IN Ross Township Winter 2018 | Page 32

HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N Diet Nutrition Clean eating focuses on the quality and type of food you eat – consuming a variety of whole foods and avoiding processed foods containing trans fats, preservatives, color additives, refined grains, and added sugars. How do you navigate the clean eating options available to you? Use these tips below: Genetically modified (GMO) vs. non-GMO – GMOs are living organisms that have been altered in some way, with growing evidence linking them to health problems. A Non- GMO label ensures that the product does not contain GMOs. Best advice? This one is easy! ALWAYS go for non-GMO. Locally sourced vs. organic – Organic foods are grown using environmentally friendly agricultural methods and renewable resources, meeting the standards verified by the USDA. Any animal products you buy, such as organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products, will be hormone and antibiotic free. Organic vegetables will be free of harmful pesticides and fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or bioengineering. Locally sourced organic options are even better, allowing you to ask farmers directly about their practices. Best advice? It’s best to buy locally sourced organic food whenever possible, but when that’s not, stick to organic. sciatica, spinal stenosis, ear infections, neurological conditions, or scoliosis. The nervous system controls all of the cells and organs in your body, which is why chiropractors focus on the health and proper alignment of the spine. Patients with the types of issues above often seek professional chiropractic therapy to relieve the pain they are experiencing rather than taking medication. Chiropractic care can start by addressing general wellness or looking directly at disease prevention. Patients have reported several health benefits including: • Improved sleep • More energy • Better mood • Reduced need for medication • Relief from pain Some general ways to keep your back and neck healthy are regular exercise, stress management, proper posture, healthy weight, nutrition for strong bones, wearing appropriate shoes, and not smoking. Foot Health It is important to stay healthy from head to toe, including your feet. There are 26 bones and 33 joints in your foot and ankle, making the possibility for issues very high. From sprains and fractures to ingrown toenails, bunions, corns, and athlete’s foot, we may find ourselves hiding our foot problems in a pair of shoes. But overlooking foot health can lead to greater problems if left untreated. Taking a few simple steps to ensure foot health is easy to do: • Keep feet clean and dry. • Make sure to trim toenails regularly and straight across. • Wear shoes that fit properly. • Don’t ignore discolored or cracking toenails. • Wear shoes in public places to avoid fungal infections. Overall Health Wild vs. farm-raised – Wild fish are caught in the wild and feed on a natural diet, but are often higher in mercury, and some fishing methods can harm the ocean habitat. Farm-raised may have more contamination from toxic chemicals and are prone to higher rates of bacteria and pesticides from crowded conditions. Yet conditions for farmed fish are improving, with some being sustainably farmed. Best advice? Make your decision based on the type of fish you are purchasing. Your local fishmonger will be able to provide you with valuable insights. 30 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com Overall health and well-being starts from the inside out. Begin by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to work properly. You will have more energy and feel better every single day that you eat healthy, nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, and get in some exercise. While physical wellness is crucial for a healthy life, it is important not to overlook mental wellness. This includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health is important throughout all stages of life, from childhood to adulthood. While good physical health directly affects mental health, you should care for your mental health in different ways. • Love yourself and treat yourself with kindness and respect. • Surround yourself with people who make you happy. • Meditate and/or pray to provide yourself with time to silently reflect on all of the positive aspects of life. • Try something new to break away from the daily grind. • Get help when you feel like you cannot help yourself.   ■