SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY LIVING
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 of your digestive tract. Often painful and itchy, they are
caused by chronic constipation, diarrhea, or a lack of fiber in your
diet. Seventy-five percent of Americans over the age of 45 suffer
from hemorrhoids. Staying hydrated, eating more fiber, or overthe-counter creams may provide relief from hemorrhoids.
u Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Affecting 15 percent of
Americans, IBS is characterized by stomach pain or discomfort
at least three times a month for several months. Symptoms
vary widely with IBS, making it hard to determine the exact
cause. Treatment focuses mostly on diet, eliminating common
trigger foods such as dairy, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners
and beans. Doctors also recommend a diet high in fiber and
consumption of probiotics found in yogurt.
Skin
Most likely, if you are unhealthy on the inside, it will show on the
outside. Your skin often mirrors your body’s true overall health, so a
healthy diet, exercise, and drinking lots of water will do wonders. But
keep in mind: there are other ways to make your skin shine bright!
Wear sunscreen.
Get a full night’s sleep.
u Exfoliate to shrink pores.
u Hydrate your face, neck, and chest.
u Always wash off dirt and makeup before bed.
u Keep shower water warm, not hot.
u Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
u Keep your hands off of your face.
u Sanitize your cell phone.
u
u
Bones
Bones are an important part of your body that is 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 being 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. After 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.
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