HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
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.
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, 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
Pet Health
• Change up your pet’s exercise routine – Outdoor
walks may be limited in cold winter months, so change
your play routine to ensure adequate exercise for your
pet. See if your community has an indoor recreation area
to get out some energy.
• Adjust food portion sizes – To accommodate the
fluctuation in activity, adjust the amount of food and
treats you give to your pet. Avoiding weight gain during
months that your pet is more sedentary is important.
• Limit bathing – Natural oils help your pet maintain a
healthy coat during dry winter months. Be sure to keep
bathing to a minimum to reduce skin issues. If you need
to bathe your pets, be sure to dry them thoroughly, even
if they are staying in the house.
• Pets need moisturizer, too – In addition to limiting
baths, help prevent dry skin with coconut oil, a natural
moisturizer that can aid flaky or cracking skin.
• Wipe away chemicals – Wash and dry your pet’s paws
and stomach to remove chemicals from road salt after
outdoor walks. These chemicals can cause burns to
paws and skin if not removed (plus you don’t want them
in your house). If your dog has furry feet, trim the fur
between the pads to prevent build-up of ice and snow.
• Prevent burns – Block off heat sources such as fireplaces
and space heaters to prevent burns and accidents.
• Warm bed – Keep your pet’s sleeping area away from
drafty doors and cold floors. Providing a cozy bed will
help keep pets warm during cold months.
• Watch for hazardous edibles – Keep holiday
ornaments, lights, poinsettias, alcohol, and chocolate out
of reach to prevent accidental ingestion. If you suspect
your pet has ingested something hazardous, call your vet
immediately.
• Never leave your pet unattended in the car – No
matter what season it is, do not leave your pet in the car.
Freezing cold temperatures are equally as dangerous as
the heat of the summer months. Leave your pet at home,
or find a pet sitter to stop by to visit while you’re out.
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WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
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WINTER 2018
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