Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a number conditions that cause breathing problems and airflow obstructions. The condition affects over 16 million people in the country. Moreover, more than a million more suffer from COPD, but their symptoms go undiagnosed and untreated because they misidentify it as other underlying complications. A cure for COPD is yet to be discovered; hence, learning about its early signs could help one in managing the condition. Chronic cough It isn’t uncommon for people to contract infections that lead to a cough. It usually goes away in a couple of days or weeks. Coughing is also a protective mechanism that may respond to irritants in the air that enter the lungs. A cough could also help remove mucus and phlegm. However, if the cough is persistent, and if one experiences a chesty cough that does not go away, it could indicate the onset of COPD. Healthcare experts usually consider coughs that last more than eight weeks to be chronic. So if one experiences this sign, they should consult with an expert immediately. Excess mucus production Mucus helps keep the airways lubricated, and attracts and captures germs and irritants that enter the lungs. But if there is excessive production of mucus, it may suggest the development of COPD.

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the inner lining of the esophagus. As the tumor grows, the cancer cells spread through the other layers. Sometimes, the cancer spreads to nearby organs as well, such as the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. It progresses through multiple stages as different symptoms appear over time. Here are a few things to know about esophageal cancer signs, treatment, and risk factors to watch out for. Esophageal cancer signs In most cases, esophageal cancer is diagnosed only in the advanced stages. This is because the symptoms rarely show up in the initial stages. But, if there is a cancer risk, it is better to take preventive measures and watch out for the following signs. Chronic cough This symptom is generally experienced in the advanced stages of esophageal cancer. During this time, the esophagus becomes narrow with the growth of the tumor. This irritates the throat. Most people tend to experience frequent coughing, which can feel like something is stuck in their throat. However, chronic coughing can lead to a hoarse voice over time, which is a significant indicator of esophageal cancer. Trouble swallowing The growth of cancer over time also causes issues with swallowing.

Stomach cancer refers to abnormal cell growth in the organ. Also known as gastric cancer, the condition progresses slowly and may eventually spread to the liver and pancreas. About 95% of stomach cancers develop in the cells of the stomach lining, whereas rarer types may originate in the lymph nodes or the connective tissue of the stomach wall. Recognizing the early signs of stomach cancer can help get a timely diagnosis and treatment. Signs The progression of stomach cancer is gradual, and those with this condition may or may not experience any early signs. The symptoms usually begin to appear only after the cancer begins spreading to other organs. The following are possible indicators that one has stomach cancer: Abdominal pain Severe abdominal pain is an early sign of stomach cancer. The pain may spread to the back in cases where the cancer is developing in the stomach’s lymph nodes. Stomach swelling If cancer spreads to the tissue lining the abdomen, one may observe swelling in the stomach. This swelling is caused by the accumulation of a fluid known as ascites. Diarrhea or constipation The spread of cancer cells to the small intestine can cause blockages, leading to diarrhea. In contrast, tumors in the abdomen may narrow the bowel, triggering constipation.

A strong immune system is important to maintain one’s health. While there is no magical cure against infections, building immunity can help prevent several illnesses, or recover faster. Adding a variety of foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to one’s meals can help strengthen the immune system to fight off infection-causing pathogens. Here are 16 foods that can enhance immunity and help prevent illnesses. Red bell peppers Red bell peppers are one of the richest sources of vitamin C. A 100-gram serving of red bell pepper contains about 127.7 mg of vitamin C, which is 159 percent of one’s recommended daily intake. They are also a rich source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A. Due to their high vitamin content, red bell peppers are excellent for boosting immunity. Moreover, vitamin C helps keep skin healthy, while vitamin A contributes to healthy skin and eyes. Blueberries Blueberries contain a particular flavonoid called anthocyanin. This has potent antioxidant properties, which help strengthen the immune system, especially in the respiratory tract. According to studies, those who consume a healthy dose of flavonoids regularly are less likely to develop an upper respiratory tract infection in comparison to others. Broccoli A popular superfood, broccoli is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, fiber, and antioxidants, which help fortify immunity.

The immune system’s function is to protect the body from harmful substances and germs. It works to prevent different health disorders and infections. However, when the immune system weakens, one may experience several symptoms. This can happen due to poor nutrition, stress, aging, or health conditions. These symptoms are not always indicative of a weak immune system. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a primary care doctor whenever any of these are experienced. Frequent infections One of the primary signs of a weakened immune system is frequent infections. When the immune system loses its strength, it produces fewer white blood cells and antibodies, which are essential in battling pathogens that cause infectious diseases. A person with a deficiency of these substances becomes highly vulnerable to frequent infections, including sinus infections, colds, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. Wounds that heal very slowly Under healthy circumstances, an injury such as a cut, burn, or scrape makes the skin go into damage control mode. The body responds by sending blood that contains essential nutrients, white blood cells, and antibodies to the affected area, which kickstarts the healing process. As a result, new skin starts to regenerate. However, the healing rate depends on the immune cells’ health.

What you eat impacts your hair’s health. Hair loss affects a significant portion of the population, irrespective of age. The numbers increase as we go up the age ladder. Of course, this can be due to aging, underlying health conditions, and other things, along with a lack of nutrition. Nutritionally poor foods can cause loss of hair density, poor growth, and weaker hair strands. So, here is a list of foods to eat for healthy hair. Eggs Eggs are a superfood, and for good reason. They are rich in biotin, protein, vitamins A and E, calcium, and iron. They are also an incredible source of omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients are excellent if you want to accelerate hair growth and strengthen it. The biotin content enhances their keratin production, leading to better hair health. Spinach Everyone knows how critical spinach and other green vegetables are for anyone who wants a healthy mind and body. Spinach is a rich source of iron and loaded with multiple vitamins, which can assist in growing a healthier mane. Iron improves the quantity and quality of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), aiding in better oxygen supply to every cell in the body. Vitamin C is known to increase the absorption and availability of iron in the body.

Whether one needs to prepare for a busy day ahead or unwind after a hectic one, a warm bath is the way to go. A warm shower can be highly therapeutic, enhancing one’s mood instantly and offering several health benefits, including boosting immunity and ensuring cold and pain relief. However, not bathing right can trigger or worsen skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing or showering: Avoiding exfoliation Although the body naturally gets rid of dry skin cells and develops new ones, exfoliation removes excessive dry skin cells and facilitates glowing skin. Hence, it is advisable to use a scrub or chemical exfoliator at least once in 10 days. This product should be applied in a circular motion throughout the body for 10 seconds and then rinsed off with lukewarm water. Bathing in extremely hot water If the water temperature is too high, it can cause damage to the keratin cells located on the skin’s outer layer. Hence, it is important to regulate water temperature before stepping into the shower. Lukewarm water typically works best for one’s skin. Showering for a long time Although showering can help relax one’s body and mind, especially after a long day, bathing for too long can de-moisturize the skin and increase one’s risk of developing skin conditions.

Those who menstruate often deal with a heavy period flow. Heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts over 7 days is called menorrhagia—a common concern that causes blood loss and cramping. If left unattended, it can lead to complications like anemia and pain in the abdomen and pelvic region. Excessive bleeding can disrupt daily activities due to low energy levels and discomfort. However, one can manage heavy periods by making certain lifestyle changes and better food choices. Key tips Women may experience a heavy period flow once in a while; however, persistently heavy periods can interfere with daily activities and lower energy levels. One should consult a healthcare professional to understand the causes and treatment for menorrhagia. Additionally, one can try the following easy hacks to cope with heavy period flow: Make a period care kit The length of a period cycle can differ slightly for everyone. But on average, a cycle is anywhere between 28 and 35 days. So, by keeping track of the cycle, one can plan ahead to minimize discomfort during periods. One of the easiest ways to reduce the discomfort is preparing a period care kit, especially if one is away from home on their period. To the kit, one can add necessities such as tampons, pads, a change of clothes, hot water bottles, and, if needed, some comfort food.