Don’t be shy; peering into the toilet can save your life. Check for any changes in bowel habits and go to your doctor if constipation or diarrhea continues for more than two weeks. Examine stools for signs of blood (although this can be due to piles). The appearance of a black tarry substance in stools may show that blood is leaking.
Your Teeth
Many people don’t realize the importance of a dental checkup. Oral hygiene and checkups are vital because dental problems can often be a sign of other health-related problems tied to the heart, lungs, digestive system, or other parts of the body. Dental checkups can also give dentists the opportunity to check for early signs of oral cancer.
Your Skin
You should be in the habit of checking your skin at least once a month to look for changing moles or non-healing lesions. A melanoma, which can be fatal, may begin as something so seemingly innocent as a slightly darkened mole, so a simple self-exam of the skin can alert you that you need to go to a dermatologist for a full screening.
Your Home
Don’t forget to also check your surroundings—it indicates health issues and even save your life. To live a healthier lifestyle, it is extremely important to maintain a ‘healthy home’ and be aware of toxins and other irritants that can exist in your living space and make you feel unhealthy.
If you notice headaches, congestion, respiratory irritation, asthma, or allergies, you should have your home tested for mold, allergens, and chemicals. Molds, for example, can produce spores, mycotoxins, and MVOCs (chemicals produced by mold), which can give you an array of symptoms and cause you to feel unwell.
Monitor such conditions every few years to every year to see if your home is within safe limits. You can even try a DIY mold test kit of your own.
Stop & Do These At-Home Health Checks Right Now was originally published on blackdoctor.org
