Blood clots help stop bleeding and facilitate the repair of injured blood vessels. They usually dissolve once the healing process is complete. But sometimes, clots persist or form without visible injuries, potentially leading to health complications. Every year, almost 900,000 people are affected by this problem. Below are a few common early warning signs that can help people detect an abnormal blood clot and seek the guidance of a healthcare professional. Early warning signs of blood clots An intricate network of blood vessels extends throughout the human body, so clots can develop in various locations. The following early warning signs should prompt one to seek immediate expert attention: Swelling A blood clot may affect either veins or arteries. Both types of blood vessels are tasked with supplying blood and oxygen to and from the heart. If a clot appears abnormally in a vein, it can restrict blood flow to one’s heart and cause inflammation. The condition often causes localized swelling in an arm or leg. Pain and tenderness The area around the blood clot may become painful, tender, or sore. The discomfort can range from a dull ache to intense pain or leg cramps. Redness and warmth The skin over the clot may appear reddish or feel warm to the touch because of increased blood flow to the region.

Seizures occur when there is a malfunction in the communication process between the nerve cells in the brain. This interruption can have effects like loss of consciousness or impaired movements of the muscles in the body. While there are different types of seizures, if one has frequent episodes without any known cause, it is diagnosed as epilepsy. One can learn to recognize certain warning signs of seizures to help manage the condition. Stages of seizure There are four different stages of seizure in epilepsy attacks, and understanding each stage will help in better management of the condition. Prodrome stage This is the stage which is a warning sign before the seizure occurs. These symptoms often go unnoticed because they are very mild and can be difficult to recognize if one is not paying attention. Some of the common symptoms of this stage include confusion, irritability, anxiety, a “funny feeling,” headache, difficulty staying focused, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and even behavioral changes. These signs can present themselves days or even hours before the seizures are about to occur. Aura This is the next stage of the warning sign, which is considered to be the early part of the seizure. There are cases where the aura stage itself is a seizure of sorts; it is also called a simple focal or partial seizure.

Generally, eight hours of sound sleep is all one needs to ensure a productive and energetic day. Unfortunately, several people are observed to be suffering from some kind of sleep disorder. Sleep problems are linked to various health conditions, including type-2 diabetes, cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases. Following a healthy sleep cycle is essential to enhance one’s overall well-being. So, here are 13 tips to follow for a healthy sleep cycle. Set the environment for sleep A conducive sleep environment is a prerequisite for undisturbed sleep throughout the night. For example, studies have shown that the pineal gland present in the brain secretes melatonin when exposed to the dark. Melatonin is the sleep hormone that facilitates drowsiness and sound sleep. So, it is advisable to sleep in a dark, cozy room with dim lights and thick curtains. Avoid sleeping for long hours during the day While taking a quick nap in the afternoon helps one feel refreshed to continue with work, sleeping for long hours during the day can reduce one’s sleep duration at night, affecting one’s sleep cycle. Therefore, it is important to limit one’s siestas by setting an alarm before napping and avoiding snoozing it. Limit caffeine intake Studies have demonstrated that 400 grams of caffeine taken even six hours before bedtime can disrupt one’s sleep considerably.

Strong and healthy bones are essential for mobility, protecting vital organs, and maintaining a strong skeletal framework. While many factors can influence bone health, such as genetics, physical activity, and hormonal balance, food also plays a crucial role. Essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, and others, help in maintaining bone health, while certain foods, if consumed excessively, may weaken bones. Here are some of the best and worst foods for bone health. Foods that weaken bone health High-sodium foods Excessive sodium intake can lead to calcium loss and ultimately weaken the bones. Consuming about 2,300 milligrams of salt leads to a loss of about 40 milligrams of calcium from the bones. On average, however, an average adult person in the country consumes about 5,000 milligrams of salt each day. Some obvious salt-rich snacks include pretzels, potato chips, canned soups, and processed meats like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs. While one can control the amount of salt added to one’s cooking, several products contain hidden sodium. For example, pre-packaged and ready-to-cook frozen meals are usually high in sodium to extend their shelf life and improve taste. Even some condiments and sauces like soy sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings can have hidden sodium.

Liver cancer is a result of the development of a cancerous tumor in the liver. The condition has been classified as a leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common type of liver cancer. Although the symptoms do not show up initially, diagnosing the condition as early as possible can help with timely treatment. So, here are some silent signs of liver cancer one shouldn’t ignore: Silent signs of liver cancer Unexplained loss of appetite Liver cancer may trigger the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which can cause one to feel extremely full, even in the case of normal or lower food intake. Such a sensation of fullness can lead to loss of appetite, a possible sign of liver cancer. Yellowing of the eyes and skin Yellowing of the eyes and skin indicates the liver’s inability to digest a substance known as bilirubin and may be a sign of liver cancer or liver disease. Pale-colored stools The liver releases a substance called bile into the small intestine; this substance is responsible for the typical brownish color of stools. However, in case of liver cancer or damage, the liver is unable to produce or release bile, causing stools to turn light or white in color.

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system in the body, which is responsible for fighting germs and infections. There are two main types of lymphoma – Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The symptoms of lymphoma can vary widely between individuals and some of them are often vague, which can be mistaken for other health conditions. It’s important to be aware of some of the silent signs of lymphoma, such as: Swollen lymph nodes As the name suggests, lymphoma primarily affects lymphocytes (white blood cells made in the bone marrow and lymph nodes) in the body. They are mostly concentrated around the neck, groin, armpit, and spleen. To fight off infections, the lymph nodes push the white blood cells into action, which leads to swelling or a feeling of tenderness around the area. However, with lymphoma, the nodes swell up due to the presence of cancerous cells. Most people with swollen lymph nodes due to lymphoma do not report any pain or tenderness. Fever One of the most common signs of immune system activation is a fever. It does so to fight off any infections or in response to cancerous cells. If one keeps developing fevers without any underlying cause, it may signal lymphoma.

Hemophilia is when a person inherits a bleeding disorder that does not allow the blood to clot in the body when necessary. This leads to continuous bleeding if there has been an injury and can also be a complication during surgeries. There are some proteins called clotting factors that help in stopping the bleeding, and those with hemophilia have low levels of these clotting factors. Here are some of the symptoms of hemophilia, to know. Common signs and symptoms Here are some of the symptoms of this condition that can be observed, and a diagnosis can be arranged based on these. It is important to get the right tests done and speak to a healthcare professional before devising any treatment plans. Bleeding in the joints As the condition progresses, one of the most common symptoms is repeated bleeding within the joint. This can cause the joint lining to break down over time, leading to joint damage. Eventually, this damage can become severe enough to cause chronic pain and disability. Bleeding into the skin Anyone who often notices bruises on their skin may indicate hemophilia. There is easy bruising on the skin and muscle and the soft tissue in the body.

The skin, as the body’s largest organ, plays a vital role in protecting against external elements and regulating internal temperature. So, maintaining skin health is a key part of overall well-being, and it requires mindful and consistent care. However, a few daily habits can have a negative effect on the skin’s appearance and function. By recognizing the following unhealthy practices and adopting a proactive approach to break these habits, one can get radiant, resilient skin. 1. Inadequate sun protection Excessive sun exposure without proper protection poses a threat to skin health. Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to a range of issues, including premature aging, sunburns, and a higher risk of skin cancer. To prevent sun damage, one should wear sunscreen, protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses while stepping outdoors. Further, the threat of UV rays is not limited to sunny days, as they can penetrate clouds and even windows, making sun protection a year-round necessity. 2. Poor hydration Adequate hydration is a key step toward healthy skin. When the body is dehydrated, the skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes, leading to dryness, flakiness, and a dull appearance. Additionally, dehydrated skin is more prone to irritation and inflammation, making it more susceptible to conditions like eczema and dermatitis.