Have you ever experienced a burning sensation in your chest after devouring a savory meal? This uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition is known as heartburn and affects millions around the globe. Although occasional heartburn is normal and poses no serious threat, persistent heartburn may indicate underlying problems and must not be overlooked. Surprisingly, many instances of heartburn can be linked to unconscious daily habits that we engage in. Let’s know some of them. Overeating It’s no secret that portion sizes have significantly increased, and many of us have fallen prey to overeating. Eating large quantities of food puts extra pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and leading to heartburn. Opting for smaller, more frequent meals and practicing portion control can help minimize the risk of overeating-related heartburn. Eating spicy and acidic foods Spices add flavor and excitement to our meals but can also trigger heartburn in some individuals. Spicy and acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes can irritate the esophagus and cause a familiar burning sensation. While it may be challenging to give up your favorite spicy dishes entirely, reducing the intake of these foods or finding milder alternatives can help manage heartburn symptoms.

Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential to prevent diseases and improve overall well-being. However, several factors can affect immunity, including genetics, environmental factors, eating habits, and infections. If such risks are left unaddressed, one could develop a weak immune system that is unable to keep infections at bay. So, one must recognize the common signs of a weak immune system and seek early treatment to protect themselves from diseases. Slow healing wounds When one gets a cut, scrape, or burn on their skin, the body sends nutrient-rich blood to the injury to assist in the regeneration of new skin. The healing process depends on healthy immune cells. So, if a wound does not heal quickly, it could indicate a complication in the immune system. High stress levels Long-term stress may weaken the immune response. Stress causes an excess release of cortisol in the bloodstream, which may lower the white blood cell (WBC) count. The lower WBC count may trigger a hormonal imbalance that negatively influences immunity. So, if one often experiences stress-induced sickness, it might be a sign of weak immunity. Fever When one has a slightly higher temperature than normal, it could be a sign that their immune system is starting to overwork.

Cancer is an aggressive growth of mass that destroys healthy tissue. The condition can develop in any organ or affect any function of the body due to an underlying genetic mutation. Eye cancer is one of the extremely rare forms of cancer that could develop in the eyeball, eyelids, or tear ducts. The condition is usually detected during a routine eye checkup or if one notices any of the following early signs of eye cancer: Changes in vision One of the first signs of eye cancer is changes in vision. As the cancer grows in the eye, it affects the optic nerves that process all visual information. So, one may experience light flashes, floaters, blurry, or even double vision when the field of view is affected. Cancer damages healthy cells in the eye, but the intensity of these symptoms can vary from person to person. Pigmentation or spots One may notice a small dark spot growing in their eyes. This type of pigmentation indicates a type of eye melanoma that starts around the iris. Dark spots may also develop in the conjunctiva and grow as cancer spreads. Upon noticing such changes, one should consult an ophthalmologist to determine the precise cause.

Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the country, affecting around 80,000 people every year. Most often, it begins in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder and the ureters. This condition is generally diagnosed at an early stage, improving the chances of recovery. However, despite successful treatment, the cancer may recur. Here are some early warning signs of bladder cancer one must be aware of. Blood or clots in the urine (hematuria) This is one of the first signs of blood cancer. It may occur regularly, or appear and disappear over a few days or weeks. In the early stages, this bleeding is not accompanied by any pain or discomfort. However, blood in the urine could also be a symptom of other conditions such as kidney stones, bladder stones, noncancerous tumors, or other kidney diseases. Consulting a healthcare practitioner for a proper diagnosis can help rule out the possibility of any other diseases or infections. Moreover, it is important to note that blood from menstruation can show up on a woman’s urine test, causing a false-positive. In such cases, the doctor may recommend repeating the test. Changes in urination The following changes in urination are generally a result of benign tumors, infections, bladder stones, or an overactive bladder in men.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide. While COPD typically develops slowly over time and is often diagnosed in its later stages, recognizing its early signs is crucial for timely intervention and management. It is crucial to explore the subtle but vital indicators that can signal the onset of COPD, understand their underlying causes, and comprehend how they are linked to this chronic condition. Mentioned below are the warning signs of COPD: Persistent cough A chronic cough that lingers in patients for weeks or months can indicate COPD. In some patients, the cough might recur frequently for no specific reason. Prolonged exposure to respiratory irritants like chemicals, pollen, dust, and other compounds can also trigger COPD symptoms. The constant inflammation in the lungs and the rest of the airway is a major contributor to the disease. Over time, the increased inflammation damages the tissues of the respiratory system, leading to decreased lung function. Shortness of breath Shortness of breath in patients with COPD is a common early warning sign of the condition. The patient’s airways and sacs are compromised because of the constant cough and irritant exposure. The damaged tissues mean less lung capacity.

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular and abnormal heartbeat. Here, the upper chambers of the heart start beating out of sync, causing rapid contractions of the heart muscle up to 400 beats per minute. Contractions regulate the blood flow to and from the organ, so when dealing with AFib, blood can accumulate, causing various issues that require immediate treatment. So, one should keep an eye out for the following common signs of atrial fibrillation: Palpitations Atrial fibrillation primarily affects the regular heart rate, making the heartbeat race and pound against the rib cage. Those affected often experience a fluttering or pounding sensation in the heart and could describe the palpitations as the heart audibly skipping a beat. This sensation is extremely noticeable and is different from the normal palpitations one experiences due to anxiety or stress. The palpitations can develop erratically without any prior warning and can vary in intensity from person to person. Shortness of breath Breathlessness is a common symptom that overlaps with many known cardiovascular and respiratory issues. The heart is responsible for pumping freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs to other organs and extremities of the body. However, atrial fibrillation results in erratic circulation that could lead to shortness of breath.

Dental implants are an excellent solution for restoring teeth and enhancing cosmetic appearance. They not only replace missing teeth but also stabilize adjacent teeth and prevent jaw bone shrinkage caused by bone loss. In addition, dentists use implants to maintain the health of surrounding bone and gums. However, to ensure the success of the implant procedure, it is essential to avoid some common dental mistakes. So, let’s know some of them. Neglecting periodic dental visits The procedure for a successful dental implant requires about six months. To ensure that one gets the best and most positive outcome from this intensive dental procedure, visiting one’s dental health practitioner is essential. Skipping routine appointments and missing out on follow-up visits, as advised by one’s dentist, can lead to several complications. It can also cause implant failure. Eating hard foods post-dental implants It’s important to avoid eating hard and abrasive foods in the first few days after getting a dental implant. These foods can irritate your gums and potentially dislodge the blood clot that forms during the initial healing process. If the blood clot is disrupted, it can cause significant bleeding and pain. Sticking to soft and easy-to-chew foods during this period is best to ensure proper healing.

An estimated 2.7 to 6.1 million people in our country suffer from a heart complication called atrial fibrillation (Afib), where one’s heart beats at an abnormal pace, usually faster than it should. The condition is managed with the help of minimally invasive procedures, surgery, and other alternatives. According to experts, specific unhealthy habits may interfere with the treatment and trigger or worsen the symptoms. Here are six poor habits for Afib one should know about. Not sleeping enough Sleep is essential for reenergizing the body’s cells. Not getting sufficient rest can trigger various symptoms, including those linked to Afib. One may not sleep well for several reasons, such as stress, an unplanned work schedule, or underlying health conditions like sleep apnea. Even tiny interruptions in sleep quality and duration may put one at a greater risk of developing Afib. Drinking too much coffee While coffee can give people that added burst of energy, excessive consumption is a bad habit. Caffeine can trigger heart complications, so one should stop its consumption if at risk of Afib. Those who love the beverage can speak to a healthcare professional about the ideal daily intake. Overexercising Exercising is one of the most discussed ways of staying healthy and fit.