Autism spectrum disorder, better known as autism or ASD, is a developmental disability. Most people and children with this condition experience problems with social interaction, communication, repetitive behaviors, and interests. This can cause problems in relationships. One must keep in mind that several signs of ASD appear during the first 12 to 18 months. Hence, parents must consult a healthcare professional when they notice the following early signs of autism in children. Development of peculiar interests When a child is in the early stages of autism, he or she may show behaviors or interests that seem unusual. For instance, the child may line up toys or other objects and get incredibly upset when the order is changed suddenly. Another example of this early sign is the child throwing tantrums when separated from an object, activity, or toy. Unusual movements Another sign seen early in children is problems with cognitive functioning. So, if a child is on the autism spectrum, it can affect their motor skills. This can cause the child to go around in circles, flap the hands and feet, and rock back and forth rapidly. Additionally, the child may also experience an increased response to certain sensory triggers such as strong smells, sights, and sounds.

According to reports, cancer affected around 439 per 100,000 individuals in our country in 2019. But on the bright side, many survived the condition. This suggests that while cancer is a significant health concern, timely diagnosis and advanced treatment can help patients recover. Besides doctor-recommended therapies, a healthy lifestyle and nutrition plan is essential when dealing with the condition. Here are some herbs and spices that may help prevent and manage cancer: Turmeric Turmeric does more than just flavoring one’s food to perfection. Curcumin, the component that facilitates its bright-yellow color, is a potent antioxidant that may slow the spread of cancer cells in the body. It does this by helping destroy the blood vessels that feed cancer cells. Thanks to this property, turmeric complements cancer treatments like chemotherapy. It may be added to gravies, soups, smoothies, and stir-fries. Turmeric milk or tea is also emerging as a popular beverage. Garlic This allium vegetable helps prevent cancer cells from growing new blood vessels and facilitates their death. S-allyl cysteine, an organosulfur compound present in garlic, is shown to suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells. Reports from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) also indicate that garlic is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

Prostate cancer is a condition wherein healthy cells in a man’s prostate begin growing aggressively and out of control. If left unchecked, this tumor can spread to nearby organs such as the rectum, bladder, and others. In such instances, this disease is likely to become life-threatening. Fortunately, prostate cancer is often highly curable if healthcare professionals diagnose and treat it at an early stage. Some of the common warning signs of prostate cancer are listed below. Stiffness in the lower back If the tumor is not dealt with during its initial stages, prostate cancer spreads to several areas encompassing the lower back region in a person’s body. The malignant cells can negatively affect the bones, leading to a condition known as bone metastasis. Eventually, cancer affects the spine and triggers back stiffness and pain in people. This symptom can sometimes make it hard for patients to sit. Frequent urination As mentioned earlier, in its advanced stages, prostate cancer can affect surrounding organs, such as the bladder, urethra, and, in the long term, kidneys if it spreads. The urethra and the bladder are two organs close to the prostate gland. So, as the prostate enlarges out of control due to cancerous cell growth, it puts pressure on the bladder, which in turn causes people to feel the urgent need to urinate more often than usual.

The gastrointestinal system is one of the most important elements in an individual’s overall health. Therefore, discussing each aspect, whether it concerns digestion or excretion, is essential. Since one may find it embarrassing to talk about these topics with others, it is best to speak to a gastroenterologist instead. The individual should know that discussing these questions with the expert is normal. When it comes to gastrointestinal symptoms, there’s no better place than a health clinic. What is the cause of excessive gas? An individual may pass more gas than usual but neglect to speak about it. However, it is one of the most important processes in gastrointestinal health and should be discussed with an expert. Passing excessive gas could occur due to flatulence – a process where one swallows more air than usual. It could also occur when the person eats food that cannot be digested easily. Excessive gas could occur due to health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome or recurring digestion. And speaking with an expert could help relieve any stress caused by the condition and look for suitable remedies. Why are feces colored unusually differently? Another common topic most people avoid discussing is the unusual color of feces.

Sometimes the creation of new bone cannot keep up with the loss of old material, known as osteoporosis. The condition could result in symptoms that may affect one’s ability to carry out daily tasks. A healthcare expert may recommend prescriptions and lifestyle changes to manage bone complications. But these treatment options may work better if the condition is diagnosed early. So here are eight signs of low bone mineral density that must be addressed immediately. Receding gums The gums may recede due to multiple factors, including aggressive brushing, genetics, and other unhealthy habits. However, this sign could also indicate a reduction in bone density. The oral complication is usually subtle and might require an expert’s opinion. Furthermore, the teeth and jaw bones are connected. So when the latter starts to lose bone mineral density, it could result in receding gums, which may also affect the health of teeth. Weakened grip strength The loss of grip strength could be an indicator of low bone mineral density triggered by osteoporosis. Some common signs that one should look for include the reduced ability to open doors easily, push objects, or grab onto structures properly. These are signs that the individual may have lost muscle strength.

Osteoporosis is a condition that is characterized by the weakening of bones. The bones become so brittle that even a mild strain can cause a fracture. This happens because the new bone tissues are not regenerating fast enough to replace the old tissues. The exact cause behind this has yet to be discovered. However, several early warning signs indicate susceptibility to osteoporosis, especially among women. These help in timely diagnosis and treatment.  Low bone density Low bone density means that the mineral density in your bones has declined. Due to this, the body cannot generate new bone at the same rate as it absorbs the old bone. This condition is called osteopenia. Although being diagnosed with osteopenia doesn’t indicate osteoporosis, it is one of the early warning signs. This is because low bone density often precedes severe osteoporosis. If you have been diagnosed with osteopenia, consult your primary care doctor for regular tests and examinations to prevent further bone loss. Brittle bones Another tell-tale early warning sign of osteoporosis is brittle bones. Therefore, there is a higher risk of breaking a bone. These fractures usually occur in the wrist, spine, and hips. However, fractures can occur in any part of the body.

Foods and beverages supply much-needed fuel for the body to support vital functions. However, certain lifestyle choices and daily eating habits can severely affect oral hygiene. There is an increased risk of cavities, gum decay, tooth decay, and bacterial infections due to the overconsumption of common foods and beverages. Here are six such daily consumables that should be taken in moderation or eliminated to maintain good teeth and gum health in the long run. Sugar-rich foods Refined sugar, be it used for making sweets, candies, baked goods, confectioneries, processed ready-to-eat foods, and even flavored drinks, are bad for the teeth. Sugar supplies a steady energy source for bacteria to feast on and rapidly multiply, causing cavities. Sugar also increases the risk of plaque buildup, which can further cause gum infections and speed up tooth decay. Refined carbohydrate-rich foods Carbohydrates are a good source of fuel for the body and should be included in daily nutrition. However, most foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket are loaded with refined carbohydrates. These carbs are bad for overall health, and the sticky residue left behind after chewing becomes a harboring ground for bacteria. Also, saliva breaks down carbohydrates into sugar due to an instantaneous reaction and, as a result, increases the risk of cavities.

Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that primarily disrupts communication from the brain resulting in uncontrolled and unexpected movements. It affects specific neurons that carry the signals and impulses from the brain to control vital organs and functions. Parkinson’s is progressive disorder, and there is no cure for the condition yet. However, knowing and identifying many early symptoms is beneficial to improve the outlook on living with the condition. Here are 11 early warning signs to never ignore. Tremors Resting tremors are among the first warning signs of developing Parkinson’s. These tremors are not noticeable when the person is using the hand but show up as soon as it is in a more relaxed position. The uncontrolled shaking starts with the thumb and progresses to affect the entire hand. Severe rigidity The rigidity of the muscle groups and joints also indicates developing Parkinson’s problems. These discomforts significantly impact simple day-to-day actions like buttoning up shirts, picking up objects, or gripping things in general. These symptoms are even more problematic when combined with the tremors that develop on and off abruptly. Such muscle problems can deeply impact a person’s psyche as well. Balance issues Parkinson’s also impacts a person’s balance as it interferes with the brain and body’s coordination to send and receive signals that control gait.

Water constitutes approximately 71% of the earth’s surface and 60% of the human body, making it an indispensable element of life. The body requires adequate water to perform several vital functions, including digestion, protection of tissues and the spinal cord, urination, bowel movements, replenishment of cells, and perspiration. Unfortunately, multiple studies have shown that 75% of adults in the country suffer from chronic dehydration. This article lists the common side effects of not having enough water. Abnormal urination patterns Lack of water in the body significantly affects urination, leading to lower urine output than usual. Moreover, the frequency at which one passes urine also decreases. Finally, the color of one’s urine becomes darker and more concentrated, which may leave a burning sensation around the urethra. The odor of one’s urine may also be stronger when dehydrated. Dryness of the tongue, mouth, and lips The salivary glands in the body require optimal fluid content to produce saliva, which is essential for lubricating the mouth. Dehydration reduces the body’s fluid levels, leading to mouth, lips, and tongue dryness. Chapped lips are common among individuals with dehydration. Lack of saliva can impede digestion and cause dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

Seizures are a neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. They can occur at any age and can be caused by various factors, including genetics, head injuries, and infections. Seizures can be classified into two main categories: generalized and partial. Generalized seizures affect the entire brain, while partial seizures affect only a specific part. Recognizing the warning signs of a seizure is crucial for timely intervention and ensuring the safety of the affected person. Aura or premonitory symptoms Premonitory symptoms or aura are one of the common symptoms of seizures. The intensity, type, and presence of these symptoms can differ from person to person. Individuals may experience premonitory symptoms in the form of unusual smiles, tastes, visual disturbances, unexplained anxiety or fear, a sense of deja vu, or sudden mood changes. It is essential to identify and recognize these symptoms during the early stages. Identifying the early signs provides an invaluable opportunity to prepare for a seizure. Altered sensations A person might experience a wide range of sensory disturbances because of seizures. This includes a tingling sensation and numbness in various parts of the body, an altered perception of pain, touch, or temperature, and a sense of pressure or heaviness.