Ataxia is a health condition characterized by a loss of coordination and muscle control. It affects certain body functions that rely on muscle groups to complete an action, such as walking, speaking, and seeing. The body’s inability to perform these functions affects a person’s daily routine. Ataxia can be caused due to several underlying health conditions, such as a stroke and brain degeneration. Identifying the condition’s signs can help individuals seek timely diagnosis and treatment. Trouble with balance One of the first signs of ataxia is a loss of balance. The brain sends and receives signals through a delicate network of nerves to control body movements. Ataxia affects this vital function, causing a person to struggle with abrupt movements and actions that affect balance. Poor coordination also affects the patient’s walking style and overall gait. Vision problems Slow eye movements are a noticeable sign of developing ataxia. They result from poor neural communication and faulty muscle movements that affect the eyeballs. Some people also develop nystagmus, a vision condition that causes repetitive, involuntary movements of both eyes. These eye movements can be vertical, horizontal, or even circular and are easy to notice as the condition progress. Trouble with speech Ataxia can also affect a person’s speech, with slurring noted as one of the early symptoms.

Millions of people across the country use wheeled mobility devices such as wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, or scooters due to limited or complete loss of their ability to walk. While these devices help provide accessible mobility, they may also harm one’s health in the long term. Many wheelchair users face barriers when accessing preventive healthcare services and achieving physical fitness. Because of these reasons, they are more likely to develop the following: Shoulder overuse injuries:  Maneuvering the wheelchair can put pressure on the upper body’s chest, shoulder, and back muscles, making them more susceptible to injuries and strains. Strengthening these muscles can help avoid such injuries. Look for wheelchair-friendly gyms, or try muscle-strengthening exercises at home using resistance bands. Urinary tract disorders:  Accessibility to washroom facilities remains a struggle for wheelchair users, especially when out and about. This makes them more prone to developing urge or stress incontinence and other urinary tract disorders. Reduced bone density:  Those living with a severely limiting condition or disease, such that they are immobile for six months or longer, are at a higher risk of experiencing bone loss or reduced bone density. This may eventually lead to osteoporosis. Muscle atrophy:  Similarly, more extended periods of immobility have also been associated with reduced glycogen storage, which impacts the ability of the muscles to mobilize fatty acids.

Gynecologists are specialized doctors whose primary focus is women’s health and the reproductive system. These healthcare professionals can treat various health problems across menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, obstetrics, hormone disorders, and more. Hence one must seek their advice during tough times. However, there are chances that one may not know the symptoms to look out for. Hence, here are some early signs that indicate a woman’s need to consult a gynecologist. Early signs that indicate a visit to a gynecologist Painful periods Many women feel discomfort during the menstrual period. While some can have stomach cramps, hot flashes, and sore breasts, others can experience low blood pressure, headache, and excess hunger. However, if one has unmanageable abdominal pain, this can be due to problems such as endometriosis – an extra buildup of tissue outside the uterus, or fibroids – abnormal growth of cells and tissue in the uterus. Abnormal vaginal bleeding While spotting between periods isn’t a cause to worry, one must look out for unexplained bleeding between periods and bleeding after menopause. Additionally, when one is pregnant and notices bleeding, it can signify issues with the pregnancy. In addition, if one experiences excess bleeding, it could indicate ovarian cancer. Breast pain or lumps Usually, women can notice tenderness in the breast area before the onset of their menstrual period.

Schizophrenia is a disorder that can significantly affect physical and mental well-being. The condition can influence how one thinks, feels, and behaves, making it difficult for one to carry out day-to-day tasks. If left untreated, the disorder can affect an individual’s personal, professional, and social relationships. So, it is important to learn about and recognize the early signs of schizophrenia and seek timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for the disorder. Lack of emotional expression Also known as “flat affect”, lack of emotional and facial expression is a sign often associated with schizophrenia. Here, one may not have appropriate emotional expressions for the circumstances. For instance, one can continue to have an expressionless face even when they feel happy. This can often lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding. To address this symptom, one can consider opting for social skills training or cognitive behavioral therapy. Here, one works with a therapist to improve communication and keep up with their daily routine. Hallucinations One of the most common signs of schizophrenia is hallucinations, which involve hearing and seeing things that do not exist in reality. For someone dealing with the disorder, these hallucinations can appear completely normal and feel like a realistic experience. This can make it difficult for one to differentiate hallucinations from reality.

The quality of sleep at night sets one’s tone for the day. A good night’s sleep ensures alertness and enhances mood, facilitating better decision making, problem solving, and behavior control. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the association between poor sleep quality and cognitive decline. So, it is important to strike the right balance between sleep duration and quality to enhance one’s overall well-being. To do so, avoid these common mistakes that may affect one’s sleep quality. Using electronic devices just before bedtime Nearly 9 out of 10 individuals in a study admitted to using their phones or tablets just before bedtime. Research has shown that the blue light emitted from mobile phones affects the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates one’s circadian rhythm. One’s sleep-wake cycle is severely disrupted due to the use of gadgets at night. It is advisable to put away all electronic devices at least half an hour before bedtime and relax one’s eyes by meditating. Sleeping immediately after a meal The body digests food most efficiently in the upright position. Therefore, when one lies down immediately after a meal, the food typically gets redirected to the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion and impacting sleep quality.

Everyone has a unique preference for doing certain things in life. However, some food and lifestyle choices might not be the best decisions when preserving a healthy mind and body. These bad habits can be the path that could lead you to poor kidney health and even failure. It’s not too late to make amends. Rectifying some small habits can go a long way in relieving the pressure on the kidneys. Not drinking enough water Drinking adequate water is essential to eliminate waste products from the body. It helps flush out the excess sodium, potassium, and other minerals and toxins from the body. It is one of the most effective ways of avoiding kidney stones and related kidney diseases. However, people with existing kidney conditions might need the doctor’s permission and assistance to limit and regulate their water intake. Going heavy on the salt Since high blood pressure is one of the conditions that can put the kidney at risk, it is essential to limit salt intake. Excessive use of salt in foods is one of the bad habits that need to be avoided since it could lead to kidney failure. It is responsible for uncontrolled blood pressure levels, which can further increase the risk of developing kidney-related problems.

The lungs are the central part of the respiratory system. Located in the chest or the thoracic cavity, they make oxygen available to the body and release carbon dioxide. For overall health, good lung function is vital. However, several daily household factors can contribute to lung damage. While some risk factors may be unavoidable, basic knowledge and prevention of these threats can help reduce the risk of lung diseases and promote better health. Mold Mold is a type of fungus that reproduces using spores. It releases spores into the air, which can cause severe lung damage for those with mold allergies, COPD, and a weak immune system. People sensitive to mold must fix leaks around their homes and avoid the buildup of leaves and compost piles to discourage mold growth. Carpet The little crevices in carpet fabric can trap mold, cockroach droppings, dust mites, and toxic gasses, making them a health hazard. If possible, switch to wood, marble, or tile floors. Alternatively, opt for rugs that can be cleaned outside the home. Vacuum the carpet three times a week, and have it steam cleaned annually. Gas appliances Gas appliances such as cooktops, space heaters, and ovens could also contribute to lung damage, as when gas, wood, oil, coal, and kerosene burn, they release nitrous oxide.

Studies have shown that almost 80% of menstruating individuals experience period pain at some point in their lives. Cramps, discomfort, and mood swings are just some of the many other symptoms accompanying period pain. Managing period pain involves several effective home remedies and strategies that can help reduce cramping and discomfort. Moreover, maintaining adequate cleanliness and hygiene during this time is essential to prevent infections. Here are some menstrual hygiene mistakes one should avoid: Changing pads or tampons infrequently Tampons and pads can cause bacteria to accumulate, triggering vaginal and urinary infections, causing rashes, and emitting unpleasant odors. Thus, if one has normal blood flow, changing one’s tampons or pads at least once every 3–4 hours is advisable. Individuals with heavier menstrual flow should change their pads or tampons more frequently. Using soaps made of strong chemicals While picking a soap, it helps to look for ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, sea salt, and oatmeal, which are milder on the skin and do not cause harm to intimate areas. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that the soap one is buying is non-comedogenic. Failing to wash the genital area daily When blood remains on the skin, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease affecting airflow in and out of the airways, making breathing difficult. It is a progressive disease, and if not diagnosed early, can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases. COPD is a group of diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive asthma. Identification of warning signs and early diagnosis could help reduce other risks and give a head start in essential treatment. Persistent or chronic cough This is one of the first signs of COPD – a persistent or long-term cough. The American Lung Association recommends seeking a medical diagnosis if a cough lasts more than eight weeks. A chronic cough could be an indication of an underlying issue with the functioning of the lungs. Shortness of breath and wheezing Any type of exercise or exertion is generally accompanied by heavier breathing, but if the feeling of being winded or having shortness of breath occurs during routine activities, it could be an early warning sign of COPD. Obstruction in the air passage causes difficulty in breathing and results in shortness of breath. COPD causes excess mucus to obstruct the airways, and this along with muscular tightening narrows the airways, causing the wheezing sounds when one exhales.