Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It affects the nerve cells that control muscle movement in the brain and spinal cord. The condition can occur in anyone, irrespective of age, gender, or background. While there is currently no cure for ALS, early detection and therapies can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. This article explores nine warning signs of ALS. Muscle weakness and atrophy One of the earliest and most prominent signs of ALS is muscle weakness and atrophy. Individuals with ALS may notice that they have difficulty with everyday tasks that require muscle strength, such as lifting objects, climbing stairs, or even holding a cup. These symptoms often start in a specific limb, like an arm or leg, and gradually progress. Difficulty speaking and swallowing ALS can also affect the muscles used for speaking and swallowing. Some people with ALS may experience slurred speech, find it challenging to articulate words clearly, or even have difficulty swallowing food and liquids. These speech and swallowing difficulties, known as dysarthria and dysphagia, respectively, can significantly impact an individual’s ability to communicate and eat. Muscle cramps and twitching Muscle cramps and fasciculations (involuntary muscle twitching) are common early signs of ALS.

Circulation is one of the body’s critical functions, where freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs is pumped to all organs and extremities by the heart and is a continuous process. However, certain risk factors can trigger the formation of blood clots that affect this function. Several common and less typical signs make it difficult to confirm this problem. One should never ignore the early and unusual warning signs of blood clots. Unexplained swelling One of the earliest signs of a blood clot can be sudden and unexplained swelling in a specific body part. Blood flows through an intricate network of arteries and veins to all organs and extremities of the body. Clotting in this function results in the blood pooling that builds pressure and causes swelling. This type of swelling is easily identifiable as no injury or bruising results in the swelling. Pain or tenderness Blood clots often cause pain or tenderness in the affected area. Patients often complain about sudden cramps, a deep ache, or even a sharp stabbing pain that usually worsens with the most basic movements. Warmth and redness Clotting triggers a slight temperature change around the skin over a clot. It might feel warm to the touch and appear red or discolored.

Although the lockdown is long over, the time has left its mark on one. Even after over three years since the first virus outbreak, new variants of the virus continue infecting people worldwide. Public places have always acted as hotspots for the spread of respiratory viruses, as they involve close contact and interaction. To ensure that one is informed of the risks, here are some public places characterized by quick spread of respiratory viruses: Trains, flights, and cruises While the global travel and tourism industry has recovered from its standstill, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advises passengers to wear masks while using public transportation like trains, flights, and cruise ships. It is also essential to follow other basic hygiene practices like washing one’s hands or sanitizing frequently and maintaining social distancing as much as possible while traveling in these modes of transport. Nursing homes The lockdown phase witnessed several cases of the virus spreading among patients at hospitals and nursing homes. Reports state that long-term healthcare facilities and nursing homes have been responsible for 40% of all casualties during the pandemic. Since respiratory viruses continue to infect people, one should visit or seek treatment only from healthcare centers that follow strict measures to prevent their spread.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a term that encompasses a group of urinary symptoms. It is not categorized as a disease, but it could make participating in everyday activities at home, work, or school a little more challenging. The condition may occur due to factors like age, health conditions, and other environmental influences. One needs to know about these eight early signs and symptoms of OAB, as it could help get the right treatment options. 1. Urinary urgency (dysuria) One of the first signs of an overactive bladder is abnormally frequent urination, termed urinary urgency. A stinging, burning, or itchy feeling usually accompanies the discomfort caused by the symptom. Urinary urgency makes an individual feel a strong urge to urinate and makes them feel like a leak may happen if they do not go to the bathroom immediately. 2. Urge incontinence Sometimes, when an individual has an overactive bladder, they might leak urine, which is known as urge incontinence. The sign makes them feel a sudden and urgent need to use the restroom. One may also leak urine when sneezing, doing physical activity, or laughing. This may also occur due to certain treatment options, changes in eating habits, and infections. Experts may recommend pelvic floor exercises and therapies like nerve stimulation to manage the symptoms.

Eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, ichthyosis, vitiligo, and hives are some of the most commonly occurring skin problems. Skin health is a mirror of your overall health, and your skin requires constant care as it is exposed to pollutants and may develop reactions. If you encounter any unnatural sensation on your skin like irritation or a burning sensation, do not take it casually. Do not leave it unattended, and consult a doctor if need be. You can also start with simple treatments at home. Home remedies for curing skin problems The following are some simple yet effective home remedies for skin problems: Fresh aloe vera Aloe vera has been used to treat skin problems since time immemorial. When you accidentally injure your finger in the kitchen, you are recommended to apply aloe vera gel, and when you are suffering from dry skin, you can use it to nourish your skin. Apart from healing wounds, aloe vera is widely renowned for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. The gel that oozes out of the aloe vera leaves is very effective when it comes to treating itchy or irritated skin. Just ensure that the aloe you get is fresh. Coconut oil Coconut oil is derived from the milk content in coconuts, and apart from being used as a cooking oil, it helps moisturize the skin.

Today, with excessive information available at one’s disposal, people are getting aware of health-related issues. It is important to bear the fact that being overweight is an issue you have to address seriously. Obesity, just like high blood pressure and diabetes, is a chronic condition. No quick or easy way leads to weight management. If you are determined to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle, it is essential to go through the process slowly. Organic ways to lose weight Stay away from processed food items Processed foods, such as cheese, bread, tinned vegetables, frozen meat products, and cakes are not healthy for your body. Such foods, which are also categorized as comfort food, lure you, and it is easy to get attracted to them because of the taste or flavor they offer. But, if you are serious about getting in to shape and, most importantly, refrain from consuming anything that adversely affects your health, do not eat any processed foods. Limit your sugar intake Though sugar forms a large part of our diet and is used in food items daily, it does not do any good for your health. Eating food products that contain sugar affects your body in various ways.

The stomach is located between the esophagus and the small intestine. It is the place where proteins are digested. The stomach has three primary functions: storing the food that one swallows, amalgamating the food with stomach acids, and transferring the mixture to the small intestine. Since the stomach serves so many essential functions, it is prone to suffer from certain disorders. Some of the stomach conditions like heartburn and indigestion are very common among most people. Stomach conditions and their treatment Gastritis Gastritis is referred to as the stomach condition where the stomach lining suffers from inflammation. While chronic gastritis occurs at a slow pace, acute gastritis attacks the stomach suddenly. According to a report published by a renowned clinic, 8 out of 1,000 people show symptoms of acute gastritis, and 2 out of 10, 000 people suffer from chronic gastritis at some point in their lives. Some common signs of gastritis are nausea, indigestion, appetite loss, bloating, and hiccups. It is largely caused because of stress, chronic vomiting, viral or bacterial infections, excessive alcohol consumption, pernicious anemia, or auto-immune diseases. Treatment for gastritis If gastritis is caused due to H.pylori infection, one will be given a couple of antibiotics along with a medication that blocks the entry of acid to their stomach.

A disruption in your sleep cycle will have an adverse effect on most of the activities you do during a day. Every human should sleep for seven to nine hours every night, to be able to function well during the day. Unfortunately, in today’s times, when people lead extremely busy lives, it is very rare for people to adhere to healthy sleeping habits. Because of this, many suffer from different kinds of sleep disorders, which has a long-lasting impact on their health. Types of sleep disorders and their treatment Insomnia Insomnia refers to the sleep disorder in which a person finds it difficult to sleep or stay asleep for a long time. If you are suffering from this condition, you will find it difficult to sleep even when you come home after a long day at work. There are a variety of reasons behind a person suffering from insomnia. Poor sleep cycle, breathing disorder, disruption in sleep-wake schedule, disturbance in the circadian rhythm, and hormonal changes are some of the most common reasons. There are two kinds of insomnia, chronic insomnia and transient or short-term insomnia. Chronic insomnia This condition is characterized by sleeping difficulties, suffering from non-restorative sleep, and not being able to maintain the sleep-wake schedule consistently.