People today are much more concerned with their health than in the past. Despite the increased emphasis on health, there are still common health issues that people can miss. It is also important to realize that while much of the discussion is around physical health, maintaining a healthy mental state is just as important.
Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose a condition because the symptoms are similar to another condition, or the symptoms are generalized, such as headaches, or a feeling of fatigue.
There are a number of conditions that are frequently missed or misdiagnosed. Irritable bowel syndrome is often misdiagnosed because there is no test for the condition. Coeliac disease is also commonly missed. Common symptoms are joint pain, itchy skin, headaches and reflux. Rheumatoid arthritis is a difficult condition to diagnose because the symptoms are very similar to other conditions characterized by aching joints. Hypothyroidism is frequently mistaken for a natural age-related problem, because in its early stages the symptoms are subtle. Symptoms include muscle aches, dry skin, weight gain and forgetfulness.
Irritable bowel syndrome is only likely to be diagnosed if a patient displays symptoms for at least three days in three consecutive months. Other conditions can be diagnosed using blood tests or tests such as an MRI scan.
While people have become much more aware of physical problems, mental health issues continue to be less well known. Many of us may also feel that mental health conditions are not something that most people suffer from, but they are much more widespread than you might imagine. It is estimated that one in ten Canadians will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. As well as lack of knowledge, there still exists a certain stigma around admitting that you have mental health problems. This may lead people to ignore the symptoms. Common symptoms of depression include sleep problems, persistent aches and pains, weight changes, increased irritability and anger, and problems with concentration.
Mental health issues are harder to diagnose, as many people can feel low at times. However, if you frequently suffer from anxiety, sleep problems or other symptoms of depression you should visit your doctor and discuss your health.
Many people also suffer from eye problems; some of these are natural age-related conditions such as presbyopia, which is an inability to see nearby objects, or small print. Some problems such as “floaters”, which are small specks or spots that float across the field of vision can be normal, but they can also be a sign of something more serious, such as retinal detachment. Our eyes are extremely important to us and it is important to get your eyes checked regularly. Your Lasik doctor in Toronto can help you with many of these eye conditions.
Looking after our health is important, especially as we get older. If you suffer from persistent symptoms, you should not ignore them, but talk to your doctor or specialist. Doing something about symptoms rather than ignoring them may help to prevent more problems later on.
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