IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Winter 2018 | Página 33

Hearing loss occurs when there is
damage to the inner ear, infection in
the ear, or ruptured eardrum. Damage
to the inner ear can happen with age,
or constant exposure to loud noises
over an extended period of time.
These cause wear on the nerve cells
in the cochlea that send sound to
the brain. When they are damaged,
signals aren’t transmitted as effectively,
causing loss of hearing. Heredity, aging,
occupational and recreational noises,
some medications, and some illnesses
may cause either partial or full hearing
loss, but there are ways to treat hearing
loss. Treatment can include surgical
procedures, hearing aids, or cochlear
implants.
Preventive measures can also be
taken to protect against noise-induced
hearing loss and to avoid age-related
hearing loss. Be sure to wear protective
earmuffs if you work in a loud
environment or are hunting, going to
concerts or doing other loud activities
for an extended period of time. It is also
important to have your hearing tested
on a regular basis. Early detection is key
to preventing complete hearing loss.
Mouth Health
Your mouth can tell a lot about your
overall health. Investing in your oral
health is also investing in your general
health. There are several conditions
that are linked to oral health including
endocarditis and cardiovascular disease.
When bacteria from your mouth—or
other parts of your body—spread
through your bloodstream, they can
attach to your heart, causing an infection
in the inner lining called endocarditis.
Research suggests that poor oral health
is linked to clogged arteries and stroke as
well.
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.
Continued on next page >
BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
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WINTER 2018
31