Normally many people seek medical help when they encounter any strange health symptoms or a sudden outbreak. Regular health check-ups are intended for seeking help for medical problems and identifying possible risk factors by analyzing the test results. Getting proper medical help and modifying the lifestyle would be the best advice one can get. That’s why a health check-up is necessary. One must also be aware of things to clarify with a doctor during a health check-up. Aspects of regular health check-ups Review of medical history: Your doctor will inquire about your past and present medical issues, prescriptions, and surgeries. Physical examination: Your doctor will perform a physical examination that includes checking your vital signs, heart and lung function, and any unusual lumps or growths. Counseling: Your doctor may guide healthy lifestyle practices like nutrition and exercise. Referral: If your doctor notices any anomalies or determines that you need additional testing or treatment, they may refer you to a specialist. Laboratory tests: Your cholesterol, blood sugar, and other critical health markers may be checked via blood and urine tests. Screening tests: Your doctor may advise screening tests like mammograms or Pap smears to detect cancer or other diseases early. 3 things to clarify with a doctor during a health check-up Here are a few things to consider before any regular health check-up:

Dehydration can occur for various reasons, such as sweating excessively, not drinking enough water, or vomiting and diarrhea. Most people know that some common symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine, but other unusual and hidden signs may point to this condition. Ignoring these signs of dehydration may lead to health issues in the long run. If one experiences any of these symptoms, increasing the intake of water and other fluids is best. Bad breath When the body becomes dehydrated, it produces less saliva. Saliva is important in washing away food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Without enough saliva, bacteria can thrive, causing bad breath. Muscle cramps When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, which are essential minerals that help regulate nerve and muscle function. This can cause muscles to contract involuntarily, resulting in painful cramps. Dry or dull skin Dehydration can cause the skin to become dry, dull, or less elastic. Wrinkles and fine lines may also be a result of dehydrated skin. Headaches Dehydration can cause headaches or migraines in some people. When the body is dehydrated, it can decrease blood volume, which can cause blood vessels in the brain to narrow, leading to headaches.

Ignoring certain types of aches and pains in the body can be dangerous. Certain body aches may indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring immediate attention. These conditions can worsen and cause further damage to the body if left untreated, and may even lead to life-threatening situations. Ignoring these symptoms and pains may worsen them, resulting in more discomfort and a lower quality of life. Here are a few aches and pains to keep an eye out for. Chest pain Sudden chest pain may indicate a heart attack, which is an emergency. If someone has chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes and is accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, or nausea, one should visit the hospital immediately. A doctor can help one make the best decisions and avoid serious complications. Headaches While headaches are common, they may indicate a more serious condition such as a stroke, brain tumor, or meningitis, if they are severe or appear suddenly. One should seek treatment if a sudden, severe headache strikes, particularly if other symptoms like confusion, dizziness, or altered vision accompany it. Abdominal pain Abdominal pain is a common symptom of several diseases, including pancreatitis, appendicitis, and gallstones. Anyone with persistent or severe abdominal pain should see a doctor, particularly if it is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, or a fever.

Pain is a normal sensation everyone experiences from time to time. It is also the body’s way of letting us know something isn’t right. Various factors like illness, injury, or other chronic conditions can trigger pain. Some types of pain are easily manageable with self-care, lifestyle changes, and prescription treatment. However, some pain symptoms, when they are ignored, could give rise to serious health concerns and chronic pain that lasts from weeks to months. Numbness or tingling Nerve damage is one of the more common reasons for numbness or tingling sensation in any part of the body. It might even be an indication of a stroke or multiple sclerosis. If numbness or tingling persists, a doctor must be contacted immediately. Fatigue Anemia, stress, and sleep are the common factors that can give rise to fatigue as a symptom. The mental and physical energy a person utilizes to manage the pain can give rise to fatigue. In some cases, chronic and persistent fatigue that lingers even after weeks might be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome or cancer. In such cases, seeking a health expert’s advice is crucial. Shortness of breath Health concerns like COPD, asthma, and pulmonary embolism can all give rise to shortness of breath.

The immune system comprises various organs and cells that aim to protect the body from viruses, parasites, bacteria, and cancer cells. However, when one has an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks the body instead of protecting it. Today, there are over a hundred autoimmune diseases, including lupus, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Keep reading the article to learn more about autoimmune diseases, their symptoms, and management techniques. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases In most cases, the early signs of autoimmune diseases can be very similar and are relatively easy to ignore, and here are some early symptoms to look out for. Body pain Usually, persistent pain in the muscle and joints that cannot be explained is a sign of multiple autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. So, if one experiences pain all over the body, one should not ignore it as an effect of a workout. Instead, they must focus on blood tests and X-rays to diagnose the underlying condition. Unexplained rashes on the skin In most cases, the skin mirrors the inflammation inside the body. So, when the level of inflammation increases, it can lead to red blotchy, itchy, and even scaly skin rashes on the body.

Headaches often result from poor lifestyle habits, a lack of proper sleep, or overworking. In most cases, a few additional hours of shut-eye every day are enough to alleviate such aches. However, sometimes, a headache could last longer and be a precursor to something much more severe, like diabetes, migraines, or, in a worst-case scenario, a brain tumor. Here are some alarming signs of a severe headache that should not be ignored. Nausea Nausea is often a symptom of a migraine—an unbearable, ear-splitting headache that can go on for hours. Migraines are incredibly common and often feature among the top ten causes of disability globally. Vomiting and a general, unrelenting sensation of nausea often come with, after, or before a bad migraine attack. So, if someone experiences an overwhelming feeling that they are about to throw up, it could be a sign of an impending migraine headache. Stiff neck A stiffened neck is sometimes followed or accompanied by a headache. While it may not be a cause for concern, one should see a doctor if the discomfort does not go away. Neck pain accompanied by a headache is one of the symptoms of meningitis, a bacteria- or virus-driven condition that affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

The benefits of drinking enough water and keeping the body hydrated are well-known. More than two-thirds of the human body consists of water. This is why timely hydration is necessary to keep one’s bodily functions ticking along without stoppages. Therefore, not consuming at least two to three liters of water daily can adversely affect a person’s overall health and bodily functions. Here are some of the common side effects of insufficient water intake: Fluid imbalance in the body The blood becomes thicker when the body is deprived of water for longer periods. As a direct result of this, blood circulation gets labored, and the heart needs to expend more energy than usual to ensure that vital nutrients and elements such as oxygen and iron reach all body parts. This sluggishness of the circulatory system translates into nutrient and fluid imbalances in the body. Essentially, the loss of balance and equilibrium with about 1 to 2% bodily fluid loss causes further issues like intense thirst, discomfort, and loss of taste. If fluid loss reaches 3 to 4%, one may experience difficulty concentrating, excessive shaking, and vomiting. Wrinkled skin The skin’s moisture content is severely affected by insufficient water intake. Essentially, the above-mentioned blood circulation problem caused by less water intake obstructs the flow of nutrients to the skin, making it lose its luster and elasticity.