With the stigma around our sexual health, speaking to a gynecologist about specific issues can be tricky. One of the biggest reasons most of us shy away from asking questions about our sexual health is fear of judgment. It is important to remember that gynecologists are professionals trained to answer all your queries so that you can enjoy optimal health. Here are the most commonly asked ‘embarrassing’ questions at the gynecologist’s office: Does it look normal? Many women often worry about how their vulva looks. Like the rest of our bodies, vulvas come in all different shapes, sizes, and characteristics. There is no one-size-fits-all look, so there is nothing to feel self-conscious about. However, if you notice abnormal changes or growths, talk about them with your gynecologist. Since gynecologists are used to seeing several of them daily, they are the best person to clarify all your concerns. Do I need to shave/wax/groom before my visit? Having to strip down in the gynecologist’s office can be intimidating for many people, especially if it’s your first time. Many women feel they would be judged for their personal grooming practices and hair growth around their vagina. So unless you have a bump or a concerning spot covered by pubic hair, you do not need to worry about having to groom before your visit.

Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that primarily disrupts communication from the brain resulting in uncontrolled and unexpected movements. It affects specific neurons that carry the signals and impulses from the brain to control vital organs and functions. Parkinson’s is progressive disorder, and there is no cure for the condition yet. However, knowing and identifying many early symptoms is beneficial to improve the outlook on living with the condition. Here are 11 early warning signs to never ignore. Tremors Resting tremors are among the first warning signs of developing Parkinson’s. These tremors are not noticeable when the person is using the hand but show up as soon as it is in a more relaxed position. The uncontrolled shaking starts with the thumb and progresses to affect the entire hand. Severe rigidity The rigidity of the muscle groups and joints also indicates developing Parkinson’s problems. These discomforts significantly impact simple day-to-day actions like buttoning up shirts, picking up objects, or gripping things in general. These symptoms are even more problematic when combined with the tremors that develop on and off abruptly. Such muscle problems can deeply impact a person’s psyche as well. Balance issues Parkinson’s also impacts a person’s balance as it interferes with the brain and body’s coordination to send and receive signals that control gait.

Seizures are a neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. They can occur at any age and can be caused by various factors, including genetics, head injuries, and infections. Seizures can be classified into two main categories: generalized and partial. Generalized seizures affect the entire brain, while partial seizures affect only a specific part. Recognizing the warning signs of a seizure is crucial for timely intervention and ensuring the safety of the affected person. Aura or premonitory symptoms Premonitory symptoms or aura are one of the common symptoms of seizures. The intensity, type, and presence of these symptoms can differ from person to person. Individuals may experience premonitory symptoms in the form of unusual smiles, tastes, visual disturbances, unexplained anxiety or fear, a sense of deja vu, or sudden mood changes. It is essential to identify and recognize these symptoms during the early stages. Identifying the early signs provides an invaluable opportunity to prepare for a seizure. Altered sensations A person might experience a wide range of sensory disturbances because of seizures. This includes a tingling sensation and numbness in various parts of the body, an altered perception of pain, touch, or temperature, and a sense of pressure or heaviness.

Bad breath, called halitosis, is a common problem affecting millions worldwide. It can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain health conditions, and even the daily foods consumed. While maintaining good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing is essential, including specific foods can also help combat bad breath. Bad breath can be a social and personal concern, but one can naturally combat it with the right dietary choices. Fresh herbs Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and parsley are known for their breath-freshening properties. These herbs contain chlorophyll, a natural deodorizer that actively helps neutralize the sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath. Nutritionists suggest chewing on a sprig of parsley or mint after a meal to freshen bad breath instantly. Alternatively, one can incorporate these herbs into daily dishes for flavor and breath-freshening benefits. Crunchy vegetables Crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers have a dual benefit when combating bad breath. Firstly, these veggies are high in water content that helps stimulate saliva production, which is essential for maintaining a moist mouth and reducing odor-causing bacteria. Secondly, the crisp texture of these vegetables can help clean the teeth and remove food particles that also contribute to bad breath.

Parkinson’s disease and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) are two distinct neurological conditions, but they share some common signs and symptoms that can easily be overlooked or misattributed. While each disorder has unique characteristics, the overlapping nature of these symptoms can complicate the diagnostic process. This article delves into the signs of Parkinson’s and TD that are similar and easy to miss, shedding light on the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. Understanding Parkinson’s disease Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. The gradual degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain characterizes it. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that transmits signals that control muscle movement and coordination. Parkinson’s disease is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time. Initially, symptoms may be mild and easily missed, but they gradually become more noticeable and debilitating. Understanding TD TD, on the other hand, is a neurological disorder induced by prolonged use of certain treatments. It manifests as involuntary and repetitive movements, often in the face and other body parts. TD is related to disturbances in the dopamine pathway, similar to Parkinson’s, although the causes differ. TD can also progress, especially if the causative treatment is not discontinued. Initially, TD symptoms may be mild and go unnoticed, but they can become more pronounced if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Bathing and showering are essential parts of our daily hygiene routine, but sometimes we make mistakes that can affect our skin and overall health. While these are some of the most basic and simple activities of the day, some tips can enhance this self-care experience further. This article discusses 7 common bathing mistakes people make. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you make your skincare routine more efficient in maintaining good health and hygiene. Taking hot water showers This can be especially comfortable when there’s a nip in the air or even after a long exhausting day of work. But hot showers are notoriously famous for rinsing the natural oils off the skin. This can leave the skin to be dry and flaky. If you suffer from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, hot showers should not be considered at all. It can cause flare-ups due to dry skin and dehydration. Also, always keep the baths short, just 10 mins. In fact, a lot of people might enjoy a hot shower after a workout, but studies suggest that a cold shower after a workout can help relax the muscles even more. And this can also help keep the pores of the skin closed.