Your body is the most intricate and sophisticated machine in the world. It performs countless simultaneous functions every second of every day, operates without rest, and has an innate ability to adapt to its environment.

However, despite its resilience, the body is also vulnerable to disease and injury. Often, the symptoms of poor health are subtle or go unnoticed until complications arise. Conducting regular self-checks is a powerful way to stay attuned to any changes that may indicate health problems.

In this article, we will discuss six crucial signs you should pay attention to regularly.

1. Body Temperature

The human body operates optimally at an internal temperature of 36.5–37.5 degrees Celsius (97.7–99.5°F). Take your temperature regularly, especially when you feel unwell or suspect you have a fever.

A fever is an indication that your body is fighting off an infection. Typically, a fever is a sign that your body is working as it should and is not a reason to worry, but it is essential to keep track of your temperature to identify any significant increases or decreases.

A low body temperature could be a sign of hypothyroidism, anaemia, or other health conditions, while a sustained high body temperature could suggest a more severe infection or something more serious.

2. Heart Rate

Your heart rate is measured in beats per minute (BPM) and is an indication of the efficiency of your cardiovascular system. A high or low heart rate can indicate potential problems.

For example, a sustained high heart rate could be a sign of high blood pressure, dehydration, or stress. Similarly, a sustained low heart rate could indicate a medical condition such as hypothyroidism or a medication side effect. If you notice a significant and sustained difference in your heart rate, consult your doctor to determine the cause.

3. Respiratory Rate

Your respiratory rate is the number of breaths you take per minute. The average respiratory rate for adults is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.

An increase in your respiratory rate may indicate an underlying condition such as asthma, pneumonia, or heart problems. Conversely, a low respiratory rate could indicate a problem with your breathing muscles, nerve damage, or medication side effects. If you notice a sustained change in your respiratory rate, consult your doctor to identify the cause.

4. Skin Appearance

Your skin provides valuable insights into your overall health. Changes in the texture, color, or moisture level of your skin could indicate an underlying problem. For example, dry, flaky skin can be a sign of dehydration, eczema, or psoriasis.

Whereas, rashes, bumps, or spots could indicate an allergic reaction, infection, or even skin cancer. Pay attention to any changes or new skin growths and seek medical attention if they persist or become painful.

5. Urine Color

The color of your urine can tell you a lot about your hydration level and can indicate potential health problems. Ideally, your urine should be a pale-yellow color, indicating it is well-diluted.

A darker color may suggest dehydration or that your body is retaining fluids, which could indicate an underlying medical condition such as kidney disease, liver disease, or an infection. Similarly, if your urine is consistently cloudy, or you have difficulty urinating, consult your doctor to identify the cause.

6. Bowel Movements

Bowel movements may be an uncomfortable topic, but they can also provide insights into your health. Your bowel movements should be regular, without pain or discomfort.

The color, shape, and consistency of your stool can tell you a lot about your digestive health. For example, green stool suggests a problem with your digestive system, while black stool could indicate blood in your digestive tract, which could become a medical emergency.

Keeping track of your bowel movements can also help you detect any changes in your health, identify possible food intolerances, and aid your doctor in identifying possible underlying health concerns.

Conclusion

Conducting regular checks on your health can save your life or minimize the impact of any underlying health concerns. The above indicators are not conclusive proof of your health status.

Still, they can alert you to potential problems and help you identify when it’s time to contact your health care professional. Take care of your body, listen to it, and don’t ignore the signals it sends. A small change in your routine can significantly impact your well-being.