HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
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
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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
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.