense response, including that of eyesight, and cause blurry vision problems. Ensure one’s spine is erect while standing, with the head held straight and the chin tucked in. Avoid bending forward while reading It’s easy to spend hours on one’s phone or reading with the head tucked in and body bent forward, but this can strain one’s spine, neck, shoulders, and eyes. To avoid this, one can stretch from time to time and better posture by keeping the computer screen parallel to one’s face.