Finger nails, eyes and hair represent more than just window dressing for the body. They are sometimes important markers of senior health, indicating the presence of potential issues that may not have manifested in other ways. Find out more about what your nails, eyes and hair can tell you below, but remember that this isn't medical advice. If you have any concerns, make sure to see your medical provider or reach out to the staff at the assisted living community for help.
Nail health is an important factor in determining overall senior health, in part because fingernails can help indicate blood circulation levels. Moreover, aging may sometimes result in body processes working less efficiently to circulate oxygen, the results of which can often be seen in the nail beds.
Separating nails could be an indicator of onycholysis, which occurs when the nail pulls away from the skin underneath it. Poor circulation can be a contributing factor to this condition.
The discoloration of yellow nails may serve as a clue for potential health-related issues. They could offer insight into simple issues, such as impacts from smoking, or something more serious, such as diabetes or jaundice.
For this reason, if you have yellow nails and aren't sure of the cause, it's best to see a provider to ensure that there are no underlying reasons for the discoloration.
This may sound like an odd way to tell if your nails are providing clues about your health, but accompanied by extreme brittleness, spoon-shaped nails can be a giveaway for several health conditions, including the kind of iron deficiency that can lead to anemia.
The depression in the nail may be slight, but should still be cause to get it checked out.
Eye health is its own thing, but sometimes, issues with sight can provide clues about things that are happening elsewhere in the body.
It's one thing to contend with blurry vision if you were already struggling or have a prescription for corrective lenses. But if you suddenly start seeing through blurry eyes, it is time for both an eye exam and a wellness check.
Abrupt shifts in vision, especially blurry eyes, can be a sign that blood flow to your eyes is being constricted. It might also be a sign that you need glasses if you don't wear them already, but it is prudent to check for medical causes elsewhere in the body too.
If your eyes suddenly begin bulging out or you begin feeling more pressure than you have around your eyes in the past, this could be an indicator that you are developing a condition or are experiencing hormonal shifts in the body.
It is important not to ignore it, especially if your eyes have never bulged before. Bulging eyes are physically uncomfortable and can be startling if you are not sure why it is happening, so reach out to a provider or someone at the Cambridge Court assisted living if you're a resident.
If the whites of your eyes suddenly begin to turn a yellow hue or are much darker than they generally are, it's time for a check-up. While this may sometimes be the result of aging, it can also suggest more serious conditions.
If the whites of your eyes turn an obvious shade of yellow, jaundice could be the culprit. This is especially so if you notice the same yellowish tinge to your skin.
Yellow spots around the eyes may be due to sun damage. Cloudy whites may suggest anything from stress to another underlying issue.
Since there are so many possibilities, it is best to consult with your physician to determine how to address the issue.
Hair health offers a trickier gauge for seniors, since issues with hair thickness or length can be byproducts of the aging process. However, a few hair-related shifts can be clues into wellness.
Hair thinning is common among seniors, but sometimes, it may be a sign of something else. For instance, thinning is one of the prominent side effects of hypothyroidism. This particular health issue can often be managed with the right medication and lifestyle shifts.
Hair thinning may also be the result of immune-related conditions, which is why seeing a provider about the issue, especially if it begins suddenly, is a safe bet.
This is not an uncommon side effect of general aging, but depending on genetics and hair care, it might be something more. Iron-deficient anemia could cause hair shedding because of the lack of nutrients making their way through your body.
If you suddenly begin shedding hair, especially if you are doing so at a fairly accelerated rate, get it checked out just to be on the safe side.
Eye, nail and hair health can provide a bevvy of clues into general health. The staff at Cambridge Court assisted living in Kearney, NE, encourages you to make an appointment with your provider if you suspect that issues with any one of them might be due to health issues.
