Ataxia is a word used to describe the lack of coordination in the legs, hands, fingers, legs, body, speech, eye movements, and arms. Methods to manage the condition may include using adaptive devices to remain as independent as possible. Ataxia can occur in individuals of all ages, and the symptoms may differ based on the type an individual suffers from. So, here are the early warning signs associated with various types of conditions. Friedreich’s ataxia Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common type of hereditary ataxia that can be triggered by one’s inherited genes. While the symptoms may affect people at any age, it usually develops before age 25. If an individual has problems with balance and coordination or falls frequently, they might suffer from Friedreich’s ataxia. Other warning signs to look for include increasingly slurred, slow or unclear speech, difficulty swallowing, and increasing weakness in the legs. Ataxia-telangiectasia An individual affected by Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) may notice symptoms during their early childhood. Some warning signs to watch out for include trouble walking, speech, and swallowing. One may also develop small spider-like clusters of red blood vessels in the corner of their eyes and their cheeks. The person may also notice slowed eye movements and may need to turn their head often to compensate for the phenomenon.

Bad breath or halitosis can be embarrassing, especially before an interview, date, or meeting. This is generally a result of bacterial growth in the mouth. Good dental hygiene can help people prevent bad breath, but the food one eats also plays a significant role. While foods like onion and garlic can worsen bad breath, several others can help fight halitosis. Here are six foods to help banish bad breath and have a healthy smile: Raw fruits and vegetables Raw fruits and vegetables contain a lot of fiber, which can help keep the mouth clean. Pick crunchy vegetables and fruits such as celery, apple, carrots, kale, etc., as these are slightly abrasive and help clean one’s mouth. They also increase saliva production, which helps fight bad bacteria in the mouth and accelerate digestion to help against halitosis. Melons and other citrus-rich fruits such as oranges and berries can also help improve gum health and fight infections such as gingivitis, which may cause bad breath. Yogurt According to studies by the American Association of Dental Research, consuming probiotic yogurt can help reduce hydrogen sulfide, which is notorious for causing bad breath. Additionally, yogurt aids digestion and is also a rich source of vitamin D, which can reduce the occurrence of bacteria in the body.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects over 262 million people around the world. Learning about the early warning signs of asthma can help patients and their families better manage the condition. Early detection can also help in preventing asthma attacks from worsening. Further, as soon as one notices breathing difficulties, it is important to consult a doctor and work with them to develop a management plan when dealing with the condition. Persistent cough A persistent cough is one of the most common symptoms of asthma. Exposure to dust, dirt, or other irritants can easily trigger this issue, and exercising can also induce cough when dealing with asthma. While this issue could be a symptom of other conditions, if the cough develops in combination with wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, it can be an early warning sign of asthma. Wheezing Respiratory trouble is often associated with inflammation and narrowing of the airway, causing wheezing, another common sign of asthma. Wheezing noises accompany the breathing process and worsen when one has been exposed to allergens or has been exercising. Not everyone with asthma will experience this symptom, but sometimes wheezing can indicate that asthma has worsened. Shortness of breath When dealing with asthma, the airways become inflamed and narrow.

The kidneys are vital organs that help remove waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream. Kidney failure is a severe disorder where the kidneys lose their ability to function correctly, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body. To prevent this condition, individuals must follow healthy lifestyle practices and avoid anything that can harm these organs. Several bad habits can lead to kidney failure, the most common ones being: Poor food choices Processed foods have a lot of sodium and sugar, which can strain the kidneys. It can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other ailments that increase the risk of kidney disease. Processed foods also have phosphorus, another component that can harm the organ. Besides processed foods, individuals should avoid eating too much meat. High amounts of animal protein can cause excess acid production in the blood, leading to a kidney disorder called acidosis. While protein is essential for a healthy body, individuals should speak to a nutritionist to learn about the right kind of protein and the maximum quantity that can be safely consumed in a day. Experts recommend a meal plan rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and good fats to keep the kidneys healthy.

The liver is an organ in the body that sits under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen. It helps filter food and remove toxic substances from the body. The liver might suffer from damage for several reasons, including genetics. There are also other unhealthy lifestyle habits that may trigger complications of the organ. So to maintain a healthy liver and avoid serious health issues, here are seven unhealthy habits one should break. Excess sugar intake It’s a fact that sugar is unhealthy for one’s overall health. And its negative effects could impair liver function. The organ utilizes fructose, derived from sugar, to make fat. But high intake of excessive refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup may cause fatty buildups that can damage the liver. Taking herbal supplements Most herbal products may contain the word “natural.” However, certain herbal products, such as those to curb menopause symptoms or help individuals relax, might be cause for concern. They might lead to health conditions like hepatitis and liver failure. Therefore, one should speak to their healthcare before taking any herbal supplements. Intake of soft drinks While soft drinks are delicious to have occasionally, regular intake may be harmful to the liver.

Blood clotting or coagulation is an important bodily process that helps prevent excessive bleeding after an injury. It is a natural and crucial function of the body. But sometimes, the blood clotting can be abnormal, leading to various health issues. These complications point to blood clotting disorders caused by many factors, such as an underlying health condition, genetics, or certain treatments. Some early warning signs of such disorders are listed below. Inflammation and pain A common sign of blood clotting disorder is pain and swelling in the affected area. It could be anywhere in the body – the legs, arms, or other parts like the chest and abdomen. The skin may be discolored or appear red in the affected area and feel warm to the touch. Shortness of breath Since blood clotting may easily affect blood flow, one might experience shortness of breath. Besides, if the clotting forms in the lungs, it can lead to a severe condition called pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated immediately. Therefore, one should always be careful of sudden breathing issues or even those that develop gradually. Pain in chest If shortness of breath is also accompanied by pain in the chest, it could be a sign of a blood clotting disorder.

It’s important to remember the phrase “a stitch in time saves nine” during health emergencies. Often, seniors or those with pre-existing health conditions are vulnerable to falls, accidents, heart problems, etc., wherein they need immediate hospitalization. In such cases, any delays can be fatal. Medical alert systems ensure that such emergencies are recognized immediately, even when one is alone at home. However, when installing a system, one should understand its mechanism and avoid some mistakes. Using a medical alert system as a cellular phone A common misconception is that those involved in a medical emergency can speed dial their loved ones. But a phone may not always be accessible to a person in such situations. Sometimes, it might be placed on an elevated surface, such as a table, and one might not be able to reach it. At other times, one may have placed their phone in a different room and might not be able to navigate to this room after an accident, heart attack, or a chronic health condition. On the contrary, a medical alert system is fastened to a person’s wrist or around their neck all the time. So, in case of an emergency, it immediately dials for help.

Hearing loss is a more prevalent issue than many people realize. According to the NIDCD, approximately 30 million individuals in the country experience hearing loss. Fortunately, those affected can benefit from using hearing aids, which they can acquire with the help of a specialist. By wearing hearing aids, they can significantly improve their ability to hear and their quality of life, provided they avoid making common mistakes when using the devices. Not checking the settings Right before using the new hearing aids, make sure to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the manual. Getting acquainted with the settings and features of the aids can help users enhance their hearing experiences and significantly improve their quality of life. Rushing into using the aids without proper setup may make one miss out on some important features, resulting in an adverse impact. So, one should ensure that the settings are configured correctly to make the most of the new hearing aids. Improper settings can result in dissatisfaction with the expected improvements in hearing, potentially leading to decreased usage of the aids. If one’s unsure of how to configure the settings, visit the hearing specialist or connect with the customer support team of the device manufacturer to learn about its features and settings for optimal results.