Health Symptoms You Must Not Ignore

Identifying Those Little Twinges Early Can Stop Them In Their Tracks – Or Even Save Your Life.

Let’s be honest: the thought of going to the doctor doesn’t thrill anyone. As a result, many of us ignore symptoms altogether or try to ‘tough it out’ for as long as possible. But tuning into your body – and having the confidence to take action early – can save you unnecessary worry, medical expenses and bigger problems down the line. It might even save your life.

“You don’t want to be obsessive about it, but listening to your body is important, especially as you get older,” says GP Dr Jane Hunt.

“Educating women over 50 about staying alert to the symptoms of diseases, such as bowel, ovarian, breast and skin cancer, is key,” she says. “Dr Google can be useful, but it doesn’t have a filter. If you’re in tune with your symptoms, a doctor can help you to make sense of them in the context of your medical and family history.”

Here are five symptoms you should always heed.

A BLOATED TUMMY

SYMPTOM CHECK: “The duration of the pain and associated changes are the important factors here,” Jane explains. “If a bloated stomach is new to you and continues for more than four weeks, and you’re also experiencing discomfort in the belly, blood in your motions, or frequent issues with constipation or diarrhoea, seek help.”