Recognizing Health Warning Signs: What You Need to Know

The health of your body should be a major priority, and most people seek a doctor when a problem occurs. You are the only person responsible for your health care. Become familiar with your body by constantly self-checking and getting regular checkups. Know what is normal for your body, so you are able to detect any change. When you experience these health-warning signs, seek a doctor for immediate evaluation.

Stroke Signs

• Go to the emergency room or call your doctor when you experience temporary paralysis, weakness, burning pains, tingling, confusion and slurred speech. These are early warning signs of a stroke. Seeking treatment early may prevent permanent brain damage or save your life.

Black Tarry Stool

• Black stools could indicate an ulcer hemorrhage of your stomach or intestine. When this occurs, it's crucial to stop the bleeding and cross off cancer as a cause. Food can change your stool's color, but tarry black stool can indicate bleeding.

Lump in Breasts

• Women should regularly check their breast for lumps. A lump in a women's breast could indicate breast cancer.

Meningitis Signs

• Vomiting with a severe headache, high fever and stiff neck possibly indicates meningitis. Meningitis is membrane inflammation that covers the spinal cord and brain. A viral or bacterial infection may cause meningitis.

Lump in Testicles

• Men should check themselves for lumps in the testicles with or without a tiny lump in the groin area. A lump in the testicles could indicate testicular cancer.