5 Health Signals Women Shouldn’t Ignore
If you’ve noticed small changes in your health, you may be tempted to shrug them off. But something small may be a signal of a more serious issue with your health.
“It’s important to take the time to listen to what our bodies are saying to us. We get really good at pushing pain, body signals, and stressors to the side,” said Dr. Heather Figueroa, OB/GYN at Loma Linda University Health. Here are five signals worth noticing:
SHORTNESS OF BREATH. If you’ve noticed that you don’t have your usual strength or that it’s harder than normal to exercise, you may want to talk with your health-care provider. Unexplained shortness of breath is an early sign of lung disease.
YOUR EYESIGHT FEELS DIFFERENT. After a long day, you may blame eyestrain if your vision seems blurry. Bu a sudden problem in one or both eyes may be a sign of stroke. Seek medical help immediately.
A HEADACHE YOU CAN’T SHAKE. Headaches are common, but they can also be a sign of something more serious like a tumor or stroke. If you’ve had a headache that’s more severe than you’ve ever had, or one that lasts for days, see your provider right away.
SUDDEN, UNEXPLAINED FATIGUE. An overloaded schedule may be the first thing you blame you feel tired, but severe tiredness, especially out of the blue, is a common symptom of heart attack in women. Other symptoms include a feeling of pressure in your chest, severe shortness of breath, and unexplained nausea or vomiting. Seek emergency medical care immediately.
You know your body better than anyone, but if you can’t explain a nagging symptom, talk with your doctor. Even if it’s not something urgent, ignoring it could lead to a decline in health over time. “Advocating for your health and reaching out to your doctor or emergency medical services is vital,” said Dr. Figueroa.
Written by Loma Linda Health Services: Information for a Healthy Lifestyle Today
