Arthritis is a term commonly used to describe a group of conditions that affect one’s joints. The bones are cushioned with cartilage, a slippery material that absorbs shocks and enables smooth movement. Arthritis develops when this cartilage wears down due to age or injury and does not function properly, leading to joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Here are the types and early warning signs of arthritis that one should be aware of. Types of arthritis The most common types of the condition include: Osteoarthritis It is a type of arthritis that affects the hips, knees, lower back, and other large joints that bear the most body pressure. Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. It attacks the smaller joints first, including the fingers and toes, and gradually the whole body, making it systemic. Psoriatic arthritis Another autoimmune condition, psoriatic arthritis primarily affects those with psoriasis, characterized by skin inflammation and patchy or scaly skin. Psoriasis commonly affects the tips of the elbows and knees, the navel, and the skin around one’s genitalia. Gout This is a relatively rare type of arthritis that develops when the kidneys cannot process excess uric acid, which accumulates in one’s joints.

Eating nutritious food, getting some exercise every day, and ensuring the correct levels of hormones keep the bones healthy. Health conditions like osteoporosis could weaken bones, making them brittle and leading to frequent fractures. While there are management methods, such as therapies and lifestyle changes, to improve weaker bones, identifying the complication at its earliest is crucial. An early diagnosis is only possible if one takes note of these early warning signs of weakening bones. Problems with holding objects An individual with osteoporosis might have trouble holding objects because of weaker grip strength. This is one of the most common signs of osteoporosis that occurs with age. Patients might have trouble pushing heavy doors, standing up, and rotating door knobs. Those with these symptoms must get themselves checked by a healthcare expert. Gum recession Gum recession is when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the underlying roots. Multiple factors, including aggressive brushing, genetics, and unhealthy lifestyle habits, could lead to this. However, sometimes it could be triggered due to the loss of bone mineral density. Since the teeth and jaw bones are connected, if the jaw starts to lose bone mineral density, it could result in receding gums.

The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder differ significantly depending on various aspects, including the child’s age. The signs could be observed in their behavioral patterns as early as age one. Regardless of whether someone has the condition, all children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular healthcare appointments when they are 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months old. Here are the common autism signs in children in different age groups. Babies between six months and one year A few developmental differences might become more apparent when a baby becomes a toddler. Parents can identify autism by looking out for specific irregularities during this stage. For instance, the baby might: Not like seeing new faces. Not show any form of affection. Dislike being cuddled. Refrain from pointing their fingers at things. Show no response to their names when called. Make limited or no conversation. Shy away from initiating conversations in the form of “chatter” or “babble.” Avoid asking for help even if needed, and struggle with the activity instead. Rarely smile in social situations. Make limited to no eye contact. Not turn their head to locate sounds, nor react to loud noises. Display a lack of social anticipation (such as not understanding the game of “Peek-a-boo” and not reaching out their arms to be picked up).

Whether it is the first visit to the gynecologist or the tenth, it is natural to feel uncomfortable when discussing vaginal health problems. Such issues can seem extremely private and, occasionally, a little scary. However, it helps to know that nearly everyone experiences hesitation while interacting with their gynecologist. So, here are a few questions to ask a gynecologist that can seem uncomfortable but are important for ensuring optimal health: Does the vagina look normal? This is one of the most common questions one might want to ask during a visit to the OB/GYN but skip due to embarrassment. But, it is perfectly okay to ask this question if one feels like they need to know more about the appearance of the vagina. Most of the time, differences in appearance are not a cause for concern, as there is no normal or standard structure of the vagina. No one vagina is like the other, and they are not meant to look alike. This is because the labia length differs from person to person. Moreover, there are differences in clitoral prominence and skin coloration. Why are there bumps down there? It is normal for bumps to develop in the intimate area.

A gastroenterologist (GI) specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the digestive system organs, such as the liver, pancreas, stomach, gallbladder, intestines, colon, and esophagus. When experiencing digestive discomfort that does not go away, it might be wise to seek the expertise of a gastroenterologist. Patients should clarify their doubts about their symptoms and overall gastrointestinal health during the visit. Sometimes, it might be awkward, but it is necessary to ask certain uncomfortable questions. Should I worry if I fart too much in a day? Passing gas, a natural bodily function, can result from various factors, such as ongoing treatment, eating specific foods, and even childbirth. Excessive flatulence may point toward conditions like sleep apnea or, in rare cases, colon cancer. If frequent and bothersome farting persists, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a checkup. The expert can assess a person’s discomfort level and provide necessary guidance to address adverse impacts on their daily life. Should I worry if I urinate too often? How many times an individual pees in a day depends on many factors, such as their water intake and consumption of certain beverages. Since people have different bladder capacities, there is no fixed number of times one should use the bathroom.

Increased stress can be linked to a tendency to fall prey to bad habits. While it sounds mildly incredulous, there can be a link between stress, the resultant bad habits, and eventually damaged teeth. Habits like nail biting, not flossing, or not brushing at night might not seem like a big deal; however, they can lead to numerous adverse effects in time. Essentially, they can significantly impact dental health and the dental bill. 6 bad habits that damage teeth Using teeth as tools The primary activity of teeth is to chew on food and help break it down into smaller pieces, making it easy for digestion. However, that is not all we use our teeth for. On multiple occasions, we use our teeth as tools to get a few other non-eating-related jobs done, like opening a bottle, tearing off plastic packaging, biting nails, and more. All of these activities are potentially harmful to dental health. Chewing ice There are few things as crunchy as frozen water. It is no wonder that people are so fond of chewing ice and treating it as a snack. That said, it is not a good habit, neither for the throat nor the teeth. Regularly chewing ice can damage the teeth, roots, and gums.

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.

Taking supplements is normal and shouldn’t be shied away from. However, it is important to be aware of certain considerations and avoid common mistakes if you are new to taking supplements. Before you start on it, consult your doctor before prescribing any vitamins to yourself and wait for a proper diagnosis to determine the right health plan for you. Also, allow a sustainable approach to let these supplements work well for your body. Neglecting a balanced meal plan One of the biggest mistakes anyone makes while taking supplements is relying on them for all their nutritional needs. Supplements are a way to complement a well-balanced meal plan, not replace it altogether. You need enough calories in the day to satiate the body’s need to function better and stay healthy. Consult a nutritionist who can put you on a good meal plan that caters to your body’s needs. All kinds of food groups should be included in the meals, like proteins, carbs, and fats. However, you should always avoid ultra-processed foods and find better alternatives for those cravings, if any. Eating fatty food is not wrong, but eating the wrong kind of fatty food should be avoided at all costs. Not consulting a professional It’s best to speak with a nutritionist instead of solely relying on the internet to understand your body’s nutritional needs.

If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, it is understandable that you might have a lot of questions and doubts in your mind. However, the specific queries of each person fighting the battle against this disease will vary. It can be challenging to determine what to ask the consulting professional to get a clear picture of the condition and its related treatment plan. Here’s a compiled list of questions for an oncologist after the first cancer diagnosis. What is the name of my cancer or condition? When you meet with your doctor on your first appointment, they must clearly explain your cancer diagnosis, including the name, type, and stage. This information will further determine your treatment plan and help in the prognosis. To prepare for a proper appointment, writing down your health history, including symptoms, past illnesses, and treatments, and collating all the past tests is helpful. Is it slow or fast-growing? The growth rate of tumors can change depending on the class and stage of the disease. Each case is unique, and the metastasizing can also be influenced by individual factors such as the type of cancer and the present condition of the disease. Confirm with your doctor whether the malignancy can be slowed down if it progresses and can be cured with a systematic treatment approach.

A dentist’s visit can be an intimidating experience, so you must pick a competent doctor you can trust. The best way to find a good dental surgeon is to seek personal recommendations from people around you and read patient reviews on online portals. While doing so, you should watch for the warning signs of a bad dentist. Doctors or clinics that showcase the following signs should be avoided at all costs. A lack of cleanliness and hygiene Every doctor’s office should be well-sanitized and thoroughly cleaned to prevent infections from spreading. This includes sterilizing equipment like scrubs, masks, and gloves before each use and, in applicable cases, removing tools from a sealed package before a procedure. If the cleanliness and hygiene protocols are not followed in any dentist’s office, it is a warning sign to drop this specific doctor and look for a more suitable one. No discussion of dental health and history Dentists are required to conduct a comprehensive dental exam before recommending treatment for their patients. A person’s past health records give the doctor a basic idea about their current dental situation. It also helps the dentist point out underlying conditions that might have gone unnoticed. Not going through the patient’s details is considered an unethical practice.