From dementia to arthritis, try some simple tests that can give you a DIY diagnosis
Drawing a clock or lying on your back are simple tests you can try at home to ensure you're in tip-top condition
SIMPLE tests can help you do a DIY diagnosis if you are feeling ill.
Doctors this week revealed being able to climb three flights of stairs without stopping means your ticker is in decent shape.
Ben Griffiths and Natasha Harding explain other medically recommended tests you could try.
But remember, a proper diagnosis is always best.
Dementia
DRAWING a clock by hand is one of several screening tools used to detect this.
If you can draw a round clock face, with evenly spaced numbers and the hands starting in the middle, you should be fine.
Roger Watson, editor in chief of the Journal of Advanced Nursing, said: “The clock-drawing test is one of the most-used cognitive screening tools for dementia.”
To reduce risk: Eat citrus fruits, take a trip to the sauna and exercise daily.
Liver damage
ONE of the signs of this are small, spider-like veins visible under the skin.
They are caused by higher levels of oestrogen, which is an indication the liver is not functioning properly.
If you can stretch the skin on your thigh and not see them, you could be more likely to avoid liver damage.
To reduce risk: Cut back on alcohol, ditch fizzy drinks, take milk thistle and squeeze lemon on your meals.
Arthritis
THIS aching bone condition can strike any part of the body.
Do 20mins exercise, sit for 10mins, and if joint pain persists, you could have arthritis.
To reduce risk: Eat foods containing Omega-3s. Do five to ten mins daily exercise.
Asthma and lung damage
MORE than 5.4million Brits suffer from asthma – and three people a day die from it.
Cock your head back and slowly breathe in and out ten times.
If there is wheezing from your chest, your chance of having asthma is higher – and medics advise you see your doc immediately.
To reduce risk: Use oregano essential oil for steam inhalations or to rub on your chest.
Vertigo
SIT on your bed, turn your head 45 degrees to one side.
Then quickly lie on your back, head off the edge, and maintain the 45-degree head turn for at least 30 seconds. If you feel dizzy, you are more likely to suffer vertigo.
The Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre is used by most doctors to diagnose it.
To reduce risk: Cut salt out of your diet – it aggravates vertigo. So ditch foods such as soy sauce, chips, popcorn, cheese and pickles.
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