IN Ross Township Winter 2018 | Page 30

HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N Keeping tabs on your oral health is critical for warding off bad breath and poor health. It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss, eat a healthy diet, replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and avoid tobacco use to maintain a healthy mouth. Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings can also ensure that oral hygiene is at its best. Heart Health We are all aware that it is important to eat healthy and stay fit for heart health. A diet rich in plant foods and low in processed food and animal products lends itself to a happy heart. Paired with cardiovascular exercise, you’ve got it made for a healthy body. But have you ever thought of staying positive as a way to keep your heart healthy? A research study at the University of Illinois shows that people with optimistic attitudes have higher odds of having ideal cardiovascular health when compared to pessimistic people. The study analyzed “the mental health, levels of optimism, and physical health of 5,100 adults ranging from 45 to 84 years of age. Heart health scores— based on American Heart Association- approved metrics, including blood pressure and body mass index—increased right alongside optimism levels.” So when you’re feeling down, remember that staying positive affects more than just your day, so keep your head up and your heart happy. Digestion Digestive issues affect all of us at one time or another. From upset stomach, gas, and heartburn, to constipation and diarrhea, digestive problems are painful 28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ and embarrassing. Some of the most common are: • Food Intolerance – Often confused with food allergy, food intolerance likely allows you to eat a small amount of an offending food without any issues (while a food allergy could be life-threatening). Causes of intolerance include celiac disease, sensitivity to food additives, food toxins, and absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food. • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – A chronic digestive disease, GERD is defined as experiencing acid reflux and heartburn at least twice a week. It affects 20 percent of Americans and can cause persistent bad breath, tooth erosion, nausea, and pain in the chest or upper abdomen, or it can make swallowing and breathing hard to do. • Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids are inflamed blood vessels found at the end of your digestive tract. Often painful and itchy, they are caused by chronic constipation, diarrhea, or a lack of fiber in your diet. Seventy-five percent of Americans over the age of 45 suffer from hemorrhoids. Staying hydrated, eating more fiber, or over-the-counter creams may provide relief from hemorrhoids. • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Affecting 15 percent of Americans, IBS is characterized by stomach pain or discomfort at least three times a month for several months. Symptoms vary widely with IBS, making it hard to determine the exact cause. Treatment focuses mostly on diet, eliminating common trigger foods such as dairy, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and beans. Doctors also recommend a diet high in fiber and consumption of probiotics found in yogurt. • Always wash off dirt and makeup before bed. • Keep shower water warm, not hot. • Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. • Keep your hands off your face. • Sanitize your cell phone. Bones Bones are an important part of your body but often forgotten. They protect vital organs and provide structure to your body. Building and maintaining strong bones is important from childhood to adulthood. There are many factors that determine bone health, the most common being age. Bones become thinner as we age, with women at greater risk of osteoporosis because they have less bone tissue than men. Genetics and race also play a large role. Those who are white or of Asian descent are at a greater risk, as are those with a family history of osteoporosis. Too much of the thyroid hormone can cause bone loss, and women are likely to experience increased bone loss during menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels. With long- term use, some medications may also cause bone loss. It is important to ensure proper health and nutrition for bones to stay strong throughout your life. Adequate calcium intake and physical activity can help keep bones healthy. Skin Most likely, if you are unhealthy on the inside, it will show on the outside. Your skin often mirrors your body’s true overall health, so a healthy diet, exercise, and drinking lots of water will do wonders. But keep in mind: there are other ways to make your skin shine bright! • Wear sunscreen. • Get a full night’s sleep. • Exfoliate to shrink pores. • Hydrate your face, neck, and chest. icmags.com Back and Neck Care Back pain is one of Americans’ most common medical ailments. Chiropractic and other specialized care centers can be a resource for patients suffering from a variety of conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, Continued on page 30 >