Alzheimer’s is a kind of dementia which is a degenerative disease of the brain. It is slow to recognize as it grows gradually with age but also sometimes goes unnoticed in some cases. Since the disease has no immediate symptoms the actual implications reflect gradually with time or until significant damage is done.

The exact culprit of the disease is yet unknown; but age, gender and family history mostly point out to the speculations of having Alzheimer’s. Mostly older people tend to suffer from Alzheimer’s and medically it is known that the occurrence of Alzheimer’s doubles every five years after the age of 65. According to the data it is estimated that women are twice more likely to develop Alzheimer’s due to the hormonal changes that occur during menopause and the fact that women live a longer life than men. Mostly certain diseases like diabetes and obesity, hypertension add up in increasing the chances for dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s starts with small things like the person forgetting bits and pieces of information here and there. For example, forgetting birthdays or misplacing things. Alzheimer occurs when the best-amyloid collects between nerve cells forming plaque, tau fibers that collects in the brain of the patient which in turn disturbs the communication between the brain cells amongst themselves leading to a malfunction in the brain.

A patient suffering from the disease shows some common traits of keep repeating himself, getting lost on familiar routes, inability in taking financial decisions, inability in recognizing familiar faces, using simple tools and more. The patient also suffers from changes in personality and behavior where he reflects the loss of empathy, unexpected mood swings and lack of interest and motivation.

Alzheimer’s is diagnosed only after inputs from the family members who can easily point out the intensity of the problem and the symptoms. Although there has been progressed in research,  there is no treatment for the disease. Medication only helps in reducing the symptoms and after the patient brings in a healthy lifestyle change. Alzheimer’s is quite an exhausting disease, both physically and mentally. It especially stresses out caretakers.

If you or your loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s or are showing symptoms you must consult a doctor now! With the right treatment plan, it is possible to live a fairly normal life.

Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack are two different conditions of the heart. We have always thought of them to be similar. Haven’t we? But no. Although both of them affect the same organ, they have different symptoms, causes, and treatments. A heart attack is a pumping problem whereas a cardiac arrest is an electric problem. Having said that,  a heart attack can be a cause of cardiac arrest. To understand this we need to know what heart attacks and cardiac arrests are and what causes them.

Cardiac arrest and Heart attack:

Cardiac arrests happen when the heart stops or starts beating abruptly. This freezes the blood-pumping action of the heart to brain, lungs and other organs. Without blood circulation, cardiac arrest can be fatal in seconds and the patient can lose his pulse and become unconscious.

A heart attack is caused by a blockage in coronary arteries. Coronary arteries are responsible for the oxygen-rich blood flow into the heart. When an artery gets blocked, it won’t reopen quickly. The blood flow to that area where this artery pumps blood gets affected and that area starts dying slowly. Unlike cardiac arrest, heart attack won’t stop the heartbeats. But heart attacks can be deadly if not taken care of on time.

Symptoms:

Both cardiac arrest and heart attack exhibit different symptoms. The early symptoms of cardiac arrest include breathing issues, dizziness, weakness, chest pain and sometimes nausea. Within a few seconds of cardiac arrest, a person will lose his breath and become unresponsive and unconscious. The person will also be left with no pulse.

The early symptoms of heart attack are a little bit different from that of a cardiac arrest. The person might start experiencing anxiety, lightheadedness, sickness, weakness and a pain in the chest way before a heart attack strikes the person. During a heart attack, the person will start coughing and wheezing and will experience severe chest pain. The person will also start sweating a lot than usual.

Causes of Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack:

Cardiac arrests occur due to many causes like excessive alcohol consumption, electrocution, drop in blood pressure, drug usage, among other causes. Arrhythmia(abnormal heart rhythm), coronary heart disease, and heart attacks can also lead to cardiac arrest.

A heart attack is usually more common in smokers, people who are obese or old or have high blood pressure, diabetes. People who eat unhealthy food and never exercise and people with a family history of heart disease also are at a high risk of suffering from a heart attack. Another most common cause of heart attack is coronary heart disease, a condition in which coronary arteries are blocked with fatty deposits. People with high cholesterol are more susceptible to this problem.

Dealing with Cardiac arrest and Heart attack:

A person suffering from a cardiac arrest has a high chance of survival only with immediate medical intervention. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation(CPR) must be performed immediately. CPR must be continued until the person receives professional medical service. Automated External Defibrillator(AED), a device that sends an electric shock to the heart to restore the beating must be used.

On the other hand, those suffering from a heart attack exhibit symptoms well before the actual attack. If you notice any symptoms rush to a hospital at the earliest. Always be on a sharp lookout if there already exists a family history of heart illness. If chest pain occurs, especially one that’s radiating through your arms or jaw, you must consult a doctor.

How to stop Cardiac arrest and Heart attack?

Heart diseases can be kept in control to an extent with regular exercise. One must cut down smoking, emotional stress, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and pressure, to decrease the chances of heart diseases. However, some causes like increasing age or family history are beyond the control.

It is essential to understand the difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack to deal with the same. Although there are causes out of hand for cardiac arrest and heart attack, maintaining a healthy life can minimize the risk to a very big extent. Keep yourself healthy and always keep your heart checked.

H1N1 is an Influenza A virus responsible for swine flu. The term “swine flu” typically refers to influenza in pigs. But after the outbreak of H1N1 in 2009, WHO declared swine flu as a pandemic. Since then H1N1 is seen as a normal human flu virus. H1N1 flu is now considered to be seasonal and just like most of the regular flu it is also very contagious. The H1N1 virus has a combination of flu genes from birds, swine, humans and infects the human respiratory system.

Earlier, swine flu caused by the H1N1 virus was thought to spread from only pigs. But the H1N1 virus can get combined with other viruses and create new viruses. H1N1 is spread into humans directly through pigs or from an infected person. People who are infected can start spreading it 1 day before they start showing symptoms to as many as 7 days after they get sick. In children, this can be up to 10 days.

When those infected with H1N1 cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air which further spread to other people who come in contact with them. Touching unsterilized spaces like doorknobs, counter or public spaces these germ-affected areas and then touching your eyes or nose can expose you to the virus.

However, eating bacon, ham or pork can never cause swine flu.

The symptoms start to develop about 1-3 days after the virus enters your body. Swine flu has similar symptoms of regular flu and that includes:

• Cough

• Fever

• Body ache

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea/ Vomiting

As swine flu exhibits similar symptoms to regular flu, it is hard to confirm swine flu just with the symptoms. But swine flu can give you an intense stomach ache and vomiting compared to the regular flu. A rapid flu lab test might be able to differentiate the swine flu with regular flu. However, this test can also fail at times.

Doctors take a swab from your nose or throat to get the fluid for a test. The swab is then tested for the presence of the H1N1 virus for confirming the virus.

Some people have high chances of catching swine flu than others. They are:

• Pregnant women

• Children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 65

• Teenagers undergoing aspirin therapy

• Adults and children with chronic diseases

• People with a weak immune system

• Already hospitalized patients and their caretakers

• People working in hospitals.

Antibiotics will not work with swine flu as H1N1 is a virus and not a bacteria. Some antiviral drugs prescribed by doctors can bring down the swine flu. They can make you feel better within 48 hours of intake. Swine flu can be treated in the same way as the regular flu until diagnosed.

You can also treat swine flu at home by taking plenty of water, getting a good amount of sleep, washing hands regularly with soap, taking medications, eating a balanced diet and staying away from virus affected surfaces.

The most important thing for not getting infected with the virus is to wash your hands regularly with soap. Also, try to avoid direct contact with the virus-infected person. Try to stay away from schools/colleges and public gatherings during the season of swine flu.

If you are an infected person, try to cover your nose while sneezing. Also, restrain yourself from large crowds.

Vaccine, in the form of both injection and nasal spray, is available against swine flu. Swine flu and H1N1 viruses, in most cases, are fatal provided you get the right medical aid. Risks of catching the swine flu can be brought down just with the precautions. So take the precautions seriously and stay away from the flu.

Keeping fit and healthy is a choice and can never be forced. But the point is why wait for the adversities to affect your body when you can easily follow a healthy routine on a daily basis. Keeping fit helps in maintaining a healthy heart, a sound body and controlled BP and cholesterol. If things seem messed up, make it a point to follow these easy steps to keep your heart healthy, this World Heart Day!

Eat Healthily. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle - Eating the right food coupled with healthy fats and no trans fats will keep your heart happy. Plan your diet in a way that you can cut down the bad fats called trans fats that clog the arteries resulting in heart diseases. Mostly, packed food, snacks, baked goods, and fried fast food contain trans fats. Avoid them and add healthy snacks including green leafy vegetables and salads in your diet.

Avoid Sitting for the Long stretch of time  - Sitting at a stretch for long hours at work or home is really dangerous for your health. It is really important to move on the go. Take short breaks while working and walk a little. Use stairs at work and park a little far away from the office to walk and reach there. Little movement every hour is important for the body to function properly.

Keep off Smoking - Smoking either actively or passively is really bad for health. Keep off smoking or try reducing your cigarette intake. Tobacco smoke is dangerous and really bad. According to the American Heart Association, exposure to tobacco smoke contributes to about 34,000 premature heart disease deaths and 7,300 lung cancer deaths each year.  The non-smokers who suffer from high blood pressure also carry a risk of getting a heart disease when exposed to passive or second-hand smoke.

Get Good Sleep and Drink Lots of Water - A healthy heart requires a good 8 hours of sleep every day. Lack of sleep or an uneasy sleep can result in cardiovascular diseases. If you suffer from insomnia you must get treatment for the same to avoid lack of sleep coz if any problem, if not diagnosed on time, can result in serious health problems in the future. Also, make it a practice to carry a water bottle along and drink at least 8 to 10 liters of water to keep hydrated.

This World Heart Day make a resolution to yourself to keep track of your healthy and unhealthy habits to work on staying fit. Keep a positive attitude towards like schedule your exercise regime, eat healthily and keep yourself motivated by giving yourself credit. Lose that extra baggage of weight and keep fit. All the Best!

Emergencies can come at any point in time and the first thing that comes handy is the first aid kit. An exclusive bundle of most important emergency supplies like the bandages and pain killers, first aid kits help suffice for the time till you get medical help from the nearest hospital. First Aid is the first point of contact in case of emergencies occurring due to many reasons be it meeting with a sudden accident, getting a sprain, or certain panic attacks. If you are allergic to something or have a medical problem that can trigger at any point in time it is advisable to keep track of all your medications in your first aid kit as it can help you in case of emergencies. First aid kits should be made in a water-resistant and big box with compartments and be placed at home and in the vehicle you ride.

First aid kits should contain a doctor’s prescription along with medicines if you are traveling through a longer route for a few days. In another case, if you suffer from a prolonged illness like respiratory infections of fever, nasal congestion, cough and cold you should have the medications for these diseases handy. Keep a manual or a list of emergency contact numbers including contact numbers of friends and family, doctor and list of hospitals and their contact details to help you just in case you need urgent medical assistance. This may also come handy for the people around you if you go unresponsive in the medical emergency.

This World First Aid Day make a list of these first aid kit essentials to keep safe and healthy :

• First aid bags can be inexpensive regular bags like makeup bags or small jute bags. Label the bag well with tags indicating it is a medical first aid kit.
• Either divide one bag into two compartments or keep two separate bags one for wound supplies and another for medicines.
• The first aid kit should have a list of emergency phone numbers, Band-Aids, wet wipes, a hand sanitizer, scissors, safety pins, cold packs, thermometer, and a flashlight.

Keep a close check on the following to keep safe :

• Make sure you keep a monthly check on the first aid kit supplies.
• Check for expiry dates of medicines and discard already expired medicines and replace them.
• Let your loved ones know where the kit is placed in the house to grab it in case of an emergency.

Keep safe with medical first aid kits with all the important supplies and make way for a safe comeback in case of an emergency. First Aid kit should be your weapon against any adversities for sure. Keep Safe and Healthy!

 

Time and again, we have been told to schedule regular check-ups at the dentist in order to keep a check on our oral health. But are you aware of why it is so important to make sure that our oral health is in good condition? Dentists help keep our mouth, teeth and gums healthy at all times to do away with oral issues. A dental appointment comprises of two processes: a clean-up and check-up. Dentists check for plaque, tartar, and cavities that can turn into oral infections and inflammations without proper care. They clean up the mess that we may be able to avoid if we meticulously follow a good oral hygiene routine – brushing twice a day, flossing and even using mouthwash.

It’s important to know that beyond preventing oral diseases, the dentist also helps keep a check on our general health – not solely our oral health. Oral health is both an indicator of bad overall health as well as a gateway for other diseases that can be detrimental to our overall well-being.

Oral health as an indicator of bad overall health

Part of the dentist’s role is to identify the cause for the oral issues faced by the patient. While breaking it down to find the root cause, they may be able to identify certain diseases and conditions that the patient may be developing or has already developed. Common diseases that cause oral complications include:

• Alzheimer’s: As the symptoms of the disease worsen, oral health also deteriorates

• Diabetes: Your dentist may ask if you are diabetic. This is because gum disease occurs more frequently in those who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Your gums are more prone to infections since diabetes weakens your immunity

• HIV/Aids: HIV positive patients often face oral complications like lesions and ulcers

Oral health as a contributor to diseases and conditions

The mouth is a gateway for infections to the rest of the body. The food we eat and the air we breathe may contain germs and bacteria that travel through the mouth to infect our bodies. Apart from checking our teeth, mouth, and gums, the dentist also carefully examines our tongue, throat, face, head, and neck to check for early warning signs of an infection or a disease. Bad oral hygiene can also cause bacteria to travel through the infected gums to the rest of the body. Diseases and conditions that bad oral health can attract include:

• Endocarditis: Bacteria or germs can travel from the mouth through the bloodstream and attach themselves to areas of the heart causing an infection

• Cardiovascular disease: Oral bacteria can result in inflammations and infections that clog the arteries and cause heart diseases.

• Birth complications: Premature birth and low birth weight have been linked to periodontitis, a severe gum infection.

• Respiratory disease: Bacteria from the mouth can be pulled in to infect the lungs causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases

• Diabetes: Oral complications are bound to pop-up when blood sugar levels are not kept in check. Yes, diabetes is a contributor to bad oral health and vice versa. They work in partnership.

…but let’s not endorse that deal.

Oral complications don’t just mean loss of teeth or bleeding gums. Gum diseases like gingivitis can trigger some serious health issues. It’s important to get a dental check-up done every 6 months to clean up those teeth and gums that have been collecting plaque, tartar and other mess. Don’t forget to maintain good oral hygiene between your visits.

Our bodies are capable of being triggered by something that can be completely harmless to other bodies. Allergies happen when our immune system mistakes a harmless substance that we consume, inhale or rub against and infer that it is a dangerous pathogen. From that moment on, your body releases antibodies to attack that substance whenever it detects particles of the offending allergen and cause troublesome side effects.

Our bodies may react to allergies with allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a type of inflammation in the nose which occurs when the immune system overreacts to airborne allergens. Symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, swelling, itching, a runny nose and much more. Respiratory allergies can also trigger asthma and sinus infections.

Here are some of the most common allergies that you might have come across:

1. Pollen: Commonly referred to as a seasonal allergy, pollen is one of the biggest allergy triggers. Irrespective of the plants nearby, many people come into contact with pollen as it can travel for miles by air. If your symptoms get worse during the spring season, then it is more likely to be an allergy than any other condition.

2. Dust Mites: If you often have allergic symptoms in your own home, your allergen may be dust mites. They grow vigorously in mattresses, carpeting, pillows, and upholstered furniture. Dust mite allergies are triggered once these creatures become airborne. They live and breed in warm and humid places and are the most common cause of allergy from house dust. Seen only under a microscope, it is impossible to remove them using just normal cleaning procedures.

3. Mold: Not all mold can cause allergies, but the ones that do can be found inside and outside. Areas with a high concentration of moisture can trigger allergic reactions. This fungus can grow in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements as well as when the weather outside is damp. When mold spores are inhaled, it can cause cold or nasal irritation.

4. Animal dander: Pet allergies are actually quite common amongst pet owners. Everything from skin flakes, urine to saliva — can trigger an allergic reaction. When these proteins are inhaled, it can cause a reaction. Pet fur may also have to be avoided as it can carry pollen, mold, dust and other outdoor and indoor allergens. The reactions can impact the respiratory tract as well as the skin.

5. Food: You can either be born with food allergies or they can show up at any age. Food allergies don’t just come with gastrointestinal symptoms. If they did, it could pass off as food poisoning, intolerance or something else. In the case of food allergies, your upset stomach will be complemented with respiratory issues, swelling and rashes.

Over the years, Bangalore has become home to many allergens that, most often, cause people to be vulnerable to their allergies. An allergic reaction can vary from mildly irritating to severe and life-threatening. In order to continue to live with your allergies free from its symptoms, its important to take proper medical care.

There are two ways to treat allergies – one is to eliminate the allergen and the other is following the treatment plan given by your healthcare provider. In both cases, it is important to identify the allergen first. An ENT physicist or a dermatologist (skin reactions) will be able to help you get to the root cause by taking allergy tests - through blood tests and skin tests. In cases where the allergen cannot be eliminated, your doctor can help you, by either setting up a treatment plan to do away with the allergy or prescribe you with medication for symptom relief. The treatment may be surgical, depending on the type of allergy.

Since many allergens cause similar symptoms, it will not be easy to pinpoint what the allergy is on your own. You shouldn’t have to live with the unpleasant symptoms of allergies – whether mild or severe. Book an appointment with your doctor to help treat your allergies today.

Most often, dengue has been mistaken for the flu or viral fever due to the similar symptoms they share. Some of the symptoms may be the same but with dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, it is more severe. If treated like the flu, recovery time will be prolonged or conditions can worsen making it potentially life-threatening. Early detection can help prevent any fatalities. The flu and viral fevers are seasonal, while dengue can occur all-year long since all it takes is an infected mosquito – whether in a tropical place or not.

Dengue comes with additional symptoms which can help us identify whether we have it or not. The symptoms, whether mild or severe, can be seen within a week of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue fever will only kick-in days after the mosquito bite. Here are some common dengue symptoms to watch out for. Consult a doctor if you notice any of these:

For mild dengue, you may have any of the below symptoms along with a fever:

1. Severe headaches
2. Pain behind the eyes
3. Muscle, bone and joint pain
4. Nausea
5. Vomiting
6. Swollen glands
7. Skin rash

Sometimes, dengue could worsen with symptoms which could mean you have the symptoms of severe dengue, which can cause shock and even death. Do not try to treat it yourself. Rush to a hospital immediately if you have witnessed any of these symptoms with your dengue fever:

1. Severe bleeding
2. A sudden drop in blood pressure
3. Stomach or belly pain
4. Bleeding in the nose and gums
5. Vomiting blood or blood in the stool
6. Feeling tired, restless or irritable

Severe dengue fever can cause organ failure by damaging the lungs, liver, and heart. The blood pressure can drop to dangerous levels, causing shock and even death.

If someone around you is infected with dengue, be very cautious of being bitten by a mosquito during that time. The best preventive measure for dengue is to prevent the mosquito bite itself. Since the disease is transmitted through mosquitoes, it is best to prevent mosquito breeding around you to avoid being bitten. To avoid being bitten by the carrier of the disease, use mosquito repellants and nets wherever necessary.

In the case of mild dengue, stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. Do not take any medication without consulting a doctor first. If you suspect that you may have dengue, get it checked before your condition worsens. Better safe than sorry.

Life post-stroke isn’t going to be a cake-walk. It can be tiring and depressing for the survivors and caretakers alike. Strokes can result in disabilities - some which may last for a while and some forever. Caretakers of stroke survivors should be prepared, mentally and physically,  to go that extra mile for their loved ones. Let this guide help you with the responsibilities of a caretaker for a stroke survivor.

#1 Study about the stroke and its medications

Caregivers should have a clear cut idea of what they are dealing with. You should have good knowledge of the patient’s medical history and allergies. Make sure you keep a record of medications prescribed and its side effects on the patient (if any). Seek immediate medical help in case the patient’s body or skin exhibits any kind of changes.

#2 Make sure your home is ready to welcome your dear one.

Mild changes in the arrangements of the house may be required to make it more easy and accessible.  Discuss and clear all doubts with a doctor or a nurse before bringing your loved one back home. Prepare your family to be considerate with the patient’s needs.

#3 Understand that the chances for the next stroke are high

Understand the risks so that you can reduce the risk. Once stroke-stricken, the patient might have high chances of having another stroke. Feed your loved one healthy food, give medicines on time, make them exercise regularly (if any recommended) and, more importantly, make sure they do not miss a single doctor’s appointment.

#4 Study your patient and his/her stroke for fast recovery

Each stroke is different and affects each person differently. You should keep a check on your loved one to see how they are coping; which part of their brain is affected, in what way and how well is rehabilitation working for them, and more. This might help in providing better care and thus in attaining fast recovery for the patient.

#5 Recovery may or may not be fast

You must teach yourself this first. Never lose hope and never let your loved one lose hope. The path to full recovery is not smooth and it can take up more time than expected. The first 2-3 months might show better results. However, medications work differently on each patient.

#6 Don’t hesitate to seek assistance

Not everything can be handled on your own. Seek the assistance that you may require, not just medical but from support groups as well. Talk to social workers or people who have experience in caring for stroke survivors for tips.

#7 Keep a record

Signs of progress must be recorded. You must keep a log of the recovery processes; which therapies are working best for the patient, their improvements in communication and physical activities, etc.

#8 Emotional support

You must understand how stressful the situation is for the patient. Make sure he/she knows that you are there for them. Post-stroke depression is a real thing and never let your loved one fall into it. This can have a massive impact on the recovery and rehabilitation process.

#9 You are important too

Caretaking is a big responsibility and is exhausting for the body and soul. Take a break, if you feel like you need one. As your work requires a lot of physical strength, eat healthily and exercise regularly. Stay positive and send out positive vibes. Try to be patient and understanding  - don’t stress yourself out.

Caretaking might not be an easy job, but it isn’t any easier for the stroke survivor either. Keep these points in mind to help make caretaking more effective. After all, anything can be accomplished when you have someone you trust by your side. No journey can be long and unfruitful without good care and support. Take your loved one home, guide them through recovery and help them rebuild their world.

Our skin is like a mirror. Not just a reflection of your prettiness, but also to what is happening inside you. Odd changes inside your body are resonated through your skin. Similarly, if you are fine inside, you will glow outside. The skin has the superpower to discern many kinds of health issues. Rashes and breakouts never occur without a reason. Being the largest organ of our body, it has the potential to represent the wellbeing of our entire body. Let’s see what our skin has to say about our health.

1. Does your skin feel itchy and dry?

Generally, climatic changes such as temperature rise or fall can lead to dryness in the skin. In most cases, moisturizers are more than enough to handle the situation. But if it lasts longer or if you feel like your moisturizer isn’t working, it is advisable to get a medical check-up. Dry skin might be a result of Eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Eczema can be caused due to hormonal imbalance or nutritional deficiency.

Pruritic skin depicts the chances of Cirrhosis or Hepatitis. In some cases, itchy skin can be a warning sign for liver damage, asthma, allergy or thyroid. 

2. Do you have unnecessary hair growth in unusual areas?

Unusual hair growth happens usually due to an increasing number of male hormones in ovaries. This can lead to Polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS). An irregular menstrual cycle or difficulty in losing weight can increase the probability of PCOS and demands medical assistance. Such unwanted hair is usually found under the chin or belly button.

3. Do you experience breakouts all the time?

Skin breakouts can occur due to stress. Bring down your stress through meditation and monitor any changes you see. If you still get aberrant breakouts, it might be due to a hormonal imbalance or irregularity in menstrual cycles. If it keeps increasing, make sure it isn’t Rosacea, a common skin disease which spreads redness all-over the face.

4. Do you neglect the sunspots?

Sun is good for your skin. But haven’t you heard there are spots even in the sun? Sunspots or freckles can be signs of skin cancer too. If you are planning to be out in the sun for a long time, remember to wear sunscreen -(minimum requirement of SPF 30). If you manage to sweat it off, just reapply to keep your skin protected. Shielding your skin from the sun can also protect you from early ageing. Keep an eye on freckles or moles on your body. Make sure to seek medical attention in case they start changing shape, colour or size.

5. Does your skin exhibit a lot of veins?

Too many visible veins are not a good sign. It can come from excessive straining. It can also be due to spider veins or varicose veins which are rendered with problems in blood flow levels. Either way, you need to keep it under control. Varicose veins are often found in elders and overweight people. Rosacea can also be a reason behind varicose veins.

6. Does your skin appear yellow or orange all the time?

Overeating fruits or vegetables which has high beta-carotene content can result in a yellow or orange skin. This usually happens when you have a high thyroid level. When you have a yellowish shade in your skin as well as in your eyes, it can be due to jaundice too. Commonly known as Hepatitis, this one affects the liver functions. An obstruction in your bile duct or a breakdown of red blood cells can also result in skin discolouration.

Skin can exhibit visible changes during the period of menopause in women. In case you stay dehydrated for long, it can reveal certain variations in colour and texture. Our skin is like a true friend eager to help. But the most incredible thing about this friend of ours  is the way it glows when we are happy. Be happy and radiate happiness!