A lot of people usually shrug off little aches and pains on a daily basis, as long as it does not bother them too much or prevent them from doing their tasks. Health is defined as the absence of disease, so a lot of people think they are in the pink of health as long as they are not diagnosed with something major (such as cancer), or suffering from a heart attack, or on maintenance medication for diabetes or heart disease.
The Dangers of Ignoring Warning Signs
The body has this incredible ability to give warnings of declining health and conditions that may be serious even before they fully manifest. It sends little signs that, left ignored, can be dangerous, expensive to treat, and even fatal.
Apart from aches and pains, your physical appearance can also signal underlying health concerns. Some of these are yellow complexion, pink eyes, nails that have turned brown at the top, aggressive hair loss or moles that change in appearance. Another warning signs are rapid weight loss or weight gain, a rash that won’t go away, wounds that take forever to heal, and dark circles and creamy spots around the eyes. These warning signals indicate health issues that need to be treated.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, you should definitely consider getting checked by your doctor ASAP:
1. Poor sleep quality 
Not being able to sleep at night or getting up in the middle of the night to pee once in a while is normal. However, if it is a problem that persists, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder such as insomnia, which is a result of very high cortisol levels at night. Cortisol is the stress hormone, which in healthy people drops naturally at night, allowing you to rest and recharge. High cortisol levels at night is an indication of stress, and when you are unable to sleep properly at night, your body fails to run its self-repair mechanisms, causing you to get sick.
2. Your body is shaped like an apple
Being overweight is often an indication of poor health, because it means your body is not able to effectively convert carbohydrates into energy. Instead, it gets converted to sugar and stored as fat. However, if you carry extra weight around your waist and belly – which makes you “apple-shaped” – it means you carry a higher percentage of adipose tissue, making you more prone to diseases such as Type-2 diabetes and hypertension. Consult your dietician and endocrinologist for a weight management plan that can help you shed off excess weight safely.
3. Chronic fatigue
If you’re always tired even if you did not engage in strenuous activity, then it might be a sign of a thyroid issue or a burned out adrenal gland. It can also be your body being exhausted from protecting your body against toxic overload in the form of processed food, alcohol, nicotine, and environmental factors such as pollution. It could also be because your stress responses are active at all time and your self-repair mechanisms are on overdrive in an attempt to protect you from cancer, infection, and other serious illnesses. If you’re always tired, get adequate rest, and if it doesn’t work, see your doctor.
4. Your urine is darker or has a tinge of red
Healthy urine – which indicates that you are well-hydrated and free of infection – is pale golden yellow in color. A darker color usually indicates dehydration, while a cloudy appearance indicates the presence of excess protein and infection. An orange or reddish tinge means blood is present, which means you need to get a urinalysis ASAP. Having a hard time peeing is also an indication of a urinary tract infection.
5. Snoring
If you snore loudly when you sleep, it can mean you are suffering from sleep apnea, or a condition when you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes, which can result in poor sleep quality. It is also the leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness and when left untreated, can increase your risk of heart failure because of obstructed airways.
6. You’re constipated
Healthy bowels move with every meal due to the gastrocolic reflex, which means that every time you put food in your stomach, the bowels move to eliminate toxins and make room for new nutrients. When you’re constipated, toxins in the body can enter your bowel lining, invade your bloodstream and cause inflammation, and put you at risk for serious health conditions. To alleviate constipation, it is recommended that you drink enough water and consume a fiber-rich diet. If several days pass and you don’t have a bowel movement, it’s time to see your doctor.
7. You have rough spots
Crusty blemishes, also known as keratoses, are usually benign. Solar keratoses that are triggered by sun damage can be an early warning cause of cancer, so if you notice dark spots after excessive sun exposure, it is best to seek medical intervention.
8. You have a flushed face
Having red cheeks and nose when it’s extremely cold or after engaging in physical activity is normal. However, if your cheeks are perpetually rosy, then it could be a sign of rosacea, which affects women between 30 to 55 years old, and can affect the eyes. Avoid stress, sun, and spicy foods so as not to make your blood vessels dilated.
9. Your lips are cracked
If you experience cracks at the corners of your mouth, you might have a shortage of B vitamins or zinc. It is important that this condition is treated early on, because long-term cracks can lead to fungal infections. It may also be a sign of oral thrush or overproduction of yeast.
10. You have palms that are redder than usual
Palms are normally a shade redder than the rest of the body, but if they are always red, it can be an early symptom of liver disease. If red palms are accompanied by lethargy and an overall sickly feeling, it’s wise to seek medical advice ASAP to limit the damage.
Warning Signs could Save Your Life
Oftentimes, changes in your sleeping pattern or the formation of rough skin patches are nothing to worry about. But there are rare cases when simple changes could serve as warning signs and become symptoms of a deadly disease.
Listening to your body and seeking medical advice when you sense something amiss is the best thing you can do to ensure that you stay healthy at all times. If your doctor has diagnosed you with cancer, do not hesitate to contact us at 480-757-6573 for treatment recommendations.