SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY LIVING
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 if you 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, also 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
tooth brush 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 being done at the University
of Illinois shows that people with optimistic
attitudes have higher odds of having ideal
cardiovascular health when compared to
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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 Associationapproved 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 and
embarrassing. Some of the most common
digestive problems are:
Food Intolerance – Often confused
with a food allergy, food intolerance
allows you to eat a small amount of the
offending food without any issues (a
food allergy could be life-threatening).
Causes include celiac disease, sensitivity
to food additives, food toxins, and
absence of an enzyme needed to fully
digest a food.
u Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERD) – A chronic digestive disease,
GERD is defined as experiencing acid
reflux and heartburn at least twice
a week. GERD affects 20 percent of
Americans and can cause persistent bad
breath, tooth erosion, nausea, pain in
chest or upper abdomen, or it can make
swallowing and breathing hard to do.
u Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids are
inflamed blood vessels found at the end
u
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