Fever

• A fever is the body's natural way of fighting infection. Having a temperature may not only indicate that the body is battling an underlying infection but also other conditions as well. Some forms of cancer as well as inflammatory muscle diseases such as arthritis can produce a fever.
  
  

Red, Warm Skin

• Red skin that is warm to the touch might indicate an underlying infection in the skin, bones or joints. It can also be a signal of arthritis or other maladies that often afflict the joints, most of which are common in old age.
  
  

Sores and Wounds That Will Not Heal

• Sores or wounds on the skin that will not heal or that take a long time to do so could indicate a comprised immune system. Conditions such as HIV and diabetes are both diseases in which the body's immune system becomes compromised, rendering it unable to heal itself effectively.
  
  

Difficulty Breathing

• Sudden difficulty in breathing or respiratory-related distress can signal lung or heart disease. Blood clots in the lungs, emphysema and congestive heart failure are just a few conditions that could produce respiratory distress in the body.
  
  

Fatigue

• Fatigue can be a symptom that accompanies almost any disease--from routine illnesses such as the common cold to the most serious conditions such as cancer. Because fatigue can be so common, monitoring its progression is prudent. If it comes on suddenly, is more severe or lasts longer than usual, it shouldn't be dismissed.
  
  

Headaches

• Headaches are a common nuisance for many of us, but some types of headaches might suggest there is something more serious going on. Sudden, severe headaches could be precursors to strokes and aneurysms, both of which can be fatal. Constant or frequent headaches accompanied with blurred vision, loss of balance and other symptoms could allude to a brain tumor.
  
  

Anything That Doesn't Feel "Normal" for You

• Being familiar with your body's normal aches and pains is imperative to being able to realize when something is wrong with your body. Listening to what your body is trying to tell you is the best way to circumvent a health problem. If something feels different, strange or just slightly off, discuss it with your health care provider.