7 silent warning signs of thyroid cancer

7 silent warning signs of thyroid cancer

The thyroid gland is situated at the base of the neck. It helps produce hormones to regulate crucial body functions like heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. An uncontrolled growth of cells in this gland is known as thyroid cancer. While most thyroid cancers are curable, it is vital to identify the symptoms early for effective treatment. Here are seven must-know silent warning signs of thyroid cancer that help diagnose the condition.

Sleep changes
Abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland can cause it to produce excess amounts of hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones overstimulate the central nervous system and lead to insomnia. Therefore, if an individual’s sleep patterns change abruptly, it could indicate thyroid cancer.

Fatigue
The human body often tires after a hard day’s work or strenuous physical activity. But those with thyroid cancer may experience fatigue upon waking up after a good night’s sleep. It is because an underactive thyroid may lead to lesser production of the hormones necessary to stay energetic.

Bowel irregularities
The thyroid gland helps keep the digestive tract running smoothly. So, someone with thyroid cancer may have subtle signs of an underactive thyroid, including poor hormone production, which may lead to regular constipation. On the contrary, an overactive thyroid may lead to symptoms like diarrhea.

Increased sweating
The thyroid gland helps regulate the body’s energy production. However, cancerous cells in the gland may lead to higher hormone production. This phenomenon may increase the body’s metabolism, causing people to feel warmer and sweat. Therefore, people who sweat without exerting their bodies should get checked for thyroid cancer.

Mood changes
Mood changes are another silent warning sign of thyroid cancer. For example, a person might feel sudden bursts of anxiety even if they have never experienced these symptoms before.

Voice irregularities
It is normal for people with the common cold to experience temporary voice changes. However, if irregularities occur without any illness, it could indicate cancer development in the thyroid gland. A persistent cough not caused by a cold may also be an early sign of thyroid cancer.

Neck pain
Pain in the neck may be a sign of strain caused during exercises or other health conditions. However, it is also an early indicator of thyroid cancer. The pain in the neck usually starts from the front and extends to the ears.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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9 common diaper changing mistakes first-time parents make

Babies bring just as much responsibility as joy into one's life, and no one knows this better than first-time parents. Diaper changes are among the most challenging duties associated with baby care. Though it might seem relatively easy, there are some blunders new parents unintentionally make that may end up being hurtful or, at times, even dangerous for the child. Some common diaper-changing mistakes parents make, and ways to avoid them are listed below. Using a bed instead of a changing table Soft surfaces like beds make it more challenging to hold your infant steady. A child may also pee in the middle of changing, leading to a bigger mess. Therefore, it is better to use a level surface, like the floor or a changing table, which is easier to clean. Not having a designated space for changing A baby is more vulnerable to infections during a diaper change. So having a designated place ensures good hygiene and the baby's safety. In case of emergencies, it's advisable to disinfect the space before taking on the task. Spread a plastic mat in the area to minimize the mess. Avoiding diaper change when it isn't soiled Even if a diaper is seemingly clean and dry, it's advisable to change it every two to three hours. The baby's skin is soft, and the friction from the diaper may lead to discomfort or irritation. Leaving the room while changing If the doorbell or phone rings, it's normal to turn away from the baby, but it's best to avoid doing so if the infant is on the changing table. It is essential to prevent accidents if the baby rolls over and tumbles off the table while you are away. Not keeping the supplies handy Ensure the changing station is equipped with all cleaning and changing essentials to avoid leaving your baby alone while you look for them. Not carrying a distraction for the child Babies often get restless due to the wetness in the diaper while changing. Too much movement while in wet diapers may lead to rashes. Therefore, always carry a toy or sippy cup that keeps the baby distracted and still during the diaper change. Not cleaning and moisturizing properly Do not rub the baby while cleaning. Instead, use a soft cloth and pat dry to avoid skin rashes. Moisturizing the baby thoroughly will help prevent itchiness and dryness. Use only a mild anti-rash cream or moisturizer. A mild dermatologically-approved talcum powder after moisturizing can also help the baby feel fresh and dry for a long time. Alternatively, cleaning the baby from back to front might seem more manageable, but that can make them vulnerable to infections. Therefore, it's advisable to clean from front to back. Ignoring umbilical stump A baby's belly button carries a fragment of the umbilical cord for a while, which falls off naturally. Ensure you do not cover the area with a diaper or accidentally pull it off before it's healed. To avoid this, you can opt for foldable diapers or give an opening for them separately. Using a diaper of the wrong size Babies outgrow their clothes and diapers quickly, and using an undersized diaper may lead to chafing. Use the appropriate size to ensure the baby doesn't feel uncomfortable.

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