Headaches can range from mild to severe throbbing sensations that disrupt your daily routine. Though headaches are considered normal, chronic headaches can be a cause of concern. If the headache persists even after taking many measures to manage it, it is advisable to consult a health expert. Furthermore, chronic headaches might also necessitate lifestyle changes as certain unhealthy habits can worsen the conditions. A few such bad habits to avoid are listed below. You have poor posture Your shoulders and neck can feel strained if your posture is not correct. The way a person sits, stands, and even sleep can put pressure on their back and neck. It can lead to stiffness, tightness, and tension in and around the shoulders, neck, and jaw. Unhealthy habits such as slouching while using the desk or hunching your shoulders while sitting are some examples of bad posture that can cause and worsen headaches. You are experiencing muscle tension Another common cause of headaches is muscle tension. Tensions in the back, shoulders, scalp, neck, forehead, chest, and jaw can trigger mild to severe headaches. Muscle tension can arise due to excessive stress and not taking breaks while doing tasks that demand repetitive muscle movements, including exercises, lifting, carrying heavy items, and typing.

For many women, visiting a gynecologist brings a wave of foreboding. One of the reasons for this is the inherent sense of shame women feel about asking questions about their bodies to someone who is not a close family member. That said, gynecologists are experienced and trained to answer all kinds of questions without judging the patient. So, here are a few uncomfortable questions one can ask their gynecologist: Should one groom their pubic hair before their visit? This question is especially relevant when one visits a new gynecologist or is visiting one for the first time. Such experiences can be intimidating for women and young girls. Therefore, the thought of shaving one’s pubic hair will definitely cross their mind. While a gynecologist will certainly not judge any client’s grooming practices, one can simply ask the expert about them to be comforted and relieved of stress. Why does the vagina smell weird? A vagina always has some kind of odor. Therefore, this question is just as complicated for clients to ask as it is for gynecologists to answer. This odor is caused by various factors, the main ones among them being the presence of different secretions, bacteria, weather issues, and undergarment problems.

Foods and beverages supply much-needed fuel for the body to support vital functions. However, certain lifestyle choices and daily eating habits can severely affect oral hygiene. There is an increased risk of cavities, gum decay, tooth decay, and bacterial infections due to the overconsumption of common foods and beverages. Here are six such daily consumables that should be taken in moderation or eliminated to maintain good teeth and gum health in the long run. Sugar-rich foods Refined sugar, be it used for making sweets, candies, baked goods, confectioneries, processed ready-to-eat foods, and even flavored drinks, are bad for the teeth. Sugar supplies a steady energy source for bacteria to feast on and rapidly multiply, causing cavities. Sugar also increases the risk of plaque buildup, which can further cause gum infections and speed up tooth decay. Refined carbohydrate-rich foods Carbohydrates are a good source of fuel for the body and should be included in daily nutrition. However, most foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket are loaded with refined carbohydrates. These carbs are bad for overall health, and the sticky residue left behind after chewing becomes a harboring ground for bacteria. Also, saliva breaks down carbohydrates into sugar due to an instantaneous reaction and, as a result, increases the risk of cavities.

Cramps are sensations of sudden and unexpected tightness in one or more muscles of the body. Also known as a “charley horse”, a muscle cramp or spasm can cause mild to severe pain lasting for a few seconds or minutes. Cramps are usually harmless and go away on their own, but in rare cases, they could be symptoms of a health condition. Here are a few bad habits that can cause cramps: Being dehydrated If one is not drinking enough water during the day, they may suffer from dehydration. The lack of enough water in the body will lower the blood pressure. This also brings down the blood volume in the body. As a result, less blood flows to the organs and muscles, leading to cramps. Such cramps are usually experienced in the abdominal area. Not maintaining electrolyte balance Electrolyte imbalance is another trigger for muscle cramps. This develops when one does not have foods or fluids containing electrolytes. Along with water, one needs to replenish electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Contrary to what most people believe, water by itself is not capable of restoring the electrolyte balance. Energy drinks or electrolyte water, fruit juices, green leafy veggies, avocados, and bananas are some of the options one can choose to replenish electrolytes.

Cramps are sensations of sudden and unexpected tightness in one or more muscles of the body. Also known as a “charley horse”, a muscle cramp or spasm can cause mild to severe pain lasting for a few seconds or minutes. Cramps are usually harmless and go away on their own, but in rare cases, they could be symptoms of a health condition. Here are a few bad habits that can cause cramps: Being dehydrated If one is not drinking enough water during the day, they may suffer from dehydration. The lack of enough water in the body will lower the blood pressure. This also brings down the blood volume in the body. As a result, less blood flows to the organs and muscles, leading to cramps. Such cramps are usually experienced in the abdominal area. Not maintaining electrolyte balance Electrolyte imbalance is another trigger for muscle cramps. This develops when one does not have foods or fluids containing electrolytes. Along with water, one needs to replenish electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Contrary to what most people believe, water by itself is not capable of restoring the electrolyte balance. Energy drinks or electrolyte water, fruit juices, green leafy veggies, avocados, and bananas are some of the options one can choose to replenish electrolytes.

Cancer is the rapid mutation of healthy cells that destroys other nearby cells. Lung cancer happens when the cells in the organ mutate and destroy healthy tissue responsible for absorbing and storing fresh oxygen. This oxygen gets circulated by red blood cells, reaching all extremities of the body. Lung cancer signs develop slowly but progressively, triggering several discomforts. Here are some silent but indicative signs of the condition: Chest pain The extreme mutation of cancer cells triggers a feeling of heaviness in the chest, followed by persistent pain. This happens as cancer spreads and destroys healthy lung tissue responsible for storing oxygen. Breathing deeply with compromised lung tissue can trigger pain and cause coughing as lung tissues struggle to expand and contract. Chest pain and a feeling of tightness in the region will only worsen as the cancer spreads. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. Rapid wheezing Wheezing is different from experiencing shortness of breath. Wheezing happens when inflammation in the nasal passage constricts the airway, forcing a person to inhale and exhale with intensity. The extra pressure triggers a high-pitched sound as the air is forced through the narrow passage in the nasal cavity.

As one ages, the human skin becomes susceptible to various health conditions. Certain treatments can help cure or manage these complications. However, most people often neglect any unusual signs on their skin and misinterpret them as something harmless. But for a remedy to be effective, one must visit a healthcare expert as soon as they notice any abnormalities in their skin condition. On that note, here are eight signs that require a dermatologist’s intervention. Severe acne Most people develop pimples or blackheads at some point in their lives. But if the acne is widespread on the body and face and does not respond to usual remedies, it might be time to visit a skin specialist. The expert may suggest topical and oral prescriptions and therapies like chemical peels or laser treatments to manage the outbreak. Inflamed, red skin Itchy, red, or inflamed skin might occur due to eczema, a condition that encompasses multiple skin problems. The constant redness of the skin or face flushing might also indicate rosacea. Therefore, one must schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if they experience these symptoms. Skin growths Skin growths like moles and tags may usually not require any treatment, but not everyone is comfortable with these developments.

Bones support the body and make movement possible. Along with protecting the brain, heart, and other vital organs from injury, they also help improve balance and coordination. Bones are a vital part of the human body, and keeping them in good shape is essential. However, several every day habits can degrade them and make one more prone to injuries and chronic medical conditions, so here are some of the habits one must avoid: Overeating salt Salt has been linked with causing excessive calcium secretion through the kidneys. People who consume high amounts of salt regularly are also at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, which can cause bone thinning. Therefore, to maintain good bone health, limiting salt intake to the suggested amounts (2,300 milligrams per day for healthy adults) is important. Not getting enough vitamin D Staying indoors all day can significantly impact bone health and increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. To absorb calcium, it is essential also to consume the recommended dosage of vitamin D. This vitamin is usually made in the skin after exposure to sunlight, so stepping out in the sun can help. However, one needs to limit their time in the sun to 10-15 minutes, as too much exposure to sunlight also increases the risk of skin cancer.