SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
HEALTH & WELLNESS
build in the pockets between. Due to the infection and
inflammation, your body’s natural reaction is to fight the
bacteria, which can lead to breakdown of the bones and
tissue around your teeth.
Studies also suggest that poor oral health is related to
systemic diseases including diabetes, oral cancer, stroke,
and heart disease. Routine visits to your dentist can
identify oral problems before they become painful and
more serious. So how can you protect your pearly whites
against long-term health concerns?
• Schedule routine checkups with your dental
professional.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily (you may not see immediate benefits, but
you’ll be saving your gum health in the long run).
• Eat a balanced diet to get the proper nutrients your teeth
and gums need to stay strong.
• Drink lots of water!
• Quit smoking; it is one of the most significant risk
factors in developing gum disease.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months.
NO BONES ABOUT IT
Is your job a pain in the neck? If you work in a
sedentary environment, your response is probably
yes. Musculoskeletal pain is caused by excessive sitting
throughout the day, leading to slouching, hunching over,
and muscles in your body going without use for hours.
Studies are finding that although a regular workout routine
helps, it won’t combat the constant weight on your rump.
Although some offices are moving toward healthier
options, such as convertible stand up/sit down desks or
treadmill desks (if you have the skill to think and walk at
the same time), most of us have to face our chairs every
day. What a pain!
There are ways to prevent the negative effects, such as
stiffness and poor circulation, of constant sitting:
• Get up and move! If you find yourself sitting for
extended periods of time, you need to break the habit.
Schedule an alarm for every 30 minutes to get up
and take a lap around your office. Manage your time
effectively by going to pick up your paper from the
printer or grabbing a glass of water. Even better? Visit a
co-worker to talk about a project instead of sending an
email.
• Establish proper sitting habits. Keep your back
straight, feet at 90 degrees, and eyes level with the top of
your computer screen. Make sure your shoulders aren’t
hunched when resting your elbows on your desk to type.
• Stretch in place. Adding stretching to your daily routine
is beneficial for anyone. Stand up and do a few stretches
at your desk to get your muscles loosened up and
moving. Feeling spunky? Add a few jumping jacks in to
get your heart rate pumping for some extra energy.
• Realize how much sitting you do. Sitting for eight
hours at your job has negative effects on your body, but
going home and sitting on the couch for the rest of the
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