Health MOT: What you need to look out for
With the sad and untimely death of reality TV star Jade Goody, people especially women have been waking up to the dangers that lurk within the body. Without going overboard and becoming a hypochondriac, it is now absolutely essential that we take good care of ourselves and are on the lookout for anything that does not feel quite right. Again, I have to stress that we should be balanced for example, having a headache that lasts ore than 2 hours does not mean that you are dying of a brain tumour but if it is followed by any other unusual symptoms, go and see a doctor. So here are a few quick things that we should be looking out for – from head to toe.
- Look at your eyelids. I know it sounds weird but hear me out. If they are very pale, this could mean that your diet is lacking and you may be anaemic. Anaemia is caused by a wide range of things from steroid use to stomach bleeding. Anaemia can also make you feel tired, listless, can change your sense of taste and leave you breathless amongst other things. It can be treated with iron supplements and a diet rich in dark leaf vegetables like spinach.
- Check your nails – are they discoloured? Do they have ridges? Have they come away at the nail bed? Your nails can reflect a wide range of ailments from stress to lack of essential vitamins and minerals. If you are worried, speak to your doctor.
- When you next take a trip to the bathroom, take a look at your urine. I know it sounds disgusting but bear with me. If your pee is pale and relatively odourless, then all is quiet on the southern front. If is dark, then you may be dehydrated. If it stings or burns when you pass water or if it smells unpleasant, you may have a urinary tract infection. If you are constantly feeling like you need to urinate, check for possible diabetes.
- Look at your feet and check for any infections – any rashes, growths etc should be referred and treated quickly before it spreads.
- Now look at your body and get your partner to look at those places you cannot (steady there now…) for moles. A lot of people have moles and most of the time, they are harmless. However, if they start to change colour, size, smell or shape or they start to itch, get yourself checked over.
- If possible, check your blood pressure checked. There are portable machines that you can buy that enable the man (or woman) on the street to check their blood pressure. But if you are still in doubt, consult your physician.
For you ladies…
- Check your breasts. Are there any lumps? Puckered areas? Unusual swelling? Then go and see your doctor. If you are between 50 and 70 and are in the UK, you can get your breasts screened free of charge.
- Vaginal discharge is normal but it should smell fresh and be white-ish in colour. If there is itching, burning or smells strongly, you may a yeast infection, Candida or Chlamydia all of which are treatable.
For you guys…
- At the risk of sounding blunt, get some balls and check yours. Prostate cancer is one of the biggest killers. All it takes is a few extra moments in the bathroom after your shower to check. Look for any funny discharges, any lumps, sores, rashes and report anything that you do not like to the doctor. Don’t worry about them seeing your equipment, they have seen all sorts so yours is not going to be a big shock to them.
- Persistent impotence – it is nothing to be ashamed of and does not make you less of a man. There are new treatments developed to treat this condition so the sooner you deal with it, the sooner you and your partner can enjoy the benefit, it’s a no brainer really…
Please note this article is meant to educate, but does NOT replace personal medical diagnosis and/or treatment. I am advocating a bit of common sense here so please if something is worrying you be it a persistent cough or a funny smell (coming from your body that is) then see a doctor.
