Short messages on Physical health issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
If you ever get muscle cramps whilst doing an activity which puts you into danger – like swimming, cycling or driving – get yourself to a safe place as quickly as possible and call for help if you need to.
Muscle cramps can be caused by overexertion of the calf muscles while exercising, insufficient stretching before exercise, muscle fatigue and dehydration.
Muscle cramps are a common and usually harmless condition where the muscle suddenly becomes tight and painful, from a few seconds to 10 minutes. It usually occurs in the calf muscles, although it can affect any part of your leg, including your feet and thighs.
If you’re dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids: water, diluted squash or fruit juice. These are much more effective than large amounts of tea or coffee. Fizzy drinks may contain more sugar than you need and may be harder to take in large amounts.
Dehydration is caused by not drinking enough fluid or by losing more fluid than you take in. Fluid is lost through sweat, tears, vomiting, urine and diarrhoea.
Water makes up over two-thirds of the healthy human body. It lubricates the joints and eyes, aids digestion, flushes out waste and toxins, and keeps the skin healthy.
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in. When the normal water content of your body is reduced, it upsets the balance of minerals (salts and sugar) in your body, which affects the way it functions.
Brushing and cleaning your teeth regularly will often clear mild gum disease. If it’s more severe, try antispetic mouthwash to kill germs and see your GP or dentist.
For elderly men with lower urinary tract symptoms, sitting when urinating empties the bladder much more, reducing the unwanted symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
There’s evidence to suggest that a diet high in protein and vegetables and low in red meat and fat may reduce your risk of developing an enlarged prostate.