Your Health is in Your Hands
Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Published in Total Fitness Magazine August 2011 Issue
The next time you get a palm reading, don’t just fixate on the lines in your hands. Focus on your hands’ overall appearance. Do you have swollen fingers? Are your palms reddish than usual? Are your nails kind of discolored? The body is capable of sending out an SOS whenever something’s wrong—like getting a fever on the onset of a viral infection. Just like the rest of your body, the hands too can reveal health risks. Make it a habit to check your hands regularly. After all, your health is in your hands. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Cracked, Discolored Nails
Healthy fingernails have a rosy tinge and a few specks of white. When its hue and texture change dramatically, it is often associated with a number of health risks including nail fungus, lung and thyroid diseases, arthritis, anemia, diabetes and so much more. If you’re convinced that your nail discoloration has nothing to do with cosmetic practices, it’s best to ask your doctor about it.
Palm Color
Reddish palm can indicate high blood pressure or an allergic reaction to chemicals in soap or cleansers, jewelry, and even certain medications. For pregnant women, red palms are common due to the increased blood flow in the body. Yellowish palms are often associated with hepatitis, jaundice and high cholesterol among others. Bluish palms suggest respiratory problems while white palms suggest poor blood circulation.
Numbness, Bluish Fingertips
Raynaud’s Disease is a rare disorder of the blood vessels characterized by an abrupt decrease in blood circulation in the fingers and toes causing them numb, turn white or bluish, and even cause tissue death. When the blood vessels expand to normal size, the sudden blood flow causes a reddish hue and a throbbing sensation. Trigger factors include heightened emotional stress and cold weather.
Swollen Fingers
Bloating can cause your fingers to swell up due to PMS and salty snacks. However, they can also suggest B6 deficiency or a bigger health risk—a thyroid problem called hypothyroidism wherein the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate hormones for normal body functions.
Short Index Fingers
Ladies, if your index fingers are relatively shorter than your ring fingers, you might be more at risk for a hormonal disorder called polycystic ovarian syndrome that could affect your fertility. Short index fingers could also suggest a higher risk for osteoarthritis but lower risk for heart diseases. However, keep in mind that your overall health relies on your body mass and lifestyle practices. If you do have short index fingers, maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure the health of your heart, joints, and your fertility.
Published in Total Fitness Magazine August 2011 Issue
Cracked, Discolored Nails
Healthy fingernails have a rosy tinge and a few specks of white. When its hue and texture change dramatically, it is often associated with a number of health risks including nail fungus, lung and thyroid diseases, arthritis, anemia, diabetes and so much more. If you’re convinced that your nail discoloration has nothing to do with cosmetic practices, it’s best to ask your doctor about it.
Palm Color
Reddish palm can indicate high blood pressure or an allergic reaction to chemicals in soap or cleansers, jewelry, and even certain medications. For pregnant women, red palms are common due to the increased blood flow in the body. Yellowish palms are often associated with hepatitis, jaundice and high cholesterol among others. Bluish palms suggest respiratory problems while white palms suggest poor blood circulation.
Numbness, Bluish Fingertips
Raynaud’s Disease is a rare disorder of the blood vessels characterized by an abrupt decrease in blood circulation in the fingers and toes causing them numb, turn white or bluish, and even cause tissue death. When the blood vessels expand to normal size, the sudden blood flow causes a reddish hue and a throbbing sensation. Trigger factors include heightened emotional stress and cold weather.
Swollen Fingers
Bloating can cause your fingers to swell up due to PMS and salty snacks. However, they can also suggest B6 deficiency or a bigger health risk—a thyroid problem called hypothyroidism wherein the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate hormones for normal body functions.
Short Index Fingers
Ladies, if your index fingers are relatively shorter than your ring fingers, you might be more at risk for a hormonal disorder called polycystic ovarian syndrome that could affect your fertility. Short index fingers could also suggest a higher risk for osteoarthritis but lower risk for heart diseases. However, keep in mind that your overall health relies on your body mass and lifestyle practices. If you do have short index fingers, maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure the health of your heart, joints, and your fertility.
