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Welcome to "Know Your Symptoms" – Your Health Companion Have you ever felt unwell and wondered, "What could this mean?" Whether it's a persistent ache, sudden dizziness, or unexplained fatigue, understanding your body's signals is key to taking charge of your health. At Know Your Symptoms, we’re here to make health information accessible, straightforward, and relatable. Our mission is to help you navigate common health issues, understand symptoms, and uncover the causes behind them. What you’ll find here: Symptom Guides: Learn about what might be causing your discomfort. Disease Overviews: Understand common illnesses and how to manage them. Lifestyle Tips: Explore preventive care and wellness habits. Nutrition Advice: Discover foods that can support your recovery and overall health. Your health is your most valuable asset, and understanding your symptoms is the first step toward feeling better. Whether you're looking for guidance, curious about a condition, or simply want to take better care of yourself, this is the place for you. Let’s journey together toward better health and a better understanding of your body. Stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, stay healthy!

Normal Fasting Blood Sugar Levels & 5 Reasons for High Morning Blood Sugar – How to Lower It

 Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Fasting Blood Sugar Level. Let’s dive in!

Many people with prediabetes or diabetes notice that their morning fasting blood sugar is unusually high, even though their post-meal blood sugar is normal.

Understanding the exact cause is key to managing it effectively.

Today, let’s discuss normal fasting blood sugar levels, why morning fasting blood sugar is high, and how to bring it back to normal.



Normal Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

Fasting blood sugar refers to the blood glucose level measured after at least 8 hours of fasting, typically checked first thing in the morning before eating.

It is a key indicator for diagnosing diabetes, evaluating insulin resistance, and assessing blood sugar regulation.


Normal Fasting Blood Sugar Range


The following are the standard blood sugar levels based on fasting measurements:

  • Normal Range: 70–99 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL (Diagnosed as impaired fasting glucose)
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher, confirmed on two separate tests or with an HbA1c of 6.5% or more

For those already diagnosed with diabetes, the target fasting blood sugar is usually 120–130 mg/dL.


Why Measure Morning Fasting Blood Sugar?


Fasting blood sugar plays a crucial role in early diabetes detection and management.

If your fasting blood sugar is consistently high, it increases the risk of diabetes or signals poorly controlled diabetes, which can lead to complications if untreated.

Even if your post-meal blood sugar and HbA1c are well-managed, morning fasting blood sugar can still be high due to various reasons.

Let’s explore five common causes of elevated morning blood sugar.


| 5 Reasons for High Morning Fasting Blood Sugar

1) Hormonal Changes (Dawn Phenomenon)

One of the most common reasons for high morning blood sugar is the dawn phenomenon.

  • In the early morning, the body releases hormones like cortisol, growth hormone, and adrenaline to prepare for waking up.
  • These hormones raise blood sugar levels while also reducing insulin effectiveness, causing a spike in fasting blood sugar.

2) Excess Glucose Release from the Liver

  • While fasting overnight, the liver converts stored glycogen into glucose to supply energy to the body.
  • In people with diabetes or insulin resistance, this process becomes unregulated, leading to excess glucose release, which raises fasting blood sugar levels.

3) Insulin Resistance

  • High fasting blood sugar often occurs when insulin is unable to effectively regulate glucose levels overnight.
  • This is common in type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance prevents glucose from being properly used, leading to accumulation.

4) Late-Night Eating or Snacking

  • Eating high-carb meals late at night can cause sustained high blood sugar until morning.
  • If you eat right before sleeping, your body may struggle to process glucose efficiently, leading to an elevated fasting blood sugar level.

5) Lack of Sleep

  • Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can disrupt blood sugar regulation and cause fasting blood sugar to rise.
  • The brain reduces glucose usage during sleep, but if sleep is inadequate, the body compensates by releasing more glucose into the bloodstream.

| How to Lower Fasting Blood Sugar to Normal Levels

Bringing fasting blood sugar to a healthy range requires changes in diet, exercise, weight management, stress control, and sometimes medication.

Let’s go over the best ways to lower fasting blood sugar.

1) Improve Diet

  • Eat Low-Glycemic Foods: Choose whole grains, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods that prevent rapid blood sugar spikes.
  • Avoid Refined Carbs & Sugars: White bread, sugary snacks, and processed foods should be limited.
  • Increase Protein & Fiber Intake: Helps slow down glucose absorption and promotes better blood sugar stability.
  • Limit Late-Night Eating: Avoid eating 2–3 hours before bedtime to prevent overnight blood sugar spikes.
  • Maintain Regular Meal Timing: Eating at consistent times reduces blood sugar fluctuations throughout the day.

2) Exercise Regularly

  • Aerobic Exercise (5 days/week, 30+ minutes): Improves insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood sugar.
  • Strength Training (2–3 times/week): Increases muscle glucose uptake and enhances blood sugar control.

3) Maintain a Healthy Weight

  • Losing just 5–10% of body weight can significantly improve fasting blood sugar levels.
  • Reducing belly fat is crucial, as visceral fat increases insulin resistance.

4) Manage Stress & Get Enough Sleep

  • Stress hormones can spike blood sugar, so relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help.
  • Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep to support blood sugar regulation.

5) Medication & Medical Management

  • If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, medication may be necessary.
  • Oral diabetes medications can reduce liver glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity.
  • In some cases, insulin therapy may be required for better fasting blood sugar control.

Today, we discussed normal fasting blood sugar levels, why morning fasting blood sugar can be high, and how to lower it.

If you have prediabetes or diabetes, understanding the root cause of high fasting blood sugar is essential for effective management.

By identifying the cause and making the right lifestyle changes, you can maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent complications.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Symptoms, Causes, and Why Treatment Is Crucial

 Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Rheumatoid. Let’s dive in!

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing chronic inflammation.


It primarily affects the small joints of the hands and feet, and because the early symptoms are often subtle, early diagnosis can be difficult.

If left untreated, it can lead to joint damage, deformities, and even affect major organs like the heart and lungs.

Today, let’s take a closer look at the early symptoms, causes, and treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis.


Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis


1) Genetic Factors

Certain genes can increase the risk of developing RA. In particular, genetic markers like HLA-DR4 are associated with a higher likelihood of the disease.

2) Environmental Factors

  • Smoking: One of the biggest risk factors that significantly increases the chance of developing RA.
  • Infections: Some viral or bacterial infections may trigger the immune system, leading to the disease.
  • Stress: Chronic stress can affect immune function, increasing the risk of RA.

3) Hormonal Factors

RA is more common in women, suggesting that hormonal imbalances may play a role in its development.


Early Symptoms


The early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary widely, making early detection challenging.

1) Joint Pain and Stiffness

  • Stiffness is especially noticeable in the morning, making it difficult to move.
  • This is known as morning stiffness and usually lasts more than 30 minutes.

2) Fatigue and General Symptoms

  • Many experience fatigue, mild fever, and loss of appetite in the early stages.
  • The body’s inflammatory response can lead to overall weakness.

3) Swelling and Warmth

  • The affected joints may become swollen, and touching them may feel warm due to inflammation.

4) Symmetrical Symptoms

  • RA typically affects both sides of the body, meaning both wrists, fingers, or toes may experience similar symptoms.

5) Small Joint Focus

  • The disease often begins in small joints like fingers, wrists, and toes before progressing to larger joints like the knees and hips over time.

Treatment Options


While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, proper treatment can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

1) Medication Therapy

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Help relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Suppress the immune system to prevent joint damage.
  • Biologic agents: Block inflammation-causing substances in the body.
  • Steroids: Reduce inflammation but may cause side effects with long-term use.

2) Non-Medication Therapy

  • Physical Therapy: Helps improve flexibility and strengthen muscles.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can help control symptoms.
  • Assistive Devices: Custom braces or splints can protect joints and reduce pain.

3) Surgical Treatment

In severe cases, surgical options like joint replacement surgery or joint fusion may be necessary.


Why Early Diagnosis and Treatment Matter

Rheumatoid arthritis can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Ignoring the early symptoms can lead to severe joint damage and complications.

Regular medical check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and consistent treatment are key to maintaining joint health and preventing disease progression.

Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖



This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.

Should You Cut Your Fingernails and Toenails Round or Straight?

Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Ingrown Nails. Let’s dive in!

- Ingrown nails occur when the edges of the fingernail or toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and pain.


Fingertips and toes are highly sensitive due to their dense nerve endings. Fingertips experience constant pressure while gripping objects, and toes are frequently pressed while walking. This makes ingrown nails not only painful but also bothersome.

The likelihood of developing ingrown nails varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as nail shape, hygiene, and excessive sweating.


Do Ingrown Nails Heal on Their Own?


In most cases, ingrown nails heal naturally without special treatment. However, if continuous pressure is applied to the affected area, it can cause pain. It is best to minimize pressure on the area whenever possible.

Ingrown nails occur when the shape of the nail does not match the surrounding skin. If the sharp edges of the nail penetrate deep into the dermis layer of the skin, inflammation occurs. Initially, the area becomes red, swollen, and painful. Over time, the outer layer of skin thickens, forming a scab with pus underneath. At this stage, the pain usually subsides, and the condition gradually improves.


Soaking in Warm Soapy Water for 10 Minutes Can Help Relieve Pain

For ingrown toenails, wearing shoes with a wide, flat toe box or open-toe footwear can help reduce discomfort. While antibiotics are rarely necessary, some experts recommend applying an antibiotic ointment if the inflammation is severe.

If there is pain, soaking the affected foot or hand in warm soapy water for about 10 minutes may provide relief. However, if the inflammation persists and becomes chronic, surgical treatment may be necessary.


How to Properly Trim Your Nails to Prevent Ingrown Nails


Since ingrown nails occur when the nail shape does not match the surrounding skin, proper trimming is key to prevention.

The most important thing is to avoid cutting the nails too short or in a shape that causes the edges to dig into the skin. The best way to cut your nails is to keep the top edge slightly flat so that the sides do not press into the skin.

Avoid these trimming mistakes:

  • Cutting nails too short
  • Rounding the edges too much
  • Cutting in a V-shape, where the middle is pointed and the sides are lower

These mistakes increase the risk of ingrown nails by causing the sharp edges to grow into the surrounding skin folds. Instead, trim your nails straight across with slightly rounded edges, ensuring the sides do not dip lower than the middle.

Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖



This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.

Syphilis: Early Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Cure Possibility

 Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Syphilis. Let’s dive in!

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a sensitive topic for many people.

Among them, syphilis was once thought to be nearly eradicated, but in recent years, infection rates have been rising again worldwide.

One of the biggest challenges with syphilis is that its early symptoms are often mild or go unnoticed, making early diagnosis difficult.

In men, early STI symptoms can be easily confused with other diseases, making early detection crucial.

In this post, we’ll explore the early symptoms of syphilis, how it differs from other STIs, whether it can be completely cured, and the incubation period and treatment options.


What is Syphilis?


Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

This bacterium is mainly transmitted through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and oral sex) but can also be passed from an infected pregnant mother to her baby.


Early Symptoms of Syphilis

Syphilis progresses through four stages, each with different symptoms.

Primary Syphilis (Stage 1)

  • Symptoms appear within 3 weeks of infection.
  • A painless sore (chancre) develops at the site of infection, usually on the penis, vagina, anus, lips, or inside the mouth.
  • The sore is small, firm, and painless, making it easy to ignore.
  • Some people experience swollen lymph nodes near the sore.
  • The sore may heal on its own within 3 to 6 weeks, but this does NOT mean the infection is gone—it simply moves to the latent stage.

Secondary Syphilis (Stage 2)


  • Occurs 3 to 6 months after the primary stage.
  • Skin rashes appear, often on the palms and soles, and are usually not itchy.
  • White or gray lesions can form in the mouth, anus, or genitals.
  • Flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, and weight loss may occur.
  • Without treatment, the infection enters the latent stage.

Latent Syphilis (Hidden Stage)

  • No visible symptoms, but the infection remains in the body for years.
  • Blood tests can still detect the infection.
  • Although it is less contagious at this stage, syphilis can still cause severe internal organ damage over time.

Tertiary Syphilis (Stage 3 - Late Stage)

  • Can develop years or even decades after the initial infection.
  • Causes serious complications, including damage to the heart, brain, bones, and nervous system.
  • If untreated, can be fatal.

Can Syphilis Be Cured?

Yes, syphilis can be completely cured if treated in its early stages.

However, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications affecting the nervous system, heart, and other organs.


How is Syphilis Treated?


1) Antibiotic Treatment

  • The standard treatment for syphilis is Benzathine penicillin G injection.
  • If allergic to penicillin, doxycycline or azithromycin may be prescribed.
  • Early-stage syphilis often requires just one injection, but later stages may require multiple doses.

2) Partner Treatment

  • Sexual partners must also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection.

3) Follow-up Care

  • Regular follow-up tests at 6 and 12 months after treatment are necessary.
  • HIV testing is also recommended, as syphilis increases the risk of HIV infection.

Syphilis Incubation Period

  • Primary stage incubation: ~3 weeks (range: 10 to 90 days)
  • Secondary stage incubation: ~3 weeks (range: 10 to 90 days)
  • Tertiary stage incubation: Can remain dormant for years or decades before complications appear.

Even during the latent stage, the infection can still be transmitted, especially from pregnant mothers to their babies.

The risk of transmission is highest in the primary and secondary stages, but even in the latent stage, blood transmission and mother-to-baby infection are possible.


How to Prevent Syphilis


  • Always use condoms during sex.
  • Limit the number of sexual partners.
  • Since syphilis often has no symptoms, regular STI screenings are essential.
  • If you notice any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Syphilis often starts with a small, painless sore, making it easy to overlook. However, if left untreated, it can progress to severe complications that may be life-threatening.

Fortunately, syphilis can be completely cured if detected early. But even during the latent stage, the infection can still be contagious, making regular screening and early treatment essential.

In this post, we covered the early symptoms, causes, cure possibility, incubation period, and treatment methods for syphilis. If you suspect an infection, don’t wait—get tested and treated as soon as possible.

Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖



This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.

Chlamydia Infection: Causes, Symptoms in Men and Women, and Treatment Duration

Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Chlamydia Infection. Let’s dive in!

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

In the early stages, it often has no symptoms or only mild ones, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

The symptoms can differ between men and women, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.

In this post, we’ll cover the causes of chlamydia infection, differences in symptoms between men and women, diagnosis, and treatment duration.


What Causes Chlamydia Infection?


Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that spreads mainly through sexual contact.

1) Transmission Routes

  • Can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
  • Spreads through direct contact with semen or vaginal fluids.
  • Touching the genitals, anus, or eyes with contaminated hands can cause infection.
  • Infected mothers can pass it to newborns during childbirth, leading to conjunctivitis or pneumonia in infants.

Who Is at High Risk for Chlamydia?


Chlamydia is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Since it often has no symptoms or only mild ones, many unknowingly transmit it to others.

1) Often Asymptomatic

  • 50-70% of infected people have no symptoms.
  • 80% of women and 50% of men remain asymptomatic.

2) Multiple Transmission Methods

  • Can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
  • Contact with infected fluids (semen, vaginal discharge, bodily fluids) can transmit the infection.
  • Touching contaminated towels, underwear, or sex toys may also spread chlamydia.
  • Mothers can pass it to newborns during delivery.

3) Rapid Spread

  • Chlamydia can be transmitted even after just one sexual encounter.
  • It has a short incubation period, allowing it to spread quickly.

4) Risk of Reinfection

  • Having chlamydia once doesn’t grant immunity—you can get reinfected.
  • Repeated infections increase the risk of serious complications.

Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men and Women


Since many chlamydia cases are asymptomatic, those infected may not realize they have it. However, when symptoms do appear, they differ between men and women due to anatomical differences.

Chlamydia Symptoms in Men

Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after infection. Some men may experience no symptoms at all.

1) Common Symptoms

  • Painful urination (burning or discomfort when peeing).
  • Penile discharge (white, clear, or yellowish mucus from the urethra).
  • Testicular pain and swelling (possible epididymitis).
  • Anal infection (itching, discharge, or bleeding in the anus).

2) Potential Complications If Untreated

  • Epididymitis (testicular swelling, severe pain, infertility risk).
  • Prostatitis (difficulty urinating, pelvic pain, fever).
  • Urethral stricture (scarring that narrows the urethra).

Chlamydia Symptoms in Women


Like men, many women experience no symptoms. However, if symptoms do appear, they usually affect the cervix and vaginal area within 1-3 weeks of infection.

1) Common Symptoms

  • Increased vaginal discharge (may be mucus-like, yellowish, or foul-smelling).
  • Painful urination (burning or discomfort while peeing).
  • Abnormal bleeding (spotting between periods or post-sex bleeding).
  • Pelvic pain or lower abdominal discomfort (if the infection spreads).
  • Anal infection (itching, discharge, or bleeding in the anus).
  • Throat infection (sore throat from oral transmission).

2) Potential Complications If Untreated

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) (infection spreading to uterus and fallopian tubes, increasing infertility risk).
  • Ectopic pregnancy risk (damaged fallopian tubes prevent normal implantation).
  • Chronic pelvic pain (long-term inflammation causing persistent pain).

Chlamydia Treatment and Recovery Time

Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics, but incomplete treatment increases the risk of recurrence.

1) Antibiotic Treatment Duration

  • Typically lasts 1-2 weeks.
  • Common antibiotics:
    • Azithromycin (single 1g dose).
    • Doxycycline (100mg, twice daily for 7 days).
  • Avoid sexual activity during treatment.

2) Follow-Up Testing

  • Most infections clear within 7-14 days.
  • Retesting is recommended within 3 months to check for reinfection.
  • If symptoms persist or recur, additional testing and treatment are needed.
  • Sex partners should also be treated to prevent reinfection.

Chlamydia often goes unnoticed due to mild or absent symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other serious complications.

Since symptoms differ between men and women, it’s essential to be aware of possible signs and get tested regularly.

Fortunately, chlamydia is completely curable with antibiotics—but treatment must be completed, and both partners should be treated to prevent reinfection.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs! Your Ears Are Telling You Something’s Wrong

Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Ears Warning Signs. Let’s dive in!

Our ears do more than just hear—they also help us keep balance. The ear consists of the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Inside, the vestibular system detects gravity and acceleration, while the semicircular canals sense movement and rotation. But when something goes wrong, your ears send warning signals that should never be ignored.


Sudden Hearing Loss (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss - SSHL)


If Sounds Suddenly Seem Quieter—It Could Be SSHL

One of the most common ear-related conditions is sudden hearing loss (SSHL). As the name suggests, it happens suddenly, causing a rapid decline in hearing. Some people experience fluctuating hearing loss, while others notice that sounds they used to hear clearly now seem much quieter. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or dizziness may also accompany it.

Doctors diagnose SSHL through a hearing test. If there is a hearing loss of 30 dB or more across multiple frequencies within three days, it is considered SSHL. Some may also experience persistent ringing or a spinning sensation (vertigo).


Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss


Viruses, Immune Disorders, and Noise Exposure

SSHL usually affects only one ear. While the exact cause is often unknown, some cases are linked to viral infections, vascular issues, and autoimmune diseases. Exposure to loud noises can also trigger SSHL.

Recently, there has been an increase in SSHL cases after recovering from COVID-19. Though research is still ongoing, scientists suspect that immune system damage from COVID-19 could be a contributing factor.


Treatment for SSHL


Early Treatment is Crucial!

With prompt medical treatment, SSHL can recover within a year. However, not all cases have a positive outcome. In severe cases, up to 30% of SSHL patients may experience permanent hearing loss. If the initial hearing loss is severe, delaying treatment significantly reduces the chances of recovery.

While hearing loss was once considered an age-related condition, younger patients are now at risk. In 2019, nearly 80,000 people under 30 in South Korea were diagnosed with hearing loss, accounting for 19.7% of all cases. Experts believe stress, lack of sleep, and frequent headphone use are major factors.


Ménière’s Disease


If You Experience Dizziness and Ringing in Your Ears—It Could Be Ménière’s Disease

Not all ear problems cause hearing loss. Ménière’s disease is a disorder that causes vertigo (dizziness) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) at the same time. Some people feel a blocked sensation in the ear, which can escalate into sudden and intense vertigo episodes.


Causes of Ménière’s Disease

Linked to Autoimmune Disorders, Thyroid Issues, and More

The exact cause of Ménière’s disease remains unknown, but it is believed to be connected to autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and thyroid dysfunction.

The condition often begins with low-frequency hearing loss, meaning deep sounds become harder to hear. As the disease progresses, it affects high-frequency hearing as well. Initially, only one ear may be affected, but as the disease worsens, both ears can be impacted.

In severe cases, the dizziness can become so intense that standing up becomes impossible. Some patients also experience nausea and vomiting due to vertigo.


Treatment for Ménière’s Disease

Early Treatment and Rest Are Key

If treated early and managed with proper rest, symptoms can improve. However, if vertigo attacks become severe, medication may be necessary.

If you suddenly notice sounds becoming quieter, or if you experience unusual sensations in your ears, seek medical help immediately. Ignoring the signs could lead to permanent damage.

Worried About Your Short-Term Memory? Try This!

 Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Short-term Memory. Let’s dive in!

Forgetting a name right after an introduction or opening the fridge and not remembering what you needed—these are common short-term memory lapses. Many people worry that this means they’re aging, but these small slips happen to everyone. That’s because our brain doesn’t store every piece of information as long-term memory.


Working Memory


In everyday life, our brain briefly holds onto information before letting it go—this process is called working memory.

David Gallo, a psychology professor at the University of Chicago, explains that the average person can hold four to five pieces of information in their working memory before quickly forgetting them.

Multitasking is similar to juggling multiple pieces of information at once within working memory.


Encoding Process


For information to move from working memory to long-term memory, it must go through a process called encoding, where neurons store the information.

Think of it like typing something into a computer’s notepad—if you don’t press ‘save,’ it’s lost.

For example, when meeting someone new, if you actively listen and focus on their name, it’s more likely to be stored in long-term memory. But if you’re distracted by thinking about what to say next, their name will only stay in working memory and quickly disappear.

Forgetting information that wasn’t stored properly is natural. However, if this happens repeatedly, it can affect social interactions and work performance.


How to Improve Short-Term Memory


Fortunately, short-term memory can be improved with conscious effort. The New York Times introduced several effective techniques:

  • Repetition – Repeating information out loud strengthens memory retention.
  • Writing by Hand – Handwriting activates the brain more than typing, making it easier to remember.
  • Using Music – Attaching a melody to information can help it stay in memory for years, which is why many students use songs to memorize facts.
  • Creating Visual or Emotional Associations – If you need to buy a birthday gift, visualizing yourself selecting and giving the present can reinforce the memory.


Memory and Physical Health

Memory isn’t just about mental effort—it’s also affected by physical health.

Get Enough Sleep – Without rest, your brain struggles to encode new information.

Exercise Regularly – Both aerobic and strength training improve heart health, which benefits brain function.

Professor Gallo states, “Exercise helps you age gracefully while keeping your memory sharp at every stage of life.”

If you’re worried about short-term memory, start applying these habits today!

Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖



This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.

Know Your Symptoms

Sudden Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Urgent Treatments You Must Know

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Sudden Warning Sign in Your Hearing Recently, in a popular drama, the main character was diagnosed wi...