Although the Coronavirus pandemic has already restricted us from visiting hospitals unless it’s inevitable, even when it wasn’t a reason, there are about a million things you would rather do as a man than booking an appointment with your healthcare practitioner.
A study has shown that more than 40 percent of men do not go for annual checkups, and that’s very poor for the health. We understand that some glaring symptoms must drag you to a doctor’s office; likewise, there are so many others that fly under the radar, despite the severity of the health condition it may imply.
Here are signs that you should watch out for, because they may signal underlying severe health conditions.
Sensitivity To Cold Temperatures
If you always feel that freezing sensation, regardless of how many blankets you pile up, or how hot the weather is, then maybe you have “hypothyroidism.”
Wearing multiple layers of clothing and still feeling cold, in the company of people who are incredibly comfortable in sans, could mean that it’s time to visit your doctor, so you can check your thyroid level, and for any other health condition.
Difficulty Recalling Things
Everyone forgets where they place their house keys at some point, it is sometimes a symptom of aging, and that’s normal and expected. But what you should find disturbing is when you forget the functions of your car keys, because that could be a sign of dementia or maybe mild cognitive impairment. If you are experiencing this, then you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Itchy Skin
Sometimes, itchy skin isn’t as a result of dry skin, and moisturizers can’t always fix the problem. If you continuously have itchy skin, it could be a symptom of advanced liver disease. One of the common symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver is the itching of the skin. So, if you think your itchy skin isn’t as a result of dry skin, but an indicator of a liver issue, then it’s best to book an appointment with your healthcare practitioner.
Unexplainable Weight Loss/Weight Gain
Losing weight is a goal you work towards, and it takes consistency at doing what you are doing. Most times, when weight loss happens unplanned, it could be that you are putting in more effort in the gym. But, when you are losing weight, and you can’t explain the phenomenon behind it, then that’s a reason for concern.
Research has shown that when you lose more than 10 pounds in 6 months, it could be a sign of some health conditions, including cancer, liver disease, and diabetes.
Concerning weight gain, it’s normal to gain extra fat around your midsection as you age. However, if you allow your waistline to keep expanding, you could be doing some severe damage in the long-term.
Almost everyone knows that being obese can affect one’s health negatively. Still, even if your weight is within the normal range, excess abdominal weight can be harmful to your health—abdominal fat ups your risk of developing diabetes or heart disease.
Severe Chest Pain
Whenever you have severe chest pain, do not dismiss it because it is categorized as a medical emergency, and you should call 911 immediately.
If it is a result of a heart attack or dissection of the aorta, then immediate intervention would most likely save a life. That’s because a heart attack is caused by an abrupt stop of blood flow to the heart muscle, but if the blood flow is restored immediately, then it might be possible to save the heart muscle.
Swollen Feet And Ankles
Swollen legs, feet, or ankles should not be taken lightly. Sometimes it may be caused by consuming very salty foods, and it can also be an indicator of kidney disease, liver failure, or heart failure.
Frequent Shortness of Breath
It’s normal to run out of breath when you run the stairs or engage in rigorous tasks, but if you are experiencing major shortness of breath after doing nothing that requires your energy, then you should see a doctor. It could be a sign of asthma, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, so it’s important to book an immediate session with your doctor.
Sudden Trouble Speaking
When you are having a conversation and all of a sudden, you are unable to speak; you should know that something is wrong. This could be a sign of stroke, and prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent disability or in a worst-case scenario, death.
If you are ever in this situation, seek help immediately.
