How healthy are you?

So maybe you think looks do not matter. Personality and inner beauty are more important. But let me tell you, your doctor will disagree, because, my friends, when it relates to health, it is what is visible to the eye that really counts.

A good doctor conducts a thorough clinical examination because she knows what to look for. So the next time your doc peers into your eyes, checks your skin, asks you to open your mouth and checks your fingernails, there is lots she can see. The following are just some of the signs that may indicate the existence of a bigger health problem.

Your Skin

If you’ve got puffy skin in the chin area, it could be abnormal capillary activity and suggests a problem with the digestive system. Other ways your skin is trying to say something is wrong is via eczema, flaky skin, dermatitis along the forehead and hairline and these are signs of intestinal problems.

Your Eyes

If you have dark circles under the eyes, this probably means you are not getting enough sleep because of stress or worry. But it can also mean a deficiency in a chemical that causes physical and behavioral problems. Don’t get used to the black circles and live with them. If they don’t’ go away, see your doctor. 

Your nails

Nail health is important. The next time you paint your nails, if you see ridges, this could mean an infection. Nail ridges can also indicate problems with your kidney, a risk for arthritis or an iron deficiency. Either way, you must see your doctor.  Your toenails could also be saying something.

If you see white spots on your fingernails, they are probably caused by injuries caused weeks or months ago. They are also thought to be a result of vitamin or mineral deficiency, especially calcium.

Your Hair

Losing some hair daily may be normal for most,  but too much hair loss can be caused by a number of ailments such as fever, thyroid problems, stress, anemia, etc. if you have no idea why you are losing hair, see your doctor. Did you know you can eat your way to beautiful hair?

Your Mouth 

Oral health is important as it can affect our overall health. Bleeding gums are a sure sign of gum disease. Bleeding can also mean other threatening conditions like leukemia and blood platelet disorders. If you suffer from this persistently, see your doctor.

Mouth sores or ulcers are usually a result of stress. But when they appear once too often, this can lead to celiac disease and cancer of the mouth and throat. Ugh.

Your Eyelashes

When we were kids, if we saw an eyelash fall off, we would place it on the back of our hand, close our eyes, make a wish and blow it away, and believe the wish would come true. Eyelashes do fall out naturally or when you curl them. But an excessive loss is serious and could mean a thyroid problem you don’t know about, besides making you look weird.

So, when you visit your doctor, even if you might have your blood pressure and weight checked, remember, your doctor will also check for physical signs of trouble.

Stay healthy!