Life Balance Hub: about family, life and health
Life Balance Hub is your guide to a harmonious life. Discover inspiration and practical tips on family, health, fitness, and achieving everyday balance.
Blood in your urine, known as hematuria, is a common occurrence that can be detected through a urine test or noticed visually. Normally, urine appears light yellow in color. When there is blood present, urine may appear red, pink, or brownish, or you may notice actual blood in the urine. Sometimes, blood in urine is microscopic and not visible to the naked eye.
Noticing blood in your stool (poo) after using the toilet can be alarming. You might also see spots of blood on the toilet paper or drops of blood in the toilet bowl. While a small amount of bleeding on one occasion is usually not serious, blood in your stool can indicate a range of issues, some of which could be serious.
If you notice bleeding from your gums after brushing, it may indicate gum disease, which occurs due to the buildup of plaque on teeth and gums. Early-stage gum disease is called gingivitis, characterized by symptoms such as bleeding gums, redness, and swelling.
Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) refers to the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 12 months old, where the cause is not immediately obvious. This term encompasses various potential causes, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleeping accidents.
Burping, also known as belching or ‘bringing up wind,’ is a natural process where the body expels air from the upper digestive system through the mouth. It typically occurs when a person swallows excess air while eating or drinking. When babies burp, the air they release primarily comes from the esophagus before it reaches the stomach. If not expelled through the mouth, this air can pass through the digestive system and exit through the baby’s bottom. Additionally, gas can form in the baby’s gut as a result of milk breakdown during digestion.
Varicose veins occur when blood vessels become enlarged and swollen, often appearing blue or purple beneath the skin. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased blood volume can lead to varicose veins, affecting up to 4 in 10 pregnant individuals. These veins commonly develop in the first trimester and can cause discomfort or pain.
Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast called Candida, which often affects the vagina and vulva. If you’re breastfeeding, it can also affect your breasts or nipples and your baby’s mouth or bottom. Symptoms include itching, soreness, and a thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese. Thrush is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that create a more favorable environment for yeast growth.
Bumps, knicks, and bruises are ubiquitous injuries experienced by people of all ages, often resulting from daily activities or minor accidents. While these injuries are generally straightforward to manage, they can occasionally be quite painful and tender, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough fluids to function properly. This can lead to serious health issues if not addressed promptly. If you suspect severe dehydration in yourself or someone else, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Burns encompass tissue damage resulting from exposure to various sources, including heat, sunlight, chemicals, or electricity. Conversely, scalds specifically arise from contact with hot water or steam.
Astigmatism, a prevalent eye condition, occurs when the cornea or lens isn’t perfectly spherical but rather resembles the shape of a rugby ball rather than a soccer ball. Consequently, light entering the eye disperses and focuses at two points on the retina instead of one.
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a gradual development that poses a significant risk to overall health, potentially leading to various cardiovascular diseases. With over 1 billion people worldwide affected, it contributes to approximately 9 million deaths annually. According to guidelines set by The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure reading falls at 120/80 mmHg, with readings surpassing this indicating elevated or high blood pressure.
