Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Male Fertility: How Moving More and Being Involved Makes All the Difference

Credits: Canva

When we talk about fertility, conversations usually revolve around ovulation trackers, hormonal injections, and what women should or shouldn’t be doing. But this lopsided approach is clinically outdated. Male factors contribute to nearly 50% of all <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/infertility">infertility</a> cases. Yet, most consultations still focus solely on the female partner, often reducing men to the role of sperm donors with zero follow-up. Men have hormones, stress, and lifestyle risks too.

Why Fitness Isn’t Just About Abs: It's About Sperm

“Moderate, regular physical activity can significantly improve male reproductive health,” says Dr Kanchi. And no, that doesn’t mean training for a triathlon. It means adding just enough movement to boost hormone balance, sperm quality, and even mental health. According to her, gentle workouts can improve testosterone levels, sperm motility and concentration, and lower the stress hormone cortisol. Basically, fitness isn’t just about getting beach-ready; it’s about getting baby-ready.

Testosterone, Tight Shorts, and Other Cautionary Tales

Before you go signing up for a 6-day bootcamp, Dr Kanchi does drop some caution. “Excessive or intense training, especially endurance activities like long-distance running or heavy bodybuilding, can negatively impact male fertility,” she warns. Why? Testicular overheating, spiked cortisol, and suppressed testosterone. Also, tight athletic wear during long bike rides should be avoided.

Balance is the fix. Not burnout. Dr Kanchi recommends walking, yoga, swimming, bodyweight training, and light resistance workouts. Cycling? Okay in moderation, with padded shorts and plenty of breaks.

Make Way for the Fertility-Friendly Workout Routine

If you’re building a fertility-first fitness plan, Dr Kanchi has a checklist:

<ul><li>Consistency over intensity: Aim for 150 minutes a week. That’s 30 minutes, five days. Easy.</li><li>Keep workouts under an hour: No one’s asking for Ironman-level endurance.</li><li>Cool it: Literally. Skip saunas, tight spandex, and boiling hot pools.</li><li>Hydrate like it’s your job: Dehydration messes with energy and ejaculate.</li><li>Prioritise rest days: Your sperm need their beauty sleep too.</li><li>Pair movement with diet: Think antioxidants, lean protein, and fewer biscuits.</li><li>IVF and the Fitness Balance Beam</li></ul>

Dr Kanchi says that physical activity still plays a role even during IVF, but it needs to be gentle and strategic. “Avoid high-impact sports or heavy lifting during sperm collection phases,” she says. Focus on relaxation, emotional wellness, and stress management instead. If possible, rope in a fertility-aware trainer or physiotherapist.

Why Fertility Isn’t Just Physical; It’s Mental Too

Trying to conceive, especially via IVF, can feel like an emotional obstacle course. Men are often told to ‘stay strong’ while bottling up anxiety, helplessness, and grief. “Physical activity becomes not just a fitness tool but a mental health lifeline,” says Dr Kanchi. Even a walk or 20-minute yoga session can reduce depression, boost motivation, and bring back a sense of control.

For Dr Bhavna Banga, Director of Infertility at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, it is clear: “Fertility care should not be a solo act.” She believes it's time to give men equal space in the fertility room along with access to emotional support, advanced diagnostics, and transparent treatment discussions. Why? Because unexplored male issues like sperm DNA fragmentation or hormonal imbalances could be the missing link in repeated IVF failures.

“Couples who walk this path together, emotionally and medically, emerge more connected, more informed, and better prepared,” she says.

Dr Kanchi says, “Just move consistently, mindfully, and with your long-term health in mind.” And Dr Banga? She wants every man to feel like an equal part of the fertility equation. Because when both partners are equally heard, involved, and supported, fertility care becomes more hopeful for everyone.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

male fertility

exercise

sperm quality

testosterone

hormone balance

infertility

physical activity

mental health

fertility care

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When we talk about fertility, conversations usually revolve around ovulation trackers, hormonal injections, and what women should or shouldn’t be doing. But this lopsided approach is clinically outdated. Male factors contribute to nearly 50% of all infertility cases. Yet, most consultations still focus solely on the female partner, often reducing men to the role of sperm donors with zero follow-up. Men have hormones, stress, and lifestyle risks too.Why Fitness Isn’t Just About Abs: It's About Sperm“Moderate, regular physical activity can significantly improve male reproductive health,” says Dr Kanchi. And no, that doesn’t mean training for a triathlon. It means adding just enough movement to boost hormone balance, sperm quality, and even mental health. According to her, gentle workouts can improve testosterone levels, sperm motility and concentration, and lower the stress hormone cortisol. Basically, fitness isn’t just about getting beach-ready; it’s about getting baby-ready.Testosterone, Tight Shorts, and Other Cautionary TalesBefore you go signing up for a 6-day bootcamp, Dr Kanchi does drop some caution. “Excessive or intense training, especially endurance activities like long-distance running or heavy bodybuilding, can negatively impact male fertility,” she warns. Why? Testicular overheating, spiked cortisol, and suppressed testosterone. Also, tight athletic wear during long bike rides should be avoided.Balance is the fix. Not burnout. Dr Kanchi recommends walking, yoga, swimming, bodyweight training, and light resistance workouts. Cycling? Okay in moderation, with padded shorts and plenty of breaks.Make Way for the Fertility-Friendly Workout RoutineIf you’re building a fertility-first fitness plan, Dr Kanchi has a checklist:Consistency over intensity: Aim for 150 minutes a week. That’s 30 minutes, five days. Easy.Keep workouts under an hour: No one’s asking for Ironman-level endurance.Cool it: Literally. Skip saunas, tight spandex, and boiling hot pools.Hydrate like it’s your job: Dehydration messes with energy and ejaculate.Prioritise rest days: Your sperm need their beauty sleep too.Pair movement with diet: Think antioxidants, lean protein, and fewer biscuits.IVF and the Fitness Balance BeamDr Kanchi says that physical activity still plays a role even during IVF, but it needs to be gentle and strategic. “Avoid high-impact sports or heavy lifting during sperm collection phases,” she says. Focus on relaxation, emotional wellness, and stress management instead. If possible, rope in a fertility-aware trainer or physiotherapist.Why Fertility Isn’t Just Physical; It’s Mental TooTrying to conceive, especially via IVF, can feel like an emotional obstacle course. Men are often told to ‘stay strong’ while bottling up anxiety, helplessness, and grief. “Physical activity becomes not just a fitness tool but a mental health lifeline,” says Dr Kanchi. Even a walk or 20-minute yoga session can reduce depression, boost motivation, and bring back a sense of control.Fertility Isn't Just a Woman's Matter For Dr Bhavna Banga, Director of Infertility at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, it is clear: “Fertility care should not be a solo act.” She believes it's time to give men equal space in the fertility room along with access to emotional support, advanced diagnostics, and transparent treatment discussions. Why? Because unexplored male issues like sperm DNA fragmentation or hormonal imbalances could be the missing link in repeated IVF failures.“Couples who walk this path together, emotionally and medically, emerge more connected, more informed, and better prepared,” she says.Dr Kanchi says, “Just move consistently, mindfully, and with your long-term health in mind.” And Dr Banga? She wants every man to feel like an equal part of the fertility equation. Because when both partners are equally heard, involved, and supported, fertility care becomes more hopeful for everyone.

male fertility: how moving more and being involved makes all the difference

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5 Surprisingly Easy Things You Can Do Daily to Start Reversing Fatty Liver

5 surprisingly easy things you can do daily to start reversing fatty liver

When the sun’s blazing, your skin is usually the first to complain. Sweat, stickiness, breakouts, and redness. It’s like your face throws a full-blown tantrum every summer. But what if a few food tweaks could help you survive the sizzle with glowing, Instagram-filter-free skin?

Dr Geetika Mittal, dermatologist, is dishing out some no-nonsense, kitchen-level skin wisdom. Her summer skincare rules are so simple, they might just be hiding in your fridge or snack shelf. And yes, one of them will surprise you.

1. Say Yes to Vitamin E Foods

According to Dr Mittal, foods rich in vitamin E are your skin’s best summer buddy. Because they pack anti-ageing powers and act like a little sunscreen from within. “Vitamin E helps protect the skin from UV damage and supports a youthful, even-toned look,” she shares.

Her go-to options? California almonds (for a crunchy fix), avocados (for toast, of course), and spinach (for balance). “Almonds, in particular, offer healthy fats and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), which strengthen the skin’s defence against sun-induced damage and improve texture,” she adds.

If you're the type who dives into dessert after every meal, brace yourself. Dr Mittal warns, “Excess sugar harms both your overall health and your skin.” AGEs, those advanced glycation end products that break down collagen and elastin. It will result in saggy skin and dullness.

She explains that sugar also “spikes insulin levels, which can increase oil production, worsening acne and dark spots, especially in sweaty summer conditions.” Give sugar the boot, and switch to natural options like jaggery or honey. Not as shocking as quitting sugar altogether, but hey, your skin will thank you.

Those crispy fries and golden samosas might be ruining your skincare game. Dr Mittal says, “Greasy and fried foods, especially in summer, can contribute to clogged pores, excess oil, and acne breakouts.”

“If you’re craving snacks, go for healthier choices like almonds,” she suggests. Not only do they come packed with 15 essential nutrients, but they also win major brownie points from the Indian Council of Medical Research. “Almonds are an excellent snack swap, offering protein, vitamins, and skin-nourishing benefits,” she confirms.

Fish might not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking skincare, but Dr Mittal says it should be. “Including omega-3-rich foods like salmon in your diet can help calm skin irritation and reduce redness, common during summer.”

These fatty acids work behind the scenes to keep your skin happy with proper hydration, inflammation control, and that enviable soft glow. “If your skin feels stressed or inflamed from sun exposure, adding Omega-3s can be a natural way to support its recovery,” she adds.

No summer skincare list is complete without the hydration shout-out. Dr Mittal keeps it classic here: “Drinking plenty of water helps counter the moisture lost through sweat, keeps the skin plump, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and supports a smooth, even texture.”

She points out that staying hydrated also flushes out toxins, giving you that dewy, bright summer glow. So go ahead, chug that water bottle like it’s the elixir of life. Because, frankly, it kind of is.

Dr Mittal’s summer skincare commandments are surprisingly doable and mostly snackable. By loading up on nutrient-rich foods, ditching the greasy and sugary culprits, and staying well-hydrated, you can sail through summer without breaking a sweat. 

vitamin e

omega 3

almonds

summer skincare

hydration

acne

collagen

oily foods

sugar reduction

Skin & Hair

When the sun’s blazing, your skin is usually the first to complain. Sweat, stickiness, breakouts, and redness. It’s like your face throws a full-blown tantrum every summer. But what if a few food tweaks could help you survive the sizzle with glowing, Instagram-filter-free skin?Dr Geetika Mittal, dermatologist, is dishing out some no-nonsense, kitchen-level skin wisdom. Her summer skincare rules are so simple, they might just be hiding in your fridge or snack shelf. And yes, one of them will surprise you.1. Say Yes to Vitamin E FoodsAccording to Dr Mittal, foods rich in vitamin E are your skin’s best summer buddy. Because they pack anti-ageing powers and act like a little sunscreen from within. “Vitamin E helps protect the skin from UV damage and supports a youthful, even-toned look,” she shares.Her go-to options? California almonds (for a crunchy fix), avocados (for toast, of course), and spinach (for balance). “Almonds, in particular, offer healthy fats and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), which strengthen the skin’s defence against sun-induced damage and improve texture,” she adds. 2. Cut Back on the Sweet StuffIf you're the type who dives into dessert after every meal, brace yourself. Dr Mittal warns, “Excess sugar harms both your overall health and your skin.” AGEs, those advanced glycation end products that break down collagen and elastin. It will result in saggy skin and dullness. She explains that sugar also “spikes insulin levels, which can increase oil production, worsening acne and dark spots, especially in sweaty summer conditions.” Give sugar the boot, and switch to natural options like jaggery or honey. Not as shocking as quitting sugar altogether, but hey, your skin will thank you.3. Ditch Oily, Fried FoodsThose crispy fries and golden samosas might be ruining your skincare game. Dr Mittal says, “Greasy and fried foods, especially in summer, can contribute to clogged pores, excess oil, and acne breakouts.”“If you’re craving snacks, go for healthier choices like almonds,” she suggests. Not only do they come packed with 15 essential nutrients, but they also win major brownie points from the Indian Council of Medical Research. “Almonds are an excellent snack swap, offering protein, vitamins, and skin-nourishing benefits,” she confirms.4. Embrace the Power of Omega-3sFish might not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking skincare, but Dr Mittal says it should be. “Including omega-3-rich foods like salmon in your diet can help calm skin irritation and reduce redness, common during summer.”These fatty acids work behind the scenes to keep your skin happy with proper hydration, inflammation control, and that enviable soft glow. “If your skin feels stressed or inflamed from sun exposure, adding Omega-3s can be a natural way to support its recovery,” she adds.5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!No summer skincare list is complete without the hydration shout-out. Dr Mittal keeps it classic here: “Drinking plenty of water helps counter the moisture lost through sweat, keeps the skin plump, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and supports a smooth, even texture.”She points out that staying hydrated also flushes out toxins, giving you that dewy, bright summer glow. So go ahead, chug that water bottle like it’s the elixir of life. Because, frankly, it kind of is.Dr Mittal’s summer skincare commandments are surprisingly doable and mostly snackable. By loading up on nutrient-rich foods, ditching the greasy and sugary culprits, and staying well-hydrated, you can sail through summer without breaking a sweat. 

doctor shares 5 tips for healthy skin; the fourth one will totally shock you!

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Did you know? Your liver is the ultimate multitasker. It filters your blood, metabolises fats, breaks down toxins, and basically moonlights as a full-time cleaner, chef, and security guard. But chuck in too much processed food, sugar, and Netflix-induced couch time, and even this organ can get furious. 

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is what happens when excess fat builds up in your liver cells and you don’t need to drink alcohol to get it. But it’s often reversible. You don’t need fancy supplements, bootcamp workouts, or a personal chef to start turning things around.

Here are five simple yet genuinely effective things you can do at home every single day to help reverse fatty liver.

1. Start Your Day With a Glass of Warm Lemon Water

Lemons contain vitamin C and antioxidants that support liver detoxification. Starting your morning with warm lemon water, without sugar, gently nudges your digestion awake and encourages bile production. Also, swapping your usual sugary morning beverage for lemon water cuts out unnecessary calories, which is crucial since weight loss can drastically improve liver health.

You don’t need a 90-minute sweat-fest to make your liver happy. Studies show that even short bursts of movement can help reduce liver fat. A brisk 10-minute walk after meals, walking your dog outside before it hits the bed, or even pacing during phone calls counts. Your liver loves movement because it helps regulate blood sugar, burn fat, and reduce insulin resistance, all of which are major players in fatty liver.

3. Eat Something That Looks Like It Was Grown, Not Made

Your liver thrives on whole foods, especially ones high in fibre and antioxidants. Eat greens, berries, beans, lentils, and cruciferous veg like broccoli or cabbage. Aim to have at least one rainbow-coloured meal a day. The brighter your plate, the more likely it is to contain the nutrients your liver needs to flush out fat and function smoothly.

We all know how much the wellness world dreads sugar, but cutting it out completely feels tough. So just swap one sugary thing a day for a smarter option. Choose fruit over juice. Greek yoghurt over ice cream. A handful of nuts over a biscuit binge. Even modest reductions in sugar can significantly lower liver fat levels. Sugar, especially fructose, is a known liver enemy. It converts to fat quickly and makes your liver feel like it's drowning in syrup. 

5. Sleep Like It’s Your Job

Deep, quality sleep is one of the most underrated tools in liver health. Poor sleep disrupts hormones, increases cravings for junk, and worsens insulin resistance, all of which can accelerate fatty liver. Aim for 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep and try sticking to a regular bedtime, even on weekends. Put your phone on aeroplane mode, dim the lights, and create a pre-bed ritual that doesn't involve doomscrolling or late-night cheese toasties.

Reversing fatty liver doesn’t have to mean massive lifestyle overhauls. It’s about making consistent, doable tweaks that your body can actually stick with. Drink the lemon water. Walk a little. Eat real food. Ditch some sugar. Get that sleep. 

fatty liver

nafld

lemon water

liver detox

walking

whole foods

sleep

antioxidants

insulin resistance

Did you know? Your liver is the ultimate multitasker. It filters your blood, metabolises fats, breaks down toxins, and basically moonlights as a full-time cleaner, chef, and security guard. But chuck in too much processed food, sugar, and Netflix-induced couch time, and even this organ can get furious. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is what happens when excess fat builds up in your liver cells and you don’t need to drink alcohol to get it. But it’s often reversible. You don’t need fancy supplements, bootcamp workouts, or a personal chef to start turning things around. Here are five simple yet genuinely effective things you can do at home every single day to help reverse fatty liver.1. Start Your Day With a Glass of Warm Lemon WaterLemons contain vitamin C and antioxidants that support liver detoxification. Starting your morning with warm lemon water, without sugar, gently nudges your digestion awake and encourages bile production. Also, swapping your usual sugary morning beverage for lemon water cuts out unnecessary calories, which is crucial since weight loss can drastically improve liver health. 2. Go for a 10-Minute WalkYou don’t need a 90-minute sweat-fest to make your liver happy. Studies show that even short bursts of movement can help reduce liver fat. A brisk 10-minute walk after meals, walking your dog outside before it hits the bed, or even pacing during phone calls counts. Your liver loves movement because it helps regulate blood sugar, burn fat, and reduce insulin resistance, all of which are major players in fatty liver. 3. Eat Something That Looks Like It Was Grown, Not MadeYour liver thrives on whole foods, especially ones high in fibre and antioxidants. Eat greens, berries, beans, lentils, and cruciferous veg like broccoli or cabbage. Aim to have at least one rainbow-coloured meal a day. The brighter your plate, the more likely it is to contain the nutrients your liver needs to flush out fat and function smoothly. 4. Say No to SugarWe all know how much the wellness world dreads sugar, but cutting it out completely feels tough. So just swap one sugary thing a day for a smarter option. Choose fruit over juice. Greek yoghurt over ice cream. A handful of nuts over a biscuit binge. Even modest reductions in sugar can significantly lower liver fat levels. Sugar, especially fructose, is a known liver enemy. It converts to fat quickly and makes your liver feel like it's drowning in syrup. 5. Sleep Like It’s Your JobDeep, quality sleep is one of the most underrated tools in liver health. Poor sleep disrupts hormones, increases cravings for junk, and worsens insulin resistance, all of which can accelerate fatty liver. Aim for 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep and try sticking to a regular bedtime, even on weekends. Put your phone on aeroplane mode, dim the lights, and create a pre-bed ritual that doesn't involve doomscrolling or late-night cheese toasties.Reversing fatty liver doesn’t have to mean massive lifestyle overhauls. It’s about making consistent, doable tweaks that your body can actually stick with. Drink the lemon water. Walk a little. Eat real food. Ditch some sugar. Get that sleep. 

This Subtle Change in Your Fingernails Could Be a Warning Sign of a Rare, Life-Threatening Heart Infection

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When it comes to heart problems, most of us think of chest pain, shortness of breath, or maybe even dizzy spells. What we don’t expect is to spot a warning sign right on our fingernails. But that’s exactly where a subtle symptom of a rare, potentially fatal heart condition might first appear. 

If you’ve noticed odd reddish-brown streaks running vertically underneath your nails and you’re sure you didn’t recently slam your finger in a door, it might be time to look beyond nail trauma. These tiny lines, known as splinter haemorrhages, could be pointing to a much more serious problem: endocarditis.

According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), endocarditis is a rare infection affecting the inner lining of the heart and its valves, diagnosed in around 1,500 people in the UK each year. While rare, the condition can be deadly if not caught early.

Endocarditis typically occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and latch onto damaged areas within the heart. This can cause inflammation, leading to permanent damage or even heart failure if untreated. Symptoms can mimic more benign ailments like the flu and may come on gradually over weeks or even months, making diagnosis tricky.

That’s where subtle signs like splinter haemorrhages can be so crucial. These streaks form when tiny blood clots damage the capillaries under your nails. While they can occur from physical trauma or be linked to conditions like diabetes or certain medications (aspirin being one of them), multiple streaks across several nails without a clear cause deserve medical attention.

Other Visual Clues Your Body Might Be Giving You

Your fingernails aren’t the only place endocarditis can leave clues. The BHF lists several visible signs to be aware of, including:

<ul><li>Small, dark-coloured spots on your skin</li><li>Painful red lumps on fingers or toes</li><li>Unusually pale skin</li></ul>

These signs might be mistaken for skin conditions or general fatigue, but when paired with symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, they could signal something much more serious.

When Flu-like Symptoms Aren’t Just the Flu

One of the biggest challenges with endocarditis is that many of its symptoms feel deceptively ordinary. Feeling tired? Slight fever? Muscle aches? You might blame the seasonal bug. But if these symptoms linger or worsen, especially when paired with the nail changes or skin signs mentioned above, don’t brush it off.

Infective endocarditis can be fatal if left untreated, the BHF warns. Therefore, early detection and prompt management are critically important. You should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you recognise the above symptoms.

Caught early, endocarditis is often treatable with a course of strong antibiotics and regular monitoring by a GP. Blood tests help identify the infection, and treatment can begin swiftly.

In more severe cases, where the heart is already damaged or abscesses have formed, surgery may be necessary. Left unchecked, endocarditis can lead to complications like heart failure or an increased risk of stroke.

While endocarditis can affect anyone, some people are at higher risk. This includes those with:

<ul><li>Heart valve disease</li><li>Artificial heart valves</li><li>A history of endocarditis</li><li>Congenital heart defects</li><li>Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy</li><li>A history of injecting drugs</li></ul>

A few daily habits can significantly reduce your risk. Maintaining good personal hygiene, especially oral and hand hygiene, is key. Bacteria often enter the bloodstream through cuts in the gums or skin, so brushing, flossing, and washing hands thoroughly really do matter.

Ultimately, your body often whispers before it screams. A streak on your nail might seem harmless, but in the context of endocarditis, it’s a quiet clue you shouldn’t ignore. If something feels off and especially if several of these subtle signs start showing up together, a check-up could be life-saving.

endocarditis

splinter haemorrhages

heart infection

fingernail streaks

british heart foundation

early diagnosis

flu symptoms

heart valves

bloodstream bacteria

preventive hygiene

When it comes to heart problems, most of us think of chest pain, shortness of breath, or maybe even dizzy spells. What we don’t expect is to spot a warning sign right on our fingernails. But that’s exactly where a subtle symptom of a rare, potentially fatal heart condition might first appear. The Nail Clue You Shouldn’t IgnoreIf you’ve noticed odd reddish-brown streaks running vertically underneath your nails and you’re sure you didn’t recently slam your finger in a door, it might be time to look beyond nail trauma. These tiny lines, known as splinter haemorrhages, could be pointing to a much more serious problem: endocarditis.According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), endocarditis is a rare infection affecting the inner lining of the heart and its valves, diagnosed in around 1,500 people in the UK each year. While rare, the condition can be deadly if not caught early.What Exactly Is Endocarditis?Endocarditis typically occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and latch onto damaged areas within the heart. This can cause inflammation, leading to permanent damage or even heart failure if untreated. Symptoms can mimic more benign ailments like the flu and may come on gradually over weeks or even months, making diagnosis tricky.That’s where subtle signs like splinter haemorrhages can be so crucial. These streaks form when tiny blood clots damage the capillaries under your nails. While they can occur from physical trauma or be linked to conditions like diabetes or certain medications (aspirin being one of them), multiple streaks across several nails without a clear cause deserve medical attention.Other Visual Clues Your Body Might Be Giving YouYour fingernails aren’t the only place endocarditis can leave clues. The BHF lists several visible signs to be aware of, including:Small, dark-coloured spots on your skinPainful red lumps on fingers or toesUnusually pale skinThese signs might be mistaken for skin conditions or general fatigue, but when paired with symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, they could signal something much more serious.When Flu-like Symptoms Aren’t Just the FluOne of the biggest challenges with endocarditis is that many of its symptoms feel deceptively ordinary. Feeling tired? Slight fever? Muscle aches? You might blame the seasonal bug. But if these symptoms linger or worsen, especially when paired with the nail changes or skin signs mentioned above, don’t brush it off.Infective endocarditis can be fatal if left untreated, the BHF warns. Therefore, early detection and prompt management are critically important. You should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you recognise the above symptoms.How It's Treated and Why Time MattersCaught early, endocarditis is often treatable with a course of strong antibiotics and regular monitoring by a GP. Blood tests help identify the infection, and treatment can begin swiftly.In more severe cases, where the heart is already damaged or abscesses have formed, surgery may be necessary. Left unchecked, endocarditis can lead to complications like heart failure or an increased risk of stroke.Who’s More at Risk?While endocarditis can affect anyone, some people are at higher risk. This includes those with:Heart valve diseaseArtificial heart valvesA history of endocarditisCongenital heart defectsHypertrophic cardiomyopathyA history of injecting drugsPrevention Starts with the BasicsA few daily habits can significantly reduce your risk. Maintaining good personal hygiene, especially oral and hand hygiene, is key. Bacteria often enter the bloodstream through cuts in the gums or skin, so brushing, flossing, and washing hands thoroughly really do matter.When in Doubt, Get It Checked OutUltimately, your body often whispers before it screams. A streak on your nail might seem harmless, but in the context of endocarditis, it’s a quiet clue you shouldn’t ignore. If something feels off and especially if several of these subtle signs start showing up together, a check-up could be life-saving.

this subtle change in your fingernails could be a warning sign of a rare, life-threatening heart infection

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Male Fertility: How Moving More and Being Involved Makes All the Difference

Quick Stories

Doctor Shares 5 Tips For Healthy Skin; The Fourth One Will Totally Shock You!

5 Surprisingly Easy Things You Can Do Daily to Start Reversing Fatty Liver

This Subtle Change in Your Fingernails Could Be a Warning Sign of a Rare, Life-Threatening Heart Infection

Health Conditions A-Z

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