Your body is constantly sending you signals. If you pay attention, it will tell you when something isn’t quite right. Some signals, like a stuffy nose during a cold or a fever from an infection, are obvious. However, other signs of poor health are more subtle and can indicate chronic issues that, if left unaddressed, could become serious. Here are ten signs of poor health to be aware of and what to do about them.

1. Crawling or Achy Feeling in Your Legs

Experiencing a crawling sensation or an uncontrollable urge to move your legs could be a sign of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. This often occurs in the evening or at night when you’re sitting or lying down. Symptoms include:

• Crawling
• Creeping
• Pulling
• Throbbing
• Aching
• Itching
• Electric sensations

RLS can interfere with sleep, affecting your quality of life. There are medications that can help, such as those that increase dopamine in the brain or affect calcium channels. Home remedies include warm baths, massages, and using hot or cold packs. Ensuring adequate rest and moderate, regular exercise can also help.

2. Your Skin is Getting Thicker

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and can reveal a lot about your health. Thickening and itchy skin could indicate conditions such as:

• Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (PRP): A chronic, inflammatory skin condition.
• Psoriasis: A condition where the body produces new skin cells too quickly.
• Hypothyroidism: A common disorder where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.

If you notice thick, red, or itchy patches of skin, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

3. Changes in Handwriting, Sense of Smell, or Dreams

These could be early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which gradually worsens over time. Symptoms include:

• Tremors in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
• Stiffness in limbs and trunk
• Slowness of movement
• Impaired balance and coordination
• Depression or emotional changes
• Difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking
• Urinary problems or constipation
• Sleep disruptions

Early signs are subtle, such as slight tremors or difficulty getting out of a chair. Consult a doctor if you suspect Parkinson’s for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

4. Experiencing Anger and Aggression

Excessive, uncontrolled anger triggered by trivial issues can be a sign of depression. Difficulties coping with anger can play a significant role in depression and anxiety disorders. If you or a loved one are struggling with angry outbursts, seek help from a doctor or mental health professional.

5. Sleeping Too Much

While 7-9 hours of sleep per night is healthy, consistently sleeping longer or struggling to stay awake during the day could indicate hypersomnia. Hypersomnia involves recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness and could signal medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, depression, encephalitis, or epilepsy. Treatment might include stimulant medications or lifestyle changes like avoiding night shifts or caffeine.

6. Unexplained Weight Loss

Sudden, unexplained weight loss can be a warning sign of various health issues, including thyroid problems, diabetes, digestive disorders, or even cancer. If you notice significant weight loss without trying, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.

7. Persistent Fatigue

Constant tiredness despite adequate sleep might indicate conditions like anemia, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, or chronic fatigue syndrome. A thorough medical check-up can help identify and address the underlying cause.

8. Frequent Headaches

Recurring headaches can be more than just a nuisance; they might signal conditions such as migraines, hypertension, or even brain tumors. If headaches are persistent and severe, seek medical advice.

9. Changes in Bowel Habits

Alterations in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea, or changes in stool color or consistency, can indicate digestive disorders, infections, or even colorectal cancer. Persistent changes should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

10. Shortness of Breath

Unexpected shortness of breath can be a symptom of respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as heart problems. If you experience difficulty breathing, especially when lying down or exerting yourself, seek medical attention promptly.

Paying attention to these subtle signs can help you catch potential health issues early and address them before they become more serious. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your health.