Due to the pandemic, there has been a surge in diabetes cases around the world. This rise has been exacerbated by low-grade inflammation caused due to viral infections, which impact insulin resistance. According to research, these viruses can replicate within pancreatic beta-cells, where insulin is produced. This further affects the synthesis and secretion process of the hormone. This sudden increase has made it more critical to recognize the five alarming signs of high blood sugar. Excessive thirst Also known as polydipsia, excessive thirst is a common sign of high blood sugar caused by dehydration resulting from frequent urination. Patients with high blood sugar levels might constantly battle the urge to drink fluids to quench their insatiable thirst. Increased hunger People with high blood sugar are also prone to increased hunger as a sign of their condition. Polyphagia causes the body’s cells to miss out on receiving sufficient energy from glucose. In order to cope with it, the body breaks down stored fat and muscle tissue, which might cause unintentional loss of body mass. Frequent urination Polyuria is also one of the common signs of high blood sugar. The kidney’s primary function is to eliminate excessive sugar in the body. The urge to empty the bladder is more frequent at night, known as nocturia.

A debilitating neurological disorder, Parkinson’s disease, affects the nervous system. It is generally observed among those above the age of 60 years. In some cases, people below 50 also develop an early onset of the disease. It is common among those with a family history of the condition. Over time, the effect on the nervous system becomes apparent through several symptoms. There are warning signs of Parkinson’s that should not be ignored, which can help seek diagnosis and treatment. Temors in the hands This is one of the most noticeable warning signs of Parkinson’s. It is also known as rhythmic shaking. The tremors or shaking start to occur in the limbs of the hands or fingers. Sometimes, there is a pill-rolling tremor that causes a person to rub their thumb and forefinger against each other. The handwriting grows smaller It is normal for handwriting to change with age. However, Parkinson’s causes a person’s handwriting to become smaller, making it illegible over time. The words appear crowded, or the lines are not straight. This condition caused by Parkinson’s is also known as micrographia. The movements become slow Parkinson’s progresses over time to cause a person’s movements to become slower. They start to walk slower than their regular speed.

There is so much advice floating around us when it comes to skincare. From online trends to old lores, it is important to filter this information and create a skincare routine that will get you closer to achieving your skin goals. However, while searching for the right products and foods, several bad habits can wreak havoc on your skin and slow down your progress. Here are five skincare habits that can worsen skin health: Not wearing sunscreen around the year Many of us assume that the sun isn’t bright or visible enough to affect our skin during the winter months. But, the sun’s UV rays still percolate to the ground and can affect your skin. To prevent photodamage from this exposure, wearing sunscreen all year round is important. Not removing your makeup before bed Washing your face before going to bed is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to several things, such as makeup, dust, dirt, and grime. Washing your face at the end of the day will help you remove these from the surface of your skin so they do not clog your pores and lead to more breakouts.

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.

Poor blood circulation can occur due to a number of health conditions. These include peripheral artery disease or PAD, diabetes, and Raynaud’s disease. While these require treatments prescribed by healthcare professionals, eating certain foods to improve blood count and blood circulation can also help. These foods also benefit athletes and those who indulge in physical activities to improve recovery and stamina. Here are some of these few foods to add to everyday meals. Broccoli One of the healthiest cruciferous vegetables is broccoli, which is packed with several nutrients. It is a rich source of vitamin B9 or folate. This nutrient is important to increase the count of red blood cells in the body. Adding broccoli to salads, stir-fried meals, and other food options can help the body produce red blood cells quicker, thus improving blood count and blood circulation. Bananas Adding bananas to cereal or having banana smoothies is not just filling but also extremely good for blood. This is because bananas are one of the richest sources of potassium. Potassium can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. This is especially helpful if there is an excess of sodium in the body. High levels of sodium can lead to high blood pressure.

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.