HEALTH & WELLNESS
S PECI AL S ECTI ON
plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, leaving gums red, swollen and
irritated. When left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.
A more serious and painful disease, periodontitis causes gums to pull
away from teeth, allowing bacteria to build in the pockets between.
Due to the infection and inflammation, your body’s natural reaction
is to fight the bacteria, which can lead to breakdown of the bones and
tissue around your teeth. Studies also suggest that poor oral health is
related to systemic diseases including diabetes, oral cancer, stroke and
heart disease. Routine visits to your dentist can identify oral problems
before they become painful and more serious. So how can you protect
your pearly whites against long-term health concerns?
• Schedule routine checkups with your dental professional.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily (you may not see immediate benefits, but you’ll be
saving your gum health in the long run).
• Eat a balanced diet to get the proper nutrients your teeth and
gums need to stay strong.
• Drink lots of water!
• Quit smoking; it is one of the most significant risk factors in
developing gum disease.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months.
There are ways to prevent the negative effects, such as stiffness and
poor circulation, of constant sitting.
• Get up and move! If you find yourself sitting for extended
periods of time, you need to break the habit. Schedule an alarm
for every 30 minutes to get up and take a lap around your office.
Manage your time effectively by going to pick up your paper from
the printer or grabbing a glass of water. Even better? Visit a co-
worker to talk about a project instead of sending an email.
• Establish proper sitting habits. Keep your back straight, feet at
90 degrees, and eyes level with the top of your computer screen.
Make sure your shoulders aren’t hunched when resting your
elbows on your desk to type.
• Stretch in place. Adding stretching to your daily routine is
beneficial for anyone. Stand up and do a few stretches at your
desk to get your muscles loosened up and moving. Feeling
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NO BONES ABOUT IT
Is your job a pain in the neck? If you work in a sedentary
environment, your response is probably yes. Musculoskel etal pain is
caused by excessive sitting throughout the day, leading to slouching,
hunching over, and muscles in your body going without use for hours.
Studies are finding that although a regular workout routine helps,
it won’t combat the constant weight on your rump. Although some
offices are moving toward healthier options, such as convertible,
stand-up/sit-down desks, or treadmill desks (if you have the skill to
think and walk at the same time), most of us have to face our chairs
every day. What a pain!
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