Via Brightside

Any health problems, major or minor, can cause interference in your life. We always need to be healthy, especially with pervasive illnesses that are ravaging the world. For that reason, a yearly full medical examination is important to ensure that you are in good health. However, with devastating effects of the pandemic, visits to your doctor might be delayed. Still, it is important to watch out for your health, especially at this trying time.  Here are a series of simply tests you can do in order to diagnose a serious illness before figuring out whether you need to see an expert.

1. Heart and lung disease

Via WomensDailyMagazine

Early detection of heart and lung diseases could save your life. To do this test, move your fingers in an upside down letter J shape and put your nails against the other. Seeing a tiny diamond between them indicates that your heath and vessels are impeccably healthy.

No space between your nails might be signs of nail clubbing. Fingers that are becoming thicker are caused by blood having not enough oxygen. Oxygen deficiency is usually caused by multiple reasons, such as; lung issues, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal issues, and more.

2. Hormonal imbalance and lack of microelements

Via Google

According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, it's normal to lose 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. But losing more hair strands could be a worrying problem. Several reasons might cause hair loss such as; stress, poor hygiene, or a more serious health issues. One major health issue is hormonal imbalance or nutrient deficiency. These should not be ignored.

Do to this simple test, make sure your hair is dry and clean. Carefully take a small lock of hair and pull softly. If there is 2-3 hair strands in your hand, it is perfectly normal. However, if more hair strands were pulled, see a specialist immediately.

3. Stroke and dementia

Via Google

It is important to remember that the older you get the higher you are at risk of stroke and dementia. Daily exercises may improve your balance and help you with your overall wellness.

To do this test, start by lifting your leg up to your hip, is parallel to the floor and start the timer. If you can stand for more than 20 seconds, it means you have minimal risk of having stroke and dementia. Otherwise, if you have trouble maintaining balance on one leg, this might indicate problems with brain vessel.

4. Hearing

Via Google

Aging and prolonged exposure to loud noises can contribute to hearing test. To do this test, make sure to stay in a quiet room. Bring your hand close to your ear and start rubbing your fingers together. When you hear a sound, continue rubbing your fingers while pulling your hand away from your ears. If you still hear the sound then your hearing is great. Do this with the other ear.

5. Anemia

Via Google

Anemia can be serious and life-threatening when undiagnosed. Anemia, if left untreated, might cause serious illness like arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or enlargement of heart which can lead to heart failure.

Stand in front of a mirror and pull your lower eyelid. If the color of your eyelid is pink, then you are just fine. However, if the color is pale pink or yellowish, you might have anemia. If you start noticing that you are pale and get tired fast, immediately visit your doctor.

6. Diabetes

Via Google

One of the silent symptoms of diabetes that you may be missing is the numbness of your feet. Numbness of any part of body when having diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy. To do this test, seek help with a partner. Ask your partner to take a pencil with an eraser. Make them touch your foot and toes with the sharp end of the pencil and with the eraser. If you can tell which side of the pencil is touching you without looking, then you are safe. Otherwise, this means that the nerve endings in your feet are not functioning properly. Low sensitivity might be an sign of diabetes.

7. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Via WebMD

Peripheral arteries transport the blood to the limbs. When the arteries get clogged, the muscles don’t acquire sufficient oxygen which can cause unpleasant signs like numbness, discomfort, and pain. This condition is called peripheral artery disease (PAD). Symptoms of this disease are hard to notice in the beginning. If left untreated, PAD might lead to heart attack and stroke or even death.

To do this test, lie on the floor. Put your feet up at a 45° angle for several minutes. Then, look at the color of your feet. If your feet and toes are pale, nearing white, this might indicate a very bad blood circulation.

8. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Via Google

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the adjacent tissues press on the median nerve. The pain caused by the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will get worse over time, if left without proper treatment. This syndrome is usually experienced by office workers, artists, and bikers.

To test, lift your hands up, making your forearms parallel to your face. Then, try to reach the base of the palm with the tips of your fingers. Continue doing this for about 1-2 minutes. Experiencing tingling, numbness, or pain in your wrist or fingers can be a sign of tunnel syndrome.

9. Cardiovascular diseases

Via Google

Cardiovascular disease refers to the conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or stroke.

In order to do this test, simply walk up a flight of staircase while talking or singing a song. If you can feel your heart pounding and having difficulty breathing, this means that your cardiovascular system and lungs can’t handle the physical activity.

We want to remind you that these self-test can’t replace professional diagnosis. If you are experiencing worrying symptoms, immediately see your doctor.