There’s no denying the importance of water for the well-being of the human body. This free gift of nature is often underestimated in our diet.

The human body makes use of water in every one of its functions from the cells to the tissues and finally, the organs, making water a major component of the body.

For this reason alone, one might argue that it makes sense logically, the popular opinion on the importance of water for healthy living. However beyond this logic, there are many more reasons.

Water aids in excretion

Did someone just say, ‘ew’? As unpleasant as some might find the term, ‘excretion’, its importance cannot be underrated.

The human body is designed in such a way that after it takes in substances such as food, water, air, nutrients, etc, it brings out waste elements through the skin, eyes, anus, throat, and urethra.

Notice how excrete materials such as sweat, urine, and stool contain liquid? This must suggest the importance of water in creating these materials. Sufficient water helps the kidney, alongside organs, tissues and cells involved in excretion to function properly.

Water makes the skin glow

You’ve probably heard testimonies pertaining to this and it’s no lie. Look at anyone with glowing and healthy skin and they’ll tell you how water plays an important role in their diet.

We already know the body is made up of a large component of water. It only makes sense that by consuming lots of water, one is bound to replenish the amount of water needed by the body to function at its full potential.

This in turn means that with a body functioning at maximum, the skin will surely reap of this benefit. 

Water aids in physical performance

Think of athletic tournament and how athletes prone to drinking some water when they’re exhausted. No food, just water. Water is an important necessity for individuals involved in physical activities for a good reason.

This is because when physical activities are carried out by the human body, we perspire (sweat through pores on the skin) thereby losing bodily fluid. Keeping at this activity and perspiring over time will in turn lead to dehydration which is energy and mind consuming.

By consuming water however, the lost fluids are replaced, energy is restored and the mind is clear.

Although there are several other interesting scientifically-proven reasons to drink more water, an important note to self should be that the same water which grows plants when watered judiciously, will definitely help after the human system when drank judiciously.

Be careful to note that the water you consume is clean. That is, free of colour, smell, and taste. Invest in a portable reusable water container to carry some water wherever you are. 

Keep in mind that consuming the recommended amount of water daily, will not only help you achieve the three mentioned advantages in this article, but indeed, your overall health.

Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.

For women, staying healthy means making sure to get regular check-ups. These check-ups help catch problems early, which can make treatment easier and more successful.

Even if you feel fine, some health issues don’t show any signs until they are more serious. This is why it’s important to know which health checks are necessary and why they matter.

Let’s discuss five important health checks every woman should get and why they are so important.

1. Pap Smear and HPV Test

A Pap smear is a simple test that collects cells from the cervix. These cells are then examined for abnormalities that could indicate early signs of cervical cancer.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test checks for the presence of certain strains of HPV, a virus that can contribute to cervical cancer development.

When to get it: The recommended schedule for Pap smears and HPV tests can vary depending on your age and risk factors.

Typically, women aged 21-29 should have a Pap smear every three years. After 30, the option for a combined HPV and Pap test (co-testing) every five years becomes available, depending on your individual situation. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.

2. Pelvic exam

A pelvic exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your reproductive organs. During the exam, your doctor will visually examine your external genitals, feel your internal organs through your vagina, and might also perform a Pap smear.

A pelvic exam can detect a variety of issues, including infections, fibroids (benign growths), and even early signs of ovarian cancer.

When to get it: Similar to Pap smears, the recommended frequency for pelvic exams can vary. Generally, women with no concerning symptoms might get one annually alongside their Pap smear. However, your doctor will personalise the schedule based on your specific needs.

3. Blood pressure and cholesterol checks

High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. The good news is, these conditions can often be managed with lifestyle changes and/or medication.

When to get it: Typically, blood pressure and cholesterol checks are recommended for adults starting in their 20s or 30s. The frequency might vary depending on your age, risk factors, and overall health.

4. Mammograms

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue that can detect lumps or abnormalities that might be cancerous.

It’s a crucial tool in the fight against breast cancer, the most common cancer among women.

When to get it: The recommended schedule for mammograms can vary depending on your age, family history, and risk factors. Generally, women aged 40-49 might consider getting mammograms every few years, while those over 50 might benefit from annual screenings.

5. Bone density scan

As we age, our bones naturally become less dense, increasing the risk of fractures. A bone density scan is a painless test that measures how strong your bones are. This helps identify osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones.

When to get a bone density scan: While bone density naturally decreases with age, some women are at higher risk for osteoporosis. These include:

• Women over 50, especially those with a family history of osteoporosis.
• Women who are postmenopausal, as estrogen plays a vital role in bone health.
• Women with a history of fractures.
• Women with certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or chronic kidney disease.
• Women who take medications that can weaken bones, such as long-term use of corticosteroids.

These five health checks are a great starting point for women of all ages. However, preventive care goes beyond just tests. To empower your health journey, you’ll need to develop a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight.

If you experience any concerning changes in your body or unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for many health conditions. Also, know your family history.

Understanding your family’s medical background can help identify potential risks you might have.

You are your own health advocate. Take charge of your preventive care and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Written by Honest Micah.

A recent study by experts from Lund University in Sweden has suggested a potential link between tattoos — regardless of size — and cancer.

There has been a global rise in the popularity of tattoos in recent times more than they were a couple of decades ago. Tattoos are now considered more socially acceptable, with several people wearing them, especially in the entertainment space.

But in the study — published in eClinicalMedicine — researchers found a 21% increased risk of lymphoma in tattooed individuals compared to those without tattoos.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a network crucial to the immune system that fights infection.

The research states that the concern lies with potentially carcinogenic chemicals in some tattoo inks. When injected, the body perceives them as foreign, triggering a low-grade inflammation that might contribute to cancer development.

The study included 11,905 people — 2,938 of whom had lymphoma and were between ages 20 and 60.

They were then given a questionnaire about lifestyle factors to see if they were tattooed or not. 1,398 participants answered the questionnaire, while the number of people in the control group was 4,193.

In the group with lymphoma, 21 percent were tattooed (289 individuals), while 18 percent were tattooed in the control group without a lymphoma diagnosis (735 individuals).

“After taking into account other relevant factors, such as smoking and age, we found that the risk of developing lymphoma was 21 percent higher among those who were tattooed,” said Christel Nielsen, the researcher who led the study.

“It is important to remember that lymphoma is a rare disease and that our results apply at the group level. The results now need to be verified and investigated further in other studies and such research is ongoing.”

The study found no connection between tattoo size and cancer risk.

“We do not yet know why this was the case. One can only speculate that a tattoo, regardless of size, triggers a low-grade inflammation in the body, which in turn can trigger cancer. The picture is thus more complex than we initially thought,” Nielsen said.

The researchers said they will now examine whether or not there is a link between tattoos and other forms of cancer and inflammatory diseases.

“People will likely want to continue to express their identity through tattoos, and therefore it is very important that we as a society can make sure that it is safe,” he added.

“For the individual, it is good to know that tattoos can affect your health, and that you should turn to your health care provider if you experience symptoms that you believe could be related to your tattoo.”