Facts behind fainting

Fainting occurs due to a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain, resulting in brief loss of consciousness. Fainting can be accompanied by dizziness or nausea. Here are some common triggers, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Straining during urination or a bowel movement.
• Excessive coughing.
• Standing for too long in the same position, or quickly standing up from a lying position.
• Severe pain, stress, fear or emotional distress.
• Excessive bleeding or dehydration.
• Medications used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, anxiety, allergies and nasal congestion.
• Use of drugs or alcohol.
• Low blood sugar.

Signs of a stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. It can lead to permanent disability and death. Here are some warning signs, courtesy of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:

• Numbness, weakness or inability to move an arm, leg or the face -- particularly on one side of the body.
• Slurred speech, or difficulty speaking or understanding.
• Unexplained vision problems.
• Sudden, severe headache with no obvious cause.
• Difficulty walking, balance problems, or general dizziness.

Ingrown toenail and infection

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail is cut too short, or tight-fitting shoes cause the nail to grow into the skin. Ingrown toenails can be very painful, and can lead to infection if not properly treated. Here are suggestions to help prevent infection of an ingrown toenail, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

Three to four times a day, soak the sore toe in warm water. When not soaking, keep the foot dry. Wear sandals or loose-fitting shoes that won't apply pressure to the affected toe. Take an over-the-counter pain medication, if needed. If symptoms do not improve or get worse within two to three days, see your doctor.

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