It’s common for people to ignore symptoms that could indicate something serious, but you should never write them off. Some gastrointestinal problems are so mild, they get confused with regular discomfort or another less-serious health issue, doctors say.
Men should also see a doctor if they experience shortness of breath that comes on quickly. That may signal heart disease or lung disease.
Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms and treatment depend on the type of cancer and how advanced it is.
Medical researchers have identified several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing cancer. Some of these include smoking, high body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.
Some cancers are caused by inherited genetic defects called hereditary syndromes. These syndromes can cause 5% to 12% of all cancers.
Heart disease
Most people don’t think about heart disease when they hear the word “health.” But it is a significant problem to address. It is one of the top causes of death in America, and it can be prevented by making changes in your lifestyle.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help lower your risk of heart disease. But age, gender, and family history also play a role in your chances of developing heart disease.
A health screening is the best way to detect heart disease early. Talk with your doctor about heart-health screenings, or get a referral to a cardiologist (heart specialist) if needed.
Alzheimer’s or other dementia
Alzheimer’s or other dementia is a serious health condition that can be hard to diagnose. It affects memory, thinking, and reasoning, and it can cause problems in daily life.
Everyone has memory lapses from time to time, but when these lapses get worse or last longer, they are a sign of dementia.
If you or a loved one notices these symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor. They can do tests to check your memory, language, and thinking skills.
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. But other types of dementia also exist, including Vascular dementia and Lewy-body dementia.
Oral diseases
Oral diseases are a major global health issue and are largely preventable. They cause pain, discomfort, and disfigurement and can lead to death.
Oral health is often linked to other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. It is also associated with risky behaviors such as tobacco use and sugar consumption.
People with oral diseases tend to have a higher prevalence of other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This bidirectional association supports the idea that health-promoting interventions for oral diseases could decrease their occurrence in people with NCDs.
Insufficient sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential to maintaining good health. It helps maintain your energy levels, alertness, and performance during the day.
Insufficient sleep is a common health problem that affects both children and adults. It can be caused by work schedules, fast-paced social lives, and a variety of medical conditions.
Research shows that insufficient sleep can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. It can lead to serious health problems like obesity, depression, and diabetes.
