Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that usually affects a child’s ability to communicate and socialize, thus impacting their growth. Some children may show signs at the age of around 18 months to 3 years, while some symptoms may not show up until kids start attending school. Various factors like premature birth or a family history of the condition can lead to developing autism. Some common warning signs of the condition are listed below. Early warning signs of autism It can sometimes be challenging for parents or caregivers to detect ASD in kids. The symptoms differ from person to person, and some may not seem serious enough to warrant more attention than usual childish mischief. But it’s best to be aware of the common warning signs listed below. Lack of joint attention Joint attention can be defined as one’s ability to look back and forth between objects, people, or events quickly. Usually, by the age of 12 months, parents can grab the attention of their children, who react or mimic the parent’s reactions, for example, a smile. Kids can also look back and forth between the object and the parent. This skill enables people later to interact socially, exchange emotional expressions, and develop a bond with others.

Primary bone cancers (bone sarcomas) are rare conditions that can develop in any bone of the body. There are several types of bone cancers, including chondrosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Given their rare occurrence, the symptoms may often be misdiagnosed as those of other health conditions. So, one should keep an eye out for the following early signs of bone cancer, as doing so could ensure that one receives prompt diagnosis and treatment. Pain Pain could be triggered by several health complications and injuries. However, in the case of bone cancer, initially, the pain may not be constant. However, it could worsen at night or when the affected area is being moved, such as when walking with a tumor in the leg bone. With time the pain could become constant and may worsen with physical activity. Breathing problems Cancer that develops in the bones may also spread to organs like the lungs. If the cancer has reached this region, one may experience breathing difficulties. They may also experience other early signs of bone cancer, like chest pain, wheezing, chronic cough, and coughing blood. One should consult an expert right away if they experience any such symptoms. Fractures Those with bone cancer are likely to experience sudden fractures, as the tumor could weaken the bone to the extent that it breaks even with the slightest pressure.

One may not give much thought to their urinary hygiene and eating habits, but they can have a significant impact on overall health. The bladder is responsible for holding and releasing urine, and certain peeing mistakes and poor food choices can affect bladder health. This, in turn, increases the risk of hormonal issues, kidney problems, and infections. So, here are a few common mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder: Ignoring the urge to pee One may postpone attending nature’s call if they are busy with work or other activities. While this does not immediately affect the bladder, ignoring the urge to pee and letting urine accumulate in the bladder for a long period can lead to chronic overstretching. This, in turn, can damage bladder control. So, one should avoid this mistake by taking regular bathroom breaks whenever they feel the urge. Peeing too often If holding pee in unnecessarily is a mistake, so is going to the bathroom too often. Frequent trips to the bathroom can train the bladder to become overactive. If one feels the need to pee every hour or so to the point that it affects their daily life, they should seek medical help. An overactive bladder may also be a sign of health conditions like diabetes, poor kidney function, infections, or even cancer.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that affects people in multiple ways. Primarily, it causes inflammation of the skin and joints, and also the brain, heart, and lungs. As a result, one may experience fatigue, joint pain or stiffness, skin rashes, kidney problems, dry eyes, chest pain, mouth sores, and low blood cell count. Recognizing these early signs can help one seek timely treatment. Additionally, here are some things to avoid when dealing with the condition: Unhealthy foods Healthy foods are imperative for managing lupus symptoms. While there is no doctor-recommended list of foods for the condition, one can benefit from excluding the following trigger foods – Garlic: Garlic tends to enhance the production and activity of white blood cells, which can help fight infections like the cold or flu. But for conditions like lupus, where the immune system is overactive, garlic intake may backfire. While not entirely bad for health, garlic is best eaten in smaller quantities and avoided during flare-ups. – Processed food: Processed food like sausages, pork, red meat, bacon, and other packaged junk food contains high amounts of saturated fats, which can trigger lupus flares. – Sugary foods : Sugary foods like sweets, cakes, donuts, and syrups are associated with many health issues and are best avoided.

Our bones perform various crucial functions, like facilitating movement, providing the body with a structure, and protecting the internal organs. But unfortunately, many people do not have healthy bones. Around ten million nationwide have osteoporosis, while 44 million have bone-density issues. Low bone density and weak bones increase the risk of fractures and mobility problems. The following are a few ways to prevent bone diseases and build strong and healthy bones. Choose calcium-rich foods Bones are the primary calcium reservoirs, with nearly 99% of the body’s calcium concentrated in them. Thus, calcium is vital for optimal bone health and physical well-being. To acquire calcium, one’s meal plan should consist of foods rich in this nutrient, such as dairy and dairy products (if one is not lactose intolerant), soybeans, leafy green vegetables, figs, and lentils. Have foods rich in vitamin D Studies have shown that the body requires vitamin D to produce a specific hormone essential for optimal calcium absorption. Therefore, besides having foods high in calcium, one should incorporate vitamin D-rich foods into their meals. Salmon, tuna, beef liver, eggs, mushrooms, and vitamin D-fortified orange juice are a few foods that ensure calcium absorption and facilitate stronger bones. Engage in physical activity Exercise has many positive effects on the bones and the muscles.

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.

Human lives are dependent on the health of a pair of lungs, which deliver oxygen to the cells and remove carbon dioxide from the body. Consequently, lung problems must be addressed promptly to avoid further complications and detect diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chronic cough should see a pulmonologist for timely diagnosis and treatment. Here are some key questions to ask a pulmonologist: What is causing my symptoms? Understanding the underlying cause(s) of a problem is essential to figure out an effective treatment course with one’s pulmonologist. Sometimes, treatments may help address the symptoms but may not deal with the root cause, which may cause the disease to relapse. For example, living in a highly polluted region may have caused or contributed to one’s asthma, or an unhealthy lifestyle may have been a significant cause of a COPD diagnosis. Discussing one’s lifestyle, geographical area, genetic factors, etc., with a pulmonologist can help one identify the possible root cause of lung disease. What are my treatment options, possible side effects, and best intervention? Almost every treatment course may have some side effects. Individuals with certain lung conditions or weak immunities may not be able to withstand the side effects of certain treatments and might require a different approach.

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 8 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.

Getting a good night’s rest helps the body and mind recover from the physical and mental exhaustion one experiences throughout the day. Adequate rest is not only essential for recovery but also for maintaining vital metabolic and hormonal functions that are required to keep the organs running and prevent health complications. One should also prioritize rest to avoid dealing with the side effects of sleep deprivation that can affect overall health: Memory problems The brain needs adequate rest at night to be energized and function properly during the day. Lack of sleep affects cognitive functions that control memory. Sleep deprivation has a major impact on the connections the brain forms at rest that control short- and long-term memory. Poor analytical thinking Sleep deprivation also affects rational thinking and the ability to process information. One may also have trouble focusing, which can affect decision-making even when it comes to routine tasks. Mood swings Sleep deprivation affects the hormonal balance in the body and, as a result, the mood. Persistent lack of sleep can make one more irritable, short or quick-tempered, and emotionally unstable, increasing the risk of anxiety or depression. Elevated blood pressure and glucose Sleep regulates metabolic activities and processes, so without proper rest, the digestive and circulatory systems will not be able to function at optimal capacity.