- High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, tooth loss, sleep disorders and skin cancer are common health issues that adults tend to ignore.
- Warning signs of high blood pressure include no noticeable symptoms or warning signs.
- Heart disease increases the risk of stroke and can lead to permanent brain damage, disability, and death.
- Tooth loss can lead to difficulty eating, speaking clearly, and even infection, which should be prevented.
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome can negatively impact physical and mental health.
As we grow older, we often become more aware of our body and health than when we were younger. However, there are still some common health issues that we tend to ignore. Sometimes because we think it’s just a minor problem, and sometimes because we don’t want to admit that there’s something wrong with our body.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is quite common among adults, but the scary part is few people take it seriously. In most cases, there are no noticeable symptoms or warning signs, making it a silent killer that can lead to severe health problems.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 45% of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but only one in four people have it under control. Here are the common warning signs of high blood pressure you should know about:
Heart Disease
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. When your blood pressure is high, it puts a lot of strain on your heart and other vital organs in your body, such as the kidneys and brain. Over time, this strain can lead to atherosclerosis, the hardening of your arteries, and other heart conditions.
Vision loss
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision loss or blindness. If your eyes’ blood vessels rupture, it can cause bleeding or swelling in your eyes, leading to a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy.
Stroke
High blood pressure can cause a stroke, a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Stroke can lead to permanent brain damage, disability, and death. The American Stroke Association reports that high blood pressure is the primary contributor to stroke, and an estimated 50% of all stroke survivors are suffering from hypertension.
Tooth Loss
Everyone knows brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining oral health, but many adults don’t realize that tooth loss is a serious health issue. Left untreated, tooth loss can lead to complications, such as difficulty eating, speaking clearly, and even infection. But the good news is that different tooth replacement options are available today.
From implants and bridges to dentures, these treatments can restore the function of missing teeth. Taking proper steps to help prevent tooth loss by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly can give you a healthier smile for years to come.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. It’s the time when our body repairs itself and restores energy. However, many adults ignore sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome. Battling insomnia is a widespread issue characterized by an inability to fall or remain asleep.
Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for short periods during sleep. The involuntary urge to move one’s legs while slumbering is known as restless leg syndrome, which can cause considerable discomfort. All of these conditions can negatively impact your physical and mental health. Therefore, if you’re experiencing any sleep disorders, you should talk to your doctor and get them treated immediately.
Skin Cancer
Most people spend a lot of time outdoors, especially during summer. While enjoying the sun and all the outdoor activities, it’s easy to forget about the harmful effects that UV radiation can have on your skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting over 3 million people yearly. Unfortunately, skin cancer is often ignored, which can have severe consequences.
Consequences of Ignoring the Warning Signs
Ignoring the warning signs of skin cancer can have terrible consequences. When detected early, the chances of a full recovery are high, but when it goes untreated for a long time, it can spread, making treatment more challenging and the prognosis less favorable. Advanced skin cancer can also lead to the following:
- Destruction of skin tissues and damage to organs
- Severe pain, disfigurement, and emotional distress
- High medical bills and lost income due to chemotherapy sessions
- Increased risk of other types of cancer
The Bottom Line
As adults, we prioritize our responsibilities, such as work, family, and other commitments, over our health. However, ignoring common health issues can negatively impact our physical and mental health and overall quality of life.
Therefore, paying attention to our body and any unusual symptoms is essential, as getting regular check-ups and screenings and seeking medical help when needed. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
